Last updated Apr 14, 2023
Our Review Process
Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.The best cat insurance could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your cat’s life, giving you both peace of mind and a happier wallet. On the other hand, the wrong insurance can be both a headache and a drain on your finances. So how do you choose the right provider?
Read on to get our recommendations for the best pet insurance you can buy for your cat.
Top 9 Pet Insurance Providers Reviewed and Compared
Lemonade Pet Insurance
- Insure your pet in seconds starting as low as $10/month
- Flexible deductibles, reimbursement rate, and annual maximum
- Optional coverage for routine care, and wellness visits
Embrace Pet Insurance
- Flexible deductible between $200 and $1000
- Annual payout maximum between $5,000 and $15,000
- Choose a reimbursement percentage of 65%, 80%, or 90%
Trupanion
- 90% reimbursement and unlimited payout limits- always
- Customizable deductibles from $0-$1,000, in $5 increments
- The only company that can pay your veterinarian directly, within seconds, at checkout
Pawp
- One of the most affordable options for multi-pet homes
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Available to cats of all ages
Figo
- Offers annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited
- Choose an annual deductible of between $100 and $1,500 (reduced by $50 every claim-free year)
- Choose a reimbursement level of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Fetch
- Choice of annual coverage amount – $2500 to unlimited
- Choice of annual deductible amount – $250 to $1,000
- You can choose your reimbursement percentage – 70%, 80%, or 90%
Pumpkin
- Offers extensive coverage for many services
- Accepts cats of any age 8 weeks or older
- Easy signup process
Nationwide
- Unlimited annual maximums, but a benefit schedule will limit your benefits per condition $100 or $250 annual deductible
- 90% reimbursement percentage on the comprehensive plan, benefit schedule on all others
Pet Assure
- Doesn’t exclude any pets, regardless of age or health history
- Comes with a 24/7 lost pet recovery service
- All medical procedures and in-house veterinary services are covered
Top Picks Explained
Why Should You Trust Us?
At Cats.com, we’ve put hundreds of hours into pet insurance research. To create this guide, we gathered over 25 quotes and went in-depth to research the top pet insurance providers on the market, evaluating rates, policies, and customer service.
In addition to comparing providers on key factors, we talked with several veterinarians, insurance customers, and others to learn about their experience with and opinions on insurance for cats.
Our Veterinary Advisors
To compare costs, we’ve requested quotes from each company using the same fictional cat profile: a neutered 3-year-old domestic shorthair living in Beverly Hills, California. His name is Prince Myshkin and he’ll be helping us compare the rates offered by the 9 insurance providers on this list.
After hours of research, our number one recommendation is Lemonade Pet Insurance. Lemonade is a company that offers competitive rates, fast payments, and a hassle-free customer experience.
Though Lemonade is our top pick, there’s no one-size-fits-all in pet insurance.
Choosing the best insurance policy for your cat requires cultivating an understanding of the pet insurance business and doing a little self-reflection about your unique needs. We’ve reviewed a total of 9 of the top insurance companies on the market today.
Before we jump into our reviews, keep reading to learn the basics about pet insurance including why you should consider it, how it works, and how much it costs.
Let’s start with a story to illustrate the “why” of pet insurance.
Michelle Schenker, COO and founder of Canine Journal, recalls the terrifying moment when a Copperhead snake bit her new pup.
An incident with a backyard snake forced Michelle to choose between losing Lily and paying for an antivenom treatment that cost $1,700.
“For most, this financial decision, especially on a dog who was new to our family, would have seemed insane but lucky for us we had signed Lily up for pet insurance with Petplan the week we adopted her because we have seen minor benefits of hedging your risks with our other dogs….I am thankful every day we had the ability to make that choice so quickly to treat her because now we cannot imagine our family without her in it.”
In an article published on the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association site, Barry Kipperman, DVM, DACVIM describes economic euthanasia as a “disease in need of prevention”.
Economic euthanasia probably isn’t a term you’ve heard tossed around but it becomes a reality for far too many pet owners. To put it simply, economic euthanasia is the decision to put a pet down based primarily on economic factors. When treatment necessary to keep your pet alive is too big a financial burden to bear, sometimes the only option is to bypass treatment and choose euthanasia.
From dental cleaning to antivenom treatments to stem cell therapy, today’s veterinary treatments run the gamut from seemingly mundane to cutting-edge. And they’re never cheap.
While a routine vet appointment averages around $50, treating a cat who swallowed a string could cost $2,910. A broken leg could cost $3,267 dollars. Urinary tract disease could cost $1,239. Devastating illnesses like cancer could bring home bills as high as $40,000.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Own a Cat?
In a world where veterinary medical treatments can rack up vet bills in the tens of thousands, economic euthanasia is a reality.
Dr. Shannon Barrett, who owns a house call practice in Charleston, South Carolina, explains that whether or not a client has insurance plays a part in what treatment she would recommend for a pet.
After a client asked for her opinion on a friend’s Maine Coon facing $7,000 surgery to treat a fractured hip, Barrett says that her “…first question was ‘do they have pet insurance?’ If yes, then I encourage them to pursue the surgery because we want to offer our pets every opportunity to live their best lives. However I realize that as much as finances should not play a role, they do. I am very pragmatic when discussing treatment plans with my clients and realize that we have to consider what is right for the entire family.”
Choosing to save money – or dodge bankruptcy – rather than save your pet’s life is a decision that involves anguish, guilt, shame, and regret for both pet guardians and their veterinarian. It’s in times like these that having a pet insurance plan can make all the difference. It gives you another option.
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each pet insurance company. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Choosing good pet insurance can give you peace of mind when catastrophe comes to visit. As Ms. Schenker said, it gives you the ability to make the life-saving choice without worrying that it will leave you penniless.
Most vets agree that pet insurance is worth it, but not all pet insurance providers are a good choice.
Like most of the vets with whom I spoke, Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA, says that “pet insurance is 100% worth the cost.” He adds that “having pet insurance allows pet owners to make medical decisions based on what the health and welfare of their pet rather than what they can afford. No one should have to make life or death decisions based on cost. I often tell pet owners that insurance is the one gamble in life you hope to lose. If a family member (human or animal) has a major medical issue, however, there is no greater feeling than knowing you are ‘covered’.”
However, not all pet insurance providers are the same.
Dr. Richter adds that “pet owners do need to remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses and they do have to make money. People shopping for pet insurance should do their due diligence with regards to educating themselves about coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, etc. As with all insurance, it is critical to know what you are getting and what you are not getting when you sign up.”
Dealing with a pet insurance provider can feel like walking through a minefield of exclusions. Remember that while pet insurance can afford to cover some – or most – of the costs that you can’t, an insurance provider is like a casino. The house always wins.
Broadly defining and excluding pre-existing conditions helps ensure that the insurance company stays ahead rather than going broke to the policyholders most likely to take out frequent large claims.
While no pet insurance provider will cover pre-existing conditions, definitions vary from provider to provider and on a case-by-case basis.
Many pet owners purchase pet insurance plans only to find that, upon making a claim for what they thought was a new condition, the insurance provider thinks otherwise. It’s not uncommon for insurance providers to deny coverage, claiming the issue is linked to a condition treated months (or even years) ago. Claims are frequently denied under the pretense of a pre-existing condition exclusion.
In Some Cases, Creating A Dedicated Savings Account Is the Practical Choice
In exchange for coverage, pet insurance plans charge a monthly deductible – much like your own health insurance plan. You’ll pay your monthly premium whether you file a claim that month or not and your premium doesn’t count toward any deductibles the plan may enforce.
Some pet parents opt to create a dedicated savings account for veterinary costs, saving what they’d pay in pet insurance premiums for use in case of emergencies.
A dedicated savings account may also be a practical choice when paying for wellness visits. Because regular checkups seldom cost over $250 each year, you may be better off putting money aside than paying for coverage you don’t need.
When it comes to unexpected veterinary costs, however, pet insurance gives you an advantage.
As soon as your pet insurance plan becomes active, you’ll be able to file a claim to help cover 70% to 90% of the cost, in most cases. Keep in mind that many plans have waiting periods before you’ll be able to file a claim, but they can be as short as 48 hours for some plans.
This means that if your cat develops a urethral blockage one week after your coverage begins (or after the waiting period has been completed), the insurance company will cover their percentage of the bill.
If you opt for a savings account and start putting 10% of your income away today, it could take months or years to grow a fund capable of paying the full cost of urinalysis, catheterization, and hospital stays.
Pet Insurance Is A Poor Choice for Uninsured Cats Who Suffer from Preexisting Conditions
If your cat has already been through the medical wringer with surgeries, serious illnesses, and other health issues, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get much value out of pet insurance. It all goes back to those pre-existing conditions – anything your cat has been diagnosed with or treated for in the past won’t be eligible for coverage in the future.
Jennifer Brown, pet owner and former pet insurance policyholder, liked the idea of insuring her dogs.
After adopting her first pup in 2006, Jennifer discussed her options with her veterinarian, who recommended against getting pet insurance. According to the vet, the dog’s few existing issues would lead to a slew of denied claims and a policy that wasn’t worth the monthly premium.
When a new employee benefit package brought pet insurance to the Brown household, the vet’s suggestion was proven right. Declined claims were a constant theme for both of Jennifer’s dogs.
“I just save money or use a credit card when necessary,” she concluded, because “pet insurance is simply not worth it.”
Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, who serves on the advisory board for Pets Digest, recommends buying pet insurance as early as possible.
“Pet insurance generally doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions,” she says, “and you have to purchase a policy before your pet becomes sick or injured. Young animals are at relatively high risk for accidents and infectious diseases, so waiting until your dog or cat is older to purchase pet insurance doesn’t always make sense.”
Whether you opt to purchase pet insurance or not, it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Do some research about your cat’s breed to determine whether there’s a risk for major health problems in the future or whether the cost of the plan is just going to be an added expense.
If you’ve determined pet insurance is right for you and your cat, how do you choose the best pet insurance provider?
Choose A Plan That Provides Quality Coverage at A Price You Can Afford
While some insurers offer a flat rate for all cats, most are flexible in terms of premiums, deductibles, and reimbursement rates. It’s important to do your research and to get quotes customized for your cat’s age and current health status.
Don’t be afraid to toggle deductibles, maximums, and reimbursement percentages to get the premium that works for your budget.
Another benefit of flexible rates is that you can adjust them over time. As your cat ages and the premiums increase, you can offset those age adjustments by changing your deductible and reimbursement rate.
Just be sure to talk to your provider before making any changes to your plan – some plans will require you to start a new agreement which may make any claims you filed with your previous plan pre-existing conditions on the new plan.
Keep in mind as well that some plans have an age limit. Older pets are more prone to health issues, so some pet insurers don’t accept pets over a certain age. Many will, however, continue coverage if you enroll your pet in the plan at a younger age – be sure to check the FAQs or talk to customer service about your pet’s age to see how it might affect your premium.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Good Customer Service
A sick cat is stressful enough and, supposedly, your insurance provider exists to give you peace of mind. Believe it or not, a phone call with your insurance provider shouldn’t leave you ripping up loose papers on your desk or muttering expletives to the tune of never-ending hold music.
Test a prospective provider’s customer service by giving them a test run – ask questions through the website’s chat feature, call their customer support line, and check for 24/7 support. Remember that most customers won’t hesitate to let the world know about their experience, so read customer reviews to learn how the company treats policyholders.
If you spot numerous reviews complaining about a disappointing customer support team, vague policy information, unreliable reimbursement, and soaring premiums, you can assume this pet insurance provider will cause more headaches than it solves.
Customer Review Of Nationwide Pet Insurance- Click Here To Read More Reviews On Consumer Affairs
Choose A Provider That Offers Extensive Coverage and Check Customer Reviews to Ensure You’re Getting the Coverage You Expect
At this point, you won’t find a pet insurance provider that covers pre-existing conditions. That’s a fact of buying pet insurance.
Another fact of pet insurance is the reality that your provider’s definition of pre-existing conditions isn’t always spelled out in their policy and these definitions aren’t uniform across all providers.
Some providers don’t cover hereditary or congenital conditions or have limitations on them. Some providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions but do consider certain conditions curable and may offer coverage after your cat has been symptom- and treatment-free for a certain period of time. Some companies may also limit coverage for chronic conditions.
You should also look into the plan’s wellness coverage. Most companies won’t cover annual checkups, vaccinations, or preventive care items such as spaying or neutering. In many cases, however, you can add this coverage for an additional monthly fee.
Read each provider’s website to see which conditions are covered under each plan.
Select A Plan That Reimburses A Percentage of The Actual Vet’s Bill, Not A Standard Charge
Pet insurance differs from traditional health insurance in that the plan generally reimburses you for a percentage of the final bill. You have to pay the bill yourself upfront, but then you can file a claim to receive between 70% and 90% (on average) of covered costs. There generally isn’t a co-pay.
Instead of a percentage, some insurance providers base their reimbursements on “usual and customary” charges. Insurance providers calculate these rates based on national surveys, internal data, and knowledge of your area.
These usual and customary charges are not appropriate for a real-world billing scenario. Instead, choose a reimbursement plan based on the care your cat receives in reality.
Choose A Policy with A Reimbursement Maximum That Works For You
While some pet insurance plans place no limit on the amount you can claim, many have annual or lifetime limits. Choosing a maximum is a matter of understanding what you’re willing to pay and what your cat needs.
Like everything else in a flexible policy, it’s a good idea to toggle your maximum payout to determine how the changes will affect your premiums. A higher maximum will lead to higher premiums, but the impact might be less than you expect.
Remember that lower annual maximums will lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses in a catastrophe, so shop around and find a balance that works for you in both the short-term and the long-term.
Best Cat Insurance Plans
In order to evaluate each of these pet insurance providers, we’ve combed the providers’ sites, evaluated their policies, and read customer reviews on Yelp and Consumer Affairs, along with reviews on sites like Reviews.com, PetInsuranceU, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and Canine Journal.
Now, let’s get into our reviews of the top 9 pet insurance providers for 2023.
To compare costs, we requested quotes from each company using the same fictional cat profile: a neutered 3-year old domestic shorthair living in Beverly Hills, California. His name is Prince Myshkin and he’ll be helping us compare the rates offered by the 9 insurance providers on this list.
#1 Best Affordable Pet Insurance For Cats: Lemonade Pet Insurance For Cats Review
Lemonade is a versatile insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage for renters, homeowners, and pet owners. Known for fast claims payment and their hassle-free digitalmultiple cats experience, Lemonade has been called “insurance for the 21st century.”
This pet health insurance company has earned 4.9 stars on Google Play and in the App Store and has been highly rated by Clearsurance, Supermoney, and more..
Also Read: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
Lemonade offers competitive pricing on pet insurance for both dogs and cats. Their plans offer extensive coverage for diagnostics, procedures, hospitalization, emergency care, medication, accidents, and illness. With optional wellness plans, pet owners can also save on routine care and wellness exam fees.
How Affordable Is Lemonade Pet Insurance For Cats?
When you fill out your cat’s profile, Lemonade provides you with a starter quote for a premium based on 80% reimbursement, a $250 annual deductible, and an annual max payout of $20,000. You can adjust these values to change your premium. Choose from three reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%) and three deductibles ($100, $250, or $500). Lemonade offers five options for annual payout maximum: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, and $100,000.
In addition to your cat’s accident and illness plan, Lemonade gives you the option to add a Preventative and Wellness package for $10/month which includes preventative care such as an annual wellness exam, heartworm test, fecal test, and bloodwork as well as three vaccinations and access to online medical advice. For $5.75/month you can extend your accident and illness coverage to include vet fees and physical therapy.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Flexible deductible between $100 and $500
- Annual payout maximum up to $100,000 in most states
- Choose a reimbursement percentage of 70%, 80%, or 90%
How Extensive Is Lemonade Pet Insurance For Cats?
In terms of coverage, Lemonade is similar to other pet insurance providers we’ve reviewed. Their primary plan covers diagnostic testing, outpatient and emergency procedures, medications, and treatment for accidents and illnesses.
As is true for many providers, Lemonade does not cover vet fees or routine wellness exams, though you can add coverage for an additional monthly fee.
Lemonade does not cover pre-existing conditions, elective cosmetic procedures, or behavioral treatments and they require a full medical exam within 12 months of enrollment before you can use your coverage. There’s a 2-day waiting period for injury, 14 days for illness, and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries.
With Lemonade pet insurance, you can visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States. Claims are filed through the Lemonade app and, for some simple claims, payment is made almost instantly.
What Do Customers Think Of Lemonade Pet Insurance?
Lemonade is a popular pet insurance company and generally well-liked. On PetInsuranceReview.com, customers give it a 9.8/10 rating with 167 reviews. Customers are satisfied with the pricing, customer service, and ease of claim submission. There are only a handful of ratings under 8/10 and the only negative comments on this site have to do with limitations in the wellness package’s vaccine coverage.
On Consumer Affairs, Lemonade has a total of 76 ratings with a 4.8/5-star rating. Customers report positive experiences with Lemonade’s customer service with several reporting it is “unlike any other insurance company they’ve worked with.” That being said, there are a few negative reviews from customers who disagree with a claim denial. For the most part, however, Lemonade seems to be a good choice and generally well-reviewed.
The Bottom Line: Is Lemonade Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
Overall, Lemonade offers extensive accident and illness coverage for pets along with optional coverage for routine care and wellness visits. Though plans aren’t available yet in all 50 states, customers who choose Lemonade are largely satisfied with the pricing, coverage, and customer service experience.
Pros
- Covers diagnostics, procedures, medications, accidents, and illness
- Optional add-on coverage for preventive care and annual checkups
- Customizable plans with flexible deductible, reimbursement, and annual limit
- Extend your accident and illness coverage to include vet fees for $5.75/month
- Best pet insurance for multiple cats
- Receives positive customer reviews
Cons
- Like most insurance providers, it doesn’t offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, or behavioral treatment
- Customer service is only available by email or app
- Plans aren’t available in all 50 US states
Click Here To Get A Quote On Lemonade Pet Insurance For Cats
#2 Best Value Pet Insurance For Cats: Embrace Pet Insurance For Cats Review
How Affordable Is Embrace Pet Insurance For Cats?
Embrace pet insurance plans are highly adjustable, allowing you to carve out the premium and coverage combination that works for you. The company offers 70%, 80%, and 90% reimbursements based on your veterinary bills. Your choice of deductible ranges from $200 to $1,000 and you have an annual maximum of $5,000 to $30,000.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Flexible deductible between $200 and $1000.
- Annual payout maximum up to $30,000 in most states.
- Choose a reimbursement percentage of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
How Extensive Is Embrace Pet Insurance Coverage?
This pet insurance provider offers flexible plans covering “all of your pet’s unexpected accidents & illnesses”.
Cats up to age 14 are eligible for new accident and illness policies and will remain covered as they age, while new applicants over the age of 15 are restricted to accident-only coverage.
Although the primary plans cover strictly accidents and illness, Embrace offers an additional Wellness Rewards plan, which works as a flexible savings account covering you for up to $650 in routine care expenses. Note that prescription drug coverage is included in every accident and illness plan.
What Do Customers Think Of Embrace Pet Insurance?
On Yelp, 134 reviewers give Embrace a 3 out of 5 star rating. Considering the fact that insurance provider reviews have a negativity bias, this isn’t terrible – it’s also not great.
Negative reviews revolve around the provider’s apparent tendency to link unrelated conditions and call them pre-existing, using this as a way to deny claims. Other reviewers describe Embrace as a compassionate, affordable choice.
It’s important to note that Embrace allows you to request a free medical history review at signup. By requesting this review, you’ll learn which conditions will be deemed pre-existing and for how long. If you aren’t happy with the results of the review, you can take advantage of Embrace’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Bottom Line: Is Embrace Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
Embrace offers some of the most extensive coverage on the market at a reasonable price. Although customer experiences aren’t universally perfect, Embrace has a generally good reputation for processing and accepting claims, providing good customer service, and leaving policyholders satisfied.
Pros
- Covers hereditary conditions
- Covers a wide range of conditions and treatments
- Reimbursements are based on actual medical costs
- Gives you a $50 “Healthy Pet Deductible” benefit every year that you don’t make a claim
- Best kitten insurance
Cons
- According to customer reviews, Embrace is inclined to deny claims on the pretense that unrelated conditions are linked and thus pre-existing
Click Here To Get A Quote On Embrace Pet Insurance For Cats.
#3 Best Lifetime Pet Insurance For Cats: Trupanion Cat Insurance Review
According to the company, Trupanion prides itself on paying out more on the dollar than any other pet insurance company. While these things lead to their higher premiums, you have peace of mind knowing your cat has some of the best coverage for their care. To date, Trupanion has covered more than 750,000 pets and has paid out nearly $2 billion in claims.
It’s the only pet insurance company that pays your vet directly within seconds instead of reimbursing you later, making it an outstanding option for those who don’t want to pay extra upfront. Additionally, Trupanion is set apart from the competition with a per-condition deductible model.
How Affordable Is Trupanion Pet Insurance For Cats?
All quotes and example premiums are based on a 3-year-old male domestic shorthair cat living in Beverly Hills, California.
Also Read: The Best Cat Insurance In California
Trupanion reimburses 90% of eligible claims and is committed to having no payout limits—ever. All claims are based on veterinary costs in your area, not averages and customary charges.
Trupanion’s deductibles work on a per-condition basis, rather than annually. This deductible system is good for younger cats with a future of chronic illness but could cost you if your cat suffers from a series of disparate conditions.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- No payout limits – ever
- Choose a deductible between $0 and $1,000
- 90% reimbursement rate
How Extensive Is Trupanion Pet Insurance Coverage?
Instead of offering three or more policies of differing levels, Trupanion offers a single comprehensive policy that covers surgery, diagnostics, medications, and other treatments for new, unexpected illnesses and accidents.
For customers looking to beef up their policy, Trupanion offers two optional additional coverage riders. The Recovery and Complementary Care rider, which covers various therapies not typically included within traditional policies, including rehabilitative care, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and homeopathy.
The second additional rider is the Pet Owner Assistance rider, which covers expenses outside of the vet’s office, including ads and rewards for lost pets, emergency boarding, liability coverage for property damage caused by your pet, and cremation and burial in the case of your pet’s accidental death.
Note that the company doesn’t offer wellness coverage. The Trupanion site doesn’t shy away from addressing this fact, explaining that “Trupanion was founded to help pets get the emergency care they need, not to help pet owners with routine payments.”
What Do Customers Think About Trupanion Pet Insurance?
Out of 311 reviews on ConsumersAdvocate.org, Trupanion has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. On TrustPilot.com, Trupanion has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating with over 4,000 reviews. On Yelp, however, Trupanion has a 2.5 out of 5-star rating based on over 900 reviews. That’s an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars across all review sites—an impressively high rating for a pet insurance company.
Like most providers, Trupanion receives its fair share of complaints about denied claims. Negative reviews also suggest a poor customer experience, describing hours spent on the phone, either waiting on hold or struggling to get results out of uncooperative staff.
However, there are also many reviews from customers who have had great experiences with their customer support and love how little they have to spend to get their cat the help they may need.
The Bottom Line: Is Trupanion Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
In Reviews.com’s roundup of the best pet insurance providers, Trupanion placed as a runner-up, lagging behind Figo, which was named best pet insurance overall, and Healthy Paws, which the reviewer described as good for cats and small dogs.
Pros
- Offers comprehensive coverage
- A well-respected leader in the pet insurance space for more than 20 years
- No payout limits- ever
- 24/7/365 customer service
- The only insurance provider that allows you to pay your vet directly, within seconds, at checkout
- Processes the majority of claims within 2 days, many within minutes
Cons
- May be significantly more expensive than other providers
*Policies differ in each state. Please review the policy in your state for its coverage.
Click Here To Get A Quote On Trupanion Pet Insurance For Cats
#4 Best Cat Insurance Alternative: Pawp Pet Insurance Alternative Review
Described as “like pet insurance, but better”, Pawp helps you to keep your pets protected without the complications and expense of traditional insurance.
For a flat monthly fee of $24, Pawp provides $3,000 of annual coverage on all medical emergencies arising from an accident, illness, or a pre-existing condition. This emergency fund format means that you don’t need to deal with exclusions, co-pays, or deductibles. Up to 6 pets are covered on a single plan and there are no age limits.
To help keep your cat healthy before they have an accident or get sick, Pawp also acts as a digital health clinic. Customers have 24/7 access to a team of veterinarians ready to answer questions and provide personalized support.
How Affordable Is Pawp?
Pawp costs $24 per month, regardless of your pet’s health background, age, location, or breed. You can add up to 6 pets to a single plan and that monthly rate will remain the same. Typical providers give a 0-10% discount for additional pets, so its flat rate structure makes Pawp an extremely competitive choice for multiple-pet homes.
For that $24 monthly fee ($288 per year), you’ll get a $3,000 annual emergency fund. This fund is restricted to a one-time payout, so it won’t apply to multiple emergencies in a single year, even if both of the bills add up to less than $3,000. If your bill is greater than $3,000, you’ll pay the difference. Your fund replenishes every year on your sign-up date.
In addition to this emergency fund, you’ll receive 24/7 access to a team of dedicated veterinarians. Pawp covers payments at all veterinary clinics. The company pays your veterinarian directly, so there are no reimbursements.
What Does Pawp Cover?
Pawp’s emergency fund only covers services that relate to emergency situations.
According to Pawp, emergency situations are those that require immediate veterinary care, such as seizures, severe bleeding, and difficulty breathing. Before you’re able to qualify for coverage, you must communicate with a Pawp veterinarian to confirm that your cat is having a medical emergency.
Pawp does not cover routine care like vaccines, deworming, and check-ups, nor does it cover any follow-up appointments for emergency care or treatment for secondary issues related to a previously-covered emergency.
Instead, the Pawp digital health clinic provides expert insights into your cat’s health via live chat and, eventually, video calling. Within 2 minutes, you’ll connect with an experienced vet who can answer general questions and help you decide what to do about more serious concerns.
What Do Customers Think Of Pawp?
As a new addition to the marketplace, Pawp hasn’t had a chance to receive a lot of customer reviews. Though they only have a few reviews, customer feedback has been positive so far.
For example, Pawp customer Lewis D. from New York says that “I have two dogs and pet insurance quoted me $215 a month for basic coverage. $19 a month to keep BOTH my pets safe is truly a lifesaver.”
The Bottom Line: Is Pawp A Good Choice For Cats?
Pawp is a good option for those who want protection in the case of catastrophic illnesses or accidents and don’t want to deal with all of the restrictions, fine print, and other complexities of traditional insurance.
For just under $300 a year, you get a $3,000 savings account and access to a dedicated team of veterinarians. That’s a good value, particularly for multi-pet homes.
While its digital health center is a valuable asset and the emergency fund can help you out when your cat gets hurt or sick, Pawp isn’t perfect.
It covers just one bill per year, whether that emergency treatment costs $800 or $3,400. Non-emergency services like dental care or even post-emergency follow-ups are not covered.
While one-time accidents and illnesses can take a chunk out of your wallet, recurring treatment for long-term conditions is what will cost the most. Pawp’s team of veterinarians can help you manage these conditions, but after that first annual bill, this provider doesn’t provide any additional financial support.
Pros
- One of the most affordable options for multi-pet homes
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Available to cats of all ages
- Gives you a $3,000 emergency fund
- You get 24/7 access to qualified veterinarians
Cons
- Only covers emergencies
- Hasn’t received a lot of customer reviews
#5 Best Pet Insurance For Older Cats: Figo Pet Insurance For Cats Review
This new entrant to the pet insurance industry is fully tech-integrated for the 21st century, but is it a strong choice for your cat?
How Affordable Is Figo Pet Insurance For Cats?
Figo’s policies are some of the most flexible ones you’ll find. You can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. Figo’s annual deductibles range from $100 to $1,500 with a diminishing deductible model that reduces your deductible by $50 each claim-free year. Their three payout levels offer $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited annual coverage.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Offers annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited
- Choose an annual deductible of between $100 and $1,500 (reduces by $50 every claim-free year)
- Choose a reimbursement level of 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
How Extensive Is Figo Pet Insurance Coverage?
Figo covers veterinary fees, emergency care, hereditary conditions, surgery, prescription medications, chronic conditions, specialty care, and other treatments common to most accident and illness coverage. Figo waives the deductible and copay for lifesaving treatment related to accidents or injuries.
If you’d like to beef up your coverage, you can opt for several optional coverage plans.
The Wellness Powerup adds on coverage for annual exams, vaccines, spaying and neutering, routine dental cleanings and care, and more.
With Exam Fee Coverage, you get coverage for office visits, up to $250 of prescription food, and a bump from $500 to $1,000 of behavioral therapy coverage each year.
Finally, the Extra Care Pack covers additional expenses not covered by most insurance, including advertising and rewards if your cat gets lost, vacation cancellation, and boarding fees.
Extra Care Pack Annual Limits:
- Advertising and reward, vacation cancelation and boarding fees: Subject to annual limit based on plan choice
- Loss due to theft or straying: $150 (one time)
- Third-party liability: $10,000 annual max
- Final Respects: $250 toward cremation/burial expenses
Figo’s waiting periods are competitive with other insurance providers on the market, starting at 1 day for accidents and injuries.
Waiting Periods:
- Accidents & Injuries: 1 day
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Hip Dysplasia: 6 months (ability to be waived)
- Orthopedic Conditions: 6 months (ability to be waived)
Figo insurance doesn’t have any age cutoffs, allowing you to insure cats aged 23 years and over. Their premiums for older cats are considerably lower than those offered by other providers, making it a great option for senior cats.
With short waiting periods, flexible pricing, an excellent app experience, and several options for additional coverage, Figo excels in user-friendliness in multiple areas.
What Do Customers Think Of Figo Pet Insurance?
On Yelp, Figo Pet Insurance has a 3.5 out of 5 star rating based on 65 customer reviews. On Trustpilot, the company has a 9.1 out of 10 star rating. This Chicago-based company receives strong reviews overall, but it’s not all smiley customer service, short waiting periods, and responsive apps. Figo started in 2015 and things are changing rapidly. Most negative reviews talk about increased premiums and a changing structure that some customers view as a bait-and-switch scheme.
Lexi N. of Encinitas, California, said that: “The platform is easy to use and the customer service is good, no doubt, but unfortunately I cannot continue to be part of a service that raises premiums 50%-100% every year.”
The Bottom Line: Is Figo Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
In Reviews.com’s list of the best pet insurance providers, Figo was ranked as the number one best provider on the market. The reviewer pointed to the company’s range of unexpected perks and great customer service as outstanding factors.
Indeed, Figo does offer a few features that don’t come standard among pet insurance providers. For example, coverage comes with the Pet Cloud, a cloud-based medical history and planning application that allows you to manage your cat’s insurance claims and medical life from your smartphone.
In addition to medical management, the Pet Cloud is a full-spectrum pet management app with interesting features like 24/7 live vet chat, geolocation, and pet-specific landmark discovery.
Pros
- Offers a great customer support experience
- The PetCloud makes it easy to organize your cat’s medical life
- Short reimbursement wait time
- Flexible policies make it possible to adapt the plan to suit your financial preferences
- Offers a diminishing deductible
- Waives the deductible and copay for lifesaving accident or injury treatment
- Extensive, highly-adjustible coverage
- One of the best options for senior cats
Cons
- A relative newcomer to the pet insurance business – it’s unclear how drastically the provider will change or how premiums will increase as they become established in the industry
#6 Best Pet Insurance For 2 (Multiple Cats) Cats: Fetch Pet Insurance For Cats Review
Petplan has been in existence for over 40 years and is backed by Allianz, a leading property and casualty insurance company.
How Affordable Is Fetch Pet Insurance For Cats?
Fetch offers comprehensive pet insurance that covers comprehensive coverage in one simple plan. Originally marketed under the name Petplan, the company was recently taken over by Group Nine Media, the parent company of The Dodo.
Perhaps best known for their viral animal videos, The Dodo is an American media brand founded by Izzie Lerer in 2014.
Group Nine Media is hopeful that the credibility and mainstream brand awareness The Dodo brings to the table will combine well with Petplan’s solid history of growth and provide pet parents with access to comprehensive pet insurance and health advice.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Choice of annual coverage amount – $2500 to unlimited
- Choice of annual deductible amount – $250 to $1,000
- You can choose your reimbursement percentage – 70%, 80%, or 90%
How Extensive Is Fetch Pet Insurance Coverage?
The company offers extensive coverage with few exclusions, offering reimbursements for illness and injury without exclusions for hereditary conditions. Fetch’s comprehensive coverage includes dental care, dermatology, neurology, alternative therapies, and rehabilitation.
Unlike most other pet insurance providers, Fetch has no upper age limit, making it worth considering if you’d like to insure an older cat.
Fetch insurance is available under three standardized coverage plans. If you’d prefer a customized plan, you can adjust different aspects of the flexible policy to get the rates you want.
Policyholders with annual reimbursement of $15,000 or more are eligible for additional benefits, including coverage for ads and rewards if your cat is lost, behavioral therapy, and kennel fees. This insurance provider doesn’t offer wellness coverage, which isn’t a bad thing – wellness coverage tends to bump up premiums without offering anything you couldn’t cover with an ordinary savings account.
What Do Customers Think Of Fetch Pet Insurance?
Fetch is a generally well-regarded pet insurance company, but it’s not universally loved. On Yelp, customer sentiments are divided, giving it a 3 out of 5 star rating based on 376 reviews. When the reviews are negative, they talk about premium hikes and broadly defined pre-existing conditions.
The Bottom Line: Is Fetch Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
After over 40 years in the industry, Fetch has earned a strong reputation and is one of the leading insurance providers for pets. With adjustable premiums, diverse coverage, and 24/7 customer support, Fetch does everything a pet insurance provider needs to do.
Pros
- Unlike many other providers, Fetch has no upper age limit for signing up
- Offers discounts to veterinary professionals
- All plans cover injuries and illnesses, including those due to hereditary conditions
- Offers highly comprehensive coverage
- Flexible pricing and payout
Cons
- Costs tend to increase dramatically over time
- Charges a $3 transaction fee – higher than average
#7 Best Pet Insurance For Kitten/Young Cat: Pumpkin Pet Insurance For Cats Review
Launched in the spring of 2020, Pumpkin is one of the newest additions to the world of pet insurance. Owned by the world’s largest animal drug and vaccine manufacturer and headed up one of the entrepreneurs behind Ollie dog food, this company has roots in multiple parts of the veterinary and pet care industry.
Pumpkin prioritizes simplicity over flexibility. They offer a simple plan that covers accidents and illnesses. If you’re interested in wellness coverage, you can tack on Pumpkin’s preventive care pack for an additional monthly fee. The preventive care covers routine care like wellness exams, parasite screenings, and vaccinations.
Though you can toggle between three annual deductibles, Pumpkin doesn’t give you a lot of ways to adjust your coverage. Pumpkin’s coverage comes with a $7,000 annual limit for cats and a 90% reimbursement rate. There’s no way to change either of these.
According to Pumpkin sales director Beth Wymer, “It’s a very simple, smart plan. We researched the cost of veterinary care, even catastrophic events, and learned that over 99% of annual covered costs per pet are under $10,000 per dog and under $7,000 per cat.* So, we made a lot of big decisions for the pet owner.”
How Affordable Is Pumpkin Pet Insurance?
With just three deductible options, a fixed payout, and a $7,000 annual cap for cats, Pumpkin’s insurance rates aren’t very flexible and, while they’re not particularly high in the first place, their monthly rates won’t go as low as those offered by some other providers.
By providing a discount on each additional enrolled pet, Pumpkin makes itself an attractive choice for multi-pet homes. Here’s an example of a quote from the Pumpkin website:
How Extensive Is Pumpkin Pet Insurance Coverage?
Here’s a list of some of what Pumpkin covers according to this section on their website:
For an additional $11.95 per month ($143.40 annually), Pumpkin also covers three routine care services with their Preventive Essentials plan. You’ll get a full refund on your cat’s annual checkup, along with your money back on one vaccination and a yearly parasite screening.
Pumpkin believes it’s important to catch and prevent diseases early, which is why it worked directly with vets to build out the plan with the 3 essentials that each cat is recommended to get every year.
What Do Customers Think Of Pumpkin Pet Insurance?
Since its launch in April of 2020, Pumpkin hasn’t had much time to accumulate a lot of customer reviews. As of August 2020, the company has 7 reviews on Yelp. Five gave it five stars. The two other reviewers gave it 1-star ratings, both saying that Pumpkin had denied their dog’s claims.
One rejected claim was for a treatment associated with a pre-existing condition. The other reviewer said that Pumpkin refused to explain the denied claim.
Pumpkin does provide a detailed written explanation for claim denials in every claim. Pumpkin also has 5 reviews on Google. Four gave it five stars, and the fifth is the same 1-star rating that was posted on Yelp.
The Bottom Line: Is Pumpkin Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
Pumpkin’s basic plan is great if you’re looking for a simple, easy to understand offering.
We currently haven’t seen enough customer reviews to get an idea of the company’s consistency and customer service chops. Still, it looks like it could be a good option, especially for those who want a straightforward plan from an up-and-coming group of cat lovers.
Pros
- Offers extensive coverage for many services
- Accepts cats of any age 8 weeks or older
- Easy signup process
- High reimbursement percentage
Cons
- Doesn’t allow you to adjust annual payouts or reimbursements
- $7,000 yearly maximum for cats is relatively low compared to other plans
- Hasn’t received a lot of customer reviews
* Based on United States Fire Insurance Company data, August 2019. The data shows less than 1% of insured dog parents typically submit claims totaling over $10,000 in a policy year and less than 1% of insured cat parents typically submit claims totaling over $7,000 in a policy year.
Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure:
Pumpkin Insurance Services, Inc. is responsible for this advertisement. Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement.
#8 Best Pet Insurance For FIV Cats: Nationwide Pet Insurance For Cats Review
This well-established company has been selling pet insurance under the VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) name since 1982. VPI sold its first policy to a famous dog of the screen – a collie best known for portraying “Lassie”.
In 2015, Nationwide discarded the VPI name and rebranded as simply Nationwide Pet Insurance.
How Affordable Is Nationwide Pet Insurance?
While Nationwide’s comprehensive Whole Pet with Wellness plan is one of the most expensive on the market, the plan is the company’s most popular offering.
It covers almost everything you would need a pet insurance provider to cover. Unlike the lower-value plans, the comprehensive plan reimburses a percentage of real vet bills. Whole Pet with Wellness reimburses a generous 90% of your invoice, while all other Nationwide plans reimburse on a benefit schedule and limit benefits per condition.
Nationwide’s fixed annual deductibles are both good and bad. A fixed low deductible is attractive for those dealing with multiple treatments throughout the year. But if you’re someone who would rather pay a high deductible when disaster strikes and a low premium every month, your hands are tied.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Unlimited annual maximums, but a benefit schedule will limit your benefits per condition
- $100 or $250 annual deductible
- 90% reimbursement percentage on the comprehensive plan, benefit schedule on all others
How Extensive Is Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage?
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers three different plans: the comprehensive Whole Pet with Wellness, standard accident and illness with Major Medical, and a two-tiered wellness plan.
The Whole Pet with Wellness plan covers exams, lab tests, and x-rays, prescription medications, surgeries and hospitalization, chronic conditions, and wellness costs, along with other benefits.
The Major Medical plan offers almost the same accident and illness coverage offered by the Whole Pet with Wellness plan, but lacks a few benefits.
For instance, not all hereditary conditions are covered. If your cat has a hereditary condition that is covered by Major Medical, you’ll not be able to make a claim until after the waiting period is over.
What Do Customers Think Of Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Being a big fish in the pet insurance ocean doesn’t make Nationwide Pet Insurance any better than younger companies. In fact, it receives some of the worst reviews in the industry.
Nationwide earns a 1.4 out of 5 star rating on Pet Insurance U. Pet Insurance U gives this provider an unimpressive 1.4 out of 5 star rating. Why? The review says that taking out a policy from Nationwide means buying into premium hikes, denied claims, low payouts, limitations and exclusions, and sub-par customer service.
The Bottom Line: Is Nationwide Pet Insurance A Good Choice For Cats?
Frankly, no. In most cases, Nationwide Pet Insurance isn’t a good choice. It’s been a pet insurance leader for a long time, but this company’s inflexible policies and history of poor customer service make it the least desirable provider on this list.
Pros
- The highest-level plan has exceptionally comprehensive coverage and unlimited benefits per condition and service
- No annual benefit caps
- Policyholders may take advantage of Nationwide’s Vet Helpline, which offers live veterinary advice online
- A well-established and very stable company
Cons
- Cats over the age of 10 are not eligible for a new policy
- Less flexible than some other options available
- A higher-priced insurance
Click Here To Get A Quote On Nationwide Pet Insurance For Cats
#9 Best Pet Insurance For Cats With Pre-existing Conditions: Pet Assure Pet Insurance Alternative Review
With no exclusions, maximums, breed restrictions, or pages of fine print, Pet Assure is a straightforward alternative to pet insurance.
It’s a membership program that allows you to receive discounts on veterinary services. If you’ve been in other discount membership clubs like the Good Sam Club, Costco, or Sam’s Club, the model won’t feel too unfamiliar.
You pay a monthly fee, get a membership card, and get a 25% discount on veterinary services at participating clinics.
How Affordable Is Pet Assure?
There are two Pet Assure plans. One covers an unlimited number of pets and the other covers just one. Whether you have one cat, a farm, or a household full of reptiles, Pet Assure gives you the same discount regardless of who’s receiving care. With a flat rate for multi-pet households, it’s significantly cheaper than paying a different monthly premium for each pet.
Your monthly costs will vary, but most plans don’t exceed $10 per month.
For example, if Prince Myshkin’s owner works at Delta Airlines, his monthly fee would be $11 for an unlimited number of pets (including any breed or species), or $8 per month if he’s only enrolling Prince Myshkin. For a one-cat household, that adds up to $96 per year.
While insurance could save you 70-90% once you meet the deductible, Pet Assure will pay the same 25% for any expense, regardless of price.
While this discount can give you some great rewards during routine examinations, dental cleanings, diabetes management, and other lower-cost bills that might slip under your insurance deductible, it can’t match pet insurance when it comes to major expenses.
For example, if your cat has a bout of urinary tract disease and treatment costs $1,600, you’ll still pay $1,200 with Pet Assure. Assuming a $250 deductible, an insurance provider with an 80% reimbursement percentage would pay $1,080 of the bill, leaving you to cover the remaining $520.
Even if you’re paying an extra hundred dollars a year for pet insurance, the savings could be worth it when big bills arrive.
Vital Cost Statistics:
- Gives you an instant 25% discount on all in-house veterinary services and procedures
- No exclusions or maximums
- Only available through employers
How Extensive Is Pet Assure’s Veterinarian Network?
Before you get Pet Assure, be sure to check for local veterinarians in the network. Unless you live in a densely-populated area, participating veterinarians will be scarce and your regular vet may not be among the few.
For example, our friend Prince Myshkin has access to 16 veterinarians within a 10-mile radius of his home in Beverly Hills. But if he lived in Galena, Illinois, he’d have to travel 38 miles and across state lines to reach the nearest participating vet.
If your current veterinarian isn’t in the Pet Assure network, you may invite them to join.
Note, also, that Pet Assure is only available through employers. Check to see if your employer provides Pet Assure as a pet insurance alternative.
What Do Customers Think Of Pet Assure?
On TrustPilot, 47 customer reviews give Pet Assure an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Users describe the Pet Assure experience as simple and straightforward, eliminating the need to worry about filing claims and dealing with exclusions.
It’s popular among multi-pet families, who appreciate the low price and convenience of keeping all of their pets on the same plan.
The Bottom Line: Is Pet Assure A Good Choice For Cats?
Pet Assure is a no-fuss alternative to traditional insurance. Every pet is welcome, regardless of age, breed, species, or pre-existing conditions. You’ll never have to fill out a form, file a claim, or submit information about your pet’s medical history.
With 25% discounts on all in-house services, it’s a good way to save on X-rays, dental cleanings, vaccinations, and lab work. Especially if you have multiple pets in the same home, Pet Assure should pay for itself over a year of routine care.
It can help to ease the burden of catastrophic expenses, but if you’re afraid that a multi-thousand dollar bill will knock you out financially, insurance is probably a better option.
Between it only being available through employers and the relative scarcity of vets in the network of approved vendors, availability and usability can be a challenge. Before you choose Pet Assure, contact your vet or verify that there are at least a couple of participating clinics in your area.
Pros
- Doesn’t exclude any pets, regardless of age or health history
- Comes with a 24/7 lost pet recovery service
- All medical procedures and in-house veterinary services are covered
- No deductibles or limits
- Monthly fees are usually significantly lower than those offered by insurance, especially for multi-pet homes
Cons
- Relatively few vets are in the Pet Assure network, so double-check before bringing your card into a new office
- Only available through participating employers
Click Here To Get A Quote On Pet Assure Pet Insurance For Cats
Is Cat Insurance Worth It? What Reddit Users Have To Say
Everyone’s situation is unique, so cat insurance may be more appropriate for some cat owners than others. The decision is entirely up to you, but it may help you make your decision to hear what some real users have to say about some of the pet insurance companies on this list.
Lemonade Customer Review: “The most bang for your buck.”
“I did a lot of digging beforehand and Lemonade was in the top 3 of every top 10 list I looked at and it was consistently the most bang for your buck (ie: Yeah, I could have insured him for $8 a month but it was with a $2k deductible). I live in NY where vets are a bit pricey which is why my base charge was $18 a month but the national average was $14.
I also picked the midrange insurance. I could have paid less and got a $500 deductible or more with a $0 deductible.” – Reddit user u/quitmybellyachin
Embrace Customer Review: “The coverage is easy to understand.”
“I have Embrace now and I’m very pleased with them. The coverage is easy to understand and I haven’t had trouble getting straight answers from anyone on the occasions that I’ve called to ask questions…
They’ve paid out about $1500 without a whimper in my first year, so coverage is already well worth it. I just got my renewal notice, this year’s policy is about $60 higher than last year’s which is a typical increase based on other companies I’ve had in the past.” – Reddit user u/chernaboggles
Fetch Customer Review: “I get reimbursed directly into my account.”
“I’ve had both fetch and trupanion through work. My Fetch plan is much better. The $250 deductible is yearly, vs per issue; the coverage is higher (90% vs 80%) and unlike Trupanion they cover exam fees which is HUGE (my vet charges 150 per exam, and those can really stack up if your pet gets a long running ear infection etc).
My gripe with Fetch is that they request so many medical records. Every time you submit a claim you need new medical records and sometimes they request other completely random documentation. So it takes forever going back and forth with my vet and them, and you kind of have to babysit your claim. You can expect to pay a lot out of pocket and not see money for months.
I get reimbursed directly into my bank account – no paper checks. For me, Trupanion didn’t pay on the spot, I also had to submit claims. However Trupanion was much quicker about approving them with no back and forth or hassle. That was pretty much the only advantage about them.” – Reddit user u/bedlingtonmom
Trupanion Customer Review: “They can pay some vets directly.”
“I LOVE Trupanion. They come highly recommended by vets. They can pay some vets directly so I don’t have to wait to be reimbursed. (Their website has a list of direct pay vets). I did not care for the idea of a per condition deductible, so I chose to get a zero deductible policy. Once you choose your deductible with Trupanion, you can never lower it, but you can raise it later if you want.” – Reddit user u/Tamsin72
Nationwide Customer Review: “I have saved a ton of money.”
“I am not a vet, but I have had a good experience with nationwide. I do not have the wellness plan, I have a plan from my employer but it basically equates to their major medical coverage. Vets don’t choose to cover/not cover- it works differently than your insurance. You pay your vet the same as usual and submit insurance claims after the fact. I have saved a ton of money using nationwide.” – Reddit user u/shellymiscavige_
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting pet insurance for a cat?
Pet insurance can provide cat owners with a safety net against unexpected costs, but it doesn’t always end up being an economic choice. If your pet is young and healthy, the cost of monthly premiums may be unnecessary. For cats prone to serious health issues, however, it can be beneficial as long as your cat’s condition isn’t considered a pre-existing condition.
What is not covered by pet insurance?
No pet insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions which is generally defined as a condition your cat has shown signs of, been diagnosed with, or treated for prior to the plan’s effective date. Many plans also don’t cover routine vet visits or wellness costs.
Does pet insurance cover routine visits?
Most plans don’t, though some pet insurance companies offer separate coverage for routine wellness. Optional insurance coverage may be available for preventive care and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
What's the best pet insurance for cats
Though Lemonade is our top pick, there’s no one-size-fits-all in pet insurance. Choosing the best insurance policy for your cat requires cultivating an understanding of the pet insurance business and doing a little self-reflection about your unique needs
Surprised healthy paws was not on the list. Any reason why? Was originally going to move forward with them but now that
I see it wasn’t included in your list I’m concerned. Would love to know why it didn’t make the cut.
Thanks for the comment, Diana! Our picks are based on personal experience with the companies as well as customer comments. We use these comments to get a feel for how the company actually performs on the claims they make about their products. We weren’t able to find enough customer reviews to get a good feel for Healthy Paws versus the other insurance companies mentioned, but we can certainly take a second look in the future!
I just looked at the “Pet Insurance Reviews” page you quote in this article. I noticed that the reviews for a couple companies (esp. Fetch) were top loaded with “10” rated reviews from the same person (Jeri Chen) that submitted what looked like over 100 “10” reviews. That finding does not give me much confidence in the info presented here.
Hi Deb, I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Can you clarify? Sorry about that—I looked through the article and still can’t quite figure out what you mean.
Sorry for the confusion. The article makes reference to a website called “PetInsuranceReview.com” in the discussion about Lemonade Insurance. I took a look at this website and one person (Jeri Chen) has written over 100 (I stopped counting after I got to 100…) “10 star” reviews for Fetch and Trupanion (maybe others as well, but I stopped looking) which clearly skew the overall ranking for these (and other) companies. I have been struggling to find unbiased reviews of pet health insurance companies and was disappointed to find the clear bias in the review website that you referenced.
Thanks for this information. I adopted two cats recently eligible for coverage and while I really wanted to purchase a comprehensive plan such as Trupanion or Fetch, reading about some steep premium increases really scared me. (A $70 premium became $250 in 4 years for one animal!!!) Also, the number of users who complain of being denied coverage for stretching pre-existing exclusions among these plans also gave me pause.
I ended up searching my auto insurer (Progressive) and saw they offered premium rates (PetsBest) that I think beat most of the above. I can insure a 3 y.o. and 7 y.o. unlimited coverage, $250 deductible, 90% payout for $50/month. I figure if claims might not get paid, I’d rather pay $50/mo (this includes 5% discount) or %600/yr, v. 70 or 80 a month (especially as these premiums might increase). $600/yr is something I’d agree to pay as peace of mind for something obviously not pre-existing such as accidents.
I did consider Embrace, who will review your animal’s records it says in the first month and tell you waht they wil or won’t cover for your particular animal (and you can cancel in first 30 days). That sounds like another option. Maybe Embrace’s record analysis could be worth it to gain insight about coverages and inclusions for your animal.
I wish to delete the above comment since I have ruled out PetsBest insurance for my animals and am now leaning heavily toward Embrace.