Being a cat parent means asking many questions every day. How did you get up there? Why won’t you eat this today? Why are you running at high speed around the house at 1AM?

Some of the most important questions you can ask revolve around pet insurance. Having a policy when unexpected disasters strike can make a massive difference to your cat’s health – if you have the right cover.

By asking the right questions when choosing your policy, you can get insurance that will help keep your cat healthy and help ease financial stress long into the future.

QUESTION 1: What exactly does the policy cover?

With so many pet insurance products on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by inclusions and offers. It’s important you know what you want from a pet insurance policy, and when you’re shopping around, make sure any policy you’re considering meets your needs.

One of the first questions you’ll want to ask is whether the policy covers both accidental injuries and illnesses. Some policies come in at a lower price point by covering only one, which can look attractive upfront but can cost you down the line.

Many policies don’t cover routine and preventative treatments such as vaccinations, tick and worm protection and basic check-ups, but this isn’t always specified. Ask to avoid disappointment at the vet in the weeks to come.

QUESTION 2: What type of cover is this?

Always ask about the annual benefit limit. There may be sub-limits for certain conditions (particularly dental) which can surprise you if you’re not prepared.

It’s also important to find out what happens at renewal time. Your cover may change or your premium (see below) may go up. These are the kind of changes you’ll want to know about ahead of time, so ask to be sure.

QUESTION 3: What’s the excess?

Excess means the amount you contribute towards the cost of your claim(s).

When you make a claim, you pay the vet bill and your insurer reimburses you a set percentage. Your out-of-pocket costs will be the remainder plus any excess you have selected. Find out at the time of purchase what percentage your insurer will reimburse. PetSure policies include access to GapOnly®> which means you only pay the gap (the difference between the eligible vet’s invoice and the claim benefit under your policy) at the vet’s without having to wait to be reimbursed. Find participating  GapOnly® vets here.

You’ll also want to know what your policy’s premium is and how that cost will change as your cat ages or its risk profile changes.

QUESTION 4: How are pre-existing conditions handled?

Not all conditions will be covered by a pet insurance policy. Many policies won’t cover conditions that are present in your pet prior to purchase. These pre-existing conditions can be defined in different ways depending on your insurer, so if your cat’s health has already taken a few licks, ask what is defined as a pre-existing condition and how that could affect any claims you make.

On the other hand, not all pre-existing conditions are created equal. PetSure is among the insurers that allow for a vet assessment of your pet’s symptoms to determine whether a pre-existing condition is chronic or temporary. While the former will never be coverable, temporary pre-existing conditions maybe removed from your policy as an exclusion if symptoms have not presented for 18 consecutive months prior to your claim treatment date.

QUESTION 5: Does the policy match my cat?

The range of policies on offer means it can be tough to find one that suits your specific situation. Go with an insurer that allows you to choose from different options to suit your cat’s lifestyle, breed, age and risk profile.

If you have a senior cat, ask if their age will affect premiums or cover availability. Find out whether any potential policy will restrict cover for certain breeds or genetic conditions.

QUESTION 6: What additional options and exclusions should I be aware of?

So your questions have been answered and you’ve found the policy that’s right for you. You know what’s included, but do you know what isn’t? Before you walk away, ask if there are any optional add-ons such as dental treatment, boarding fees or behavioural therapy on offer. If so, consider your needs and adjust accordingly.

There may also be sub-limits imposed on specific treatments, such as tick paralysis or hip surgery, that you should be aware of from the start. Now is the time to find out if any sub-limits exist.

QUESTION 7: How will I know I’m making the right choice?

Choosing a pet insurance policy can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Asking the right questions helps you make an informed decision rather than just picking the cheapest premium. It’s important to compare policies, find out about features and extras and make sure your cat’s specific needs, as well as your budget, are considered.

Before you sign, be sure:

  • Covers both accidents and illnesses?
  • Annual benefit limit adequate for high-cost conditions?
  • Excess and reimbursement percentages clearly understood?
  • Waiting periods and pre-existing condition definitions clear?
  • Breed/age/lifestyle properly factored?
  • Optional extras (dental, therapy) considered?
  • PDS read thoroughly; understand sub-limits and exclusions?
  • Claims process straightforward; use any vet or only certain providers?
  • Budget and renewal implications understood?

FAQs

What should I look for when comparing cat insurance policies?

When comparing cat insurance policies, consider whether they cover both accidents and illnesses, the annual benefit limit, excess amounts, reimbursement percentages, waiting periods and any exclusions that may apply.

Does cat insurance cover both accidents and illnesses?

Not always. Some policies cover accidents only, while others include both accidents and illnesses. Understanding the level of cover is important when comparing policies.

What is an excess in pet insurance?

An excess is the amount you contribute towards the cost of eligible claims. The amount you pay can affect your premium and your out-of-pocket expenses when making a claim.

What are pre-existing conditions in pet insurance?

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses, injuries or symptoms that existed before a policy started or during applicable waiting periods. Most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from cover.

Can temporary pre-existing conditions ever be covered?

Some insurers may reassess certain temporary pre-existing conditions after a specified symptom-free period. Eligibility and assessment processes vary between insurers and policies.

What is an annual benefit limit?

An annual benefit limit is the maximum amount an insurer may pay towards eligible claims during a policy year. Some policies may also include sub-limits for specific conditions or treatments.

Does my cat’s breed affect pet insurance?

Yes. Certain breeds may be predisposed to particular health conditions, which can influence premiums, policy options and coverage considerations.

Does my cat’s age affect pet insurance?

Age can affect premiums, available cover options and the likelihood of developing health conditions. Many pet owners choose to insure their cats while they are younger and healthier.

What optional extras can I add to cat insurance?

Depending on the insurer, optional extras may include dental cover, behavioural therapy, routine care benefits, boarding fees and other additional services.

How do I know if a pet insurance policy is right for my cat?

The right policy should suit your cat’s age, breed, lifestyle, health needs and your budget. Comparing features, exclusions, benefit limits and claims processes can help you make an informed decision.

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.

>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.