Pet Insurance: Peace of Mind for Your Cat's Health
Cats, especially kittens, are curious creatures. They love to explore, bat at, chase, and sometimes eat all kinds of objects. So, when 6-month-old Pumpkin started vomiting up everything she ate and drank and acting like she felt terrible, her veterinarian suspected that she had eaten something she shouldn't have.1
An Upsetting Veterinary Visit
An x-ray revealed that Pumpkin's intestines looked abnormal, and the veterinarian recommended an abdominal exploratory surgery. He told Pumpkin's owners that the cost would be about $800 and could increase from there depending on what he found during the surgery and how much aftercare she needed. Pumpkin's owners did not hesitate to tell their veterinarian to go ahead with the surgery. It turned out that Pumpkin had eaten a ribbon, which caused her intestines to begin to bunch up. The veterinarian removed the foreign body, and Pumpkin spent two nights in the hospital. The total bill: $957.
A Positive Outcome Due to Pet Insurance
At Pumpkin's two-week recheck, the veterinarian confirmed that she was doing great. Her owners make sure to keep all ribbons and strings out of her reach now, and they say they are so thankful that they had pet insurance when Pumpkin needed expensive care. Pumpkin's owners are among a growing number of families using pet insurance to mitigate their pet care costs. The peace of mind that the insurance gives people, knowing that they are free to make medical decisions for their cats that are based on factors other than money, is priceless.
How to Choose a Pet Insurance Company
There are many pet insurance companies to choose from. It can be hard to know where to start. Below are some factors to consider when researching and choosing the best insurance company for your cat's coverage:
- Does the plan use a benefit schedule? A benefit schedule means that the insurance company has defined a maximum amount that they will pay for each diagnosis that your veterinarian might make for your cat. If more treatment than average is required for that diagnosis or if your veterinarian has higher prices, you may go over the cap and have to pay the rest yourself. Plans that pay a percentage of each veterinary bill, regardless of the diagnosis, are easier to understand and allow you to better plan for the costs that you will be responsible for.
- Does the plan cover genetic conditions? Some pet insurance companies do not cover medical conditions that they consider to be genetic. In cats, this can include a large number of diagnoses such as polycystic kidney disease, which is common in certain cat breeds like Persians, and can be an expensive condition to maintain.
- Can you go to any vet? Some plans only pay if you go to a certain veterinarian. You may not be able to get a second opinion or see a specialist.
- Are there per-incident caps? Some pet insurance plans pay only up to a certain amount for each incident. For instance, if your cat has suffered an eye injury and requires several rechecks, the plan may stop paying at some point.
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Does your plan cover wellness items? Some plans do not cover regular preventative care items for your cat. These include wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm and flea preventatives, dental cleanings, and more.
- If a plan does offer routine care, does it dictate what amount is spent on each item? Some plans do. For instance, the plan may set aside a certain amount for flea preventative, a certain amount for wellness exams, etc. Other plans just cover a set amount per month for any routine care, and you can spend it where you need it.
Which Pet Insurance Company Do We Recommend?
At CatHealth.com, we recommend Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation. Here's why:
- They do not use a benefit schedule but simply pay a percentage of each veterinary bill.
- They do cover genetic conditions and do not have per-incident or lifetime payout caps.
- They will send you a check for your claims or deposit the money directly into your bank account.
A Note from Dr. Schelling:
When I first learned about Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation, I thought Wow—this seems like an amazing company. Great benefits, affordable prices, and people who really care. The right pet insurance plan can be a huge help in caring for your cat. And getting insurance in place before something happens is a smart idea.
And, it only takes two minutes to get a free, no obligation quote. Don't wait until an emergency happens. Please visit Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation TODAY for your free quote.
1The story and names in this article are fictional, but the story is a conglomeration of a number of similar experiences known to the author.
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Why Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Then, you will be transferred to a human. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of CatHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian.
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