Is pet insurance worthwhile for indoor cats?
Written by
Victoria Hayes
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.The notion that indoor cats are at less risk of developing health conditions compared to outdoor pets is also a dangerous assumption. This means many owners won't insure their cat, but sadly, the opposite is true. Indoor cats can (and do) go on to develop diabetes, urinary blockages, and many other costly conditions. Vet bills can end up costing a small fortune, so pet insurance is a great value for money!
Urinary System Issues
- Urinary blockages requiring emergency surgery
- Chronic cystitis needing medication
- Kidney stones requiring specialized diets
- UTIs needing antibiotic treatments
Metabolic Conditions
- Diabetes requiring insulin injections
- Hyperthyroidism needing medication
- Obesity-related joint problems
- Pancreatitis requiring hospitalization
Accidental Hazards
- Toxic plant ingestion treatments
- Foreign object removal surgery
- Electrical cord shock therapy
- High-rise fall injuries
Chronic conditions make pet insurance invaluable, especially for indoor cats. Conditions like kidney disease (which affects thirty percent of senior cats and requires lifelong care) and diabetes (which costs about $1,000+ a year to manage) can be big ongoing expenses that you can help cover. With insurance, your scheduled costs can be covered after your deductible, saving the strain on your budget for years to come!
Lower premiums are good for indoor cats, average annual cost $250-$400 vs. $500+ for dogs. Cats qualify for higher reimbursement rates up to ninety percent. Multiple pets receive a discount on premiums, resulting in additional savings.
Even if your cat is confined to indoor only, accident insurance is still valuable. Cats may eat toxic plants or small items that may require emergency surgery. High-rise syndrome injuries from a fall may require expensive treatment, as well as other unexpected accidents that can add up to thousands of dollars in additional costs, without insurance to protect you.
Get indoor cats enrolled as soon as possible to take advantage of the benefits. Kittens that are not previously diagnosed with a disease will receive full policies. Premiums will be lower if they are locked in at a young age. Delaying coverage carries the risk of urinary problems developing, which may become pre-existing conditions not covered by a policy.
Find pet insurance that covers conditions specific to cats. Look for urinary issues that don't restrict coverage by breed. Find a plan that offers coverage for managing chronic conditions, including prescription diets. Be sure to include coverage for some of the most common hazards faced indoors (e.g., ingesting toxic substances).
Read the full article: 10 Essential Pet Insurance Benefits Explained
