Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Cats?
For many owners, yes. Accident-and-illness insurance for cats averaged about $386 a year ($32 a month) in 2024, about half the price of dog coverage, while cat emergencies and chronic diseases such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and cancer can cost thousands. The largest US cat claim reported for 2025 was $51,600. If you could cover such bills from savings, a dedicated fund is an alternative.
Only about 2% of US cats were insured in 2025, according to NAPHIA data. Yet insured cats are the fastest-growing segment: insured cats grew 23.5% in 2024, compared with 9.8% for dogs. Here's how to decide whether it makes sense for your cat.
Cost vs. potential bills
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average accident-and-illness premium, cats (2024) | $386 a year (about $32 a month) |
| Average accident-only premium, cats (2024) | $110 a year (about $9 a month) |
| Emergency exam fee, cats | about $94–$228 |
| Cat bladder stone surgery (example) | about $1,439 |
| Cat foreign body surgery (example) | about $1,260 |
| Largest single US cat claim reported for 2025 | $51,600 |
Sources: NAPHIA, Spot and dvm360.
What cats get insured for
dvm360 reported the most common cat claims in 2025 were gastrointestinal issues, dental disease, urinary tract infections, anxiety and behavioral or neurological issues, respiratory issues, kidney disease, ear infections, hyperthyroidism, vomiting and arthritis. Several of these, especially kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, are lifelong conditions that need regular blood tests and medication, which is where insurance can pay back over years.
Is pet insurance worth it for indoor cats?
Indoor cats avoid many accidents, so accident-only coverage is less useful for them. But they still develop illnesses: urinary blockages, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental disease and cancer. If you'd want to treat those and couldn't easily pay a $1,000 to $5,000 bill, accident-and-illness coverage is the relevant type.
When it's most worth it
- You adopt a young cat and enroll before any problems appear.
- A sudden bill of a few thousand dollars would be hard to pay.
- Your cat is a breed with known health issues.
- Your cat goes outdoors.
When it may not be
- You have savings set aside for pet emergencies.
- Your cat is senior and already has conditions that would be excluded.
- You mainly want routine care covered; standard policies exclude it.
Watch the fine print
Check for dental coverage (dental disease is common in cats and some plans only cover it as an add-on), exam fee coverage, waiting periods, and how the insurer handles pre-existing conditions. Some insurers cover a cured condition again after 180 days or 12 months without symptoms. See what pet insurance covers and pre-existing conditions.
Find veterinarians near you and ask which insurers they see most.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
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