Kittens are cute and cuddly but they also have a lot of growing to do. As a result, they are more likely to get hurt than adult cats. They are less able to duck under the shade of a parked car and more likely to run out into the road in their excitement, making them especially susceptible to vehicular trauma.
If your kitten is injured, pet insurance can help by reimbursing you for the costs of treatment and care. It’s important to compare policies to find the best one for your needs. Some plans use a percentage of your vet bills to pay for treatment, while others use a set dollar amount per month or per year. Some policies also exclude certain conditions or treatments. The best plan for your kitten will be one that is tailored to your specific budget and needs.
While it may be tempting to opt out of pet insurance as your cat gets older, that could be a costly mistake. Cats often become ill as they age, with diseases like kidney disease and diabetes becoming more common. It’s also likely that your cat will start needing more regular visits to the vet for illnesses like tummy upsets and injuries caused by playing with siblings or other animals.
Many pet owners find themselves relying on savings or credit cards to pay for medical expenses. This can be stressful for both the pet owner and their pet, and it’s not a sustainable approach. It’s better to think of pet insurance as a regular expense that you budget for, just like you would food or toys.
You can find the best kitten insurance policy by comparing deductibles, annual maximums and reimbursement rates. You can also consider whether the policy pays the veterinarian directly or if you must file claims for payment. Other important considerations include the scope of coverage and whether you can cancel for a full refund within 30 days if you are dissatisfied with your policy.
Most pet insurance providers exclude hereditary or congenital conditions from their coverage. However, they typically do allow you to request a review of your cat’s medical history to determine if these conditions are preexisting. In some cases, if the condition is curable and your cat has been symptom-free for a defined period of time, the provider will offer coverage.
The cost of pet insurance varies by plan, breed and age. The most expensive plans usually provide the highest level of coverage for both accidents and illnesses, but they will have higher deductibles and annual maximums than more affordable plans. You can also choose a policy that offers flexible deductibles and reimbursement rates to tailor the premium to your budget.
Some pet insurance companies will automatically raise the price of your plan as your pet ages, but other providers have a sliding scale that increases with your pet’s age. If you want to keep your kitten’s rate low, it’s best to sign them up for a plan as soon as you can.