The Benefits of Pet Insurance for Kittens

Getting a kitten is a super exciting time and we’re sure you wouldn’t want anything to dampen that, right? By insuring your kitten, you can provide them, and your finances, with the ultimate protection. Pet insurance helps owners, like you, cover the cost of veterinary bills and ensures that you can give the best care to your new kitten without worrying about additional fees.

Purchasing an insurance policy is essential and can help make sure your kitten continues to access necessary medical care without the added worry of unknown expenses. This means that your kitten can stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

Though they look tiny and happy, kittens are still susceptible to accidents and illness. Common health issues in kittens include upper respiratory infections, which can cause sneezing, coughing, and eye discharge, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

Kitten insurance no different from regular Pet insurance, which is a type of policy that helps to cover the cost of veterinary care for pets.

Kitten insurance policy allows owners to manage vet bills for unexpected accidents or illnesses. Pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to their insurance company, and in return, the insurer helps cover the cost of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and other medical needs.

Here are some of the things you need to know about kitten insurance.
 

In the UK, there are four different types of pet insurance policies available:

• Accident-only coverage: provides protection against injuries resulting from accidents, and doesn't provide any coverage for illnesses or injuries.

• Time-Limited coverage: Time-Limited policies are a type of "condition-based" policy. They provide coverage for injuries and illnesses, but coverage is provided for a condition for up to the selected limit and for a particular period of time, normally 12 months. Once you have reached that limit or time period, you will no longer be able to claim for that specific condition again.

• Maximum Benefit coverage: A Maximum Benefit policy is another type of "condition-based" policy. They provide coverage for injuries and illnesses. You are able to claim up to a chosen limit for a specific condition, and once that limit has been reached, it will be excluded from your coverage and you can no longer claim for that condition again.
  
  Both Time-Limited & Maximum Benefit have the major draw back of not being able to claim once you reach the limit or time period, but what is even more worrying is that you will find it tricky to swap to a new insurance provider, as most insurers will class the condition as pre-existing and will not cover vet bills for the condition.

• Lifetime coverage: A Lifetime policy is the most comprehensive type of pet insurance, and account for around 60% - 70% of all pet insurance policies sold. They provide coverage for illness, injuries and accidents up to the the limit you select and this limit replenishes every year. That way, as long as you keep your policy active, your pet will be covered for life, hence why most pet owners choose it.

  
  
  The costs for different types of kitten insurance policies will vary depending on several factors such as your cat's breed, age, health, where you live, coverage, and policy limits.

When purchasing pet insurance, you should consider several factors to ensure you find the perfect policy to suit your needs. This includes researching the coverage options available, including the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and any exclusions or restrictions. You should also consider your budget and choose a policy with affordable premiums.

It is, of course, incredibly important to choose a reputable insurance provider with a track record of reliable service and prompt claim payments. When choosing the right kitten insurance, make sure to consider any additional benefits or perks that may be included in the policy, such as free online vet care and rewards.

Waggel is a great option for kitten insurance. Waggel has been around for over 5 years, and we are all about making insurance more friendly and human. This means simplifying and personalising pet insurance.

We've simplified insurance by only offering Lifetime policies that are designed to cover everything pet owners expect. Our policies are adjustable by Annual Limit and Excess, allowing you to make the necessary changes to get a policy to suit your coverage and budget needs.

We've personalised our insurance, as every Waggel member is assigned a Customer Champion. All our Champions are qualified UK-based vet nurses and will be on hand to help you with any service issues or questions about your claims.

Besides having an assigned Customer Champion, all members also have access to our Membership Platform, where we provide free online vet video calls and a number of rewards and discounts from independent pet brands.

Pet insurance provides several benefits for your new kitten, including:

• Financial protection: Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and other medical needs, which can be particularly important for kittens that may be more prone to accidents and illnesses as they explore their new environment.

• Peace of mind: Knowing that pet insurance is in place can provide peace of mind for pet owners, who can rest assured that they can provide their kitten with necessary medical care without worrying about the cost.

• Access to quality care: Often, pet insurance grants owners access to a wider range of veterinary care options, as you are not limited by the cost of treatment. Some insurance providers also offer a vet fee limit, cover level, or cover for illness to ensure that you get the best treatment for your furry friend.

• Customisable coverage: Pet insurance policies can be customised to meet the specific needs of both yourself and your kitten with different levels of cover, excess, and annual limits available to fit a range of budgets and preferences.

While pet insurance covers the majority of unforeseen issues, there are few things you should be aware that aren't normally covered. We have listed the key points that aren't covered in the majority of pet insurance policies, but it is crucial that you check each policy you are considering.

Warm up period: Your pet will not be covered for any treatment that occurs within the first few days of starting your policy. This warm up period is normally around 5 days for accidents and injuries and 14 days for illnesses.

Routine, elective or preventative treatments: This includes neutering, grooming, flea/worming treatments, dental polish/scale removal.

Pre-existing conditions: Symptoms or conditions that occurred before your pet was insured or occur during the warm up period.

Advanced treatments: Stem cells treatment, gene therapy, prosthetics, and organ transplants.

General vet fees: Blankets, prescription food and cremation costs.

The above highlights the main point you expect not to find coverage, but again, make sure to read the policy wording for the full details of what is and isn't covered.

With most pet insurance, you can insure your kitten anytime after the age of 8 weeks old. We recommend insuring them as soon as possible to protect them before any pre-existing conditions develop. 

Age is one of the biggest contributors to increased premiums each year. This is because as your cat ages, they are more likely to experience health conditions. 

By getting coverage when your cat is young, you can ensure that any future medical issues that arise will be covered by your chosen policy. Your kitten will also avoid any exclusions or limitations that may be applied to pre-existing conditions.

Though policies for kittens are generally less than policies for puppies, it is something to take into consideration if you are thinking of adopting an older kitten or cat. If you’re in a position to do so, it is a great opportunity, however, don’t forget that your monthly premiums may be higher than average if your cat has suffered from specific illnesses or health conditions in the past before they were covered by your current policy.

Though indoor cats don’t face the same level of risk as outdoor cats, this doesn’t mean they’re entirely out of the woods.

It is still advisable to get yourself covered, as indoor cats can develop health issues at any time, just like outdoor cats. Indoor kittens are still at risk of accidents such as falling off a high surface, getting burned from a hot hob, or being injured by household items.

There isn't any difference in the type of insurance for an indoor vs an outdoor cat, and it is unlikely that there will be any price difference.

Pet insurance can be especially beneficial for outdoor cats, as they may be at a higher risk of accidents and injuries than indoor cats. For example, outdoor cats are more likely to be involved in car accidents, falls from trees, and fights with other animals. 

Outdoor kittens may be exposed to more pathogens and parasites compared to indoor kittens, which can increase the risk of illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, feline leukaemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Having a pet insurance policy in place can help to protect your cat in the event of an accident or illness.

On their travels, outdoor cats may encounter other animals, such as dogs or wildlife, which can cause injuries. Your pet insurance policy will help to cover treatment for such things without the worry of unknown vet bills.

While pet insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind, some owners opt for alternative options, and it is always a good idea to research all your options.

When you boil it down, you really only have four options when it comes to handling future vet bills:

1. Pet insurance
2. Self-insurance
3. Charity
4. Risking it (Prevention)

For full details on the alternatives make sure to read our comprehensive blog on why you need pet insurance and the alternatives.

One of the most common mistakes to avoid when taking out a pet insurance policy for your kitten is to opt for the cheapest option and overlook coverage options. Though it seems you’ll be saving money each month, you’re likely to only be covered for accidents which isn’t the most helpful option if your cat were to become ill and develop a health condition, for example.

Another mistake is to not compare rates and providers. This can lead you to pay more than you need to every month. We recommend looking at aggregator sites that easily display different providers and the comparisons between them such as warm-up periods and excluded breeds.

So there we have it. We hope that from our guide and expert advice, you can begin to understand the importance of pet insurance for kittens. Though you may be under the impression insurance is costly, this doesn’t have to be the case. 

Unfortunately, cats experience accidents and illnesses no matter their age but with an insurance policy in place you can rest assured your kitten is in safe hands. After all, no one wants to face a hefty vet bill. 

Getting insurance for your kitten can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you can give the necessary medical care for your furry friend without worrying about the cost. Kittens are susceptible to various health conditions, accidents, and injuries, which can be costly to treat. 

Insurance can cover these costs, including emergency care, surgeries, and medication, so you don't have to choose between your pet's health and your finances. 

By getting a Lifetime insurance policy for your kitten, you can ensure that you're prepared for the unexpected and can provide the best possible care for your furry friend. Interested in getting a quote? It couldn’t be easier, just click here.

We also provide additional information and support for cat owners on our blog. New to the feline community? Have no fear, we cover everything from how to pick up your cat safely and what to do if they’re acting normal but not eating. If you’ve still got burning questions about pet insurance, we’ve got an FAQ to help you out.
 

What is the cost of pet insurance for kittens?

The cost of pet insurance for kittens varies depending on various factors such as the age, breed, health condition, and location of your kitten. The cost also depends on the level of coverage and provider you choose. As an estimate, kitten insurance with Waggel can begin from as little as £5 per month.

Can I get pet insurance for my kitten with pre-existing conditions?

At Waggel, you can still take out an insurance policy for a pet with pre-existing conditions, however, these pre-existing conditions will be excluded from your coverage. This does, however, mean that you can still claim for new and ongoing conditions in the future.

What is the waiting period for pet insurance?

Different providers provide varying wait times (warm-up periods) before your pet insurance policy comes into effect. This is to avoid fraudulent claims and provide an easy transition, especially if you are moving over from a different insurer. 

At Waggel, we currently have a 14-day warm-up period in which customers have to wait before making a claim, though fear not as you can still access all the benefits and rewards. It also gives you a chance to decide if we’re the right provider for you and your pet.

Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance?

You can submit a claim with any vet as long as your vet is registered with the British Veterinary Association. As a Waggel member, you can also claim for emergency treatment abroad (for up to 90 days) as long as the country in which you are claiming belongs to the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). 

What happens if I cancel my pet insurance policy?

Though we’d hate to see you go, we always want what’s best for you and your pet. However, once your policy is cancelled there is a risk that all of the conditions you’ve claimed for will be categorised as pre-existing, making it harder to take out another policy in the future - whether you were to choose us again or not.