Insuring your cat
They have nine lives and are always landing on their feet! Cats have a lucky reputation but we know they’re not bulletproof. Pet insurance can take the financial sting out of vet treatment when your cat is sick or injured.
If a proud Persian or independent Tabby is part of your family, you share something in common with 27% of Australian households having cats.1 Around 68% of cat-owners visited a vet in the past year, with the average owner spending $371 on veterinary services2 with the typical reason being check-ups (53%), vaccination (56%), and illness or injury (16%).3
Pet insurance can help give cat owners a financial safety net, allowing you to keep most treatment options on the table if your pet has a specified accidental injury or illness, without worrying about the cost.
Vet bills can be expensive
Cats are adventurous pets and often unintentionally finding situations that could be dangerous! When there’s danger, there’s usually some kind of incident that requires an expensive vet visit!
Based on 2018-2019 claim statistics from PetSure, for the pet insurance brands that Choosi compares, a bite injury from a dog could set you back as much as $2,750.01, treating a corneal ulcer can cost up to $3,298.67, while a skin condition like atopic dermatitis can cost up to $2,480.63.
Even something as innocent as playing with a piece of string can be dangerous. If the string is digested and surgical removal is required, you could face the costs of the operation, anaesthetic, medicines, overnight care, and follow-up appointments.
What does pet insurance offer?
Pet insurance can help take the financial stress out of your cat's treatment and give you the freedom to choose the best course of action.
If your cat has a specified accidental injury or illness that’s covered, you could be eligible to:
- claim up to 85% of eligible vet bills, up to a maximum of $20,000 per year;*
- cover your cat from as young as 8 weeks; and
- use your own vet as long as they’re registered to practice in Australia.
Pet insurance covering specified accidental injuries and illness
Features | Accidental injury and illness |
|---|---|
| Description | Cover for specified accidental injuries in certain circumstances, and illnesses (except for pre-existing conditions)* |
| Entry age eligibility | Minimum: 8 weeks old Maximum: Younger than 9 or 16 years (depending on cover level) |
| Annual benefit limit | Up to $20,000* |
| Maximum claim cover | Up to 85%* |
| Waiting periods? |
|
| Covers accidental injury? | Yes, for specified accidental injuries in certain circumstances |
| Covers illnesses? | Yes, except for some illnesses |
| Choice of your own vet? | Yes, as long as your preferred vet is registered to practice in Australia |
* Exclusions, benefit limits, and sub-limits apply. An annual condition limit applies to some policies. Claim for reimbursement. Information is general. Please read and consider the relevant Policy Booklet (containing the Product Disclosure Statement, Policy Terms and Conditions, and Financial Services Guide) before purchasing for specific details of the policy’s inclusions and exclusions based on your selected level of cover.
Choose the level of cover that suits you. Some benefits may be included, and some may be an optional extra you can add to your policy in order to provide a contribution towards routine check-ups. For cats, these include:
Optional routine care
Including this optional cover in your policy can help provide a contribution towards some routine health checks or procedures that are otherwise not covered, such as vaccinations, desexing, and worming. Be sure to check the relevant Policy Booklet and your Certificate of Insurance for specifics regarding routine care.
Emergency boarding
If you (the sole carer) are unexpectedly hospitalised, or need emergency accommodation due to family violence for a specified period and are unable to care for your pet, this cover can help with the cost of boarding at a registered kennel or cattery up to an agreed amount.
Essential euthanasia
If a vet deems euthanasia an essential and humane treatment for your cat as a result of a condition covered under your policy, the benefit percentage will be covered up to your chosen benefit limit.
Paralysis ticks
The paralysis tick toxin released from a tick bite is very serious and can cause paralysis in pets that can be fatal if untreated.4 The benefit percentage will be covered up to the specified limit.
Cats make fun, long-term companions and can live for up to 20 years! If you’re considering pet insurance for your cat, it’s important to know that the premium for your policy will depend on the level of cover, your cat’s breed, age, and where you live, among other factors. You’ll be able to choose the level of cover which can help you find a policy in your budget.
| Breed | No of claims | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Domestic Short Hair | 5,045 |
| 2 | Tabby | 1,550 |
| 3 | Domestic Medium Hair | 1,473 |
| 4 | Domestic House Cat | 1,260 |
| 5 | Ragdoll | 1,132 |
| 6 | Burmese | 918 |
| 7 | Domestic Short Hair Cross | 724 |
| 8 | Pixie-Bob | 681 |
| 9 | Domestic Long Hair | 584 |
| 10 | Moggie | 540 |
| Cat breed | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Domestic Short Hair |
| 2 | Tabby |
| 3 | Domestic Medium Hair |
| 4 | Domestic House Cat |
| 5 | Ragdoll |
| 6 | Burmese |
| 7 | Pixie-Bob |
| 8 | Domestic Short Hair Cross |
| 9 | Moggie |
| 10 | Domestic Long Hair |
At Choosi, we know that figuring out the right pet insurance for your cat can be time consuming and complex. Luckily, we do the hard work for you so you can choose the right cover for you and your cat. Choosi’s team of Choosers can be with you every step of the way. Request a quote or contact our team today.
* Exclusions, benefit limits, and sub-limits apply. An annual condition limit applies to some policies. Claim for reimbursement. Information is general. Please read and consider the relevant Policy Booklet (containing the Product Disclosure Statement, Policy Terms and Conditions, and Financial Services Guide) before purchasing for specific details of the policy’s inclusions and exclusions based on your selected level of cover.
References
- Animal Medicines Australia – Pet Ownership in Australia 2019 Report, p.9
- Animal Medicines Australia – Pet Ownership in Australia 2019 Report, p.40
- Animal Medicines Australia – Pet Ownership in Australia 2019 Report, p.41
- Animal Welfare League NSW – Ticks
Learn more about pet insurance
The pet insurance information provided on this website is based only on the pet insurance policies that Choosi can arrange. Choosi doesn’t provide information or offer cover for all products available in the market and there may be aspects to some products that Choosi doesn’t compare. Information on this website doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the relevant Policy Booklet for more information and to ensure the product suits your needs.