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Best Cat Insurance for 2024

Unlimited claims
No upper age limit
No credit checks
Multiple pet discounts

Compare Top Pet Insurance Plans

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  • 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 Paw Protect for the ease of paying the vet directly. (skip ahead to view the plans)
  • All providers on our list of best cat insurance plans for 2024 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. Opting for an accident-only plan may be cheaper in the short term, but it may cost you more in the long run.
  • It’s important to note that most pet insurance companies won’t pay for expenses related to pre-existing conditions, therefore you should register your cat for pet insurance as soon as possible before conditions appear.
  • Lastly, using a comparison tool is a great way to quickly view plans and pricing from multiple providers at once which can help you save money.

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 don’t 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 providers of pet insurance for cats.

Our top picks for the best pet insurance for cats

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Best Overall Value for the Money

Lemonade Pet Insurance
GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
4.8
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Accident Coverage Starts Same-day

MetLife Pet Insurance
GET A QUOTE on MetLife's secure website
4.7
Maximum annual coverage
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500
Comprehensive and Affordable

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

Our top picks for the best cat insurance

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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 is renowned for offering affordable accident and illness coverage, and you can select from 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.

With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, there is a short two-day 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.

Read our full Lemonade review

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 don’t 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 don’t 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 don’t include wellness exams and dental cleanings, you can opt into their preventative care add-on to get coverage for these things and more.

Read our full MetLife review

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

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.

Read our full review

PROS

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

CONS

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

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.

Read our full Paw Protect review

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.

Read our full Pets Best review

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

Best for High Coverage Levels

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

 4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Healthy Paws has excellent customer reviews and is one of the few providers on the market that can pay the vet for you directly. This is a huge draw for many cat owners as it means next to no out-of-pocket costs to you. The only caveat is that you must call and request a simple authorization before the vet treats your cat. Otherwise, you can pay and be reimbursed.

Healthy Paws also offers lots of choices for coverage levels and deductibles, which is great for those wanting to tailor a plan to fit their budget. Healthy Paws offers only an accident & illness plan with unlimited coverage and no wellness options.

With the Healthy Paws accident and illness plan there’s a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illness.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage
  • Affordable plans
  • Five reimbursement levels to choose from

CONS

  • Max age limit for enrollment
  • Doesn’t cover dental disease
  • No wellness add-on available

Best for Prescriptions

CarePlus by Chewy

 4.2
GET A QUOTE via Chewy's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250
Why We Like It

Editor's take

CarePlus is one of the only companies that offer up to 100% reimbursement for prescription products. There is no maximum age of enrollment and it offers unlimited coverage limits. With all CarePlus accident & illness plans, you’ll get access to telemedicine via chat/video which gives you free vet consultations. This can save you time and money before bringing your cat into the vet’s office by ruling out whether something is an emergency.

CarePlus offers various levels of plans including their Accident Only plan, Value Accident & Illness plan, Essential Plus Accident & Illness plan, and the Complete Accident & Illness plan. You can customize your plans with optional add-ons such as the Preventive and Preventative+ plans and the Wellness and Comprehensive plan.

We recommend the Value Accident & Illness Plan which is provided through Lemonade. The 2-day waiting period for accidents is very competitive and exam fees are included.

Depending on the plan you choose, you will have a 2-5 day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for new illnesses.

Read our full review

PROS

  • No max enrollment age
  • Covers prescription products
  • Free online vet consultations
  • Wellness plans are available

CONS

  • Not all plans cover dental disease
  • Higher prices than some insurers
  • Won’t cover alternative medicine

Best for Senior Cats

Pumpkin Pet Insurance

 4.2
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

We love Pumpkin for its wide-reaching coverage and reimbursement level. Where other companies let you choose low reimbursement levels, Pumpkin ensures you get 90% back from covered claims and has no maximum age of enrollment so even senior cats can be covered. As an added benefit, owners with multiple pets get a 10% discount on policies. When it comes to coverage, what is offered as add-ons from other companies comes standard at Pumpkin.

Pumpkin has a standard accident & illness plan that covers exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary & congenital conditions, rehab therapies, and end-of-life services. You can also customize your plan with an optional add-on for preventative care.

Pumpkin has a 14 day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses.

Read our full Pumpkin review

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Optional wellness add-on available

CONS

  • Only one reimbursement option
  • No vet-direct pay

Best for Fast Claim Processing

Figo Pet Insurance

 4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $200, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Figo is known for its fast claim processing which is a huge benefit to its customers. Figo is also one of the few providers that offer 100% reimbursement (on plans with deductibles of $500+). It’s great for elderly cats as it has no age limit for enrollment.

Figo has lots of plan options to suit all types of budgets. It offers several pre-set accident & illness plans but also allows you to customize your plan based on your desired coverage limits, deductible, and reimbursement level.

You can also opt for add-ons that offer continued wellness coverage and reimbursement for vet exam fees. All plans come with 24/7 vet assistance text-chat, however, video/phone telehealth consultations are also available as part of the wellness add-on.

With Figo, there is a 1-day waiting period for accidents and injuries and 14 days for illnesses.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Fast claim processing
  • No max age limit for enrollment
  • Short waiting period for accidents and injuries
  • 100% reimbursement option

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No accident-only plan option
  • More expensive than some insurers

Best for Add-Ons

Spot Pet Insurance

 4.9
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Spot offers a wide range of annual coverage and deductible options to suit all budgets and is one of a few providers that offer a discount for owners with multiple pets (10%). They also tend to cover more things than other providers such as advanced care and alternative therapies.

Another benefit to Spot is that there is no maximum enrollment age, meaning even elderly cats can get coverage at any time.

Spot offers several plan options including an accident-only plan, an accident & illness plan, and 2 tiers of wellness add-ons (Gold & Platinum) which can cover things like teeth cleaning. Another benefit to Spot is that exam fees (for covered conditions) are included with their accident & illness plan.

Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.

Read our full Spot review

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Various options to customize your policy
  • Preventive care add-on available
  • Affordable plans

CONS

  • Doesn’t cover prescription food
  • Longer waiting period for accident coverage than many insurers

Best for Extensive Perks

Fetch by The Dodo

 4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $15,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$300, $500, $700
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Fetch by The Dodo offers simple plans with some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. There is no age limit for enrollment and it covers things most other providers don’t offer. As an example, if your cat is lost, Fetch will cover expenses for lost pet ads and will even chip in to offer a reward. They even cover boarding costs if you’re hospitalized, and offer a 10% discount to military members.

Fetch only offers their Standard accident & illness plan which includes TeleVet services and dental coverage at no extra cost. However, unlike other providers, there is no preventative/wellness plan option with this provider.

Fetch has a waiting period of 15 days for accidents & illnesses.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Very comprehensive coverage
  • Included telehealth services
  • Covers boarding fees if owner is in the hospital
  • Add-on coverage available

CONS

  • No accident-only plan
  • No multi-pet discount
  • Requires pets to have a yearly checkup
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What is cat insurance?

Cat insurance is a type of pet health insurance specifically for felines.

Depending on the type of policy you purchase, pet insurance may cover illness-related expenses, the cost of treating accidental injuries and/or expenses associated with routine care.

Here are some examples of common claims:

How does pet insurance for cats work?

Cat pet insurance protects you financially in case your vet has an accident or illness requiring treatment by a vet.

Some 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. 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 terms to know:

How much does cat insurance cost?

How much you pay for a cat insurance plan also depends on the level of coverage you choose.

A plan that covers both accident-related and illness-related expenses usually costs between $20 and $50 per month. Accident-only coverage may cost as little as $10 per month. Wellness plans have an average monthly cost of $22.

In addition to the type of plan, various other factors also affect the cost of pet insurance.

These are the main factors that impact how much you’ll pay:

Remember that your plan won’t cover pre-existing conditions or other excluded services, no matter how much you pay for coverage.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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6

Compare quotes.

The LA Times online comparison tool provides a side-by-side comparison of several plans. Use this tool to compare costs and benefits before signing up for coverage.

 See More See Less
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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

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Spot Pet Insurance Paw Protect
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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
Covered
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.

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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 don’t 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.

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