When bringing a cat home for the first time, many concerns cross people’s minds, including how to look after them, what to feed them, and how old cats are when fully grown. An important concern that most cat owners have is cat health.
Cats can become sick or may get injured due to an accident. What’s more, as they grow older, they require medical assistance to stay healthy, which is quite an expensive endeavor. This is where cat insurance for older cats comes into the equation. This article will walk you through the key considerations when buying cat insurance.
Factors to Consider When Buying Cat Insurance for Older Cats
How do you tell how old cats are? If you are stuck on this question, the best thing to do is the cat’s age. If the cat looks fully grown, there is a good chance it is an old cat. Cat insurance allows you to opt for timely treatment and care without bearing hefty expenses. Here is what you need to consider when buying cat insurance for older cats.
Age and Health Status
As cats age, they develop health problems based on how and where they live. These conditions can be recurring and may also be related to their age. When getting cat insurance, you should check if the insurance provider covers pre-existing health conditions. Some cat insurance companies only cover health issues that occur after being insured.
To ensure the best care plan for your cat, thoroughly check and compare insurance plans offered by different cat insurance companies. Reviewing the policy terms may help you understand what best suits your cat. You can also look for references in the neighborhood or from a friend with cat insurance.
Coverage Options
Like insurance for humans, cat insurance also varies in terms of coverage options. Some insurance plans cover accidents alone. Others may deal with health issues only. You can also opt for comprehensive coverage to deal with multiple issues when needed. The coverage plan solely depends on your preferences.
For instance, if you live in an area where your cat is more likely to be caught in an accident, accidental coverage may fit your requirements well. On the contrary, having age-related health problems and other illnesses on a frequent basis may require an illness coverage plan.
If you are unsure of the circumstances, go for comprehensive coverage or ask the insurance provider about the best plan based on your needs.
Exclusions and Limitations
When buying cat insurance for older cats, an important factor to check is exclusions and limitations. Cat insurance coverage plans may have a few limitations (depending on the insurance provider). Some coverage plans are specific to certain cat breeds and may not apply to others.
Moreover, certain limitations may get in the way of filing a rightful claim.
While exclusions and limitations are company-specific, you may ask questions and have clarity on the terms and conditions before buying a particular coverage plan for your cat. A good rule is to shop from multiple insurance providers in your area to know how their policy varies. Only settle for the one that meets your demands and offers you flexible coverage.
Deductibles and Copayments
Finding the ideal insurance plan for your cat provides a great deal of value. However, analyzing the cost factor is equally important. Compare the costs of different insurance companies and plans when you’re buying an insurance plan for your cat. Check the deductibles and copayments for each plan to pick the best option.
Sometimes, cat owners rush through the buying process and regret their decision when they incur significant costs. To avoid such scenarios, analyze your financial situation first. If you can manage more out-of-pocket payments, you can opt for higher deductibles (lower premiums). If paying monthly premiums is not an issue, you can opt for lower deductibles.
Premium Costs
Premium costs refer to the payments you make for your (purchased) cat insurance plan. They are monthly payments that contribute to your cat’s coverage (when needed). When buying cat insurance for older cats, keep in mind that the insurance premiums go higher as the cat ages. The logical reason behind this increase is that more health problems are likely to occur in older age.
Having said that, you can always compare different insurance providers in your area based on their premiums and deductibles. You may also analyze your cat’s needs before buying a coverage plan. If your cat lives in a safe and healthy environment, you may not need a comprehensive coverage plan with high premiums.
Maximum Payouts and Benefits
One of the most important considerations when buying cat insurance is regarding maximum payouts and benefits. Some insurance coverage plans come with an upper limit to bind policyholders. It means once you reach your designated annual limit, you cannot benefit from your cat’s insurance plan before the new year begins.
While such options may save you some costs, they can be risky in terms of coverage. A good rule of thumb is to look for coverage options with no maximum payout limits. You may check the coverage options online and go with the company that gives you what you need.
Prescription Medications
When buying cat insurance, you may check if the policy covers prescription medications for your cat. Prescription medications may be prescribed for chronic medical conditions. If your cat frequently needs those, you may consider a coverage plan that covers prescribed medications.
Comparing the coverage plans offered by different cat insurance companies in your area can help you pick the best option. If you are unsure, you can seek an expert’s help to decide on the most suitable insurance plan for your cat.
The Takeaway
The above information covers all the important factors you need to consider when buying cat insurance for older cats. If you need a reliable and reputable cat insurance company that meets all your needs, Paw Darling awaits your call. Feel free to get in touch with one of the experts and discuss your options.
