What's The Best Cat Insurance in 2023?

Cats have been by our side for as long as 12,000 years according to scientists, and today Canadian families count about 7.9 million cats as their family members.

We all know that cats are fiercely independent — until they need something! And it is their owner’s role to look after them when they are hurt or unwell.

If your cat got injured or sick, would you be able to afford the thousands of dollars it may cost to treat them? Is your cat protected? This guide will introduce you to the different types of cat insurance, what it covers, how much it costs and why you need it.

Canada's Best Cat Insurances For 2023

When it comes to selecting the right insurance for your cat, understanding the policies, coverage options, and exclusions is crucial. With a myriad of insurance providers available, each offering different plans, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit.

In this section, we will provide an overview of some of the best cat insurance options, what they offer, what they don't cover, common exclusions, and potential discounts available.

By exploring these key factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the insurance policy that best suits your cat's needs and your budget.

Trupanion cat Insurance, unlimited coverage without payout limits

Trupanion Pet Insurance, a renowned player in the pet insurance industry since 1998, stands out with its unique Lifetime Policy.

With an impressive claim payout of nearly $2 billion, Trupanion offers unlimited coverage for cats without per incident, annual, or lifetime payout limits. Their reimbursement rate of 90% ensures that a significant portion of your veterinary expenses will be covered.

Trupanion allows you to customise your deductible, ranging from $0 to $1,000, enabling you to select a monthly cost that fits your budget.

A notable feature of Trupanion is its lifetime per condition deductible, meaning you only pay the deductible once when your cat develops a new condition.

While routine wellness care is not covered, Trupanion prioritises efficient service and offers the convenience of paying your veterinarian directly before you leave.

It's important to keep in mind that Trupanion's plans do not include wellness coverage, as their focus is primarily on essential medical expenses.

Routine exam fees and preventive treatments are considered part of standard administrative expenses and are therefore not covered.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Trupanion.

What does Trupanion cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• Hereditary conditions
• Undiagnosed issues
• Congenital conditions
• Diagnostic tests
• Surgeries
• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Veterinary supplements
• Herbal therapy
• Prosthetic devices and carts
• Orthotics
• Breed-specific conditions

Now that you're aware of what is covered, it's important to understand what Trupanion pet insurance doesn't cover.

You can get a quick cat insurance quote from our partner Trupanion in just a few seconds:

Fetch cat insurance, an extensive dental coverage

Fetch by The Dodo, formerly known as Petplan, is an esteemed pet insurance company that has been providing reliable protection for cats and dogs since its establishment in 2007.

Affordability is a key aspect of Fetch Pet Insurance, offering various discount options to ensure manageable monthly premiums. Their coverage is designed to address unforeseen accidents and illnesses, prioritising the well-being of cats and dogs at all stages of life.

The company offers premiums starting around $25 per month for cats and lower for kittens. While unlimited coverage is not available, Fetch provides a substantial annual maximum of $15,000, offering protection for a wide range of pet-related issues.

When it comes to customisation, Fetch offers flexibility with choices such as annual deductibles of $250, $300, and $500, annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000, and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%.

Fetch's notable features include extensive dental coverage, pet owner assistance, and valuable inclusions like lost pet advertising and boarding during medical emergencies.

Fetch also provides attractive discounts for cat owners, such as a 10% off for shelter rescues or adopted cats, as well as a 10% discount for active or retired service members.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Fetch Pet Insurance.

What does Fetch cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

You can get a quick cat insurance quote from our partner Fetch in just a few seconds:

Desjardins cat Insurance, three plans to suit your pets needs

Since its launch in January 2013, the Desjardins Pet Insurance Program has been providing comprehensive coverage specifically tailored for cats and dogs.

Underwritten by Petline Insurance, a reputable provider with a 28-year history of insuring over 1.2 million pets, Desjardins Pet Insurance ensures reliable protection for your feline companions.

Desjardins Pet Insurance offers three distinct cat and dog insurance plans: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw. The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans stand out by offering extensive coverage for dental care and cleanings, promoting the overall oral health of your cats.

For those opting for the Bronze Paw plan, there is an option to add $500 coverage specifically for dental care. While the maximum coverage amounts may be slightly lower for the Bronze Paw plan at $2,000 and the Silver Paw plan at $4,000, these plans still provide substantial coverage for various cat-related expenses (excluding the Gold Paw unlimited plan).

Policyholders with three or more cats can enjoy a 10% discount on their monthly premiums, making it more cost-effective to insure multiple feline friends under Desjardins Pet Insurance.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Desjardins Pet Insurance.

What does Desjardins Pet insurance cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• X-rays
• Hospitalisation
• Veterinary diagnostics and treatment
• Prescription drugs
• Surgery
• MRIs
• Chemotherapy
• Preventive care coverage
• Dental care
• Behavioural therapy (add-on)
• Alternative therapy (add-on)

Now that you know what Desjardins Pet Insurance covers, let's see what it doesn't cover.

PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance, wide range of treatments and conditions covered

PetsPlusUs pet insurance, a well-established company celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, has positively impacted the lives of 100,000 beloved pets over the past decade.

Setting itself apart from the competition, PetsPlusUs offers member discounts through partnerships with esteemed organisations like Costco and CAA. Costco Pet Insurance provides a 15% discount for Executive Members and a 10% discount for Gold Star and Business Members.

PetsPlusUs caters to diverse needs by offering three comprehensive plans and the option to add wellness benefits through the Flex Care policy. They also offer the convenience of direct payment to the veterinarian for expensive cases, simplifying the claims process.

An advantageous feature of PetsPlusUs plans is the absence of special waiting periods, ensuring prompt coverage for your cats.

Cat owners can customise their monthly premiums by selecting deductible and reimbursement rate options that align with their specific requirements.

The accident and illness plan offers coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while the accident insurance plan provides coverage of $5,000, offering enhanced value compared to similar plans in the market.

Reimbursement options are flexible as well. For the accident and illness plan, pet owners can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of the veterinary bill, including taxes. The accident insurance plan has a fixed reimbursement rate of 80%.

PetsPlusUs takes pride in its 4Life Guarantee, ensuring continuous benefit renewal throughout your cat's lifetime. They cover all breeds and breed-associated health conditions, with the exception of pre-existing conditions.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of PetPlusUs.

What does PetsPlusUs cover? Well, here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

Now that you know what the PetsPlusUs pet insurance covers, it's important to know what it doesn't.

Furkin Pet Insurance, up to $20,000 coverage every year

Furkin Pet Insurance is a trusted and comprehensive choice for pet owners across Canada, dedicated to nurturing the special bond between pets and their families. With a team of experienced experts in pet health and insurance, Furkin ensures reliable coverage and support.

What sets Furkin apart is its unlimited 'per condition' benefits, offering comprehensive protection for your beloved cat. This means that your annual coverage can be utilised for multiple illnesses or accidents throughout the year, providing peace of mind.

Furkin gives you the flexibility to choose the deductible that suits you best, allowing you to have control over your monthly premium. Their Lifetime Coverage has no caps on eligible conditions, ensuring continuous coverage year after year, regardless of ongoing or recurring health issues.

With automatic annual renewals, Furkin simplifies the process, ensuring your cat remains protected without any interruptions.

Furkin's policy provides a generous $20,000 annual maximum benefit, without per incident or per illness limits. This means that your cat can receive necessary care and treatment without financial constraints hindering their well-being.

To offer additional support, Furkin provides 24/7 access to a Telehealth hotline staffed by knowledgeable veterinary nurses. This gives you professional guidance whenever you need it.

As a Furkin policyholder, you also receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an invaluable online pet triaging software that helps you assess your cat's health and provide appropriate care.

Furkin Pet Insurance ensures that you have the comprehensive coverage, financial security, and expert support needed to provide the best care for your furry companion.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Furkin.

What does Furkin cover? Well, here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• Alternative Therapies
• Anaesthesia and Surgery
• Dental Injuries
• Diagnostics
• Emergency Care
• Exam Fees
• Prescription Medications
• Referral and Specialist Fees
• Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
• Hospitalisation
• Imaging - CT scans, MRI and X-Rays
• Medical Procedures
• Applicable Taxes
• Lost Pet Advertising and Reward
• Coverage While Travelling
• Boarding Fees
• Holiday Trip Cancellation
• Prescription Foods
• Euthanasia Costs

Now that you know what the Furkin pet insurance covers, it's important to know what it doesn't.

PHI Direct cat Insurance, cheapest monthly premium

PHI Direct, a well-established insurance brand with over 20 years of experience in pet health and insurance, offers affordable and reliable coverage.

With PHI Direct Pet Insurance, pet owners can enjoy coverage of up to 80%. The annual policy limits, available in options of $5,000 or $10,000, provide financial protection and flexibility to suit various budgets and needs.

PHI Direct's comprehensive coverage includes essential services such as taxes, examination fees, prescription medications, treatment for breed-specific conditions, alternative therapies, dental treatments for tooth fractures, parasite treatments, and more.

Setting themselves apart, PHI Direct offers a low deductible of $200, ensuring affordability for cat owners. Additionally, they provide a 5% multi-pet discount, making it even more cost-effective to protect multiple furry family members.

A notable feature of PHI Direct is their unique 'New-Condition' Coverage. This coverage specifically addresses the initial high costs associated with diagnosing and treating a new illness or injury in your cats and dogs.

By covering the first 12 months of a new condition, PHI Direct helps cat owners manage their budgets for ongoing care of chronic conditions or future treatments in subsequent policy years.

According to the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct offers significantly lower average premiums, with approximately 45.8% less for dog insurance and 37.7% less for cat insurance.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of PHI Direct Pet Insurance.

What does PHI Direct cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

Now that you know what the PHI Direct pet insurance covers, it's important to know what it doesn't.

What is cat insurance?

Cat insurance is a type of health insurance for your cat, protecting your furry companion and your wallet from hardship should they get injured or sick. It essentially covers any costs associated with your cat’s health.

You may be thinking that the cost of animal medical care is far from that of humans, but most people have health insurance for their pets, and the vet costs can quickly rocket if you have an animal in need of long-term care. That’s where cat insurance comes in, so you can relax knowing that your feline is protected. There are a wide variety of providers to choose from, and the best way to find the right policy for you is to use our comparison tool at the top of this page.

Annually, each Canadian spends around $3,200 on their kitten and $2,500 on their cat. A big part of those costs is from veterinary care like vaccination, checkups and unexpected health problems.

For the average Canadian, cat insurance means being prepared for the unexpected and having the power to act when it comes to the health of their cat.

Let's take a look at some typical vet costs in Canada:

How much is cat insurance?

Like most insurance, the cost of cat insurance in Canada varies. How much you pay and what is covered will depend on the policy you purchase. Price varies depending on what is covered, your reimbursement rate, the deductible and the annual payout limit.

Example of cat insurance cost

Below, you can see how much cat insurance costs for Canada’s most common breed using Fetch insurance as an example:

Most insurers provide coverage nationally, so there is no reason why cat insurance in BC should be more or less expensive than cat insurance in Ontario. Cat insurance is, however, typically less expensive than insurance for dogs. It does pay to compare insurance providers, including Trupanion and others, to get the best coverage at the best price.

8 tips for cheap cat insurance

When it comes to finding cheap cat insurance in Canada, consider these eight tips:

1. Opt for Accident-Only Coverage: Accident-only insurance plans are often cheaper than comprehensive coverage options.
2. Customise Your Policy: Tailor your policy to your cat's specific needs to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage.
3. Adjust Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates: Choosing higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates can lower your premiums, though it may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim.
4. Seek Discounts: Look for multi-pet discounts when insuring multiple cats with the same provider.
5. Bundle Insurance Policies: Bundling your cat insurance with other types of insurance may qualify you for additional discounts.
6. Explore Membership Clubs: Check if membership clubs like Costco offer exclusive savings on cat insurance rates.
7. Enrol Early: Enrolling your cat at a young age can lead to lower premiums as insurance rates are typically more affordable for kittens and younger cats.
8. Maintain Your Pet's Health: Some insurance providers offer diminishing deductibles as a reward for keeping your cat in good health.

How does cat insurance work?

Cat insurance in Canada helps reduce the financial burden of planned and unforeseen veterinary costs or eliminates it entirely. Using the comparison tool on top and choosing the best policy for you buys you peace of mind and is often the only way pet owners can afford to do the right thing for their cat’s health and comfort.

Once you’ve chosen the best policy for you and your cat, the insurance provider will calculate a premium (based on several factors such as your cat’s age and breed) that you will pay each month.

Usually, you will have to pay upfront for any costs and will be reimbursed by the provider. Rates of reimbursement are typically between 80% and 100%. Although getting the cash to pay out of pocket may not be ideal, being reimbursed means you don’t have to go through the added stress of finding a vet that partners with your insurer. Any licensed vet clinic or animal hospital will do.

Some providers also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or for help finding a vet.

When to buy cat insurance?

The best time to secure insurance for your cat is when they are young, ideally a kitten. Many cats will have at least one medical emergency in their lifetime, which is the reason why veterinarians recommend getting coverage as soon as possible. Most pet owners in Canada buy cat health insurance earlier than 6 months after getting their cat.

Each breed has its health risks, and each stage of a cat’s life comes with its own hazards. Pet insurers will rarely cover a pre-existing condition. That’s why it’s so important to start your coverage while your cat is young.

Also, the younger your cat is when they get insured, the cheaper your insurance policy gets.

What does cat insurance in Canada cover?

Pet health insurance in Canada covers a variety of emergency and longer-term treatments for your cat. The availability of the treatments and the amount reimbursed will depend on your policy’s coverage.

Accident and illness coverage

If your cat suffers an accident or becomes unwell, most insurers will cover the costs of:

Preventative care coverage

Preventative medicine is always more effective (and cheaper in the long run) than reactive medicine. However, usually, only comprehensive insurance plans will cover these kinds of treatments, including:

• Annual examinations
• Vaccines
• Flea treatments
• Urinalysis and fecal analysis
• Heartworm treatment

What isn’t covered by cat insurance?

Cat insurance does not typically cover:

• Routine check-ups
• Any conditions the insurer deems to be pre-existing
• Wellness exam fees
• Vaccinations
• Spay/neuter
• Microchip
• Parasite prevention
• Routine lab work
• Cat insurance doesn't cover dental cleaning

What should I consider when choosing cat insurance?

In Canada, pet owners have many options to choose from when it comes to cat insurance to protect their furry friends and prevent a blow to their wallets.

Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the best cat insurance for you:

• Age: the younger the cat, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be. Also, an older cat is more likely to develop a health condition. Note that insurers never cover pre-existing conditions.
• Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, cat insurance for Bengal and Ragdoll cats costs more than for mixed breeds or Domestic shorthairs.
• Gender: When it comes to insurance, male cats are more expensive than female cats. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums.
• Deductible: the higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium. However, note that your insurance will only start to reimburse your vet costs after you reach the deductible sum out of your own pocket.
• Location: where you live with your cat will influence how much you pay. Certain homes carry more outdoor risks than others.
• Additional coverage: you can purchase additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine, though these will naturally increase the cost of your insurance policy.

How much is a vet visit for a cat without insurance?

Owning a cat can incur average costs of up to $2,500 a year, assuming regular visits and no unexpected vet bills. A typical vet visit may start at $50, but additional expenses can arise from unforeseen illnesses or routine care.

Additional one-time costs include microchipping, averaging around $110, and vaccinations ranging from $215 to $540, including the vet exam.

Emergency vet visits average from $215 to $1,615, and teeth cleaning can cost around $430 to $645. Therefore, a vet visit might cost you a pretty penny without pet insurance.

Can you get pet insurance for your 10-year-old cat?

Yes, all pet insurers will cover a 10-year-old cat, though they will exclude any pre-existing health conditions, and the premium may be a little more expensive.

Some insurance providers do limit or terminate their coverage for cats above a certain age. To insure cats over the age of 10, you will often need additional medical information and exams, and many insurers limit their coverage of cats to 14 years old, but some policies don’t have a limit.

Remember to read your policy well before purchasing it to know exactly what is covered and until what age.

Now that you have all the information you need about cat insurance, you can go ahead and compare the best cat insurances and also get quick quotes using our comparator below.

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