Our felines bring us unconditional affection and incomparable joy. However, when we adopt pets, we take on a commitment and responsibility that extends far beyond petting and providing food. We must also take care of their health. However, over the years, veterinary care has evolved, which has improved the quality of life of our four-legged companions. However, these medical advances often come with increased costs, which can put cat owners in a difficult situation. To avoid having to choose between the well-being of your felines and maintaining a stable financial balance, it is nevertheless possible to take out cat or kitten insurance. Here’s how this type of insurance can help you pay for veterinary costs.
How does cat or kitten insurance work?
Cat insurance works on a similar principle to human health insurance. Owners pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for medical coverage for their pet. In the event of illness or accident, part or all of the veterinary costs is then covered by insurancethereby reducing the financial burden on the owner.
It is important to note that coverage details vary from one insurance company to another, but also depending on the offers. For example, some policies cover only emergency or accident-related medical expenses (fracture, injury, etc.). Others offer a wider range of services and can partially or completely take care of the preventive care and chronic treatments. This can then help to amortize the costs linked to sterilization, scaling as well as dental care, pest control, medication and even vaccination. At Carrefour Assurance, you will also have a death benefit to finance possible euthanasia costs.
This allows cat and kitten owners to make treatment decisions based on their cat’s needs without worrying about the impact on their wallet. That thus guarantees optimal care.
How to choose the right insurance for cat or kitten?
Don’t hesitate to compare
Remember that insuring your pet is not an obligation. The decision to take out insurance remains important, because it is a bet for the future and an act of foresight for the health of your animal. So, don’t hesitate to request a quote from several insurers before making your decision. This will allow you to compare costs and contracts in order to make a calm decision and opt for the contract that will best meet your expectations.
Clearly establish your needs
Choosing insurance for your cat will involve take into account several factors. First, assess your cat’s specific medical needs based on their age, breed, lifestyle (outdoors or indoors with associated risks), and current health status. For example, if you know that the chosen breed is predisposed to certain diseases (heart disease, kidney failure, respiratory problems, etc.), make sure that you can use the insurance if necessary.
Check the contract carefully
Some contracts may:
-Cover or exclude pre-existing conditions, i.e. health problems that your cat had before taking out the insurance, but also hereditary diseases.
-Include or not a certain number of treatments and medical care
-Require using a specific network of veterinarians to be eligible for reimbursement, which may require you to change veterinarians.
-Refuse animals that are too young or too old.
It is therefore appropriate to check precisely what the insurance covers as well as the exclusions to be sure it will suit your needs and those of your pets. Furthermore, check the small clauses of the contract carefully. This will allow you to assess whether the annual repayment limit is high enough to cover your cat’s potential medical needs, especially if you are considering specialized treatments or surgical procedures. Added to this is the question of the deductible which must correspond to your budget. Finally, be aware that some insurances have a waiting period before you can use it. Be sure to check how long you have to wait before you can get coverage.
