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Rates current as of April 8, 2026. Always verify rates on the issuer’s website before applying.
Quick Answer

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers the best balance of price and coverage for most cats — plans start around $16/month, include exam fees and hereditary conditions, and offer a $9.95/month wellness add-on. Trupanion is the best choice for owners who want unlimited annual payouts and direct vet payment. Figo is the only provider offering 100% reimbursement.

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At a Glance

#ProductAwardAvg Annual CostAM Best RatingKey Discount
1 ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Our Top Pick N/A Apply →
2 MetLife Pet Insurance Worth Considering N/A Apply →
Our Top Pick

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

“ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers cats from $16/month with exam fees and hereditary conditions included. A $9.95/month wellness add-on covers up to $250/year in preventive care.”

What we like

  • Exam fees included in standard coverage
  • Hereditary conditions covered (Complete Coverage plan)
  • Wellness add-on available from $9.95/month
  • Multiple deductible options ($100, $250, $500)
  • Reimbursement up to 90%

Watch out for

  • Annual limit capped at $10,000 on standard plans (unlimited requires call)
  • Sample rate of $39.20/month is above industry average for some cats
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers cats from $16/month with exam fees and hereditary conditions included. A $9.95/month wellness add-on covers up to $250/year in preventive care.
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Rates as of April 8, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.

Also Excellent

MetLife Pet Insurance

“MetLife Pet Insurance includes exam fees by default, has no age limit for enrollment, and offers 21 deductible options from $0 to $2,500 — the most customizable cat insurance plan available.”

What we like

  • Widest deductible range: $0 to $2,500 (21 options)
  • Exam fees included in standard coverage
  • No upper age limit for enrollment
  • 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% reimbursement options
  • Preventive care add-on available

Watch out for

  • Starting price of $7/month is for minimal coverage
  • 50% reimbursement option is below most competitors
  • Pricing varies significantly by state
MetLife Pet Insurance includes exam fees by default, has no age limit for enrollment, and offers 21 deductible options from $0 to $2,500 — the most customizable cat insurance plan available.
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Rates as of April 8, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.

Pet Insurance for Cats Buying Guide

Best Pet Insurance for Cats in 2026Photo by Abdel Achkouk / Pexels

How to Choose Pet Insurance for Your Cat

Cat insurance plans vary dramatically on four dimensions that determine what you actually pay out of pocket when your cat is sick. Before comparing providers, understand these four levers:

1. Deductible (Annual vs. Per-Condition)

Most insurers use an annual deductible — you pay it once per policy year, then claims are covered. Trupanion uses a unique per-condition deductible — you set a deductible for each condition (from $0 to $1,000 in $50 increments), and once met for that condition, future claims for it are fully covered for life. This can be valuable for chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

2. Reimbursement Rate

7 Best Pet Insurance Companies In 2026
7 Best Pet Insurance Companies In 2026

After your deductible, your insurer pays a percentage of covered costs. Most providers offer 70%, 80%, or 90%. Figo uniquely offers 100% reimbursement — meaning after your deductible, they cover everything. Trupanion locks you in at 90% but offers no other option.

3. Annual Limit

This caps what the insurer will pay per year. Limits range from $2,500 (Figo's entry tier) to unlimited (Trupanion, Figo's top tier). For cats prone to expensive conditions like urinary blockages or cancer, an unlimited annual limit provides peace of mind. A $5,000 annual limit can be exhausted by one hospitalization.

4. What's Actually Covered

The Ultimate Guide To Pet Insurance (2024 Edition)
The Ultimate Guide To Pet Insurance (2024 Edition)

Exam fees — the consultation cost charged by the vet before any treatment — are excluded by several providers. ASPCA and MetLife include them by default. Figo and Trupanion do not. Hereditary conditions like polycystic kidney disease (common in Persians) and heart anomalies are covered by all two providers reviewed here, as long as symptoms hadn't appeared before enrollment.

Common Exclusions (All Providers)

Cost by Cat Age (March 2026)

Insurance cost rises significantly as cats age. A plan that costs $15/month for a kitten may cost $55–$108/month for a 10+ year old cat. Enrolling young locks in coverage for conditions that develop later — waiting until your cat is older means paying much more and having those early health issues excluded as pre-existing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pet insurance for cats?
Healthy Paws is the best overall cat insurance — unlimited annual benefits, quick claim reimbursement (typically 2-3 days), and straightforward unlimited coverage plans. Trupanion is the best for direct vet payment (no reimbursement wait) and high-cost chronic conditions. Figo is the best value with strong coverage at competitive prices.
Is pet insurance worth it for indoor cats?
Indoor cats have lower accident risk but still face significant illness costs — feline diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and dental disease are common in middle-aged and senior cats. A single kidney disease diagnosis can cost $5,000-15,000 in lifetime management. If you would pursue treatment rather than euthanasia for a serious diagnosis, pet insurance provides substantial financial protection.
What does cat pet insurance typically cover?
Comprehensive cat insurance covers: accidents (broken bones, foreign body ingestion), illnesses (diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, respiratory infections), hereditary conditions (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy common in certain breeds), and sometimes dental disease and wellness care. It does NOT cover: pre-existing conditions diagnosed before enrollment, elective procedures, and grooming.
How much does cat pet insurance cost?
Cat insurance averages $20-50/month depending on your cat's age, breed, location, and coverage level. Kittens and young cats (1-3 years) are cheapest. Senior cats (8+) cost more. Purebreds may cost more due to higher hereditary condition risk. The average cat claim is $300-800; cancer treatment can exceed $5,000-15,000. Insurance is most valuable for cats with high treatment commitment.
When should I enroll my cat in pet insurance?
Enroll as early as possible — preferably as a kitten. All pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions (anything diagnosed or showing symptoms before enrollment). A cat diagnosed with hyperthyroidism before enrollment will never have that condition covered. Enrolling young and healthy locks in lower premiums and ensures all future conditions are eligible for coverage.

How We Evaluate Financial Products

We compare financial products based on objective criteria: annual fees, APR ranges, rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and key perks. We do not factor in issuer relationships or compensation when determining rankings. Products are ranked based on overall value for the target use case described on this page.

Rates and terms change frequently. We update these pages regularly, but always verify current rates directly on the issuer’s website before applying. APR ranges shown reflect the full possible range — your actual rate depends on your creditworthiness.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We compare products; we do not advise on which product is right for your personal financial situation. Read our full methodology →

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