Indoor Cat Insurance
A common theme we hear from pet parents is that they don't need to worry as much about their indoor cat's health and that pet insurance for indoor cats is just a waste of money. After all, what can possibly go wrong if your cat lives inside 24 hours a day?
What Does Indoor Cat Insurance Cover?
Cat insurance will reimburse you for costs associated with diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, cancer and chemotherapy treatment, and even alternative and homeopathic therapies. You can visit any veterinarian you like and there are no networks.
Why Do I Need Insurance If My Cat Lives Inside?
Some of the major risks that an indoor cat is exposed to are:
- Becoming overweight or obese due to lack of regular exercise
- Compulsive behaviors such as sucking or excessive licking due to boredom or stress
- Ingesting plants, poisons, and cleaning products that are often stored indoors
An indoor cat doesn't have the opportunity to hunt or burn off excess calories that an outdoor cat has. Because of this indoor cats that are overweight can suffer from gastrointestinal problems including constipation and pancreatitis, overexertion of the heart, skin disorders from being unable to clean himself properly, and diabetes .
Cats in general are also susceptible to many chronic illnesses including kidney and bladder problems, heart murmurs, diabetes, and feline asthma. Some of these can become very serious and they become increasingly likely as they get older. Conditions such as urinary tract infections and bladder crystals can also become lifelong problems and can give rise to thousands of dollars in vet bills.
How Does Cat Insurance Work?
It's very simple to use your insurance when your cat gets injured or is sick. You just:
- Visit any veterinary hospital, there are no networks
- Pay for treatment
- Submit a claim form with your itemized invoice
- Receive your claim refund in 10 to 15 business days
Choosing a Cat Insurance Plan
There are lots of companies offering insurance for cats but they are not all equal. Some plans don't cover genetic conditions while others come in just small, medium, and large sizes that don't take into account your budget or needs. Price is a pretty good indicator of quality with cat insurance.
Find out if the plan you're looking at has per-incident or lifetime limits. Some companies use benefit schedules that can drastically limit the amount of your reimbursement. Embrace Pet Insurance has no per-incident limits and does not use a benefit schedule. Instead we pay based on your actual veterinary bill so you get more back.
How Much Does Cat Insurance Cost?
Cat insurance costs on average around $22 per month although the premium varies by the breed and age of your cat and on the amount of coverage you choose. You can keep your premiums low by opting for a major medical plan with a high deductible.This keeps your premium affordable without sacrificing coverage.
When is the Best Time to Buy Insurance for My Cat?
The best time to buy your cat insurance is when he is young and healthy, before any conditions might develop. It's important to have the insurance before you actually need it because pet insurance is the one thing you can't get when you need it the most.