Kittens are one of the nation's favourite pets and for millions of people across the UK, their kitten is a part of the family. With this in mind, many families may be keen to cover themselves financially should their kitten have to deal with injury or illness.
Can I insure my kitten?
The majority of insurers will only insure a pet once it has reached eight weeks old, so you may find it difficult to insure your kitten before then.
Kittens and cats can take a lot more looking after than you may think, which means the cost of keeping them healthy can soon add up.
If you own a kitten you're under no obligation to purchase kitten insurance, but many owners choose to purchase a cat insurance policy to help pay for things like veterinary fees.
There are lots of different types of pet insurance available, so if you want the security of knowing you'll be able to afford to keep your favourite pet healthy and happy then take a look at our guide to choosing cat insurance:
What does kitten insurance cover?
Most pet insurance policies will cover a number of things, but each policy is different so always get to know your policy so that you know exactly what you can and cannot claim for. Most basic policies will insure for:
• Veterinary fees if your cat has an illness or injury
• Boarding fees or cat-sitting costs if you have to go into hospital
• A reward and advertising if your cat goes missing or is stolen
• A refund of the cost of buying your cat if it dies due to illness or injury
• A refund of the cost of buying your cat if it's lost or stolen
However, there are lots of other things you can insure against, but you will be required to pay extra for these by your insurance company. Some common extras that people choose to insure against are:
• Dental treatment
• Nutritional advice and treatment
• Behavioural treatment
• Alternative treatments like acupuncture
Any policy you consider purchasing should make clear what a basic premium covers and let you know what extras you can choose to purchase.
How do I pay for kitten insurance?
When deciding what the best way to pay for kitten insurance is, it is important to get as much information as possible from your local veterinary service.
Some insurers require monthly payments and some take payment every 28 days, so find out which method your insurance company uses as your premiums could end up costing more than you expected.
One of the main drawbacks of annual cover is that if your cat is receiving ongoing treatment and your policy runs out, you'll no longer be able to make a claim.
When you purchase a kitten, make sure you ask your vet for kitten advice to find out if the breed you've chosen is likely to suffer from any congenital or progressive conditions so you know which specific conditions you may want to insure for.
Will I need to pay an excess?
All insurers will require you to pay an excess when any treatment is carried out. This is normally around £50, but you can choose to increase your excess to reduce your premiums just as you can with any type of insurance.
Increasing your excess can dramatically reduce the cost of your premiums, but make sure you are able to afford the extra expense or you could find yourself in a situation where you can't afford to pay for treatment.
How can I find the right kitten insurance for me?
These days, most people turn to the internet when searching for insurance and it can be a very useful resource for learning about what's out there.
You can use price comparison sites to find lots of different deals quickly and you'll also be able to narrow down your search to look for companies that offer the things you need.
You can also ask your vet for advice about specialist kitten insurance or ask friends and family which type of policy they have. Gathering as much information as possible in this manner will help you to make an informed decision which is the right one for both you and your kitten.
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