Pet Insurance Needs for Your Shelter Cat

June is a beautiful month as we begin summer vacation, ball games, family outings, and celebrating Father’s Day. However, you may be surprised to know that June is also Adopt a Shelter Cat month. If you are an animal lover, this may be at the top of your list.

There is a good reason why adopting a needy cat is encouraged during June. June is breeding season in the feline world and the local shelters are usually full of cats in need of a good home. If you have been thinking of adding a pet to your family, this is the perfect month to take action.

When you welcome home your new family member, keep in mind that there may be an adjustment period for your cat to become acclimated to its new surroundings. Many of them have suffered abuse or neglect and it may take some time to earn their trust. Another thing to remember is to find the right pet insurance for your cat.

Here are three common questions cat owners have when they take out a pet health policy:

Will I be able to take my cat to my regular veterinarian? Most pet health insurance policies will allow you to use the same vet you are already using for your other animals. Ask your insurer if there are any restrictions in this regard. It is also good practice to double-check with your vet to make sure they are included in the pet insurance networks.

What up-front expenses will I have to pay if my cat needs treatment? The answer to this may vary based on a number of options that are offered with the plan. Some plans require a flat fee of $50 or $100, while others may also require a certain level of co-insurance (in many cases 15%-20%). As with most other types of insurance, the lower the annual premium you pay, the higher the amount of co-insurance at the time of treatment and vice versa.

Do pet insurance policies have exclusions for pre-existing conditions? Unfortunately, pet health insurance was not addressed during the Affordable Care Act of 2010 so there is no requirement on the part of insurers to cover pre-existing conditions. This means that there may be exclusions for this in your cat health insurance policy. When adopting a shelter cat, it is important to take it to the vet for a checkup before you purchase your pet insurance so you will know what existing health concerns it may already have.