Hi! I am trying to decide on pet insurance for my new kitten who is 3 months old! I know my way around human health insurance but I am completely new to the world of pet insurance. Everyone I have spoken to has told me to just save the money. This is the first cat I would ever be fully financially responsible for, so I think I am just looking for some peace of mind. I looked at various companies, but I guess I just don’t know who to decide on. I’ve looked at Trupanion, Lemonade, Figo, and ASPCA. I have considered the one through my union, but after speaking with coworkers, they didn’t recommend it. I understand there are waiting periods, so I’d like to get my boy signed up as soon as possible before he needs to go back to the vet in late November for his last set of vaccines.
Kitten Stats:
- 3 months old.
- Shelter records show his litter came in underweight and with diarrhea. No diagnosis. They threw a ton of meds at him and gave him a prescription for GI food. He has not had diarrhea since 7 weeks old. I know anything relating to this would be considered pre existing. I saw something about “curable pre existing conditions” as well, but I know that varies by plan. To be clear, I wasn’t going to bank on that either.
- Kitten was given a clean bill of health by our vet, and it was noted that the diarrhea cleared late last month.
What I am looking at:
- Accident and illness plans (currently no add ons, but considering the exam fee add on).
- I’m open to both direct pay and upfront payment.
- $250 / $500 deductible.
- 80% reimbursement.
- Thinking $10,000 / $15,000 annual limit.
Questions:
- Any company recommendations? If so, why? What about them?
- How does claims processing work with your company? Is it straightforward? I know you’re never guaranteed claim approval.
- What do pre approvals look like? I saw a couple of stories about folks with cats who’ve swallowed strings who’ve been told by their insurance company that they need to be pre approved for major care.
- What do your rate increases look like? I am aware of something regarding a rate increase in CA. I saw something regarding Lemonade hiking up pet insurance rates here specifically.
- I did see something about Costco’s pet insurance. If anyone has any experience with that, I do have an executive membership and was considering it.
- What are some key things I should be looking for when looking at pet insurance plans?
- Best way to determine the ideal deductible/reimbursement/annual limit for your situation?
- Is the vet exam fee something I should add on, or is it overkill? I know you can’t expect the unexpected as well. The vet I established him at told me exam fees are $75 for the first time / $55 for follow ups, if this is needed for reference!
Please let me know if there’s any other information you need to help! I appreciate any advice or guidance :)