Compare Cat Insurance
The UK is a nation of cat lovers. With 49% of households having a resident moggie, it’s no surprise that cats are the second most popular pet in the country. But when our furry friend falls ill or needs emergency treatment at the vet, it can be a very upsetting, and expensive, time. Fortunately, cat insurance can help towards paying for medical treatment and save you from a hefty dent in your finances.
Why Do I Need cat Insurance?
It’s no secret that cats are mischievous little critters. But as they get older, they become a little less agile and a little more clumsy – making them for accident-prone. If your cat is involved in an accident or becomes ill, cat insurance ensures the best possible care for them. There is no legal obligation to have cat insurance, but with cats roaming the streets, with danger at every turn, it can certainly offer you peace of mind.
What Types Of Cat Insurance Are Available?
- Accident only – Covers your cat if it has an accident, but doesn’t offer cover for any illnesses or medical conditions your cat might develop.
- Time limited policy – Provides cover for any new illnesses or conditions that your cat develops in a 12-month period. However, you’ll only be able to make a claim for a particular illness or condition once; if the condition returns after that 12-month period, you won’t be covered for any medication or treatment for it.
- Maximum benefit – Covers illnesses and accidents up to a maximum amount per condition. There’s no time limit on making a claim but there is a financial limit, and once you’ve reached that limit you won’t be able to make any more claims.
- Lifetime cover – Provides comprehensive cover for your cat throughout its lifetime. You will need to have continuous cover to ensure your cat is fully insured.
What should I look out for?
Always remember to check exactly what is included in your cat insurance policy as the level of cover and amount of vet fees they will pay out for varies among insurance providers. Specifically, check if dental care is included and if your provider will cover you if your pet is stolen.
Can You Get Cover For Pets With Pre-existing Conditions?
While changes to law make it easier to receive a payout, always remember to disclose any conditions your cat has previously suffered. Failure to report any past or on-going conditions will result in your pet being refused cover.
Cats with pre-existing conditions also have a tough time finding an insurance policy that will cover them. Fortunately, there are now pet insurance brands that provide cover for pets with ongoing or past conditions. These brands are unlikely to be found on price comparison sites, so make sure to do your own research before purchasing a policy. For more information, visit our guide on pet insurance and pre-existing conditions.
What Cats Cannot Be insured?
Some breeds of cats cannot be insured by pet insurance providers. These include exotic or wild breeds, such as Asian Leopards, Keetsos and Chausies. Cats that have been mixed with these breeds will also be ineligible for cat insurance. This includes breeds such as Savannahs and Bengals. Not all pet insurance providers state which breeds are excluded from cover. Always make sure to read the small print or call them directly to check your cat can be covered.
Can Older Cats Get Pet Insurance?
Unfortunately, the older your cat, the more likely they are to suffer an illness or injury. Many policies impose an upper age limit as well as additional contribution costs when you make a claim. For example, many insurers expect you to pay 20% of any treatment cost – in addition to the excess – once your cat reaches a certain age. While other pet insurers may not have an upper age limit, death from illness may be excluded from cover when a cat reaches a certain age. For more information about pet insurance and older cats, visit our guides.
Is Self-Insurance Worth It?
Self-insurance is where you regularly put money away, instead of paying premiums, so that there’s money to pay for veterinary treatment if your pet becomes ill. If your pet never gets sick or injured, you get to keep the cash. However, self-insurance means having enough money to pay unexpected vet bills. If your pet needs expensive treatment before you’ve saved enough, it could mean you getting into debt or making the unfortunate choice of putting your cat to sleep.
Why Compare Policies With Compare By Review?
We know how important it is to find the right protection plan for your cat. At Compare By Review, we understand that choosing the right type of cat insurance can be confusing and time consuming. That’s why we analyse thousands of real customer experiences to provide a simple, impartial comparison of pet insurers so you can purchase the right pet insurance policy that works best for you.
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