According to a 2021-2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA,) over 45 million households in the United States own at least one cat. Veterinary care is the second-highest reported expense among U.S. cat owners. Not all of those costs can be planned and budgeted for either.
With the price of vet visits increasing along with many other costs in 2023, cat owners can quickly face financial hurdles if their kitty needs emergency care. To help prepare for these unexpected occasions, cat owners may consider purchasing a pet insurance policy. In this article, you’ll find comparisons of 10 pet insurance plans for cats, including the coverage and customization options, to help you decide which policy is best for your kitty.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Lemonade
Wellness plans are available
Short waiting period for injuries
Affordable monthly premiums
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Best Value
Spot
Accident-only and wellness plans are available
Unlimited annual payout options are available
No upper age limit on enrollment
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Trupanion
Unique direct vet pay option
Flexible deductibles
No annual or lifetime limit on payouts
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Embrace
Excellent wellness plan options
Highly customizable plans
24/7 pet telehealth line
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Pumpkin
Generous standard coverage
A wellness plan is available
No upper age limits on enrollment
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Comparing 10 Pet Insurance Plans for Cats
- Lemonade Pet Insurance – Best Overall Compare Lemonade PlansOur choice for the best overall pet insurance plan for cats in 2023 is Lemonade. This newer pet insurance company relies on technology to approve claims quickly, with the entire process conveniently taking place in their mobile app. Lemonade offers an accident-and-illness policy, along with preventative care add-on packages.
According to research, cat owners are less likely to take their pets to the vet compared to dog owners. A wellness plan, like Lemonade offers, helps cover the costs of routine vet visits and recommended preventative care. For a healthy 4-year-old male cat, Lemonade offers three annual deductible options ($100, $250, $500), three reimbursement percentages (70%-90%), and five annual limit choices ($5,000-$100,000.) Exam fees are not included in standard coverage. There is a 2-day waiting period for injuries, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for knee injuries.
Because it is a newer company, Lemonade is not available in all states yet. Users report that getting an actual person on the phone can be tough if you have a question that the AI of the app can’t answer.
Fast, digital claims process
Multiple customization options
Wellness plans are available
Short waiting period for injuries
Affordable monthly premiums
- Fast, digital claims process
- Multiple customization options
- Wellness plans are available
- Short waiting period for injuries
- Affordable monthly premiums
Exam fees aren’t covered
Not available in all states
6-month waiting period for knee injuries
Can be hard to speak to a live representative if necessary
- Exam fees aren’t covered
- Not available in all states
- 6-month waiting period for knee injuries
- Can be hard to speak to a live representative if necessary
- Spot Pet Insurance – Best Value Compare Spot PlansOur pick for the best pet insurance plan for cats for the money is Spot Pet Insurance. Spot offers the most options for customization of all the plans we reviewed, giving you the flexibility to meet whatever budget you set for yourself.
Spot offers a cheaper accident-only policy and two preventative care options. Reimbursements range from 70%-90% for a healthy, 4-year-old male cat. However, you can choose between five annual deductibles ($100-$1,000) and seven annual coverage limits ($2,500-unlimited.) Exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral care, and virtual vet visits are covered under the standard accident-and-illness plan. Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll.
There are no upper age limits on enrollment. Spot has a 15-day waiting period for all conditions, which is longer for injury coverage than other plans. They won’t cover a second knee or ligament injury if the first occurs before your plan kicks in. Some other pre-existing conditions may be considered cured and covered after 6 months.
Multiple customization options to save money
Accident-only and wellness plans are available
Unlimited annual payout options are available
No upper age limit on enrollment
Generous coverage, including exam fees, behavioral care, and virtual vet visits
Some pre-existing conditions may be considered cured after 6 months
- Multiple customization options to save money
- Accident-only and wellness plans are available
- Unlimited annual payout options are available
- No upper age limit on enrollment
- Generous coverage, including exam fees, behavioral care, and virtual vet visits
- Some pre-existing conditions may be considered cured after 6 months
15-day waiting period for injuries
Won’t cover a second knee or ligament injury if the first occurs before coverage kicks in
Won’t enroll kittens younger than 8 weeks
- 15-day waiting period for injuries
- Won’t cover a second knee or ligament injury if the first occurs before coverage kicks in
- Won’t enroll kittens younger than 8 weeks
- Trupanion Pet Insurance Compare Trupanion PlansTrupanion Pet Insurance offers cat owners a unique, direct vet pay feature that’s unlike any other company. Most pet insurance policies require you to pay your bill upfront, file a claim for reimbursement, and hope it doesn’t take too long to process. However, if your vet has Trupanion’s computer program, the company will immediately pay 90% of the covered costs after your deductible with no waiting.
Trupanion has no limit on annual or lifetime payouts and an extremely flexible annual deductible, with owners able to choose any amount between $0 and $1,000. It doesn’t have a wellness plan, and the standard policy doesn’t cover exam fees, behavioral care, or some alternative therapies that other plans do.
Trupanion has 24/7 customer service and pre-approval availability. There is a 5-day waiting period for injuries and 30 days for illnesses. Cats over 14 years old aren’t eligible for enrollment.
Unique direct vet pay option
Flexible deductibles
No annual or lifetime limit on payouts
Standard 90% reimbursement
24/7 customer service availability
- Unique direct vet pay option
- Flexible deductibles
- No annual or lifetime limit on payouts
- Standard 90% reimbursement
- 24/7 customer service availability
Long waiting periods
Exam fees, behavioral care, and some alternative treatments are not covered under a standard plan
No wellness plan
Won’t enroll cats over 14 years old
- Long waiting periods
- Exam fees, behavioral care, and some alternative treatments are not covered under a standard plan
- No wellness plan
- Won’t enroll cats over 14 years old
- Embrace Pet Insurance Compare Embrace PlansEmbrace Pet Insurance offers cat owners several unique features that set them apart from other companies. For one, Embrace features a Healthy Pet Deductible, which automatically decreases your annual deductible by $50 for each year you don’t file a claim. Embrace also does its routine care add-on coverage a bit differently. Instead of covering set numbers of vaccines, lab tests, and other procedures annually, Embrace Wellness plans reimburse all routine care, including grooming, up to a designated amount ($250, $450, or $650) per year.
Embrace pet insurance plans are highly customizable as well. Reimbursement ranges from 70%-90%. There are five annual payout ($5,000-$30,000) and five deductible choices ($200-$1,000.) Cats 15 years and older are only eligible for accident coverage. Embrace may consider some pre-existing conditions cured if a cat has been symptom-free for a year.
There is a 24/7 pet telehealth line, and the company prioritizes paying claims quickly and fully. Customer service by phone has limited availability overnight and on weekends. Bilateral conditions aren’t covered, meaning if your cat injures a knee before you enroll, any future injury in the other knee is excluded from coverage.
Healthy Pet Deductible is available
Excellent wellness plan options
Highly customizable plans
24/7 pet telehealth line
May consider some pre-existing conditions cured if a cat is symptom-free for a year
Fast claims payment is a priority
- Healthy Pet Deductible is available
- Excellent wellness plan options
- Highly customizable plans
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- May consider some pre-existing conditions cured if a cat is symptom-free for a year
- Fast claims payment is a priority
Limited customer service by phone at night and on weekends
Cats over 15 years old are only eligible for accident coverage
No coverage for bilateral conditions
- Limited customer service by phone at night and on weekends
- Cats over 15 years old are only eligible for accident coverage
- No coverage for bilateral conditions
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance Compare Pumpkin PlansPumpkin is one of the newest pet insurance companies available to cat owners. The company offers a comprehensive accident-and-illness policy and add-on preventative care coverage. Reimbursement rates are 90% across the board with three annual limits ($7,000, $15,000, and unlimited) and three deductible choices ($100, $250, or $500.)
Pumpkin offers extensive coverage for cat owners, including behavioral care, exam fees, prescription food, and alternative therapies. There are no upper age limits on enrollment or reduced coverage as your cat gets older. Claims are filed and managed online, and Pumpkin doesn’t have a mobile app. Customer service isn’t available overnight or on weekends.
Because Pumpkin is a newer company, you may experience more changes in premiums and pricing as they continue to develop their business model.
Generous standard coverage
A wellness plan is available
No upper age limits on enrollment
No reduced coverage as your cat ages
- Generous standard coverage
- A wellness plan is available
- No upper age limits on enrollment
- No reduced coverage as your cat ages
No customer service by phone overnight and on weekends
No mobile app
A less experienced pet insurance company
- No customer service by phone overnight and on weekends
- No mobile app
- A less experienced pet insurance company
- Fetch Pet Insurance Compare Fetch PlansFetch Pet Insurance is the option for cat owners who feel overwhelmed by the multiple plans and prices offered by some other companies. Here, you’ll find one accident-and-illness plan with a total of only three deductibles ($250, $300, $400), annual limits ($5,000, $10,000, or unlimited), and reimbursement (70%-90%) options.
Fetch covers exam fees and all types of vet visits, including in-home and virtual. You’ll also find coverage for inherited conditions and behavioral issues, such as aggression. However, prescription food is not covered. There is a flat 15-day waiting period for injuries and illnesses. Your cat must wait 6 months for any knee and hip conditions.
Fetch requires more documentation for claims than some other companies, which may explain why they usually take at least 2 weeks to process them. The company does have a mobile app for you to track your claim. They also use clinical data to help provide custom health recommendations and tips for your cat.
Simplified plan options
Exam fees and all types of vet visits are covered
Inherited conditions and behavioral care are covered
A mobile app is available
Custom, data-driven cat health recommendations are available
- Simplified plan options
- Exam fees and all types of vet visits are covered
- Inherited conditions and behavioral care are covered
- A mobile app is available
- Custom, data-driven cat health recommendations are available
Prescription food isn’t covered
15-day waiting period for injuries
6-month waiting period for knee and hip injuries
Longer, more involved claims process than some companies
- Prescription food isn’t covered
- 15-day waiting period for injuries
- 6-month waiting period for knee and hip injuries
- Longer, more involved claims process than some companies
- Figo Pet Insurance Compare Figo PlansFigo Pet Insurance is one of the few to offer a 100% reimbursement option, and they also have only a 1-day waiting period before injury coverage kicks in. In addition, the 6-month waiting period for knee and hip coverage doesn’t apply to cats. Another perk you’ll find from this company is its Pet Cloud app, which offers cat owners a convenient place to organize their pet’s medical history and insurance claims and connect with other kitty parents in their area.
You can also text a vet at any time for medical advice. Figo provides multiple options to customize your monthly payment. Reimbursement rates range from 70%-100%, with three annual limit choices ($5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.) Cat owners have four options for deductibles from $100 to $750 annually.
Figo doesn’t offer a wellness plan or cover prescription food under the standard plan. Exam fee coverage is only available for an extra charge. Cat owners who travel with their kitties will be happy to learn that Figo allows you to see any licensed vet worldwide.
See any vet worldwide
A 100% reimbursement option is available
1-day waiting period only for injuries
Cats don’t have a 6-month waiting period for knee and hip conditions
Text access to vets 24/7
Pet Cloud app for easy management of medical care and connections with other cat owners
- See any vet worldwide
- A 100% reimbursement option is available
- 1-day waiting period only for injuries
- Cats don’t have a 6-month waiting period for knee and hip conditions
- Text access to vets 24/7
- Pet Cloud app for easy management of medical care and connections with other cat owners
Prescription food isn’t covered under a standard plan
Exam fee coverage costs extra
No wellness plan is available
- Prescription food isn’t covered under a standard plan
- Exam fee coverage costs extra
- No wellness plan is available
- MetLife Pet Insurance Compare MetLife PlansMetLife Pet Insurance offers accident coverage starting the day you sign up for your plan, the shortest waiting period on our list. Illness coverage starts after 14 days. MetLife has a comprehensive accident-and-illness plan that includes coverage for inherited conditions, exam fees, alternative treatments, and chronic conditions.
For customization, cat owners can choose three annual payout options from $2,000-$10,00, three reimbursement percentages (70%-90%), and four deductibles ($50-$500.) MetLife has one of the lowest maximum annual payouts of the plans we reviewed.
It provides multiple options for filing a claim, including fax or mail, and you’ll need extensive documentation from your vet. It may take 2 weeks or more to process your claim.
Same-day accident coverage is available
A wellness plan is available
Multiple options for filing a claim
A mobile app is available
Multiple customization options are available
- Same-day accident coverage is available
- A wellness plan is available
- Multiple options for filing a claim
- A mobile app is available
- Multiple customization options are available
Extensive documentation is required for filing a claim
The claims process may take 2 weeks or more
Low maximum annual payout
- Extensive documentation is required for filing a claim
- The claims process may take 2 weeks or more
- Low maximum annual payout
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Compare Healthy Paws PlansHealthy Paws, like Trupanion, has no maximum annual or lifetime limits on payouts. This company will appeal to charity-minded cat owners, as they maintain their own foundation to help support animal causes nationwide. Healthy Paws has an accident-and-illness policy but no wellness coverage.
Cat owners can choose between four reimbursement percentages (50%-80%) and four annual deductibles ($250-$1,000.) Alternative care, inherited conditions, and specialists are all covered under the standard plan. Healthy Paws doesn’t cover exam fees; the waiting period for injuries and illnesses is 15 days. Hip dysplasia care requires a full 12-month waiting period.
Unlike many other companies on our list, Healthy Paws won’t cover diseases considered preventable by vaccines, such as parvo. The company has a fast and easy claims process, requiring only a copy of your vet bill to get started. They offer a mobile app and may even pre-approve some procedures, allowing your vet to receive payment directly.
No annual or lifetime payout limits
Multiple plan customization options are available
Simplified claims process
A mobile app is available
Limited direct vet pay is available
Charity-focused company
- No annual or lifetime payout limits
- Multiple plan customization options are available
- Simplified claims process
- A mobile app is available
- Limited direct vet pay is available
- Charity-focused company
12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia
Coverage not available for vaccine-preventable illnesses
No wellness plan is available
Exam fees aren’t covered
- 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia
- Coverage not available for vaccine-preventable illnesses
- No wellness plan is available
- Exam fees aren’t covered
- ASPCA Pet Insurance Compare ASPCA PlansASPCA Pet Insurance is one of the most experienced companies. They offer cat owners a range of plans, including accident-and-illness coverage, a preventative care option, as well as a cheaper accident-only policy. For customization, cat owners can choose from five different annual limit options, from $3,000-$10,000.
You’ll notice this is a low maximum payout, just like MetLife. Reimbursement percentages are 70%-90%, with three deductible options ($100, $250, $500.) ASPCA covers inherited conditions, such as those impacting your cat’s heart and kidneys. Their plans can also help your cat get behavioral care if they develop problems such as inappropriate urination or anxiety.
Injuries and illnesses both have a 15-day waiting period. ASPCA has a mobile app and multiple online resources for pet owners. The ASPCA doesn’t have a speedy claims process, and you should expect at least 14-16 days to receive approval.
An experienced pet insurance company
Accident-only and wellness plans are available
Inherited conditions and behavioral care are covered
A mobile app is available
Extensive online resources for cat owners
- An experienced pet insurance company
- Accident-only and wellness plans are available
- Inherited conditions and behavioral care are covered
- A mobile app is available
- Extensive online resources for cat owners
15-day waiting period for injuries
The claims process tends to move slowly
Low maximum annual payout
- 15-day waiting period for injuries
- The claims process tends to move slowly
- Low maximum annual payout
Buyer’s Guide: Comparing Pet Insurance Plans for Cats
What to Look for in Pet Insurance for Cats
To compare these 10 pet insurance companies, we considered such factors as what’s covered under a standard plan, how many customization options are available, and the length of the waiting periods. Because many cat owners are prone to neglect preventative vet visits, we paid close attention to which plans offer add-on wellness care coverage.
Policy Coverage
When deciding which pet insurance plan is best for your cat, consider how well the available coverage matches your pet’s specific health needs. If you own a purebred kitty, you’ll want a plan that covers inherited and breed-specific medical conditions.
Owners of older cats should look for a plan that doesn’t decrease coverage for senior pets. And, of course, if you’re interested in wellness coverage, you’ll want to stick with providers that have this option. All the comprehensive plans on our list tend to cover the same primary medical care, such as surgery, hospitalization, X-rays, and the like. It’s the smaller policy details that can make the difference as you compare plans.
Customer Service & Reputation
On our list, you’ll find experienced companies like ASPCA and newer players like Lemonade and Pumpkin. Older companies have years of experience and provide more stability in terms of premium pricing because they’ve tinkered with their financials long enough to know what works in terms of profit.
Customer service availability is another critical point to consider. Cats often aren’t kind enough to suffer medical emergencies during business hours. If you have a question about coverage in the middle of the night, are you going to be able to get your answer quickly?
Some companies go one step further and offer 24/7 access to vet telehealth. You don’t want to deal with inexperienced or unpleasant customer service representatives in stressful situations. Check out user reviews for any insurance company you’re considering because you’ll almost always find some opinions on customer service!
Claim Repayment
As we mentioned, most pet insurance policies function with a pay-up-front, submit a claim, and get reimbursed format. Because of this, the ease and speed of the claims process play a big role in how quickly you can expect your money back. Compare such details as how much paperwork you’ll need to submit for your claim, including whether the company has a reputation for asking for even more documentation as the claims process progresses. Can you submit your claim electronically, or do you have to rely on fax or mail?
Finally, look into your options for receiving reimbursement. Can you set up direct deposit, or do you need to wait for a physical check to arrive in the mail? Trupanion stands out from the other pet insurance companies due to its easy direct vet pay reimbursement, which often is all pet owners need to decide on this plan.
Price of Policy
The good news for cat owners is that monthly premiums tend to be much less expensive than for felines. Every pet insurance company calculates the price of their policies differently based on factors such as the costs of vet care in your area.
Some companies increase your premiums yearly, whether or not you file a claim, while others don’t. If your cat is older, check the fine print of any policy you’re considering to see if premium costs increase as your pet ages. Some of the policies we reviewed offer additional perks, like exam fee coverage for additional costs. These extras will impact the monthly price of your premium as well.
Plan Customization
You’ll notice we made a point to inform you about all the plan customization options each pet insurance policy offers. You have some control over the monthly price of your policy based on how you customize the plans available.
For example, if you opt for a lower annual deductible, you can expect your monthly price to creep higher. Choosing higher deductibles, lower reimbursement, and lower annual limits will generally get you a cheaper policy. If you really want a budget option, accident-only insurance plans can serve as your in-case-of-emergency safety net.
If you’re overwhelmed with too many choices, you may prefer a plan like Trupanion, which only asks you to choose your deductible.
Can I Use Pet Insurance Outside the U.S.?
If you travel with your cat or are considering a move outside the country, you’ll probably want to know if you can still use your pet insurance when you aren’t in the U.S. The answer varies by company.
Check your policy, looking for which vets you’re allowed to see. Many companies specify that you can take your vet to any vet in the U.S. or Canada.
Some include vets in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or international military bases. Figo is one of the only choices that allow you to see any licensed vet worldwide.
What If My Insurance Company Is Not Listed In Your Reviews?
If you’re happy with your insurance company, don’t abandon it because it wasn’t listed in our reviews. With so many pet insurance companies, we didn’t have space to talk about them all. Remember, if you change insurance companies, you start over in terms of pre-existing conditions and waiting periods.
Do I Need a Preventative Care Policy for My Cat?
Not every pet insurance plan offers preventative care coverage, so it’s worth deciding ahead of time if you’re interested in one of these policies. If having a preventative care policy will motivate you to get your cat wellness care, it’s probably worth it. Financially, look at how much you’d pay for your cat’s annual vet visit balanced against the yearly cost of a preventative care plan to see which is most affordable.
What the Users Say
Lemonade
- “Fast and friendly service”
- “Easy claims process”
- “They dig deep to find pre-existing conditions and deny claims”
Spot
- “Signing up was easy”
- “Pleased with the rates”
- “Had issues with my account and the app”
Trupanion
“Quick and responsive when emergencies hit”
“Premiums increased”
“Friendly and helpful contacts”
MetLife
“Helpful and responsive”
“A nightmare”
“Great coverage”
Fetch
“Quick and responsive when emergencies hit”
“Premiums increased”
“Friendly and helpful contacts”
“Helpful and responsive”
“A nightmare”
“Great coverage”
“Easy to work with”
“Poor communication”
“Keep you up to date with progress emails as they process your claim”
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
The best pet insurance provider for you will give your cat the most comprehensive coverage at a price that fits your budget. Because of this, the right provider will vary depending on your cat’s individual needs and your financial options. Young, healthy cats can expect that almost any plan will work for them.
For older cats or those who’ve already suffered from medical issues, you may need to do more intense research to make sure your kitty gets the care they need. Whichever plan you decide on, get your cat enrolled as soon as possible to get the waiting period underway.
Conclusion
Overall, cat owners spend less on veterinary care than dog owners, partly because they don’t go there as often. However, no one can escape unexpected veterinary emergencies forever. As your cat ages, you can also expect illnesses and chronic conditions to emerge. Purchasing a pet insurance policy for your cat can ensure you’re prepared for whatever trouble or natural life process your kitty may experience.
Sources
“Best Pet Insurance for Cats in December 2022” “Best Pet Insurance for Cats in 2023” “Best Pet Insurance Companies of December 2022”
- “Best Pet Insurance for Cats in December 2022”
- “Best Pet Insurance for Cats in 2023”
- “Best Pet Insurance Companies of December 2022”
Featured Image Credit: Evrymmnt, Shutterstock
