Insuring a sick cat is a consideration many pet owners face when their cat has a chronic illness or begins to require medical care in later life.
In this article we discuss why it can be important to insure a sick cat, what conditions and points to consider, and how to find a good pet insurer.
Why insure a sick cat?
Insuring a sick cat can help reduce high medical costs for treatments (such as cat surgery or blood tests for cats ), vet visits and medications.
When a cat is sick, the costs of medication, repeat visits to the vet and specialist treatments can quickly add up.
A good example is a cat with a chronic condition such as kidney failure, which is common in older cats.
- Medication : To manage symptoms, the cat may need special medications daily, such as phosphate binders or drugs to regulate blood pressure. These can cost between €30 and €60 per month.
- Diet food : Cats with kidney problems often need a special diet, such as kidney support food. This costs an average of €40 – €70 per month.
- Follow-up Vet Visits : Regular monitoring of blood counts and urine tests is essential. Vet visits may be needed every 3-6 months and often cost between €100 and €200 per visit.
- Specialized treatments : In severe cases, for example, an IV treatment may be necessary to combat dehydration and toxins. This can cost up to €300-€500 per session.
Over a year, caring for a cat with kidney failure can cost thousands of euros. This illustrates how quickly costs can pile up for a cat that is chronically ill.
Many cat owners want to give their pet the best care, but these costs can be quite a financial burden.
Insuring a cat can help cover unexpected expenses, so you can focus on caring for your pet without worrying about the cost.
Benefits of cat insurance for a sick cat:
- Reducing financial stress : Covering (part of) your medical expenses helps to absorb unexpected costs.
- Access to better care : With insurance, you are less likely to cut back on necessary or recommended treatments.
- Preventative care : Some insurance plans also cover preventative care, such as annual checkups, which can be helpful in keeping your cat’s health on track.
What should you pay attention to when insuring a sick cat?
Insurers often have specific conditions and rules for insuring sick pets. Taking out insurance for a sick cat can be more complicated than for a healthy cat.
1. Conditions of the insurer
Not all insurers will accept sick animals for health insurance. Some insurers have strict requirements and may refuse to cover certain existing conditions.
The conditions can be adjusted annually by insurers.
2. Coverage for pre-existing conditions
Existing conditions are often excluded from coverage. If your cat already has an illness, the insurer may decide not to insure this specific condition.
In some cases you may be able to get coverage for other future health problems.
3. Waiting time when taking out insurance
Many insurers have a waiting period for pet insurance before you can use the cover. This means that the insurance does not start immediately after taking it out.
Pay close attention to the length of this waiting period and whether it will affect your cat’s medical costs.
4. Premium costs and age of the cat
Older cats or cats with existing conditions may have higher premiums than healthy young animals.
TIP: Want to know what it takes to insure your sick dog? Read our blog about insuring a sick dog.
What diseases occur in cats?
There are several conditions for which cat insurance can be useful. Below is a list of some common diseases for which insurance can be useful:
- Kidney Disease : Kidney problems are a common problem in older cats and often require intensive, long-term care, such as dietary supplements and medications.
- Diabetes : Diabetes in cats is a common disease. Cats can develop diabetes, especially later in life. Treatments and insulin can be expensive and cat insurance can help with this.
- Joint problems : Just like people, older cats can suffer from joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Treatment for this can range from pain medication to physical therapy.
- Allergies : Cats can be susceptible to environmental or food allergies. Diagnosing allergies and treating them can be expensive.
- Dental problems : Dental care is often not covered as standard, but is essential for the cat’s well-being.
How do you find a good pet insurer?
When choosing a good health insurance for your cat, it is important to compare different options and look at what exactly the insurer offers.
1. Compare different insurers
By comparing different providers you get a better picture of the differences in premium, coverage and conditions. These conditions can vary annually
2. Read reviews from other pet owners
Reviews and experiences from other cat owners can give you insight into how the insurer handles claims, customer service, and the speed of reimbursements.
3. Pay attention to the policy conditions
Always check carefully what is and is not covered. For example, some insurers offer packages that include preventive care (such as annual vaccinations and check-ups), while others focus only on medical emergencies.
4. Ask your vet for advice
Veterinarians often have experience with different insurers and can help you make a choice that best suits your cat’s medical needs. Schedule a veterinary consultation
Frequently asked questions about insuring a sick cat
Can you always insure a sick cat?
Not all insurers accept sick cats for health insurance, especially when it concerns existing conditions. It is therefore important to look at the conditions carefully and compare different insurers.
What if my cat was already ill when I took out the insurance?
When taking out pet insurance, you usually have to indicate whether your pet is healthy. Minor complaints such as a previous operation or allergy are often not a problem. In the case of chronic or serious complaints, the insurer can exclude certain costs or refuse your application. Always ensure that you provide complete and correct information; incorrect information can lead to termination of the insurance. Read the conditions carefully and contact the insurer if in doubt.
What if I didn’t know my cat was already sick?
If you only discover that your pet was ill after taking out the policy, the coverage depends on the complaint and the moment of discovery. Complaints that are discovered during the waiting period (usually 30 days after taking out the policy) are often excluded. If a condition is only discovered later by the vet and you could not have known this, check the policy conditions, because the approach can differ per insurer.
Which coverage is most suitable for an older cat?
For older cats, it is often wise to choose insurance that provides coverage for chronic illnesses and degenerative conditions, such as joint problems and kidney problems.
Is cat health insurance really necessary?
This depends on the health status of your cat and your own financial situation. Insurance can provide a lot of peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances and high medical costs, but it is good to consider whether you consider this as necessary.
Insuring your sick cat is a good choice
Insuring a sick cat can be a smart choice if you want to avoid unexpected medical expenses.
By doing your research, comparing insurers and paying attention to the policy terms and conditions, you can find insurance that suits your cat’s needs.
Whether you opt for basic insurance or a comprehensive package, it is essential to know what is covered and what is not. This way you can take care of the health of your loyal friend with peace of mind.
These tips will help you find cat insurance that will help you prepare for medical situations.
