Top 10 Myths About Cat Health Insurance
Cat Health Insurance is just like any health insurance. You pay a premium and the insurance policy helps you cover your veterinary bills if necessary. It typically covers pets in case of accident or illness. Upgrade options from some companies also include wellness care and even coverage for long-term chronic conditions.
1: You do not need it.
Insurance provides financial protection against the unforeseen. You need it if you do not otherwise have the financial resources to pay for kitty’s health needs out of your pocket.
2: It is expensive.
Basic coverage can be less than ten dollars per month. This is cheap compared with veterinary bills that can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
3: You are limited to participating veterinarians.
Unlike common human health insurance plans, cat health insurance does not limit you to a restricted provider list. You can easily find a plan that allows you to use any licensed veterinarian.
4. It is complicated to use.
There are no fancy fine-print policies backed by teams of experts whose job it is to deny your claim on some kind of technicality. Generally all you have to do is submit a single page claim form along with your veterinary receipts.
5: Wellness care coverage is unavailable.
Actually, the most well-established companies offer more than one level of wellness care. This coverage makes sense when you already know the value (and cost) of routine care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and regular health check-ups.
6: It is difficult to apply for pet insurance.
This isn’t like getting insurance for yourself. Cat health insurance applications can be completed online. Furthermore, quotes online are routinely available so you know what different plans cost before you apply.
7: Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
This is another myth brought in from the world of human health insurance. Of course, chronic or pre-existing conditions will result in a higher premium. However, the option is available.
8: The deductible is too high.
The average cost of the annual deductible for cat health insurance is $100. This is very low considering the coverage that you can get.
9: One size fits all breeds.
Different breeds have a greater or lesser propensity for good or bad health. Among the many types of health plans to choose from, the better ones will give you a break for the more robust breeds or cost you more for the less healthy breeds. (This is where getting online quotes ahead of time really helps!)
10: Cats are healthier than ever.
Quite the opposite. Household toxins at floor level (cleaners, etc.), feline leukemia and other diseases, worms and other parasites, and other health challenges are more prevalent than ever. These kinds of health problems skyrocket with outdoor cats and in households with multiple cats.
Of course, nowadays everything is searchable on internet. However, when you find a number of companies from your search, compare what you find with what is offered by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first animal welfare organization in the U.S. While other excellent organizations and companies also offer insurance, it is always good to at least check out what the ASPCA has to offer as a comparison.
