Top tips for finding the best cat insurance.

 

  • Never buy insurance based on price alone. Check that the policy provides cover that best fits you and your cat’s needs.
  • Pay particular attention to the basis on which the insurance provider pays claims for veterinary fees. Policies can pay out on a ‘per condition’, ‘per condition with a time limit’ or ‘lifetime’ cover basis. Lifetime cover can be more expensive but it does provide cover for long-term conditions. There are also some ‘accident only’ plans available.
  • Remember to check the policy excess and make sure you understand how it works now and in the future.
  • Cat insurance and dog insurance are different. Dog owners are legally responsible for any accident or injury caused by their pet and, as such, it’s necessary to have third party liability cover in pet insurance. Cat owners do not need this. 
  • If you don’t understand the cover provided, don’t be afraid to ask the provider.

The most important thing is to make provision for any eventuality and, if you choose insurance as the way to do that, you need to take care that the cover you select matches your needs, both for the benefits available and the ongoing cost of providing that cover. 

Pet insurance principally provides cover for veterinary fees if your cat is injured or becomes sick, but other benefits may include the costs of advertising if your cat is lost, the costs involved in looking after your cat should you need hospital treatment and, in some cases, holiday cancellation if your cat is sick or injured close to your departure date or while you are away.

To help owners make an informed decision, the good people at fabcats have put together a ‘Fabcats guide to cat insurance’ which you can find on their website:

www.fabcats.org – or you can have it sent to you.

Extract from Cat Care (issue three 2012

One Cat is Company

"One cat is company.
Two cats are a conspiracy. 
Three cats is an attempted takeover.
Four or more cats is a complete coup!"

Shona Steele (Australia)

Sponsored Advert