When you buy something using?links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content?is reviewed &?supervised by?The?Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.

Best Cat Insurance for 2024

  • Of the 11 top pet insurance companies we reviewed, Lemonade stood out for its affordability and short waiting period, MetLife for its near-same-day accident coverage and family plans, and ManyPets for its affordable unlimited coverage.
  • All providers on our list of best cat insurance plans offer a mixture of affordability, ample coverage, and flexible options for tailoring plans to your needs and budget.
  • Based on advice we received from a Veterinarian, opting for an accident and illness plan offers the best value for your money.

Compare Top Pet Insurance Plans

Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin
Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin
Hide top plans Show top plans

Our top picks for the best cat insurance

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Overall Value for the Money

Lemonade Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Lemonade Pet Insurance offers affordable accident and illness coverage and a variety of customizable plans to suit your cat’s needs. They’re among the few providers that include an option for dental coverage, a valuable feature in pet insurance, and they cover recurring conditions.

With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, there is no waiting period for covering accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses.

As an added benefit, you can manage your cat’s policy and file claims through the easy-to-use mobile app. Some users see instant approval and reimbursement for their claims, while others see it within a few days to a week. When it comes to customer service, Lemonade is known for its top-tier support, providing personalized and kind service to its customers.

Add-ons from Lemonade include coverage for preventative care, vet visit fees, dental illness, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance.

PROS

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Discount for bundling with other policies from Lemonade
  • Various add-ons available

CONS

  • Age restrictions
  • Not available in certain states
  • No unlimited coverage option

Accident Coverage Starts Same-day

MetLife Pet Insurance

4.7
GET A QUOTE on MetLife's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

“We like that MetLife offers cat parents same-day accident coverage for your feline friend, which goes into effect at midnight on the day you buy a policy, a far shorter wait than many pet insurance companies require.

We also think it’s cool how they offer a variety of discounts, like multi-pet discounts, employer benefit discounts, first-responder discounts, health care worker discounts, and more. On top of that, your deductible has the potential to decrease each year you 诲辞苍’迟 file a claim!

MetLife is available in all 50 states for cat insurance. Their plans can be customized based on what coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement levels you’d like.

With MetLife, you 诲辞苍’迟 need an initial exam to enroll your cat, there is no upper age limit, and many accidents and illnesses are covered as part of your insurance plan. Although traditional MetLife accident and illness policies 诲辞苍’迟 include wellness exams and dental cleanings, you can opt into their preventative care add-on to get coverage for these things and more.

PROS

  • Deductible as low as $50
  • Coverage for exotic animals
  • No initial exam required for enrollment
  • Super short waiting period of accident coverage

CONS

  • No unlimited coverage option
  • No vet-direct pay
  • Max 3 pets for multipet/family policy

Affordable, Unlimited Coverage

ManyPets

4.5
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%
Deductible choices
$250, $500, $1000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

With ManyPets cat insurance, every policy comes with unlimited coverage, so you won’t have to worry about exceeding your annual limit or facing large vet bills. Despite offering unlimited coverage, the price remains affordable, making ManyPets an excellent choice for comprehensive cat insurance.

ManyPets also stands out by not charging a sign-up fee, which helps keep costs low from the start, unlike many other insurers.

The plan offered by ManyPets is an accident and illness policy. While they 诲辞苍’迟 have an accident-only option, you can add a wellness package to cover essential preventative care, like vaccinations, at an affordable price.

The standard waiting period for accidents and illnesses is 15 days, but this can be shortened to just 1 day if you’re switching from another provider, making it a good option for cat owners seeking quick coverage.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage on all plans
  • No sign-up fee
  • Affordable accident & illness plan

CONS

  • Less customizable than other plans
  • No accident-only option
  • Longer waiting periods for new policy holders

Best for No Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Paw Protect

5.0
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Paw Protect stands out as an excellent choice for cat owners due to its comprehensive coverage and affordability. One of its main draws is that it offers customers a $2,000 interest-free charge card that can be used to pay the vet directly, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses when taking your cat or kitten to the vet. Most other providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed.

Paw Protect offers an accident & illness plan as well as an optional Wellness plan available as an add-on. Like some other providers, it comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case you have an emergency and aren’t sure whether to take your cat in for a visit. It also offers considerable discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

Paw Protect accident and illness plan has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Wellness plan add-on available
  • Pays vet directly

CONS

  • Max age for full coverage
  • Doesn’t cover boarding

Best for Deductible Options

Pets Best Insurance

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

We like Pets Best because it offers competitively priced plans with a wide range of deductible options. This is great for people on a budget as it allows you to tailor your plan to what you can afford. There is also no age limit for sign-ups, meaning you can purchase coverage for your cat later in life. You’ll also get unlimited access to a 24/7 emergency vet hotline for quick consultations at all hours of the day.

Pets Best offers multiple plans including an Accident-only plan, as well as 3 tiers called Essential, Plus, and Elite. You can also opt for an add-on for wellness / routine care plans for an extra fee which offers good coverage versus other plans on the market.

Pets Best is one of the few providers who can pay the vet directly for you. Simply download the reimbursement release form from their website, have your vet’s office sign and agree to receive payment directly from the provider, and Pet’s Best will handle the rest.

With Pets Best you can expect a waiting period of 3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Many deductible options
  • No age limit for enrollment
  • Vet-direct pay option

CONS

  • Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
  • Doesn’t cover breed-specific issues

Comprehensive and Affordable

Embrace Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Embrace Pet Insurance is a go-to for cat owners because of its comprehensive coverage and customizable plans. They offer discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). Embrace offers an accident & illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on to ensure that your cat is covered on all bases. This also includes optional coverage for exam fees and prescription drugs.

Embrace offers lifetime coverage without age restrictions, accommodating cats as they age and develop health issues. In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush your cat to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace.

The company’s reputation for quick reimbursement and excellent customer service adds to its appeal, backed by positive reviews and ratings.

With Embrace’s accident and illness plan you’ll have a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses.

PROS

  • Affordable plans
  • Many options to customize plans
  • Various discounts available

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No exotic pet coverage

Compare cat insurance plans

Advertiser Disclosure
Provider
Rating
Best for
Get a quote
4.8
Best Overall Value for the Money
GET A QUOTE

on Lemonade's secure website

4.7
Accident Coverage Starts Same-day
GET A QUOTE

on MetLife's secure website

5.0
Best for No Out-of-Pocket Expenses
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

4.6
Best for Deductible Options
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

4.8
Comprehensive and Affordable
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Hide topics we'll cover Show topics we'll cover

Cat insurance advice from a vet

Are there specific health concerns that should be considered when selecting a cat insurance plan?

We asked Dr. Stephanie Liff, a vet with over 15 years of experience.

“In cats, the most common things that arise are hyperthyroidism, renal insufficiency, periodontal disease, and urinary obstruction in male cats. However, I think that with insurance you 诲辞苍’迟 want to focus on specifics but rather on having coverage for anything illness or accident-related that can occur.” - Dr. Liff, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor Liff recommends opting for a comprehensive accident and illness plan with wide-reaching coverage. These plans can cover things like vet visits, treatments, and surgeries for accidents and illnesses over your cat’s lifetime.

Have a look below at our full list of the top cat insurance providers.

Dog Product Hero Reminder Join the over 2,438,795+ insured cats & dogs across the US Compare pet insurance plans & prices from top providers in minutes LEARN MORE Cat Product Hero Reminder

What is cat insurance?

Cat insurance is a specialized policy designed to cover the medical expenses of your feline companion, ensuring they receive the best care without you having to worry about costly vet bills.

The best cat insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and even routine care, giving you peace of mind knowing that your pet’s health is protected. Whether you have a playful kitten or a senior cat, finding the best cat insurance is crucial for safeguarding their well-being and your financial security.

Here are some examples of common claims covered by cat insurance policies:

How does pet insurance for cats work?

Pet insurance for cats works similarly to health insurance for humans by covering a portion of your vet bills when you cat needs medical care.

When you purchase a cat insurance policy, you choose a plan with specific coverage options, deductibles, and reimbursement levels. After a visit to the vet, you submit a claim to your insurance provider, who will then review the expenses and reimburse you based on your plan’s terms. The best cat insurance plans typically cover a wide range of services, from emergency treatments to ongoing care for chronic conditions, making it easier to manage your cat’s health costs.

Most plans require you to pay vet expenses upfront, submit a claim and wait for the insurer to reimburse you. Others pay your vet directly, eliminating the need to file your own claims and wait for reimbursement. Most policies have waiting periods, exclusions and other restrictions, so it’s important to read your plan documents carefully.

Here are some of the most important cat insurance terms to know:

How much does cat insurance cost?

The cost of pet insurance for cats varies based on several factors, including your cat's age, breed, health history, and the coverage options you choose. On average, the best cat insurance plans typically range from $10 to $40 per month. However, more comprehensive policies with higher coverage limits and lower deductibles can cost more.

Accident & illness policy

$20 to $50 per month on average.

Accident-only policy

As low as $10 per month.

Wellness policy

$22 per month on average.

Let’s take a closer look at the cost of pet insurance for you cat.

The average cost of an accident and illness policy for cats ranges between $20 and $50 per month. Accident-only coverage may cost as little as $10 per month, and wellness plans have an average monthly cost of $22.

Premiums may be higher for older cats or breeds prone to certain health conditions. When comparing the best cat insurance options, it’s important to balance the monthly premium with the potential out-of-pocket expenses and the level of coverage provided to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

These are the main factors that impact how much you’ll pay for a cat insurance policy:

Which cat breeds are the most expensive to insure?

These five cat breeds are the most expensive to insure due to the high risk of developing serious health problems:

Which cat breeds are the cheapest to insure?

It’s cheaper to insure cat breeds with a lower risk of developing health problems that are expensive to treat.

These cat breeds are the least expensive to insure:

How to pick the best pet insurance for your cat

In addition to reading our guide to choosing pet insurance, follow these steps to find the best insurance for your cat:

1

Check whether your cat is eligible.

Some insurers have age limits or other restrictions that exclude your cat from certain policies.

See More See Less
2

Decide which type of insurance and how much coverage you want.

Choosing the right coverage is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make. Before you compare plans, determine if you want a comprehensive plan, a plan just for accident-related expenses or a wellness plan. Then decide how much coverage you need to make pet insurance worth it for your cat.

See More See Less
3

Understand reimbursements and deductibles.

Your reimbursement rate and deductible have a big impact on the cost of your policy. Review plan documents carefully to determine how much you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance reimburses you.

See More See Less
4

Look for exclusions and waiting periods.

Most plans have waiting periods, so be prepared to wait at least 2 weeks before using your coverage. It’s also important to understand exactly what your plan excludes. Otherwise, your insurer may not reimburse a significant portion of your cat’s expenses.

See More See Less
5

Examine extra costs.

Many companies offer add-ons to ensure that your cat has as much coverage as possible. Before paying for one of these extras, compare how much it costs with how much it’s likely to benefit you and your cat.

See More See Less
6

Compare quotes.

When comparing quotes for cat insurance, it’s easy to lean toward the cheapest price. Make sure you are comparing the same plan options between providers to see who is offering the coverage you want at the lowest rate. Use our tool to compare cat insurance quotes and simplify this step

See More See Less
Dog Product Hero Reminder Join the over 2,438,795+ insured cats & dogs across the US Compare pet insurance plans & prices from top providers in minutes COMPARE QUOTES Cat Product Hero Reminder

What does pet insurance for cats cover?

As with dog insurance, the amount of coverage available depends on whether you purchase an accident-only plan or a comprehensive accident-and-illness policy. Some pet insurance companies also offer wellness insurance or optional add-ons.

We’ll take a quick look at the types of coverage below. For more in-depth information, check out our guide on what pet insurance covers.

Accident-only coverage

Accident-only coverage is just what it sounds like: pet insurance that only covers expenses associated with accidental injuries. For example, if your cat accidentally gets out of the house and has a harrowing encounter with a stray dog, pet insurance will cover the cost of treatment.

Accident and illness coverage

Accident-and-illness plans provide coverage for a much broader range of veterinary services. It covers veterinary expenses associated with covered illnesses, accidents, and sometimes even dental coverage. Because this type of pet insurance is so comprehensive, it’s often called “nose-to-tail” coverage. If your cat came down with an upper respiratory infection, treatment would be covered under an accident and illness plan.

Wellness insurance

Several pet insurance companies offer wellness plans, which are designed to cover preventive care and other routine expenses. If you purchase one of these pet insurance plans, it may cover exam fees, dental cleanings, cat vaccination costs and spaying or neutering.

What isn’t included?

Pet insurance companies typically exclude these services from their policies:

Compare coverage from different pet insurance providers

Compare Coverage
Accident & Illness Plan
Available
Available
Accident-Only Plan
Available
Not Available
Surgery
Covered
Covered
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Covered
Covered
Chronic Conditions
Covered
test-product-property-111
Dental Disease
Covered
Covered
Allergies
Covered
Covered
Cancer Treatment
Covered
Covered
Physical Therapy
Covered
Covered
Alternative Therapies
Covered
Covered
Behavioral issues
Covered
Covered
Breed Specific Issues
Covered
Covered
Emergency Vet Visits
Covered
Covered
Telehealth Visits
Covered
Covered
24/7 Vet Chat
Covered
Covered
Specialist Visits
Covered
Covered
Exam Fees
Covered
Covered
Blood Tests
Covered
Covered
Laboratory Testing
Covered
Covered
X-Rays & CT Scans
Covered
Covered
Wellness Coverage
Add On
Add On
Prescription Medication
Covered
Covered
Prescription Food
Covered
Add On
Microchipping
Covered
Add On
Boarding
Not covered
Not covered
Euthanasia
Covered
Covered
Max Enrollment Age
No Max
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
2 days
Illness Waiting Period
14 days
14 days
Orthopedic Waiting Period
14 days
6 months

Is cat health insurance worth it?

Cat coverage is worth it if you break even over the life of the policy. Considering how long cats live, that is fully possible.

Breaking even means that you spent the same amount on insurance premiums as you would have spent on vet expenses. It’s even more worth it if you pay less for insurance than you would have paid in vet bills.

Here’s an example of why you should purchase insurance for your cat:

You pay $27 per month for a comprehensive policy. Three years in, your cat develops a serious illness requiring emergency treatment. Your vet charges you $3,500 for lab tests, X-rays, medications and surgery. In this scenario, you would have paid just $972 for your cat’s health insurance. If you subtract that from $3,500, having insurance would have saved you $2,528.

That’s well worth the cost of maintaining coverage.

Dog Product Hero Reminder Join the over 2,438,795+ insured cats & dogs across the US Compare pet insurance plans & prices from top providers in minutes COMPARE QUOTES Cat Product Hero Reminder

Cat insurance FAQs

Is it worth it to get pet insurance for a house cat?

In many cases, it’s worth it to purchase insurance for your cat. Having a policy in place could prevent you from having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket in the event of a serious illness or accident

How much per month does cat health insurance cost?

Pet parents pay an average of $10 to $50 per month to insure their cats. Remember that your plan may cost more if your cat is older or prone to serious health problems.

Is it cheaper to insure a kitten?

Yes, it’s cheaper to insure a kitten than an adult cat. This is because a kitten is less likely to have serious health problems.

How do I get the cheapest cat insurance?

Before purchasing a policy, shop around to determine which company offers the most benefits at the lowest cost. For a closer look, check out our guide on finding cheap pet insurance.

Does cat insurance cover neutering and spaying?

Standard insurance plans 诲辞苍’迟 cover spaying or neutering, but these services may be covered by a wellness plan or add-on designed to cover exam fees and other routine veterinary care services.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

BACK TO TOP
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news