Life with a cat is full of surprises. Many are fun, such as random crazy speed runs around the lounge room; some not so much, however well-intentioned, like a freshly caught gift on the front porch.

And then there are the surprises nobody wants: accidents, street fights, illnesses and unexpected vet bills. A great way to mitigate these unwanted developments is pet insurance, but only if you choose the policy that’s right for you and your cat. Here, we’ll cover what good cat insurance should include and what owners can miss when choosing a policy.

WHY PET INSURANCE?

Pet insurance is your umbrella when things get stormy. Vet bills can be a shock, so having a pet insurance policy in place from the beginning of your pet parenthood can provide assistance both financially and in terms of your cat’s wellbeing.

Two things worth considering from the outset are your pet’s age and breed. Many policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, or issues that presented in your pet prior to purchasing the insurance. The sooner you purchase a policy, the greater the coverage, as you’ll get ahead of any chronic conditions that may develop over time.

Certain breeds are also prone to certain health problems. Knowing your breed’s quirks can make choosing the right policy that much easier; a Sphynx is more likely to be affected by skin conditions than a Domestic Short Hair, for instance.

But much like car insurance, your choice of policy will come down to what’s included.

KEY FEATURES OF A GOOD CAT POLICY

Your cat has a life of adventure, mystery and thrills ahead of them; many of these go better with a plan in place. An effective insurance policy for a cat has many bases to cover, as their health risk profile evolves with age.

A good place to start is continued cover, which allows claims for the same condition year after year. This is important for tackling chronic conditions later in your cat’s life. Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor is also a factor owners should consider, as the risks differ for each.

You’ll also want to make sure your policy includes comprehensive coverage for both accidental injuries and illnesses, as some lower-level policies are restricted to accidents only.

Be sure you know how much you’ll pay out of pocket (excess) in the event of a claim, and what percentage of the vet bill will be reimbursed by your insurer. How much you pay per month (premium) will depend on the age, breed and region of your pet as well as the features of your policy, so it’s important to consider your situation when looking for a policy.

Outdoor cats

If your cat spends most of their time in the great outdoors, it’s important any insurance policy you purchase covers accidental injuries. Motor vehicle incidents, bone fractures, fight wounds, snake bites and other insect attacks, lacerations, electrocution and other outdoor hazards typically fall under this umbrella^; all are risks your pet may encounter outside.

Kittens

Purchasing a policy early in your cat’s life is a great way to get ahead of any pre-existing conditions. These conditions – anything that happened or showed symptoms before the policy was put in place – are commonly excluded, so the earlier you take on a policy, the more coverage you’re likely to have.

Your pet will also be at their most adventurous during this early stage of life; it’s also when they’re most likely to have an accident as they explore their new world. Taking out a pet insurance policy at this stage offers additional comfort in knowing your kitten is covered through these first tricky months.

When shopping for a policy for your kitten, make sure to pay attention to the wording around pre-existing conditions and waiting periods. A good policy will clearly define what counts as pre-existing and whether those are covered after a symptom-free period.

Breed-specific conditions

It pays to research the healthcare issues your pet’s breed is susceptible to. Sphynx cats are more likely to develop heart murmurs and cardiomyopathy, for instance, while Russian Blues are more prone to gut health conditions. Some issues may count as pre-existing conditions and won’t be covered. Others may be a risk further down the line; again, in this case it’s best to purchase a policy early in your cat’s life.

EXTRA FEATURES

An often-overlooked element of insurance shopping is the optional cover features offered by insurers. These are often overlooked for two reasons: it’s assumed they’re already included (never assume!), or customers don’t want to pay more per month than they’re already looking at.

Look closer and you’ll find a range of helpful additions you can bundle with your policy that may help alleviate heartache and financial stress in the future.

Preventative treatments, vaccinations and grooming: since pet insurance is designed to cover larger, unexpected healthcare expenses, these routine costs may not be included unless added as an extra.

Dental treatment beyond the routine: dental treatment is often taken for granted, and it can come as a rude shock to find it’s not included in your policy.

Telehealth consultations: sometimes, a formal vet visit is more than what’s required. You may want to ask a quick question, or you may be unable to reach your usual clinic. Some insurance policies can be paired with access to 24/7 telehealth services such as Live Vet~ support, which puts pet carers in touch with registered Australian vets anytime, anywhere.

Value-added services: Petinsurance.com.au offers a range of features that can enhance your insurance policy, such as access to GapOnly®>, which reduces the upfront cost of veterinary care by allowing you to only pay the gap – the difference between the vet’s invoice and the portion covered by insurance. As a policyholder, you also get access to myPetPass®, which includes a variety of discounts on pet food, accessories and medication.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Make sure to check whether your policy covers conditions that arise before your cover kicks in (waiting period).
  • Breed-specific conditions are sometimes excluded or only partially covered.
  • Ongoing chronic conditions will only be covered by a continuing policy with no lapse in cover.
  • Some renewals may increase premiums or impose new exclusions as your pet ages.
  • Choose an insurer that allows you to choose between different options to suit you and your pet’s situation.
  • If you have more than one pet, you will need to purchase a policy for each of them.
[checklist]

Cat owner insurance checklist

  • Does the policy cover both accidents and illnesses?
  • What is the excess?
  • What is the waiting period for accidents and illnesses?
  • How are pre-existing conditions defined?
  • Are routine and preventative treatments included?
  • Which extras are included or on offer at additional cost?
  • How does the claims process work?
  • How will the premium change as your cat ages?
  • Does the plan suit your cat’s lifestyle?

THE RIGHT CHOICE

Not all cats are equal, and the same applies to cat insurance policies. Ultimately, the best pet insurance policy is the one that’s right for you and your cat. Choosing a policy shouldn’t be done lightly, and should be given as much consideration as any other kind of insurance. Read the policy terms and conditions, consider your situation and make sure your timing is right: the younger and healthier your cat, the more effective your policy is likely to be.

The right choice can make all the difference for a long, healthy and happy life for your feline friend.

Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time prior to 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 38 607 160 930, AR 1234944 (PIPL) and PIPL’s authorised distribution partners. Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time on or after 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIPL and PIPL’s authorised distribution partners. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsurance.com.au.

 

^Policy Terms and Conditions, limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses apply.

~ Live Vet support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use available at petportal.petinsurance.com.au.

 

>GapOnly® is available at participating Vets with an eligible pet insurance policy. Meet our partners at gaponly.com.au. Any advice is general and may not be right for you.

 

*myPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available only to holders of active Pet Insurance – Get A Free Quote Online | Petinsurance.com.au Australia policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.