Is Pet Insurance Worth It for an Indoor Cat?
Caring for a pet, it's important to have access to veterinary services. Injuries and illnesses happen even to the most well-loved creatures, and vet visits can be expensive. Pet insurance offers covered and discounted vet services in return for a monthly fee. However, indoor cats are among the least prone to accident or injury because they live sedate lives in a safe environment.
So, is it pet insurance worth it for an indoor cat? And if you don't get pet insurance, what other ways can you prepare for the occasional vet bill?
What is Pet Insurance?
There are many different types of pet insurance based on the policy provider. Only some offer a good deal on the real vet expenses you need while others play on a pet owner's concerns and desire for peace of mind. Pet insurance may cover a certain number of vet checkups per year and may offer discounts on things like medications, surgery, and emergency care.
However, indoor cats rarely get into real trouble. Injury is uncommon (though possible) and illness is more likely to happen in later years if your indoor cat is not exposed to other animals. So, there is a real debate as to whether pet insurance is a practical choice for indoor cats.
The Right Age for Pet Insurance
The age of your cat can determine whether pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. In general, it is more practical to get pet insurance for kittens and less practical for older indoor cats. This is partly due to a susceptibility to injury and partly because of the limitation on pre-existing conditions.
Pet Insurance and Preexisting Conditions
Most pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means you can't start a new policy if your cat has already been diagnosed with a medical condition that you need coverage for. It's not a great system, but pets don't get the same pre-existing condition protections that people do.
This means that pet insurance is more valuable if you secure it before your cat is diagnosed with any conditions. Then, you'll need to maintain the same policy (don't switch providers) for your cat's entire lifespan of 10-20 years.
Pet Insurance is Most Practical for Kittens
Kittens are the most prone to injury and illness, so pet insurance may be worthwhile for indoor kittens during their first two years of life.
Pet Insurance My Not Be Worthwhile for Older Cats
Older cats are less likely to be injured from misadventure and more likely to have pre-existing conditions. This means that it is less practical and less possible to get good pet insurance for an older indoor cat unless they've had the same policy since kittenhood.
Pet Insurance and Kitty Tooth Brushing
It may seem strange, but whether you brush your cat's teeth can also influence your decision. Dental disease is among the most common health problems for cats as they get older, and having discounted vet services can help with that. Most cats will not tolerate tooth brushing and, to be frank, most cat owners are not about to get the toothbrush.
Dental treats can help, but you the right pet insurance policy can provide necessary vet services if your cat develops a dental disease. Before you get pet insurance, make sure it covers dental cleanings and extractions.
Pet Savings vs. Pet Insurance for an Indoor Cat
Rather than pet insurance, consider savings instead.
Indoor cats don't need vet services often, which means yearly checkups and discounts are often less valuable than financial planning for the occasional big vet bill. When wondering if pet insurance is worth it for an indoor cat, the answer is often "no" because the premiums will not actually help you take better care of your cat, and the benefits are not as valuable as full coverage for a vet bill every few years.
Instead of paying for pet insurance, you can save money in a high-yield savings account for your pet. Having an emergency vet fund is often more practical than buying pet insurance for an indoor cat. This way, every dollar you set aside for your cat can to go a future vet bill with no worries about coverage or claims. The longer your cat stays healthy, the more your savings account will accrue additional value for those occasional vet visits and later life health concerns.
Pet-Friendly Apartments in St Louis, MO
The first step to building a healthy life for you and your cat is to find a welcoming home. You can find pet-friendly apartments in St Louis at The District Apartments. Every family is welcome to keep up to 2 cats per apartment, and yes, we would love to meet them. Bring your cats to the office for a scruffle before building an oasis for your furry friends in your apartment. Contact us to learn more about our pet policy and available apartments.