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How much is pet insurance for a cat?

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The cost of pet insurance for a cat depends on factors like age and breed.  Getty Images

If you're like most cat owners, you love spoiling your favorite feline. You buy their favorite treats, spend hours playing with them and build play structures throughout your house so they don't get bored. 

Taking care of their medical needs is just as important - and that's where pet insurance can help. If you have pet insurance for your cat, you can make medical decisions based on the vet's recommendation and not just on what you can afford.

If you're in the market for pet insurance then start by getting a free price quote so you know exactly what it will cost. 

Read below to learn more about pet insurance for cats, including how much it will cost.

How much is pet insurance for a cat?

Data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association found that the average monthly premium for a cat was $29. Other research shows the typical premium for a cat may vary from $14 a month to $38.

The premium will differ depending on the deductible, the cat's age, the type of plan and the specific breed.

Purebred cats are more expensive to insure than mixed-breed cats because they're more likely to develop genetic illnesses and conditions. The most expensive specific breeds are Siamese, Bengals, Himalayans, ragdolls and Maine coons. These breeds may be even more prone to illness than other breeds.

For example, the average monthly premium for an American shorthair cat was $29.37 a month. Compare that to the premium for a Siamese ($30.73), a ragoll ($34.67) and a Maine coon ($37.36). 

interested in insuring your cat? You can get a free pet insurance quote in 30 seconds here now.

How pet insurance works

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for animal lovers who want to make the best decision for their pets without worrying about the cost. There are several different types of pet insurance, with varying levels of coverage:

  • Accident
  • Accident and illness
  • Comprehensive

Most pet insurance policies won't cover pre-existing conditions, which refers to any diseases or ailments that are diagnosed before you purchase insurance. So, if you want to buy pet insurance, you should do it as soon as possible. 

Pet insurance often doesn't cover annual checkups and vaccines. You should plan to pay for these expenses out of pocket unless you purchase a separate wellness plan.

What to know about pet insurance for cats

If you buy pet insurance, read through the terms and conditions to understand what's covered. Your policy may come with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before the insurance company pays their share. Make sure you have enough in your savings to cover the deductible.

You will generally have to pay the vet first and submit a claim to be reimbursed by the insurance provider. It can take a few weeks to be reimbursed, so be prepared for this initial cost.

If you haven't adopted a cat yet and are worried about pet insurance and overall vet costs, go with a mixed breed. You will likely save more money on pet insurance than if you choose a purebred. 

You can easily check prices with pet insurer Lemonade online now.

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