As a cat owner, it’s your responsibility to cover your feline’s healthcare costs in the event of accidents and injuries. It’s also up to you to pay for routine services, such as exams and vaccines to help keep them healthy for years to come.
Fortunately, pet insurance can make it easier to pay for your cat’s healthcare. Our team at BestMoney did the research for you and compiled this list of the best pet insurance for cats so you can find the right coverage for your cat, regardless of their age or breed.
To zero in on our top picks, we considered a number of factors, including cost, coverage options, availability, claims process, and customer service.
Cat Insurance at a Glance
If you’re looking for flexible, comprehensive wellness options for your cat, Lemonade is a solid choice.
While Spot offers coverages that many pet insurers exclude, Pets Best makes it a breeze to customize your cat’s plan.
Embrace is a great option for senior cats as it covers many services and treatments that may apply to them while ASPCA Pet Health provides special coverage for cats with breed-specific and pre-existing conditions, as long as they’ve been symptom-free for 180 days.
Healthy Paws is a smart pick if your cat has a serious disease whereas Fetch is a winner if they’re in generally good health and you’re in search of comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
Figo makes sense if your goal is a budget-friendly cat insurance policy and Pumpkin is worth exploring if you’d like to insure multiple cats.
Comparing the best pet insurance for cats
| Insurer | Best for | Average Premium |
|---|---|---|
Wellness coverage | $39.48 | |
Unique coverage | $42.49 | |
Senior cats | $47.10 | |
Customizable coverage | $43.66 | |
Cats with pre-existing and breed-specific conditions | $42.86 | |
Cats with serious health issues | $43.69 | |
Healthy cats | $58.80 | |
Affordability | $28.86 | |
Multiple cats | $34.67 |
A Closer Look at the Best Cat Insurance
1. Lemonade
Why we like Lemonade for cats:
Lemonade offers wellness plans specifically for kittens and adult cats.
The kitten plan covers wellness tests, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, flea/tick or heartworm medication, vaccines, and access to a medical advice chat. With the plan for adult cats, which is less expensive because it excludes services that are more important when cats are younger, you’ll get coverage for routine dental cleanings.
Note that a feline wellness plan is an add-on to Lemonade’s traditional accident and illness coverage, a long list of conditions, treatments, and incidents. Lemonade also offers other add-ons for behavioral conditions, physical therapy, dental illnesses, and end-of-life.
Pros
Flexible annual limits ranging from $5,000 to $100,000
Most claims are paid within 48 hours
Three discount opportunities, including a multi-pet discount, annual payment discount, and bundle discount
Cons
Doesn’t insure cats over the age of 14
No coverage for supplements or virtual vet visits
Only available to cat parents in 38 states
Sample rates for cats with Lemonade
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $12.04 | $31.20 | $35.06 | $26.10 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $12.00 | $31.20 | $33.06 | $25.42 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $27.06 | $84.06 | $89.04 | $66.72 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $13.69 | $33.22 | $40.36 | $29.09 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $13.47 | $35.16 | $40.20 | $29.61 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $31.98 | $100.25 | $115.10 | $82.44 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $13.45 | $32.21 | $36.17 | $27.28 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $13.60 | $35.90 | $37.95 | $29.15 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Average | $17.16 | $47.90 | $53.37 | $39.48 |
Read our full Lemonade review.
2. Spot
Why we like Spot for cats:
For robust coverage for your cat, Spot has you covered. Its accident and illness plan can help pay for alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture, medical supplies, prescription cat food, and poison control consultation fees. The policy will even cover behavioral problems that are common among some cats, such as excessive scratching, anxiety, and aggression.
If you’d like to save some on cash, Spot does offer a less expensive accident-only plan. Regardless of which option you choose, you can enjoy unlimited annual coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. For lower premiums, you may be better off with the $2,500 annual limit and 70% rate.
Pros
Two tiers of wellness plans: Gold and Platinum
Accident-only plan available for budget-friendly cat owners
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Doesn’t offer an option to pay vets directly
You have to upgrade to the Platinum wellness plan to receive coverage for blood tests, spay/neuter procedures, and parasite prevention
Sample rates for cats with Spot
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $14.86 | $38.26 | $26.03 | $26.38 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $15.70 | $44.64 | $29.25 | $29.86 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $38.21 | $79.71 | $67.18 | $61.70 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $20.49 | $21.66 | $52.70 | $31.62 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $21.66 | $46.40 | $42.76 | $36.94 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $52.70 | $82.86 | $98.19 | $77.92 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $14.86 | $38.26 | $26.03 | $26.38 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $15.70 | $44.64 | $29.25 | $29.86 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $38.21 | $79.71 | $67.18 | $61.70 |
Average | $25.82 | $52.90 | $48.73 | $42.49 |
Read our full Spot review.
3. Embrace
Why we like Embrace for cats:
Embrace provides customizable, affordable plans for older cats. While its accident and illness coverage is available to felines up to 15 years old, there are no upper age limits for accident-only plans.
If you opt for an accident and illness policy, you’ll enjoy comprehensive coverage for items like chronic conditions, cancer treatment, dental trauma, and orthopedic conditions that may be especially beneficial for senior pets.
Pros
All accident and illness plans cover hip dysplasia which may occur in purebred cats
Wellness Rewards helps pay for vaccines, microchipping, nail trimming, and dental care
Access to PawSupport, a 24/7 pet telehealth line
Cons
Longer 10 to 15-day claims processing period
6-month waiting period for orthopedic condition coverage unless you complete a waiver
Prescription food and supplement coverage only with a wellness plan
Sample rates for cats with Embrace
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $16.23 | $36.74 | $20.66 | $24.54 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $20.29 | $42.18 | $26.64 | $29.70 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $37.45 | $65.31 | N/A | $51.38 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $20.18 | $59.35 | $33.38 | $37.64 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $25.22 | $68.14 | $43.03 | $45.46 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $46.56 | $105.50 | N/A | $76.03 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $20.18 | $59.35 | $33.38 | $37.64 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $25.22 | $68.14 | $43.03 | $45.46 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $46.56 | $105.50 | N/A | $76.03 |
Average | $28.65 | $67.78 | $26.35 | $47.10 |
Read our full Embrace review.
4. Pets Best
Why we like Pets Best for cats:
Unlike most pet insurers with one accident and illness plan, Pets Best offers three options for cat owners. Its comprehensive BestBenefit policies are designed to meet the needs of cat owners with various budgets and needs.
If you have a kitten in generally good health, for example, the entry-level Essential tier is likely a good option, especially if you’d like to save some cash. It covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary conditions, emergency care, surgeries, and medications.
For exam fee coverage, you’ll need to upgrade to the Plus plan. The top-tier Elite plan might make sense if you have an older cat or feline with special needs as it covers rehabilitative, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. There’s also a bare-bones accident-only plan that might be worthwhile if your main goal is to save on out-of-pocket costs from swallowed objects, bite wounds, and other common cat-related accidents.
Pros
Wellness plans available for kittens and adult cats
Offers direct pay to vets to offset out-of-pocket expenses
Multi-pet and military discounts offered in select states
Cons
You need a higher-tier plan for exam fee and alternative therapy coverage
Doesn’t cover prescription food or supplements
Only three annual coverage options: $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited
Sample rates for cat with Pets Best
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $13.59 | $24.37 | $30.12 | $22.69 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $13.59 | $24.37 | $30.12 | $22.69 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $41.32 | $67.10 | $82.93 | $63.78 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $16.32 | $27.67 | $33.66 | $25.88 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $13.59 | $24.37 | $30.12 | $22.69 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $58.52 | $85.21 | $103.65 | $82.46 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $16.64 | $27.67 | $33.66 | $25.99 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $18.56 | $30.87 | $37.55 | $28.99 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $67.52 | $95.59 | $116.28 | $93.13 |
Average | $28.85 | $45.25 | $55.34 | $43.66 |
Read our full Pets Best review.
5. ASPCA Pet Health
Why we like ASPCA Pet Health for cats:
Many cats have breed-specific and pre-existing conditions. These conditions often require costly medical care that many pet insurance companies exclude. ASPCA Pet Health stands out because its Complete Coverage plan may cover hereditary and breed-specific conditions as well as pre-existing conditions if they’re curable and the cat has been symptom-free for 180 days.
You can also add on a preventative care package for cats to help pay for FVRCP vaccine/titer, rabies or FIP vaccine/titer, the FeLV vaccine, and other routine care services. Additionally, ASPCA Pet Health will reward you with a discount if you insure multiple pets and/or work in a veterinary office.
Pros
Accepts senior cats
Advertises cat insurance premiums as low as $8 per month
24/7 telehealth services
Cons
Doesn’t cover bilateral conditions
No option for 100% reimbursement
Slower claims processing of up to 30 days
Sample rates for cats with ASPCA Pet Health
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $15.29 | $38.26 | $26.03 | $26.53 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $16.16 | $44.64 | $29.25 | $30.02 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $39.31 | $79.71 | $67.18 | $62.07 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $21.08 | $39.77 | $38.05 | $32.97 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $22.29 | $46.40 | $42.76 | $37.15 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $54.22 | $82.86 | $98.19 | $78.42 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $15.29 | $38.26 | $26.03 | $26.53 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $16.16 | $44.64 | $29.25 | $30.02 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $39.31 | $79.71 | $67.18 | $62.07 |
Average | $26.56 | $54.92 | $47.10 | $42.86 |
Read our full ASPCA Health review.
6. Fetch
Why we like Fetch for cats:
Fetch offers affordable premiums for younger, healthy cats. Its plans offer comprehensive coverage for sick-visit exam fees, dental care, holistic care services, behavioral therapy, supplements, and boarding fees.
While annual payout limits cap out at $15,000, if your pet is in generally good health, this may actually save you money. You can also choose a lower maximum annual payout of $5,000 or $10,000. If you do file a claim, you can complete the form online or on the highly-rated mobile app. Then, you can expect a reimbursement in as little as 2 days.
Pros
Available to cats ages 6 weeks and up
Wellness coverage is available in three tiers
Covers $1,000 per year for virtual visits
Cons
Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
Premiums can be high for cats
Claims processing may take around 15 days
Sample rates for cats with Fetch
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $21.66 | $32.97 | $24.60 | $26.41 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $23.38 | $33.54 | $33.40 | $30.11 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $61.26 | $122.29 | $112.79 | $98.78 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $25.62 | $52.09 | $27.59 | $35.10 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $31.86 | $65.18 | $37.64 | $44.89 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $69.28 | $137.81 | $128.80 | $111.96 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $21.66 | $41.30 | $26.06 | $29.67 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $28.19 | $56.40 | $35.48 | $40.02 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $72.28 | $144.07 | $120.32 | $112.22 |
Average | $39.47 | $76.18 | $60.74 | $58.80 |
Read our full Fetch review.
7. Healthy Paws
Why we like Healthy Paws for cats:
While some pet insurance companies cap reimbursements, Healthy Paws doesn’t impose maximum or annual lifetime payouts, which is a huge selling point if your feline friend has significant health issues. You can choose from three deductibles, including $100, $250, and $500 as well as reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%.
Healthy Paws also stands out for its direct pay option for some claims. This may be a huge plus if you’d like to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. If you’re interested in direct pay, make sure you contact the pet insurer and make arrangements in advance.
Pros
Affordable premiums for kittens and young cats
Fast 2-day claims processing
Offers coverage for prescription medications
Cons
Doesn’t offer discount opportunities
Age restrictions for cats with hip dysplasia
No option to purchase a wellness plan and offset routine care costs
Sample rates for cats with Healthy Paws
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $13.44 | $19.79 | $23.89 | $19.04 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $17.13 | $23.84 | $29.79 | $23.59 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $52.22 | N/A | $78.45 | $65.34 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $18.48 | $28.93 | $32.85 | $26.75 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $23.56 | $34.85 | $40.97 | $33.13 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $71.79 | N/A | $107.86 | $89.83 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $16.81 | $25.40 | $29.88 | $24.03 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $21.43 | $30.60 | $37.26 | $29.76 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $65.32 | N/A | $98.14 | $81.73 |
Average | $33.35 | $27.24 | $53.22 | $43.69 |
Read our full Healthy Paws review.
8. Figo
Why we like Figo for cats:
Out of all the pet insurance companies we evaluated, Figo offers the cheapest rates for cats.
It offers three plans for cats: Essential, Preferred, and Unlimited. The Essential has a $5,000 annual reimbursement rate, while the Preferred, the most popular plan, has a $10,000 annual maximum.
If your cat has serious health concerns or you’d like optimal peace of mind, the Unlimited plan will ensure that Figo will reimburse all of your eligible vet expenses. Even though Figo’s premiums are very affordable, you don’t have to skimp on coverage as the plans cover holistic and alternative treatments, chronic conditions, and even orthopedic conditions.
Pros
Short, one-day waiting period for accidents
Optional coverages or “Power Ups” for preventative care and exam fees
Includes a personalized pet tag to help you find your cat if they go missing
Cons
Longer waiting periods for orthopedic conditions and hip dysplasia unless you sign a waiver
Doesn’t offer accident-only plans
No coverage for prescription cat food
Sample rates for cats with Figo
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $8.99 | $24.02 | $23.47 | $18.83 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $10.13 | $22.95 | $22.42 | $18.50 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $28.98 | $61.10 | $59.69 | $49.92 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $8.99 | $24.02 | $23.47 | $18.83 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $10.13 | $22.95 | $22.42 | $18.50 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $28.98 | $61.10 | $59.69 | $49.92 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $8.54 | $22.83 | $24.00 | $18.46 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $9.62 | $21.81 | $22.92 | $18.12 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $27.55 | $58.07 | $61.04 | $48.89 |
Average | $15.77 | $35.43 | $35.46 | $28.86 |
Read our full Figo review.
9. Pumpkin
Why we like Pumpkin for cats:
If you enroll your cat and another pet(s), you’ll land a multi-pet discount with Pumpkin. The pet insurer will reward you with a 10% discount for each pet you include in your coverage. You can expect a standard 90% reimbursement rate and choose between $7,000, $15,00 or unlimited annual coverage limits. Deductible options are flexible and range from $100 to $1,000.
With Pumpkin’s accident and illness plan, you’ll receive coverage for dental illnesses, behavioral conditions, alternative therapies, and supplements. Its Preventative Essentials plan for cats is an add-on that will reimburse you for 1 annual exam, 1 disease prevention vaccine, and 1 fecal test for intestinal worms.
Pros
Covers exam fees
No upper age limits, meaning senior cats are welcome
Offers a Wellness Club, which is a standalone wellness plan that comes with a PawSupport, a 24/7 pet health helpline
Cons
Only offers 80% or 90% reimbursement rates
Doesn’t offer an option to pay vets directly
No mobile app for easy claims processing
Sample rates for cats with Pumpkin
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic shorthair, Age 1 | $12.21 | $32.62 | $19.99 | $21.61 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 4 | $12.90 | $38.05 | $22.47 | $24.47 |
Domestic shorthair, Age 10 | $31.39 | $67.95 | $51.59 | $50.31 |
Bengal, Age 1 | $16.84 | $33.91 | $29.23 | $26.66 |
Bengal, Age 4 | $16.10 | $39.56 | $32.84 | $29.50 |
Bengal, Age 10 | $43.30 | $70.64 | $75.42 | $63.12 |
Ragdoll, Age 1 | $12.21 | $32.62 | $19.99 | $21.61 |
Ragdoll, Age 4 | $12.90 | $38.05 | $22.47 | $24.47 |
Ragdoll, Age 10 | $31.39 | $67.95 | $51.59 | $50.31 |
Average | $21.03 | $46.82 | $36.18 | $34.67 |
Read our full Pumpkin review
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Cat Insurance
The BestMoney team looked at the following categories to pinpoint the best pet insurance companies for cats.
Coverage terms: We compared plans: accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness options. Our team also focused on waiting periods as well as deductible, coverage limit, and reimbursement options. We also evaluated exclusions and coverages for commonly excluded items.
Availability: Our team looked at the geographical availability of each pet insurance company. Some insurers serve cat lovers in all 50 states while only insure those in select states.
Costs: We compared sample rates for cats to national averages and the plans of other competing pet insurers. Plus, we paid attention to value and discounts.
Claims process: Our team determined the ease of the claims process. We also looked at claims reimbursement times.
Customer service: We explored each pet insurance company’s reputation and customer service. In addition, we reviewed scores on third-party sites, such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
To read our extended methodology for researching pet insurance companies, click here.
What Is Cat Insurance?
“Aside from being generally lower in cost than pet insurance for dogs, it works in the same way. In general, pet insurance is a financial safety net that helps pet parents manage the cost of veterinary care,” explains Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.
It reimburses a portion of the expenses related to accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine wellness care. This allows pet parents and veterinarians to focus on a pet’s health and provide the best possible care without the added stress or constraints of unexpected costs.
How Much Does Cat Insurance Cost?
According to the latest figures from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), average premiums for cat insurance are $31.94 per month or $383.30 annually for accident and illness coverage. For an accident-only plan, cat parents pay an average of $9.68 per month or $116.11 per year.
Key Features of Good Cat Insurance
As you explore various cat insurance options, be sure to focus on these important features:
Cancer treatment and alternative therapy coverage
“While no feline parent wants to think of their cat needing to use these, coverage for eligible treatment options can make ensuring your pet receives the best care possible more attainable, “ says Turano.
Fortunately, many pet insurers cover cancer treatment and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy, either as part of an accident and illness plan or as an add-on.
Shorter waiting periods
A waiting period is the amount of time you need to wait after enrolling in a pet insurance policy before coverages take effect. It ensures that the policy isn’t used for conditions that already exist or for accidents that occur immediately after enrollment.
It’s important to know that all pet insurance companies have waiting periods. “These waiting periods exist to ensure fairness and keep premiums reasonable for all pet owners. However, some policies might have shorter waiting periods than others,” says Dr. Cahn.
Pre-existing condition coverage
A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue your cat has experienced before the start date of their insurance policy or during a designated waiting period.
Pet insurance companies typically exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. However, some are more lenient and will cover your cat if they remain symptom-free for a set time.
How to Find the Best Insurance for Your Cat
With these tips, you’ll find it easier to zero in on the right cat insurance coverage.
Determine your situation
“Finding the right cat insurance plan for you is dependent on your cat’s health needs and your financial needs and your approach to veterinary care,” says Dr. Turano. Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, it’ll be easier to narrow down pet insurance companies and start your search.
Take advantage of your personal network
“Ask family, friends, and your veterinarian for recommendations,” says Dr. Cahn. There’s a good chance they’ve worked with a pet insurance company they use and like. These people can also inform you of bad experiences with pet insurers and who to avoid.
Understand coverage options
All policies have their own unique set of inclusions and exclusions. “Familiarize yourself with policy options, such as deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits,” explains Dr. Cahn. Some pet insurers offer accident and illness plans, accident-only coverage, and wellness plans while others focus on one type of policy.
Insure your pet early
While it may be tempting to put off cat insurance, doing so can cost you. Enrolling your pet early (when they are young and healthy) helps avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions. You’ll find that many pet insurance companies increase premiums as cats age.
Consider wellness coverage
Most pet insurance companies offer wellness plans to offset the cost of routine care services for your cat. If you know you’ll take your feline to the vet for wellness exams, vaccines, and related services, a wellness add-on may be worth it.
Frequently asked questions
What Insurance Is Best for My Cat?
The best cat insurance company depends on your unique cat and situation. Our top picks include Lemonade, Spot, Embrace, Pets Best, ASPCA Pet Health, Healthy Paws, Fetch, Figo, and Pumpkin.
How Much Should Cat Insurance Cost?
Cat insurance is generally more affordable than dog insurance and will be based on factors like your location, your cat’s age and breed, the pet insurer you choose, and your coverage details. Average premiums are $31.94 per month for an accident and illness policy and $9.68 per month for an accident-only plan.
What is the Best Age to Buy Cat Insurance?
The best time to buy cat insurance coverage is when your cat is a kitten. This can help you land the most affordable rates as pet insurers will perceive your pet as healthier and less risky to insure.
