Introduction
Pets are family, and as our cats get into their senior years (typically over 10-12 years old), providing care for them becomes more important than ever. However, insuring older cats also comes with some unique challenges. While most pet insurance providers do offer coverage for pets over 10, premiums are typically higher and coverage more limited for senior cats. Pre-existing conditions are often excluded, and overall costs may be greater due to the higher likelihood of illness or injury. However, pet insurance can still provide worthwhile financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs. This guide will walk through the key considerations for insuring an older cat.
https://www.progressive.com/answers/senior-pet-insurance/
Why Insure an Older Cat?
As cats age, their health risks increase significantly. According to Pawlicy (Can You Get Pet Insurance For Older Cats?), older cats are prone to chronic conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, cancer, and dental issues. These conditions often require frequent vet visits, prescriptions, x-rays, bloodwork and other diagnostics that can get very expensive.
Pet insurance can provide financial assistance for managing age-related health problems. With insurance, you don’t have to worry as much about costs when bringing your senior cat to the vet. You can focus on getting your cat the best care possible. Given the likelihood of illness in older cats, pet insurance is worth considering to reduce the financial stress of caring for a senior feline.
Challenges of Insuring Senior Cats
There are a few key challenges pet owners may face when trying to get pet insurance for an older cat according to Pawlicy and Wagmo.
One major challenge is that pre-existing conditions are often not covered by pet insurance policies. Once a cat reaches age 10, it becomes much more likely they will develop chronic illnesses like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, cancer or diabetes. But if the condition began prior to enrollment in the policy, expenses related to it will not be reimbursed.
Premiums also tend to be higher for senior cat insurance plans. Insurance companies classify pets over 10 years old as “senior” or “mature” and charge higher premiums to account for the increased likelihood of illness and veterinary expenses.
Tips for Finding Coverage
When looking for pet insurance for an older cat, it’s important to compare multiple insurers to find the best coverage and rate. Some key factors to consider include:
Compare policies across multiple providers like Progressive, Pawlicy, ASPCA, and others. Look at premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, covered conditions, and exclusions.
Look for policies that offer wellness coverage for preventative care like annual exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, etc. This is especially important for senior cats who require more frequent veterinary visits.
Consider your cat’s existing health conditions and make sure pre-existing conditions are covered with no waiting period. Choose a higher reimbursement rate (80-90%) since costs are likely higher with an older cat.
Work with an independent pet insurance agent who can compare multiple insurers to find the right policy for your senior feline.
Policy Options and Costs
There are a few main types of pet insurance policies available for cats:
Accident-only: Covers only injuries from accidents, like broken bones or bite wounds. Average monthly cost is $6 for cats.
Accident & illness: Covers accidents plus common illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes. Average monthly cost is $32 for cats.
Comprehensive: Covers accidents, illnesses, preventative care, prescriptions, dental, and more. Average monthly cost is $28 to $90 for cats.
Deductibles typically range from $100 to $500 per year, and reimbursement rates are usually 70-90%. Higher deductibles and lower reimbursement percentage equals lower premiums.
For 10 year old cats, accident-only policies tend to be more affordable, while comprehensive plans can cost over $100/month due to age-related conditions.
Covered Conditions
There are many health issues that commonly affect senior cats that pet insurance policies will cover. According to Pawlicy, some of the most common conditions covered for older cats include:
- Arthritis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Dental disease
- Urinary tract infections
Most pet insurance companies will cover diagnosis and treatment costs related to these chronic illnesses in senior cats. However, coverage may be limited based on the policy maximums and exclusions. It’s important to read the fine print to understand what each company will and won’t cover for older pets.
Excluded Conditions
When getting pet insurance for an older cat, it’s important to be aware of exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Most pet insurance companies will not cover any pre-existing conditions, which are defined as illnesses or injuries that occurred or showed symptoms prior to enrollment in the policy.
According to Progressive, pre-existing conditions are the top exclusion for senior pets. This is because as pets age, they are more likely to develop chronic illnesses like kidney disease, arthritis, cancer or diabetes. Insurance providers will review your pet’s medical history to determine what counts as pre-existing.
Conditions that are symptomatic at the time of enrollment, have occurred in the past, or that your vet has advised monitoring would all likely be excluded. Some companies may impose a waiting period before covering a pre-existing condition. According to ManyPets, you may be able to get a condition covered if your pet has been symptom and treatment-free for 18 months.
Other common exclusions include wellness care like annual exams, vaccines, dental cleanings or spay/neuter. Most insurers also won’t cover grooming, behavioral issues, breeding or pregnancy. Review all exclusions carefully and consult your vet when choosing a senior cat policy.
Claims Process
The claims process for pet insurance is relatively straightforward. After visiting the veterinarian and receiving a bill, the policyholder needs to complete a claim form and submit it along with the itemized invoice to the insurance company. Most pet insurance providers allow claims to be submitted online, by mail, fax, or through a mobile app.
According to Investopedia, the basic steps for filing a pet insurance claim are:1
- Conduct a direct pay pre-check to see if your vet accepts direct payment from the insurer.
- Note the policy’s waiting period before coverage kicks in.
- Review your policy’s coverage details, terms, and conditions.
- Obtain a claim form from the insurer.
- Compile supporting documents like vet receipts/invoices.
- Submit the completed claim form and documents.
The insurance company will review the claim and supporting documentation. If approved, they will reimburse a percentage of the costs, after subtracting any deductible. Policyholders can expect to receive reimbursement funds within 2-4 weeks via check or direct deposit.
Is Pet Insurance Worth it?
When considering pet insurance for an older cat, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s truly worth the cost for your specific situation.
Some of the potential benefits of insuring an older cat include:
- Coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries that can occur more frequently in senior cats
- Protection against costly vet bills that may be unmanageable for many pet owners
- Peace of mind knowing you can access care without financial limitations
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to evaluate:
- Premiums will likely be higher for older cats, especially those with pre-existing conditions
- Many policies have age limits and may not cover cats over 10-12 years old
- Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered
- Higher deductibles and copays for senior pets
Overall, pet insurance can provide valuable financial assistance for senior cat care. But be sure to read the fine print and understand exclusions. For very elderly cats, the premiums may outweigh the potential benefits. Consulting with your vet can help determine if insurance makes sense in your unique situation.
Conclusion
As cats age, health issues become more likely and vet bills add up. While insuring an older cat can be expensive and challenging, the right policy provides peace of mind. Focus on maximum annual coverage with a low deductible to get the most value. Prioritize illness coverage over accident coverage. Read all policy documents closely and submit claims promptly. For a healthy senior cat, the cost of pet insurance may be worthwhile to cover unexpected illnesses and injuries. With an aging cat, prepare for higher premiums and exclusions, but insurance can still offset expensive medical bills.
The key is finding the right policy that balances coverage and cost based on your cat’s needs. While insuring an older cat is more limited, owners shouldn’t assume it’s impossible. With research and understanding exclusions, even senior cats can benefit from pet insurance. The security of coverage for chronic conditions or cancer can provide significant financial relief. While vet bills inevitably rise as cats age, the right insurance allows owners to focus on their pet’s health and quality of life.