The Best Pet Insurance for Cats in 2025
Pumpkin is our top pick for the best cat insurance, but the company may not be the right choice for every cat parent.
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Written byLindsay Frankel
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Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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In This Article
Cat insurance helps you afford veterinary care for your cat. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that cat owners spend over $1,000 per year on care for a single accident or illness and more than $6,000 over a cat’s lifetime to treat chronic conditions like diabetes.
The average cost of cat insurance is $23 per month, according to Compare.com data. Still, rates vary based on the insurer and coverage type you choose, your cat’s age and health, and other factors.
Pumpkin is our top pick for the best pet insurance for cats, but we’ll help you choose a policy that meets your needs, no matter your budget.
Key Takeaways
The average monthly cat insurance premium is $23, but some cat insurance companies offer lower rates.
Cat insurance covers a range of accidents and illnesses, including cuts and scrapes, as well as more serious conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Pumpkin, Figo, and Spot are our top picks for the best cat insurance companies.
Compare the Best Cat Insurance Companies Head to Head
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $29/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $25/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $12/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $13/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $17/mo* |
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 80%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven ’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Data in this table has been sourced from Compare users who received a pet insurance quote from our partner Fletch.
The Top 5 Best Pet Insurance Companies for Cats, Ranked
Every cat is unique, and the best pet insurance company for your cat will depend on your budget and your cat’s age and health needs. To help you narrow down your options, we evaluated cat insurance companies based on cost, coverage, policy options, customer service, and other key factors.
Here are our top picks.
Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is one of the highest-rated cat insurance companies on Trustpilot.[1] While its premiums are higher than some competitors, its coverage is comprehensive and flexible. Pumpkin covers dental diseases, behavioral issues, alternative therapies, and prescription food.
The company also offers urgent payments for emergencies to help you avoid using a credit card at the clinic. Senior cats are eligible to enroll, and the insurer offers a generous multi-pet discount.
Pros
Urgent pay for claims of $1k or more
Up to 90% annual reimbursement available
Includes exam fees and prescriptions
Cons
No accident-only plans
No mobile app
Vet helpline with wellness plans only
Figo
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Figo lets you customize your policy and is one of the few pet insurers offering 100% reimbursement. It includes a 24/7 vet helpline, free pet document storage, and a personalized tag to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
The company is one of the most affordable cat insurance options, covering dental illnesses as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. It also covers curable pre-existing conditions, if your pet remains symptom-free for at least one year. But the company has received mixed customer feedback.
Pros
Highly customizable policies
Fast claims processing
Pet cloud app with synced tag
Cons
No accident-only coverage
No option to pay your vet directly
Mixed customer reviews about claims
Spot
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Spot is also one of the top-rated pet insurance companies on Trustpilot.[2] Its standout features include 24/7 telehealth, prescription food coverage, and a multi-pet discount. The company covers common cat conditions, including behavioral and hereditary conditions.
Spots’ wellness plan includes dental cleaning, and all plans include microchipping, with no upper age limit. It also offers an accident-only plan, but it tends to cost more than similar plans from competitors.
Pros
Affordable premiums with flexible plan options
No age restrictions
Covers some curable pre-existing conditions
Cons
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for accidents
No option to pay your vet directly
Pets Best
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Pets Best can pay your veterinarian directly with their authorization. Policies are customizable, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000. The company offers three levels of coverage, and even its most comprehensive plan is relatively affordable.
While Pets Best covers most common health issues in cats, its policies are less comprehensive than some competitor plans. Its accident-only plan is one of the most affordable options available, offering up to 90% reimbursement for a wide range of accidents.
Pros
Option to pay your vet directly
Accident coverage for less than $10 per month
Unlimited annual benefits option
Cons
Long waiting period for ligament conditions
No coverage for parasites or prescription food
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
- Pros
Free accident and illness policy for one pet
Automated claims
Rewards on eligible pet expenses
ConsSome cats may be ineligible for coverage
Add-ons cost extra
Requires a credit check
Nibbles is a no-annual-fee credit card that includes free accident and illness coverage for one cat. The base policy reimburses 80% of care costs for accidents and illnesses after you meet the deductible. Optional add-ons, including a wellness plan, are available at an extra cost.
Eligibility is based on your credit, your cat’s health, and other factors. Nibbles is a great option if you have younger cats that only need basic coverage and want a simple, automated claims process. The company also has an excellent Trustpilot rating.[3]
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Our editorial team selected the companies you see here based on a combination of average premiums, available coverages, policy features, and more.
These factors include:
State-level average premiums by species, age, and breed
Available reimbursement rates, payout levels, and deductibles
Waiting periods for common conditions
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Plan flexibility and policy management features
We prioritized each factor differently depending on the category to provide the best possible recommendations to pet owners throughout the state.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Cats
Cat insurance rates vary from one company to the next, even for similar coverage. Your cat’s age and breed, as well as your location and coverage choices, will also affect your premium. It’s best to compare customized quotes for your fur baby, but you can start by reviewing average cat insurance premiums from major companies.
Below are the cheapest cat insurance companies by average monthly premium, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Spot | $12 |
| Pets Best | $13 |
| ASPCA | $16 |
| Lemonade | $17 |
| Fetch Pet | $22 |
| Figo | $25 |
| Pumpkin | $29 |
| Prudent Pet | $31 |
How Pet Insurance for Cats Works
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Pet insurance is like health insurance for your cat. When you buy a cat insurance policy, you agree to pay a monthly or annual premium in exchange for reimbursement when your cat needs veterinary care.[4]
Many cat insurance companies allow you to choose your policy terms, which include:
Deductible: The deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying toward your cat’s care before your insurer will reimburse you. It typically renews annually.
Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage of your vet bill the insurance company pays after you meet your deductible. You’re responsible for the remaining portion, called co-insurance.
Annual or lifetime limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay per year or over your cat’s lifetime.
You can typically see any veterinarian. After you pay for your cat’s healthcare services, you’ll file a claim for reimbursement. Some cat insurers also offer the option to pay your vet directly.
Example Scenario
Let’s say your cat swallows part of a toy and begins vomiting, so you take it to the emergency vet. Luckily, your cat insurance policy covers accidents.
Here’s how pet insurance might work for a typical cat visit.
The vet performs an exam and X-ray and removes the blockage. You get a bill for $1,500.
Your policy has a $250 deductible and a 90% reimbursement rate.
You pay the full bill up front and submit a claim, including an itemized receipt from your veterinarian, to your insurance company.
The insurance company confirms that it’ll cover the treatment and reimburse you $1,125, which is 90% of the $1,250 balance after your deductible.
Now that you’ve met your deductible, your insurance company will pay 90% of future covered treatments up to your annual limit for the remainder of the year.
Types of Pet Insurance for Cats
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Here are a few types of pet coverages you can buy for your cat:[5]
Accident and illness: Standard pet insurance policies are accident and illness policies, which cover acute and chronic illnesses from UTIs to cancer and accidents like poisoning or broken bones.
Accident-only: Typically the most affordable option, these policies only cover treatment related to accidents, such as foreign-body ingestion or trauma.
Wellness: Some insurers bundle wellness coverage with accident and illness coverage, while others offer it as an add-on. You can also buy stand-alone wellness packages. Wellness plans cover routine care, like annual exams, vaccines, and preventive medication.
What Pet Insurance for Cats Covers
Coverage for cat health conditions varies depending on the type of policy. Some pet insurance companies also offer more comprehensive coverage than others, so it’s important to read your specific policy.
The table below shows some examples of common conditions and treatments, the average cost of veterinary care[6], and the policy types that may offer coverage.
Condition or Treatment | Average Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit | $55–$83 | Wellness |
| Foreign body removal surgery | $1,260 | Accident & illness, accident-only |
| Wound treatment | $78–$285 | Accident & illness, accident-only |
| Cancer therapy | $3,980 | Accident & illness |
| Dental cleaning | $430 | Wellness |
| Spay or neuter surgery | $95–$155 | Wellness |
| Bladder stone surgery | $1,439 | Accident & illness |
| Upper respiratory infection | $101 | Accident & illness |
| FeLV diagnosis and treatment | $633 | Accident & illness |
| Kidney disease exam | $323 | Accident & illness |
What cat insurance won’t cover
Every cat insurance policy contains exclusions. Here are common conditions and treatments that pet insurance won’t cover:
Pre-existing conditions: If your cat showed symptoms of or received treatment for health conditions before your policy’s effective date or during the waiting period, most insurers won’t cover future treatment. But some companies make exceptions for certain curable pre-existing conditions after six to 18 months with no symptoms.
Routine care: Standard pet insurance doesn’t cover preventative care, such as dental cleaning or flea and tick medication, unless you purchase a wellness add-on.
Cosmetic or elective procedures: Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover procedures that aren’t medically necessary, including declawing and dewclaw removal.
Boarding and grooming: Since pet insurance is designed to cover veterinary expenses, it won’t reimburse you for non-medical costs, such as nail trimming or cat sitting.
Food and supplements: Most insurance companies won’t cover your cat’s food or pay for over-the-counter supplements, like probiotics. But some may cover prescription food or vet-recommended supplements.
Some cat insurance companies also exclude behavioral conditions and hereditary or congenital conditions, while others cover them or offer the coverage at an additional cost.
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Pet Insurance for Cats FAQs
Before you and your furry friend decide on a policy, get the facts. Here are some common questions pet parents ask about cat insurance.
How much does pet insurance usually cost for a cat?
An accident and illness policy for a cat costs an average of $23 per month, according to Compare.com data. But cat insurance costs can vary depending on where you live, the coverage you choose, and your cat’s age and breed.
What’s the best pet insurance for cats?
It depends. The best cat insurance for your cat ultimately depends on your budget and your cat’s age and health. Our research found that Pumpkin offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, making it our top choice. But Figo is also an affordable option if you want more customization options.
Is it worth insuring your cat?
It depends. Buying pet insurance is a personal decision. Vet bills for accidents or illness can run into the thousands. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind, especially if you don’t have enough savings to cover emergency services or a chronic condition.
Does cat insurance cover vet bills?
Yes. Cat insurance covers vet bills when your cat needs treatment for a condition that your policy covers. A standard pet insurance policy covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses, paying for diagnostic testing, medication, and even surgery or hospitalization.
Do indoor cats need insurance?
Yes. Staying indoors won’t protect your cat from chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes, and indoor cats can still suffer accidents from high-rise syndrome or ingest things they shouldn’t. Cat insurance helps reimburse you when your cat needs care for common health issues.[7]
Methodology
Compare.com data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Compare.com’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of 8 quotes is required for dogs and 4 quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Sources
- TrustPilot. "Pumpkin."
- Trustpilot. "Spot Pet Insurance."
- Trustpilot. "Nibbles."
- Naic.org. "Pet Insurance: It Could Save Your Pet's Life, Could Save You Money."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Common Cat Diseases."
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
