Do you own a pet cat? If so, you should be aware of the importance of cat insurance as cats are naturally inquisitive creatures, more so when they are young and eager to explore. Unfortunately cats do not have nine lives and so its best to seek protection and peace of mind. There are several basic advantages to taking out an insurance policy for your cat. These include protection against the ever increasing costs of veterinary care and cover for any unexpected illnesses or injuries that might befall your cat, boarding costs and third party liability. A cat insurance policy should also provide support for the treatment of chronic conditions that may affect your pet, such as arthritis or diabetes.
In addition to the basic cover provisions, your cat insurance policy may also provide a number of additional features (see list below). These might be included in your basic cat insurance policy, or they might be sold as extra options that you can purchase. Basic cover starts at about £4 per month but remember to compare cat insurance quotes and the options offered.
There are three main types for cat insurance. The most expensive option is Pet Insurance for life, which covers your cat’s health concerns for the rest of its life. This option may be subject to an annual limit for each illness or injury. A slightly modified version of full life insurance covers each of your cat’s health conditions for the rest of its life, but is subject to a maximum limit for each condition. The most inexpensive form of cheap cat insurance is time-limited protection, which covers each illness or injury for a limited period of time, often twelve months. Time limited cover is sufficient for many short term illnesses that your pet may suffer. It also helps with the initial diagnostic and treatment costs of conditions that last or recur after the end of the specified time period.
Most cats outlive dogs and its worth noting that some pet insurers will not insure some animals over the age of eight.
Insurers will usually give a quote over the telephone. Most these days will also give quotes online and some will give a discount when you buy online.
Before asking for a quote, decide what level of cover you want to purchase, based upon an estimate of vet bills for potential illnesses and injuries. Your vet or an experienced insurer will be able to help you with this.
Additional options that you might want to consider
Multi pet insurance options
Options to pay monthly (by direct debit)
Fees for boarding your pet if you should need to go into hospital
Cover for complementary medical treatments like physiotherapy
Pre-existing medical condition acceptance
Massage
Boarding fees
Dental treatment
Loss by theft or straying and advertising costs
Purchase price for loss of pet
Personal injury or damage costs
Funeral costs
Bereavement counselling
Legal advice
Holiday cancellation costs
Quarantine cover
Complementary therapies
Congenital and hereditary conditions
Chiropractic care
Daily minding fees
Claims assessment time
Vet fees
Vets paid directly
