When shopping for pet insurance for cats, understanding what’s included in a policy is just as important as knowing what’s excluded. The term inclusions refers to the specific medical treatments, conditions, and services that your policy will cover. And while every provider defines inclusions differently, being aware of these details helps cat owners choose the right plan—and avoid costly surprises.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common inclusions in cat insurance policies, how they vary, and how to assess whether a plan’s coverage truly aligns with your cat’s health needs and your budget.
What Are “Inclusions” in Cat Insurance?
Inclusions refer to all the veterinary expenses, procedures, and conditions that your insurer agrees to reimburse or cover according to your policy terms. This can include everything from accidents and illnesses to medications, diagnostics, and sometimes even behavioral therapy.
While no two policies are identical, most fall into two categories:
- Accident-only plans: Cover sudden injuries or traumas, but not illnesses
- Comprehensive plans: Cover both accidents and illnesses, plus diagnostics, prescriptions, and more
The broader the inclusions, the more protection you have—but typically at a higher monthly premium.
Most Common Cat Insurance Inclusions
1. Accidents and Emergency Care
Nearly all policies cover accidental injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Poisoning
- Animal bites or scratches
- Car accidents
This is often the baseline of coverage, even for budget-friendly policies.
2. Illnesses and Chronic Conditions
Comprehensive plans usually include coverage for illnesses like:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal issues
Chronic conditions may be included, provided they weren’t diagnosed before enrollment. This highlights the importance of insuring your cat early.
3. Diagnostic Testing
Many plans cover necessary diagnostics such as:
- X-rays and ultrasounds
- Blood tests
- MRIs and CT scans (in high-tier plans)
Diagnostic testing is essential for proper treatment and early detection of serious conditions, making it a vital inclusion for most cat owners.
4. Surgeries and Hospitalization
If your cat needs a procedure—emergency or planned—these are typically covered under inclusions:
- Spay/neuter (sometimes via wellness add-ons)
- Tumor removals
- Foreign object removal
- Wound care and surgery follow-up
Coverage may include both the surgery and post-operative care like pain medication and overnight stays.
5. Prescription Medications
Covered drugs may include:
- Antibiotics
- Insulin
- Thyroid meds
- Anti-nausea or anti-inflammatory treatments
Some plans also include prescriptions for chronic or recurring illnesses, which can save cat owners hundreds per year.
6. Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Many breeds are predisposed to genetic issues. Good cat insurance plans often cover:
- Heart disease in Maine Coons
- Polycystic kidney disease in Persians
- Dental malformations in Siamese
These inclusions usually require early enrollment and a waiting period, but they’re crucial for long-term peace of mind.
Wellness and Preventive Care: Are They Included?
Routine care—vaccinations, dental cleanings, wellness exams—is generally not included in basic policies. Instead, these are offered as optional wellness add-ons. If your insurer offers one, wellness inclusions may cover:
- Annual exams
- Flea and tick prevention
- Vaccines (rabies, FVRCP)
- Deworming
- Fecal tests and microchipping
These add-ons can be useful, but you’ll want to calculate whether their cost exceeds what you typically spend on routine care each year.
Specialized Inclusions Worth Noting
Depending on the policy tier, you might also find coverage for:
- Behavioral therapy: For anxiety, aggression, or litter box issues
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy
- Tele-vet consultations: Remote care access during after-hours or emergencies
- End-of-life services: Euthanasia and cremation
These are typically found in more premium plans, but can be lifesavers—both emotionally and financially—when facing complex care decisions.
How to Read an Insurance Plan’s Inclusions
Always read your policy documents carefully. Look for a section titled “Covered Treatments” or “What’s Included.” If the language is vague, ask the insurer for clarification before enrolling. You can also request a sample policy to review full inclusions in detail.
Checklist of Inclusions to Look For:
- Accident and emergency care
- Illnesses and diagnostics
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Chronic condition management
- Prescriptions
- Genetic conditions (with age restrictions noted)
If any of these are missing, you may want to compare with other providers or reconsider the value of the plan.
Why Inclusions Matter for Long-Term Cat Care
Your cat’s health journey isn’t static. Kittens may be low-cost now but develop allergies, arthritis, or dental issues later. Choosing a plan with robust inclusions helps ensure you won’t be caught off guard as your cat ages.
Coverage flexibility is another benefit: strong inclusions reduce the need to switch plans later, which could trigger new waiting periods or disqualify pre-existing conditions.
Read the Inclusions Before You Enroll
Cat insurance isn’t just about monthly price—it’s about what you’re actually buying. By understanding a policy’s inclusions, you make sure you’re investing in meaningful protection that aligns with your cat’s breed, lifestyle, and long-term needs.
Whether your cat is a rambunctious kitten or a senior with special health needs, make sure your policy reflects the care you expect. Because true peace of mind doesn’t come from hoping coverage is enough—it comes from knowing it is.