Purchasing pet insurance for cats can help pet owners manage unexpected veterinary expenses arising from illnesses, accidents, or injuries. Depending on the policy, coverage may also extend to specific situations such as loss or straying. Understanding how cat insurance works, what it covers, and its potential benefits can help you decide whether it is worth considering for your pet.
Why Should You Purchase Pet Insurance for Your Cat?
Purchasing pet insurance for your cat is necessary for many reasons. Let us have a look at what are the benefits of buying cat insurance:
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Covers Expensive Bills for Your Cat
One of the primary benefits of cat insurance is that it provides reimbursements for vet bills up to the sum insured amount. Top pet insurance providers like Bajaj General Insurance pay eligible claim amounts subject to the policy terms. Your claim amount depends on your plan, sub-limits, waiting periods, and documents.
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Coverage for Illness and Disease
In case your cat gets any illness like obesity or respiratory infections, a pet insurance policy will pay the treatment expenses for it after a waiting period. However, you cannot claim the amount if the particular illness falls within the applicable waiting period.
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Accident Cover
Your cat may get accidentally injured while playing or walking outside. A pet insurance policy can cover the expenses for injuries like wounds or fractures, depending on the policy wording. It is important to note that the waiting period for accidental claims is comparatively shorter than illness claims.
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Surgery and Hospitalisation
Your pet cat may need hospitalisation or even surgery due to injuries if advised by a medical advisor. The cost of surgeries and hospitalisation is much higher in India. According to The Hindu, a three-month treatment for a cat may cost around ₹1.2 lakh.
A pet insurance policy will pay the total costs of treatment up to the sum insured amount. However, coverage for any pre-existing disease depends on the policy details.
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Third-Party Liability Protection
This type of coverage pays the amount if your cat accidentally causes injury to other people or damages their property, as per the policy wording. It may be useful if your pet regularly interacts with your neighbours or visitors.
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Coverage for Loss and Straying
Cat insurance also provides coverage if a pet is stolen or lost, subject to policy conditions. Since this coverage is not universal, you should confirm whether it is included in the base policy or appears as an optional cover.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Just like a health insurance policy, a pet insurance policy works the same way. Have a look at the pointers below to understand the process in more detail:
- You pay a premium against your insurance policy monthly, annually, or quarterly. This premium helps your insurance provider provide coverage for your pet’s claim.
- You have to choose a sum insured amount for your cat, which is directly related to your pet insurance premium. The higher the sum insured, the higher the premium will be.
- It is customised to your sum insured amount for your cat based on what will suit it best. For instance, older cats may require a higher coverage amount.
- A pet insurance coverage includes some basic benefits and some which you can opt for as add-ons. For instance, top insurers like Bajaj General Insurance do not cover vaccinations under the basic cat insurance plans. You have to choose it as an add-on.
Final Thought
Buying pet insurance for your cat is essential, but choosing the right one can be difficult. Before choosing a pet insurance policy from an insurer, you need to evaluate their coverage details, benefits, and key inclusions and exclusions. Ultimately, pet insurance is not only about managing costs, but also securing a healthier life for your cat.
