What You Should Know About Cat Health Insurance

Is pet insurance right for your cat? Consider this scenario - It's a cat owner's worst nightmare: Your cherished kitty is suffering in pain and you're faced with the agonizing choice of facing huge veterinary bills you can't afford or putting your cat to sleep.

Fortunately, more pet owners are learning that reasonably priced pet health insurance is readily available in the United States. This is especially good news since so many treatments that were once confined just to humans are now readily available to pets.

It is now possible, for example, for veterinarians to do kidney transplants and various treatments for cancer. Dogs and cats are three times more likely than people to contract cancer said Alejandra Soto, spokeswoman for the non-profit Insurance Information Institute in New York. Several treatments are available to treat cancer in cats including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

These advances in veterinary medicine mean that cats can live longer, more rewarding lives. But they can be expensive and pet owners need to be prepared for the expense. Pet insurance can help.

Few Pet Owners Have Pet Insurance

Even so, not everyone is aware about or taking advantage of pet insurance, with less than 1 percent of America's pet owners having enrolled their dog, cat, bird, rabbit, reptile or other exotic pet. Often pet owners may not be aware of the costly amounts associated with veterinary care until their pet is stricken with a sudden illness or suffers an injury.

Like human medical insurance, pet insurance companies charge premiums and have deductibles, based on the different policy plans offered. The levels of coverage depend on the premium and the deductible. Routine veterinary check-ups may not be covered in the base pet insurance plan but are offered as an endorsement. There might also be exclusions, based on age, pre-existing conditions and breed-related problems. Be sure to examine every policy closely to make sure that you understand what you are buying and call the pet insurance company with questions.

Key Pet Insurance Issues to Consider

The age of your pet. Pet insurance premium costs rise as pets grow older and enter the years when they are more likely to suffer serious illness or injury.

Pet insurance levels of coverage. Pet health insurers offer basic policies and upgrades.

What's covered in the pet insurance policy? Basic pet insurance policies generally cover treatment for accidents, injuries and illnesses. Beyond that, there are variations. Coverage for vaccinations & routine care coverage endorsement may include spaying and neutering along with dental and other routine care treatments.