Many pet owners find that having insurance for their animals helps them save money on the often-large vet bills that result from unforeseen injuries or illnesses. The top pet insurance providers offer a variety of plans and add-ons to meet the needs of all kinds of pet owners. The best way to get the most out of your policy is to read the fine print, compare pricing across different providers and understand how much coverage each plan offers.
Most of the providers we reviewed offer accident and illness plans as well as a variety of wellness add-ons to help cover routine costs such as vaccinations, dental cleanings and flea and tick prevention. These are typically available as an endorsement to a standard accident and illness plan for anywhere from $10 to $50 extra per month.
Deductibles and reimbursement levels have a big impact on the cost of a premium. In general, a higher deductible will result in lower premiums but you’ll need to pay more upfront before the insurer begins to chip in.
Similarly, the percentage of a charge that the insurer will reimburse you for will also affect your cost, with higher reimbursement rates generally leading to lower premiums. Most providers will allow you to choose a deductible and reimbursement level when you purchase a plan, though some may limit these options for older pets or exclude pre-existing conditions altogether.
Some companies will incentivize you to keep your pet healthy by lowering your premium the longer you go without filing a claim or offering a credit if your animal stays healthy for a certain length of time. However, the most effective way to save on your pet’s medical costs is through preventive care and early diagnosis of illness. Ensure your pet gets all recommended vaccines, keeps up with heartworm and parasite prevention and has an annual wellness checkup to catch any health problems before they become serious.
The best provider for pet insurance for cats is Figo, which offers a comprehensive accident and illness plan with annual coverage limits up to unlimited as well as optional wellness coverage for nonroutine exams, alternative treatments and hereditary conditions. Figo also does not exclude pre-existing conditions, but will only cover them if they’re curable and your pet hasn’t had any symptoms or treatment in the past 180 days. affordable pet insurance