Choosing pet insurance for cats may feel intimidating, especially with dozens of provider options. Thankfully, we’ve simplified the process and reviewed the 10 best pet insurance providers below. Learn more about the policies they offer and how they operate so you can make a more informed decision.
Then, please keep reading our buyer’s guide and pet insurance FAQs below our reviews. These sections will give you even more information about our reviewing process and what you should consider.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
The Top 10 Pet Insurance Providers for Cats
1. Lemonade – Best Overall
Lemonade pet insurance is available in most states. Their pet insurance starts with base accident and illness that covers vet care plus tests, medications, and more for the unexpected. You can choose add-on coverage to include services related to their recovery, like physical therapy and chiropractic care. It also covers end-of-life care like cremation or euthanasia.
A preventative care package is another add-on option that may help with costs for routine wellness exams, vaccines, preventive medications, and even spaying/neutering and microchipping. Some conditions are not covered, like pre-existing, bilateral, or recurring conditions that could’ve been prevented.
Lemonade’s unique accounting practices seem to benefit everyone. They take a flat fee from each policy’s premium as their company profits. Then, they pay customer claims. At the end of the year, whatever is left is donated to the non-profit organizations that Lemonade policyholders choose.
Those policyholders enjoy a fast and easy claims process through the Lemonade app or website. Some claims are paid immediately, and customer service is available by chat, phone, or email. There are discounts for bundling your policy or paying in full. However, your rate may be based partly on credit history.
A quick and easy claims process
Some claims are reimbursed immediately
Multiple discounts available
A portion of premiums are donated
Customize your plan with many coverage options
- Not available in all states
- Rates may be partially based on credit history
- Extended Accident and Illness coverage costs more
- Some conditions aren’t covered
2. Spot Pet Insurance – Best Value
Spots‘ accident and illness policy is extensive and even covers cancer treatments and hereditary conditions. Some pre-existing conditions that have been cured, needing no treatment for 180 days or more, could also be covered. Typical veterinary services like tooth extractions, exams, medications, and more are covered. Their accident-only plan is more limited but likely to help cover the unexpected costs should your pet become injured unexpectedly. There are two preventative care plans to cover routine care, depending on the services you’re most likely to use.
Spot pet insurance plans offer several features that make them one of the best value providers available. First, they provide an accident-only program that will cover your pet in the event of an unexpected injury but keep your premiums low. Second is that there is no upper age limit. You can purchase a new policy for any age pet, even if they are considered too old for coverage through other insurance providers. Lastly, Spot has a multi-pet discount, and you have up to 9 months to submit claims for reimbursement and can do so through Spot’s easy-to-use website or app.
An accident-only plan could reduce premiums
They cover many services that aren’t by other plans
No upper age limit for most pets
Unlimited coverage plan available
Multi-pet discount offered
- Won’t pay the veterinarian directly
- Creating a custom plan can become overwhelming
- Could cost more than other providers
- Longer waiting periods for accidents
3. Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Pumpkin’s standard accident and illness plan is comparable to Spot’s, covering everything from hereditary conditions to prescription food necessary to treat medical conditions. This policy even covers some pre-existing conditions. Their optional wellness add-on plan will cover routine dental cleanings, while the accident and illness plan covers them if required due to a related medical condition. Cruciate and ligament injuries are often not covered by pet insurance or have a more extended waiting period, sometimes up to 6 months. However, Pumpkin can cover some injuries in just 14 days.
Pumpkin pet insurance is unique in several ways. Not only do they offer an unlimited coverage option, but you may also qualify for a Fur Family discount for each additional pet you enroll. If your vet clinic doesn’t require you to pay upfront for their services, you can also request that Pumpkin pay them directly, saving you the hassle of paying upfront and requesting reimbursement for the covered amount. They offer customer service by phone, chat or email, available Monday through Friday. Pumpkin doesn’t have a dedicated app, but its website is mobile-friendly.
Cruciate and ligament injuries may be covered
All policies reimburse 90% of covered costs
Unlimited coverage plans are available
They may be able to pay the vet clinic directly
Multi-pet Fur Family discount
- No dedicated mobile app is available
- Spay and neuter procedures not covered
- 14-day waiting period for accidents
- Customer service only open on weekdays
4. Figo Pet Insurance
Your Accident and Illness pet insurance plan from Figo comes with much more than coverage for standard veterinary care. The standard coverage for exams, diagnostic tests, and medications is all included, as well as behavior training, emergency services, and care for orthopedic conditions. An extra care pack will give you peace of mind should your pet become lost, you need to cover boarding fees, or there’s been third-party damage. The Figo Pet Cloud is a unique feature in the mobile app. Here, you can track your pet with their pet tag, store their medical records, and access a licensed veterinarian 24/7.
You can select the deductible and coverage limit, including an unlimited coverage limit policy, which is standard with many pet insurance providers. However, another valuable feature is in their reimbursement amounts. Their 100% reimbursement policy would return 100% of all covered expenses to you with your claims, which can be submitted through the app, by email, over the phone, or even via fax. Claims are typically paid within 30 days, and their customer service is available 7 days a week if you have questions about your policy.
Figo Pet Cloud services
Telemedicine veterinary care
100% reimbursement and unlimited coverage policies
Extensive Accident and Illness coverage
Extra Care Pack covers many unique expenses
- No accident-only plan to curb costs
- Wellness plan not available in every state
- Complications from parasites not covered
5. MetLife Pet Insurance
Accident and Illness coverage with MetLife is comprehensive, covering most standard medical services and some you may not expect. That includes ear and eye conditions, holistic therapies, and even bilateral conditions. Accident coverage begins at midnight following the enrollment date, while illness coverage has the industry standard 14-day waiting period. MetLife has a preventative care package to cover flea, tick, and heartworm medication, plus spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and most routine pet services. As one of the most well-known insurance companies, they offer plenty of policy customizations and a long list of discounts.
MetLife has a diminishing deductible with its pet insurance, just like its other policies. The deductible will go down each year you don’t file a claim. If you do need a file a claim, the process isn’t as straightforward as it is with many other insurance providers. You’ll need to download a form and submit it online, by fax, or by mail. However, they have an app that allows you to track the status of your claim. You can also save your pet’s health records and find a local vet or chat with a licensed vet online 24/7.
Extensive discounts available
No age restrictions
100% reimbursement option
Accident coverage starts immediately
Diminishing deductible plans
- Unlimited coverage policy not available in all states
- The claims process is a bit more complicated
- Won’t pay your veterinarian directly
- It can be challenging to get some claims approved
6. Hartville Pet Insurance
Hartville is one of the few providers offering an accident-only policy that covers expenses related to injuries. This can lower premiums and help with unexpected costs unrelated to an illness. If you select the accident and illness plan, you’ll find that Hartville includes coverage for some services that many other providers don’t. This can include stem cell therapy, curable pre-existing conditions, and prescription food or supplements (not including herbal supplements). There are two preventative care plans as well, with the prime plan option covering spaying and neutering procedures.
You may recognize United States Fire Insurance Company, which underwrites all Hartville pet insurance policies, or Crum & Forster, which owns USFIC. These are two well-known and respected names in the industry, making this a company you can trust with your pets. There is a long 270-day window to submit your claims, and you can submit them on the website or through the app. The website also features a 24/7 vet helpline, and you can use the app to find a local clinic if you need one. Customer service is available Monday through Friday but with extended hours.
Accident-only coverage available
Two preventative plans to choose from
Coverage for stem cell and alternative therapies
24/7 veterinary hotline via the website
You can pay your vet directly with vet approval
- Customer service is not available on weekends
- Dental care isn’t covered
- Fee added for paying premiums monthly
- The basic preventative care plan is limited
7. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace has several plans and options to help you decide what is best for your pet and budget. If your pet is over 15, it will qualify for the accident-only plan. As long as they are enrolled by age 14, you may choose the accident and illness plan and keep it for the life of the policy. Both policies are standard in their coverage options, but the Embrace wellness rewards program operates differently. Instead of a reimbursement model, they have a standard monthly rate with a set annual allowance for covered services. You’ll save approximately $25 each year.
Embrace is one of the largest pet insurance providers and issues policies directly and through companies like USAA, Allstate, and Geico. Embrace offers a diminishing deductible, and like Lemonade, they donate a portion of each policy’s premium to a charitable organization. PawSupport is their 24/7 telemedicine service connecting you with veterinary professionals who can help answer your questions. The Embrace website and app allow you to file and track your claims, view policy coverage limits, and update your policy. They offer customer support by phone, email, or chat.
Claims paid in 10 to 15 days
Diminishing deductible
A portion of premiums to charitable organizations
More affordable accident-only plan
The orthopedic waiting period may be waived
- Accident-only plan for pets over 15 years
- The wellness program doesn’t offer as many savings
- No unlimited coverage policy option
- Almost all pre-existing conditions aren’t covered
8. AKC Pet Insurance
You most likely recognize the American Kennel Club, or AKC for short. The AKC pet insurance isn’t only for dogs but will insure cats in their accident and illness plan up to age 9. Older cats are eligible for the accident-only policy. CompanionCare will cover most basic services such as hospitalization, vet visits, lab tests, and medications. With add-on coverage, hereditary conditions and final expenses may also be covered. An add-on for breeding covers pregnancy and whelping, which is rarely available with other providers. Defender and DefenderPlus are wellness plans that help cover routine care like vaccines and dental cleanings.
Many plan choices vary by state. You may be eligible for an unlimited coverage plan or as high as 90% reimbursement. Waiting periods also vary by state, but most policies require a 2-day waiting period for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 12 months for pre-existing conditions. Many claims are paid within 3 days, but some can take up to 30 days. Customer support is available by phone or email, but you can reach a licensed veterinarian by phone 24/7.
Many policy discounts are available
Pre-existing conditions covered after the waiting period
Unlimited annual coverage policy option
A reputable name in the industry
24/7 telemedicine with licensed veterinarians
- Most specialized care requires policy add-ons
- Accident-only after age 9
- Some claims may take up to 30 days for reimbursement
- They cannot pay your vet directly
9. ASPCA Pet Insurance
ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan is their accident and illness policy. It covers diagnostic imaging, exams, medication, and other routine care associated with acute and long-term conditions. Behavioral modification and end-of-life care are also covered. Microchipping is typically only covered by a wellness plan with other insurance providers, but ASPCA’s main policy covers it. They have an accident-only plan that may help reduce premiums but only cover costs related to an unexpected injury. A preventative care plan offers assistance with annual check-ups, vaccines, flea and heartworm treatments, and more. There is no upper age limit for enrollment in any of their plans.
There are plenty of deductible and reimbursement amount options, and coverage limits can range from $5,000 to unlimited for the accident and illness plan. However, there is a preset maximum for each covered procedure each year. Submitting claims is relatively easy through various methods. You can track your claims or policy through their website or app, and most are paid within 30 days. There is a 24/7 veterinary helpline, but customer support is available Monday through Friday.
More affordable accident-only plan option
Multi-pet discount available
Microchip covered under accident and illness
The pet insurance provider for Traveler’s Insurance
No upper age limit for enrollment
- Must call for an unlimited annual coverage plan
- Prescription food not covered for weight loss
- So many plan options may feel overwhelming
- They cannot pay your vet directly
10. Trupanion Pet Insurance
Trupanion operates much differently than the typical reimbursement model used with most other pet insurance policies (and the one used by all other companies featured on our list). Instead of an annual policy deductible, there is a per-condition deductible. Once you’ve paid the deductible for your cat’s condition, it will be covered in full by their policy for the rest of their life. This could be extremely helpful if your pet develops a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment or regular medication. The waiting period after enrollment is 30 days, which is slightly longer than the industry standard.
Premiums are adjusted every so often to reflect regional vet care costs but not your pet’s age, which is also unique to Trupanion. They can even pay your vet directly. They offer an accident and illness plan that covers most basic veterinary costs but will not cover the exam fees. You can then opt for several add-on policies, like the recovery and complementary care rider or the pet owner assistance package. Many claims are paid within 24 hours via direct deposit.
They can pay your vet clinic directly
Many claims are paid within 24 hours
The pet insurance company of State Farm
Customer support is available 24/7
Unique, per-condition lifetime deductible
- Longer initial waiting period for illnesses
- Exam fees aren’t covered
- Some services require add-on coverage
- No wellness or preventative care plan
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider for Cats
What to Look for in Pet Insurance for Cats
When rating these insurance companies, we compared several essential features. The most important factors to consider in a new pet insurance policy are listed below.
Policy Coverage
There are many things to consider when it comes to pet insurance, but one of the most important is policy coverage. You should ensure that the policy will help when you need it most. Here are a few examples.
If your policy is for a cat, you don’t need to worry as much about a shorter waiting period for cruciate injuries unless your pet has already suffered a ligament injury or may be prone to one. These problems are uncommon in cats. Instead, you may want to focus on a policy that has a shorter waiting period for accidents if you have an outdoor cat or one that has a fantastic wellness plan option if you have indoor pets.
Coverage limits are pre-set amounts for what the insurance policy will cover. It could be per year, per policy, or per condition. You may choose a low coverage limit to save on premium costs or an unlimited one if you expect to use your pet insurance often.
In addition to considering what the policy includes, you should consider restrictions. A good example is the upper age limit. Some plans may not enroll a pet past a certain age or may offer an accident-only policy for them. However, if you registered them before that age cap with an accident and illness plan, they could keep it for the life of the policy.
Customer Service & Reputation
Customer service is vital when it comes to insurance. You will likely have questions about your policy, a claim, or its status, and you may want to add another pet. Being able to reach out in the most convenient way for you should be a top priority when searching for the best pet insurance policy for cats. If chatting online is best, but you need to be able to do it at 2 AM, then 24/7 online customer service should be available. If you need to talk to someone on the phone but can only do so on the weekends, ensure the insurer has phone support 7 days a week.
A brand name can say a lot about a company and its services. You may have noticed that bigger insurance companies like State Farm and Travelers offer several pet insurance providers listed above. If you already have policies with them, you may qualify for bigger discounts. However, you’ve likely heard of other names on the list too.
Claim Repayment
Every pet insurance provider operates differently regarding claim repayments. Some may only offer a check, and some only by direct deposit, while others will give you a choice. If paying upfront for services and waiting for reimbursement is difficult, look for a provider that can pay your vet clinic directly if your veterinarian agrees.
Insurance providers also vary in how long it takes them to process claims. Lemonade and Trupanion, for example, may pay some claims within 24 hours. Other companies can take up to 30 days to pay claims. You or your vet clinic may want guaranteed claims payments sooner rather than later, or it may not matter. Be sure to evaluate your needs and search for a policy that best matches them.
Price of Policy
The best pet insurance for cats won’t help much if you struggle to pay for it with high monthly or annual premiums. You must ensure that it’s within your budget. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable, but they will only provide coverage in the event of an unexpected injury or accident and not for an illness. This could leave you paying out of pocket if your cat becomes sick.
Another great way to save on your policy is to take advantage of discounts. If your current auto or homeowners’ insurance provider offers pet insurance, try starting there. Then look for multi-pet, military, teacher, and frontline worker discounts. These savings can really add up. You’ll see your eligible savings and be able to compare premiums as you request quotes from each insurance provider.
Plan Customization
One of the best things about pet insurance is the level of customization available with every policy, no matter which provider you choose. This gives you more control over the amount and type of coverage you need and your premiums. You will typically be able to select your plan deductible and reimbursement amount, although some providers only have one reimbursement level. Coverage limits also vary, and you can choose what you feel is best for you and your pet.
Some policies begin with a base plan and allow you to choose various add-ons or riders. This lets you create a customized plan with only the needed coverage. For example, AKC pet insurance has a breeding add-on for those who breed cats to cover pregnancy and whelping.
Most provider websites have policy examples to give you an idea of your options. You can also create sample quotes to see what they look like and change them later.
FAQ
Is it good to have pet insurance?
Pet insurance may help reduce the cost of veterinary care for unexpected accidents or chronic illnesses. An add-on preventative care plan could also help with the costs of routine care. However, pet insurance may not be the best investment for every pet or pet owner. You should consider your options and make the best choice for you.
Should I get pet insurance before going to the vet?
Nearly all pet insurance plans will require a 14-day waiting period for covered accidents or illnesses but may still cover some basic expenses like exam fees. This is based on the policy and will be different for everyone. Purchasing the insurance policy before you visit the vet could mean that initial expenses are covered.
Can I use pet insurance outside the US?
Yes! Many insurance policies will reimburse covered expenses for veterinary care outside the US. This is typically restricted to Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico. If you travel farther from home, research a plan that covers international travel.
What’s the most affordable pet insurance?
Rates will vary based on your pet type, age, and location, so it’s difficult to say which insurance provider will be the most affordable. The best way to find out is to request a quote online from the companies you like best and compare them.
Can I get pet insurance for a pre-existing condition?
While getting coverage for a pre-existing condition is difficult, it’s not impossible. Many policies will never cover them. However, some will as long as they are considered curable and have not shown signs or needed veterinary care in a specified time.
What the Users Say
Pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular with pet owners as the cost of veterinary care rises, and it becomes more challenging to cover both routine and unexpected expenses. Many cat parents have received significant reimbursements after paying for major vet services that they wouldn’t have been able to afford without the help of a pet insurance policy. However, some pet parents have never had to use their policy, or their cat has developed a condition that isn’t covered, which can be frustrating.
Those who have used their pet insurance often have primarily been pleased with the process of filing claims and receiving reimbursements for them. Those who enjoy direct payments to the vet clinic usually have an easier time, but not all clinics allow this because payment is required at the time of service. You may want to check with your vet before purchasing a policy solely for this benefit.
Many providers offer additional services like veterinary telemedicine, cloud medical records, online vet clinics, and groomers directories. These benefits can be beneficial for some pet parents and not so much for others. Most reviews of these extra features state how convenient they are, especially for owners of more than one pet.
Which Cat Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
We recommend Lemonade as the best cat insurance provider. It’s easy to sign up through their app or online, and they offer a discount for bundling with other insurance policies and multiple pets. Because they take a flat rate from each premium for themselves, they can easily pay claims and still have a bit left to support charitable causes, which are chosen by policyholders. As pet owners and lovers, we can get on board with this! Many claims are paid by direct deposit immediately, which can make paying upfront for veterinary care even more manageable.
While they aren’t available in every state just yet, and, like most policies, they have a few restrictions, we feel that most pet parents would benefit from a pet insurance policy with Lemonade. Be sure to request a quote and evaluate their plans.
Conclusion
Purchasing pet insurance for cats doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you know what to look for in a provider and how to choose the best policy. Every pet and pet parent are unique, and their needs are too. We hope our guide has made this process easier for you and can give you peace of mind for the future. While our list of the best pet insurance providers for cats is an excellent place to start, be sure to request quotes to compare premiums and coverages so you can make the most informed decision.
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