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Cat Insurance

Cat Insurance Coverage Through AKC Pet Insurance

Every cat deserves the pet insurance of champions. Policies offered through AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company) help ensure that you can provide everything your purrfect cat needs without worrying about how to pay for unexpected medical expenses.

Why AKC Pet Insurance?

The pet industry is expanding rapidly, but only one company offers the pet insurance of champions.

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An exclusive partner: Since 2003, AKC Pet Insurance has been the only pet insurance brand trusted by the American Kennel Club.

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Plans to suit your pet and budget: AKC Pet Insurance’s selection of policy add-ons and customizable coverage options mean your plan can be as unique as your cat or dog.

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A nationwide network: With AKC Pet Insurance, you and your cat can keep your vet and visit any licensed provider in the United States or Canada.

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NEW Most Comprehensive Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: AKC Pet Insurance is the ONLY brand that offers the industry’s most comprehensive pre-existing condition coverage after 365 days of continuous coverage*.

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Round-the-clock pet care answers: Need answers in the early morning or dead of night? Policyholders can call or chat with the 24/7 Vet Helpline any time of day for quick answers to their pet care questions.

*Not available in all states. “Only brand“ refers to comparison with 5 pet insurance carriers making up approximately 80% of the US pet insurance market (Nationwide, ASPCA, Trupanion, HealthyPaws and PetPlan).

How Does Cat Insurance Work?

Once your cat's waiting period has ended:

1. Visit any licensed vet: Take your cat to any specialist, licensed veterinarian, or emergency clinic. Once you've paid your vet bill, make sure to keep your itemized invoice.

2. Submit a claim: Fill out a claim form and submit.

3. Get reimbursed: You'll get reimbursement for eligible expenses. You can check you claim status at any time through the Customer Portal

How Does Cat Insurance Work?

Once your cat's waiting period has ended:

1. Visit any licensed vet: Take your cat to any specialist, licensed veterinarian, or emergency clinic. Once you've paid your bill, make sure to keep your itemized invoice.

2. Submit a claim: Fill out a claim form and submit.

3. Get reimbursed: You'll get claim reimbursement for eligible expenses. You can check you claim status at any time through the Customer Portal or on the Tailtrax® mobile app

Building Your Cat's Insurance Plan

AKC Pet Insurance allows you to personalize your coverage, so that you can create the best pet insurance policy for you and your pet. Review the following things before building your policy:

  • Premiums: Pet insurance premiums depend on a number of factors, including your cat's breed and age, your ZIP code, your chosen payment and benefit plan, and any optional policy add-ons you select.

  • Deductibles: Enrollees can set their own annual deductibles, ranging from $100 to $1,000.

  • Reimbursement: Enrollees can select coinsurance amounts of 10%, 20%, or 30%, meaning they’ll be reimbursed for 90%, 80%, or 70% of their eligible costs, respectively. Once deductibles are met, eligible veterinary expenses will be covered. The lower the coinsurance amount, the higher the monthly premium.

  • Annual coverage limits: Enrollees can select annual benefit amounts ranging from $2,500 to an unlimited benefit.

Create Your Own Coverage

Policy add-ons: In addition to basic Accident and Illness coverage, enrollees may have the option to supplement their policies. We know that you and your cat’s needs are unique, so our optional add-on plans cover everything from routine expenses to the costs associated with memorializing a pet.

Create Your Own Coverage

Policy add-ons: In addition to basic Accident and Illness coverage, enrollees may have the option to supplement their policies. We know that you and your cat's needs are unique, so our optional add-on plans cover everything from routine to the costs associated with memorializing a pet. Choose what you need. You can always update your selections to get the best coverage for you cat.

Protect Your Cat with Accident and Illness Coverage

From their kitten days into adulthood, most cats will experience their share of unexpected accidents and illnesses. Accident coverage is available to all cats over eight weeks of age, and cats between eight weeks and nine years of age are eligible for accident and illness coverage. Older cats getting coverage after the age of 9 are eligible for accident only coverage. Refer to your policy for complete details regarding coverage, limitations, and exclusions.

Common medical conditions that may be covered include, but are not limited to:

  • ACL injuries
  • Allergies
  • Broken bones
  • Cancer
  • Digestive issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Intervertebral disc disease (after 180 days of continuous coverage)
  • Urinary tract infections

Common expenses that may be covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalization
  • Imaging
  • Lab tests
  • Prescription medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery
  • Tooth extraction

Accident and Illness Coverage

The Most Comprehensive Cat Insurance Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions*

Most cat insurance providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions. These are defined as illnesses or injuries that predate a policy’s effective date.

Good News:

AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company) does not impose all of the same restrictions and exclusions on cats/pets with pre-existing conditions as other pet insurance providers. After 365 days of continuous coverage, policyholders may be covered for certain pre-existing conditions under their Accident & Illness plan. These could include hereditary and congenital conditions (with optional Hereditary add-on coverage), as well as chronic conditions like cancer and injuries sustained during a cat’s youth.

*Not available in all states.

Get Wellness & Routine Coverage for Additional Security

Routine and preventive veterinary care costs can add up just as quickly as emergency veterinary fees. Optional Defender and DefenderPlus pet wellness plans are offered through AKC Pet Insurance can help policyholders with a range of essential medical costs.

Covered exams and procedures include, but are not limited to:

  • Alternative therapies
  • Blood and fecal examinations
  • Deworming
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Heartworm screening and prevention
  • Microchipping
  • Routine dental cleanings
  • Spaying and neutering
  • Urinalysis
  • Vaccinations and titers
  • Wellness examinations

Save Money with Exam Coverage

Trips to the vet's office can get expensive. Optional veterinary exam fee coverage offered through AKC Pet Insurance helps policyholders pay for the cost of treatments from a variety of providers.

Providers may include, but are not limited to:

  • Emergency veterinary hospitals
  • Specialty clinics
  • Primary care doctors
Exam Coverage

Plan Ahead with Hereditary and Congenital Coverage

Certain common hereditary conditions aren’t covered by accident and illness plans. Many are heritable illnesses that cats develop as they age.

Common medical conditions that may be covered with this optional add-on include, but are not limited to:

  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Heart disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Luxating patella
  • Spondylosis
Hereditary and Congenital Coverage

Celebrate Your Cat's Life with Final Respects Coverage

Saying goodbye to a beloved feline friend is never easy, but this policy add-on offered through AKC Pet Insurance can help pet owners manage some of the expenses associated with the difficult experience.

Covered expenses may include, but are not limited to:

  • Burial
  • Cremation
  • Memorials

Final Respects Coverage

What Cat Insurance Doesn’t Cover

With optional policy add-ons, it’s possible that AKC Pet Insurance can offer coverage for a wide range of your cat care expenses. There are, however, a number of expenses for which enrollees cannot obtain reimbursement.

Certain diagnoses are not covered, for example:

  • Elective and experimental procedures
  • Obesity treatments
  • Organ transplants
  • Chronic dental conditions like periodontal disease
  • Parasite treatments
  • Prosthesis

For a complete list of exclusions and limitations, refer to https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/sample-policies

AKC Cat Insurance: FAQs

Why do I need cat insurance?

1 in 3 pets require emergency care every year. Scrapes with playmates, illnesses, and run-ins with household hazards can leave owners with hefty bills on their hands. By providing reimbursement for eligible expenses, pet insurance plans offer peace of mind and alleviate some of the financial burden of caring for a cat.

How much is cat insurance?

Premiums start as low as $10/month for accident and illness coverage alone, with most policyholders paying an average of $550 - $600 annually. Your specific premium will depend on a number of factors, including your ZIP code and cat's age. Any optional policy add-ons you select can also affect the cost of cat insurance coverage. These factors will also affect coverage costs:

  • Annual benefits: Enrollees have the option to select plans with unlimited annual payouts for eligible expenses. The higher the annual benefit amount, the higher the plan's premium.
  • Deductibles: Choosing a higher annual pet insurance deductible means you're responsible for covering more pet care expenses before coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles typically also mean lower monthly premiums.
  • Coinsurance and reimbursement: The lower the reimbursement percentage, the lower the monthly cat insurance premium.

What are the waiting periods for coverage through AKC Pet Insurance?

The waiting periods for coverage to take effect are as follows:

  • 2 days for accidents
  • 14 days for illnesses
  • 30 days for hereditary and congenital conditions
  • 180 days for ligament injuries and intervertebral disc disease
  • 365 days for eligible pre-existing conditions

Can I keep my veterinarian?

Yes. AKC Pet Insurance works on a reimbursement basis. As such, enrollees can visit the veterinarians of their choice anywhere in the United States or Canada.

Are behavioral conditions covered?

It depends. Some plans offered through AKC Pet Insurance cover expenses associated with diagnosing and treating behavioral issues such as anxiety and destructive behavior. This coverage is not currently available in every state.

Are exam costs covered?

Standard policies do not reimburse enrollees for examination fees. An optional policy add-on can help cover some these expenses.

Is routine care covered?

Yes. A number of routine expenses and preventive care options are covered through AKC Pet Insurance’s two types of wellness coverage: the Defender and DefenderPlus plans. Neither plan subjects enrollees to annual deductibles or coinsurance payments. A schedule of benefits offers an established amount of reimbursement for each specific expense per year.

How do I update or cancel coverage? Do I need to contact customer service?

To inquire about your cat's insurance plan or for additional information, contact the Customer Care Team at 1-866-725-2747.

Get Your

No-Commitment Quote

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5% Multi-Pet Discount*

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If you are not completely satisfied within the first 30 days of your full-term policy, we will refund 100% of your premium as long as no claims have been filed.**

*Not available in all states. New and current policyholders may receive a 5% multi-pet discount if they get coverage for more than one pet or add an additional pet to an existing policy.**Only available with new policies. Not available in all states.