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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
Big, fluffy balls of sweetness, Ragdolls are generally a healthy breed. But they’re also susceptible to some serious health issues, like heart disease and bladder stones. And, like all larger felines, Ragdolls can pack on the pounds, leading to joint issues as they grow older.[1]
Regular vet care can help ensure your Ragdoll stays healthy. And pet health insurance can give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to afford your “puppy cat’s” vet bills.
Pet insurance for Ragdolls typically costs around $23 per month, according to Compare.com data. That’s in line with the national average cost of pet insurance for cats — $23.
Here’s what to know about finding the best pet insurance for your Ragdoll, based on our research of more than a dozen top pet insurance companies, their coverages, and costs.
An accident and illness policy for a Ragdoll averages $23 per month.
Spot and ASPCA are the cheapest pet insurance companies for Ragdolls in the U.S.
About 30% of Ragdolls carry a genetic mutation that puts them at high risk of developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a kind of heart disease.[2]
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies for Ragdolls
When you’re shopping for pet insurance for your Ragdoll, it helps to see how the top companies stack up side by side. Here’s a look at average monthly costs, reimbursement rates, and other key benefits of some leading pet insurance companies to help you compare.
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $16/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 $23/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations N/A Compare does not have data available at this time | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $21/mo* |
Avg. quote, Ragdoll $19/mo* | Avg. quote, Ragdoll $12/mo* | Avg. quote, Ragdoll N/A Compare does not have data available at this time | Avg. quote, Ragdoll N/A Compare does not have data available at this time | Avg. quote, Ragdoll N/A Compare does not have data available at this time |
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–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. 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. 50%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | 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–$15,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–$10,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited |
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. $300–$700 | 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. $250–$1,000 |
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 Not 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. |
Best for Ragdoll kittens
Lemonade Insurance
AM Best AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | NR |
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Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
In addition to a good range of plan types and coverage options, Lemonade offers a wellness add-on specifically designed for kittens (and puppies). Adding the preventive care package to your accident and illness plan from Lemonade will get you coverage for spaying or neutering, microchipping, flea medication, and up to six vaccines or booster shots.
Plus, Lemonade often has lower-than-average pet insurance premiums, according to our data.
Consistently low premiums
Bundling discount available
Easy claims filing
Not available in every U.S. state
No coverage for alternative therapies
Must buy add-on for behavioral treatments
Best for Ragdolls with fur siblings
Spot
User Reviews | NR |
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Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
Ragdolls are great with other animals, so if you have more than one pet, Spot pet insurance could be a good option. The insurer offers a 10% multi-pet discount, which is one of the largest available. And Spot will cover curable pre-existing conditions as long as your Ragdoll stays symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days.
10% discount for insuring multiple pets
No age restrictions for senior pets
Optional wellness plan available
No direct reimbursement to vets
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
Best for Ragdolls with dental needs
Fetch
User Reviews | NR |
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Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
Dental disease is common in cats. Up to 90% of cats older than 4 have some form of it.[3] While Ragdolls aren’t any more susceptible to dental disease than other cats, you still might want to plan for your kitty’s dental care.
Fetch stands out for its dental care coverage, which many insurers exclude or treat as an add-on. And, while many insurers limit dental care to just the canine teeth, Fetch covers every tooth.
Superior dental coverage
Covers exam fees for sick visits
Includes coverage for alternative treatments
Higher premiums compared to competitors
Won’t cover prescription food
Long waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Best for Ragdolls with pre-existing conditions
AKC
User Reviews | NR |
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Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
AKC pet insurance offers coverage for incurable pre-existing conditions after you’ve had coverage with the insurer for 12 months. That’s something no other pet insurance company offers. If you didn’t insure your Ragdoll before they were diagnosed with an incurable issue, AKC pet insurance might be a good choice for you.
But act quickly — once your pet is older than 9, AKC will only allow you to enroll in accident coverage.
Only insurer to cover incurable pre-existing conditions
Multi-pet discount available
Numerous ways to customize a plan
Must buy add-on for hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions
Senior pets only eligible for accident-only plan
Below-average claims satisfaction
Best for fast claims processing
Healthy Paws
User Reviews | NR |
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Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
Like most pet insurers, Healthy Paws works on a reimbursement basis. But the insurer stands out most for its fast claims process. Healthy Paws says it pays most claims in two days. And it has no annual or lifetime limits on payouts.
But it doesn’t offer any policy add-ons, like a wellness plan to cover routine and preventive care.
Speedy claims reimbursement
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts
Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
No wellness plan available
Won’t cover exam fees
Won’t issue a new policy to pets older than 13
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Ragdolls
Generally, it’s cheaper to insure cats than dogs, but affordability is still important when you’re comparison shopping for pet insurance. If your Ragdoll is young and healthy, or if you live in an area with a lower cost of living, you may have an easier time finding lower-cost pet insurance.
Here are average Ragdoll cat insurance rates from some top companies, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
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Spot | $12 |
ASPCA | $14 |
Figo | $17 |
Lemonade | $19 |
Pumpkin | $30 |
Prudent Pet | $37 |
What Pet Insurance Covers for Ragdolls
All pet insurance policies cover accidental injuries. Comprehensive policies also cover illnesses, though the type of covered illness can vary among insurers.
Here are some common Ragdoll health conditions, the typical cost of treatment, and whether pet insurance covers them.
Condition/Accident | Typical Cost to Treat | Covered by Pet Insurance? |
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Urinary tract infection | $10–$15+ for medication, $75–$100 per month for special diet | Yes, if not pre-existing |
Urinary tract blockage (PU surgery) | $1,500–$4,500 | Yes, if not pre-existing |
Heart disease | $200–$1,500 for diagnosis, $100+ per month, depending on medication | |
Bladder stone removal | $900–$4,000 | |
Dental disease (extraction) | $50–$130 per tooth | Yes, if not pre-existing |
Broken leg (fracture repair) | $300–$2,500+ | Yes |
Obesity | Varies depending on treatment | No |
Ragdolls can be susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart condition that causes the muscle wall to become too thick. And their larger size can make them prone to arthritis problems later in life.
It’s important to find an insurance policy that covers hereditary and congenital issues that your Ragdoll may develop over time.
Other Coverages to Consider for Your Ragdoll
Just like human health insurance, your pet insurance may not cover every health-related expense for your Ragdoll. But you can bridge some coverage gaps by buying policy add-ons that extend your coverage.
Common pet insurance add-ons include:
Wellness plans: This helps cover routine care expenses that most typical accident and illness policies exclude. These routine care add-ons can reimburse you for things like annual exams, core vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea, tick, or heartworm prevention. Some insurers also offer coverage for spaying or neutering, microchipping, and routine blood work as part of their wellness packages.[4] [5]
Alternative therapies: Ragdolls are laid-back cats, so you may never need behavioral therapy for your kitty. But if you do (or if you want to try acupuncture for your cat’s arthritis), adding coverage for alternative therapy is a must.
Exam fees: Most policies will cover treatment costs but not the exam fees associated with diagnosing a condition. This add-on allows your policy to cover exam fees for eligible expenses.
Prescription coverage: Some insurers include prescription medication coverage in their accident and illness plans. Others treat it as an add-on. You may also be able to buy an add-on that covers prescription food and supplements as well.
How to Find the Right Pet Insurance for Your Ragdoll
When you’re looking for the right pet insurance for your Ragdoll, it’s important to weigh a few key factors.
Start by reviewing what each policy covers, especially hereditary and congenital conditions your Ragdoll may be more susceptible to. Not all insurers cover these, so read the fine print or ask for a sample policy to see what’s included and excluded.
Next, think about how flexible the insurance company lets you be with your plan. Most companies let you adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual payout limit to fit your needs and budget.[6] Here’s how each of those works:
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket for covered treatments before your insurance starts reimbursing you. Choosing a higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more up front if your Ragdoll needs care.
Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage of covered vet bills your insurance will pay after you meet your deductible. Common options are 70%, 80%, or 90%, but a handful of insurers offer 100% reimbursement options. A higher reimbursement rate means your insurer pays more per claim, but your premium will be higher.
Annual payout limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay each year. Some plans offer unlimited payouts, while others have caps. Some also have condition limits or lifetime limits. Higher limits give you more protection against big or repeated bills but usually cost more each month.
How Your Ragdoll’s Age Affects Insurance Costs
Ragdolls can live a long time, with many living 17 years or longer. But just like humans, cats can develop health issues as they grow older, and that means it’s more likely you’ll need to file a claim for their care. Plus, age-related health problems can require ongoing treatment or more extensive care, all of which increases veterinary costs.
Most insurers also set age limits for new enrollments and may restrict coverage options for older pets, sometimes offering only accident-only plans or excluding certain illnesses altogether. That’s why it’s a good idea to enroll your Ragdoll in a pet insurance policy while they’re young.
Here’s how the average monthly cost of pet insurance for Ragdolls changes as your cat moves from young to adult to senior.
Average Monthly Premium: Young Ragdolls | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Ragdolls | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Ragdolls |
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$20 | $22 | $60 |
How Your Location Affects Pet Insurance Costs
Insurance companies also factor your ZIP code into your insurance premium because vet costs, cost of living, and even the frequency of claims can vary widely from one area to another.
Urban areas and states with higher living expenses often have pricier veterinary care, so pet insurance premiums in those places are higher. But rural regions or states with lower vet fees usually see lower premiums. Local factors, like environmental hazards and disease prevalence, or the number of vet clinics in your area, can also influence rates.[7]
Take a look at the table below to see the average monthly cost of pet insurance for Ragdolls in different states, according to our research.
State | Average Monthly Premium |
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Virginia | $12 |
North Carolina | $13 |
Texas | $14 |
West Virginia | $14 |
Indiana | $16 |
Kansas | $16 |
Minnesota | $18 |
California | $23 |
Colorado | $23 |
South Carolina | $23 |
Oregon | $25 |
Hawaii | $26 |
Massachusetts | $27 |
Kentucky | $31 |
Wisconsin | $33 |
New Mexico | $36 |
Georgia | $38 |
Florida | $39 |
Rhode Island | $47 |
Montana | $60 |
New Jersey | $60 |
Pet Insurance for Ragdolls FAQs
If you still have questions about pet insurance for Ragdolls, the commonly asked questions below cover some of the most common topics cat owners ask about.
Do Ragdolls have medical issues?
As a breed, Ragdolls are generally healthy. But individual cats can have a genetic tendency to develop a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Like all cats, Ragdolls can experience urinary tract problems, including bladder stones. And, because they’re big cats, Ragdolls can carry extra pounds that lead to joint issues.
Why are Ragdolls so expensive?
Ragdolls definitely aren’t cheap. You can expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 for a kitten from a reputable breeder. Multiple factors affect that cost, including the breed’s popularity and the cost to breed healthy kittens. Breeding and raising a Ragdoll kitten can cost $400–$2,500.[8] [9]
Are Ragdoll cats easy to take care of?
Behaviorally, Ragdolls are easy cats. They’re happy to engage with people and don’t require a lot of playtime. But you’ll need to groom your Ragdoll regularly to ensure their long, soft coat doesn’t get matted and tangled. Combing twice a week is usually enough. And, because Ragdolls are prone to obesity, you’ll have to carefully manage your kitty’s diet.
What’s the best low-cost pet insurance for cats?
Spot has the lowest average monthly premiums for cats, at $12, according to Compare.com data. You can also find low rates on pet insurance for Ragdolls from Pets Best. Its monthly rates average $13.
Can you keep a Ragdoll cat outside?
Your Ragdoll will stay healthier and happier as an indoor cat. Their gentle dispositions and lush coats — which require regular grooming — mean Ragdolls generally don’t do well outdoors. But if you have a fully enclosed catio or backyard, you may let them hang out there, as long as you monitor them.
Sources
- PetMD. "Ragdoll."
- Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. "Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals."
- Cornell Feline Health Center. "Feline Dental Disease."
- Pets Best. "Cat Insurance Plans from Pets Best."
- Spot Pet Insurance. "Wellness Coverage for Cats and Dogs."
- The American Animal Hospital Association. "How Do I Choose the Right Pet Insurance?."
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Why Does My Location Affect Pet Insurance Costs?."
- Pastel Ragdolls. "How Much Does a Ragdoll Kitten Cost? - Ragdoll Pricing Guide."
- Petzooie. "Why Are Ragdoll Cats So Expensive? Factors That Drive Up the Price."