Sponsored guest post by Kim Albright
When it comes to caring for our feline friends, most cat parents will go above and beyond to make sure their cats are well taken care of and in the best possible health. Pet insurance can ensure cats get needed medical treatments while also minimizing surprise vet bills for accidents or illnesses.
However, not all pet insurance policies are created equal. Understanding what to look for when shopping for pet insurance is crucial for finding the best plan for your cat.
1. Check What’s Covered and What’s Not
Your first order of business should be to go over the plan with a fine-tooth comb to determine which services are covered and which ones aren’t. Most pet insurance companies have several options that come with different monthly pricing based on what will and won’t be covered.
For example, some plans include coverage for unexpected issues only, such as emergency surgeries or accidental injuries. Other policies come with higher monthly costs or deductibles but will reimburse just about any vet visit. Some of the most comprehensive plans reimburse for wellness visits, vaccines, and even physical therapy.
2. Look for Payout Limits
Many cat owners don’t realize that pet insurance often comes with a payout limit, which is the maximum amount of money your insurer will reimburse. These limits can be imposed on a per-visit basis, but most have annual or lifetime limits instead.
If you’re looking for the greatest peace of mind and unlimited treatment for your kitty, an insurer with no cap on payouts might be best for you, although you’ll likely end up paying higher monthly premiums or have a higher deductible.
3. Find a Policy with Wellness Visits
Wellness visits or annual checkups are an important part of keeping your cat as healthy as possible. These vet appointments can often help identify health issues before they become severe or fatal. Routine checkups can often screen your furry friend for everything from ear infections and relatively minor dental issues to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and arthritis.
Insurance policies that reimburse for wellness visits can help keep routine veterinary care costs down. More importantly, they help keep your cat in peak physical condition and extend their life.
4. Look for Value Over Cost
Price will always be an important factor when it comes to purchasing pet insurance, but focusing only on low cost will often leave you with sub-optimal coverage. Identifying the most value you can afford is typically a far better option. We recommend deciding what your monthly expenditure limit is and then shopping for the most coverage and highest payout you can get for that amount.
If you need to be convinced that value is more important than cost, just check some Lemonade pet insurance reviews to see how thankful customers are for having complete coverage and high or unlimited payouts.
5. Consider the Add-On Services
Finally, you’ll want to consider the add-on services available from your pet insurance company. Many insurers allow you to customize your plan to suit your cat’s specific needs. For example, many companies don’t include coverage for vaccinations, but the one you’re considering might offer it as an add-on. Paying a bit more for this might make perfect sense if you have a kitten that’s facing a year or more of ongoing vaccinations.
Some of the most comprehensive insurance providers will even allow you to cover flea, tick, and heartworm medications for your cat. These treatments have a fixed price, so you can usually figure out if it’s worth it for you to pay a bit extra for coverage.
Other add-on services like dental cleanings and cat allergy treatments can help ensure your cat always gets the care he or she needs.
About 365Petinsurance.com
365PetInsurance.com is an impartial knowledge base on all things pet insurance. They take a logical approach to policies, carriers, and pet health in general, helping break down insurance jargon and allowing you to gain access to real customer insights and reviews so you can make the best decision for your pet.
*FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, which means that I was compensated to feature this content. Regardless of payment received, you will only see topics featured on this site that we believe are of interest to our readers.
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Insurance can be so confusing, so I appreciate your advice.