Cat Insurance for Older Cats – Is It Worth It?

More and more cat parents are enrolling their fur babies into pet insurance to help offset the high costs of veterinary care. But what about older cats? Does it make sense to sign them up for pet insurance? The short answer is, it absolutely does. Keep reading to learn why cat insurance for older cats is totally worth it!

When are Cats Considered “Senior?”

If you’ve spent any time shopping around for pet insurance, you’ve likely noticed that many providers enforce upper age limits. These limits typically reduce coverage based on your cat’s age. So you may be wondering when exactly a cat is considered “old,” medically speaking.

Cats are typically considered senior between the ages of seven and 10 years old. If you have a cat around this age, you know they usually still act very youthful. It’s just that they begin to show signs of aging at this time. 

Geriatric cats, on the other hand, are felines at the end of their lifespan. These cats usually are dealing with one or more health issues.

The aging process will be a unique journey for each individual cat and it will be based on different factors such as breed, weight, environment, and lifestyle. Having said that, most cats, the older they get, will start to experience ongoing health issues. Caring for cats as they age can certainly become an expensive endeavor!

Does Pet Insurance Even Cover Older Cats?

Some pet insurance providers limit or reduce coverage for senior cats. Some may have age limits while others do not offer coverage at all.

As an example, Embrace has an upper age limit for enrollments into their accident & illness plans. Cats older than 15 may only be enrolled into an accident-only plan.

Pumpkin is a pet insurance company that does not have any upper age limits for enrollment and they do not limit coverage options as pets age. This is why it’s so important for pet parents to sit down and compare multiple insurance providers to find the  best one for your budget and fur baby. And this is why Pet Insurance Review makes it so easy to compare providers.

Is Cat Insurance More Expensive for Older Cats?

How much you pay for cat insurance will depend on a variety of factors including the breed of pet, your location, and yes, your pet’s age. In general, you will find insuring an older cat will cost more than insuring a younger cat. And this comes down to what we have already mentioned: older cats begin developing more health issues that require expensive vet care than younger cats. Insurance providers know this and charge more to protect themselves from being flooded with expensive claims.

Having said this, there are so many providers on the market today, and many offer entirely customizable plan options. Most cat parents will be able to find a plan they can comfortably afford.

Is It Worth it To Get Cat Insurance for Older Cats?

When you begin to price insurance plans for older cats, you may wonder if those monthly payments are really worth it. A quick read through the over 150,000 pet insurance reviews left by real pet parents like you confirms pet insurance is worth the price at any age!

The truth is, cats can easily live into their teens and some even into their 20s! Having pet insurance means you can give them the best vet care to ensure they lead the longest, healthiest and happiest life. 

As cats age, they become prone to certain health issues such as kidney disease, cancer and arthritis. They don’t fight off infections and other pathogens as robustly as they once did. Cat insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll have help paying for their care.

How to Choose the Right Cat Insurance for Older Cats

It’s important to take your time when shopping for a cat insurance plan for your older cat. As we’ve mentioned, there are numerous providers in the marketplace and all of them have their own coverage options and exclusions. 

Don’t let upper age limits derail your efforts. There are many insurance providers out there that do not have any upper age limits. Some of those are:

• Spot
• Embrace
• Figo

Final Thoughts

As our cats age, they need us to be able to afford the very best care. This ensures they can live long and healthy!

While cat insurance for older cats may cost a bit more, and you may have to do a bit more research to find a provider who offers great coverage, it’s totally worth it for the peace of mind.

References:

https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/defining-senior-age-cats

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.