The cost of caring for a cat has skyrocketed in recent years. A single emergency surgery or chronic illness can easily cost thousands of dollars, and veterinarians estimate that many families spend over $12,000 on veterinary care over a cat’s life. This financial reality has led to explosive growth in pet insurance. Search interest for “pet insurance” has doubled over the last decade, and the global industry reached $9.4 billion in 2022, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 17 percent through 2030. In other words, more cat owners are using insurance to balance unpredictable medical bills and ensure their feline friends receive the best care.
The marketplace is also evolving. Providers have moved beyond simple accident coverage to offer comprehensive illness plans, wellness add‑ons, and even 24/7 telehealth access. At the same time, consumer searches are becoming more specific. According to real‑time data from Google and Bing, people are increasingly looking up phrases like “affordable cat insurance for indoor cats,” “best cat wellness plans,” and “online vet consultation for cats in America.” These searches reveal a desire to find policies tailored to lifestyle, budget, and convenient access to veterinary advice.
This article is designed to address those needs. Drawing from authoritative sources and official insurer websites, we identify five reliable companies offering standout coverage for cats in 2024. Because every cat and budget is unique, we present our picks in random order and include a clear disclaimer: there is no single “best” insurer for everyone. Our goal is to empower you with information, not to rank companies. We encourage you to compare quotes, read policy details and choose the plan that aligns with your cat’s age, health history and your financial comfort.
What Cat Parents Are Searching For: Search‑Intent & Trend Insights
Search engines reveal more than curiosity; they reflect the real concerns of cat parents. Through recent Google and Bing queries, several themes emerge:
- Budget‑friendly coverage – Many owners search for *“affordable cat insurance for indoor cats in the U.S.”* and *“cheap pet insurance for senior cats.”* This indicates that costs and age‑based premiums are top‑of‑mind.
- Holistic health – Queries for *“best cat wellness plans”* and *“wellness add‑ons that include dental care and vaccinations”* show that people want coverage for preventative visits, dental cleanings, vaccinations and microchipping.
- Convenience and access – The pandemic made virtual care mainstream, and searches like *“online vet consultation for cats in America”* and *“24/7 vet chat for cats”* are rising. Telehealth can provide triage advice when your cat vomits at 3 a.m., but it doesn’t replace the veterinarian–client–patient relationship required for diagnosis and prescriptions. A veterinarian cannot legally prescribe medication over telehealth unless you have an existing in‑person relationship; however, virtual consultations are useful for non‑urgent advice, nutrition guidance and behavioural questions.
- Comprehensive protection – People also want to know *“what does cat insurance cover?”* They look up details like reimbursement rates, waiting periods, hereditary illness coverage and whether plans include exam fees.
These search patterns show that cat parents are becoming savvy shoppers. They’re not just looking for the cheapest policy; they want coverage that fits their indoor‑only cat, protects against hereditary diseases, supports dental health and includes convenient online vet support. Keep these trends in mind as you explore the companies below.
Top Pet Insurance Companies for Cats in 2024 (Random Order)
The following companies offer robust coverage options, flexible pricing and unique features that suit a variety of cats and budgets. This list is not ranked, and there is no single “best” provider. We recommend obtaining quotes from multiple insurers to see how each plan fits your cat’s age, health status and your financial needs.
Pets Best
Unique strengths: Pets Best is known for flexibility and affordability. The company offers accident‑and‑illness plans with up to 90 % reimbursement of eligible vet bills and multiple deductible options, so you can tailor coverage to your budget. You can also choose an accident‑only plan if you want a lower premium that still covers unexpected injuries like broken bones, swallowed objects or poisoning.
Standout coverage:
- Accident & illness plan: Covers hereditary conditions, allergies, emergencies, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, prescription medication and dental disease. You can add routine care coverage that reimburses costs for wellness exams, vaccines, microchipping, spay/neuter and dental cleanings.
- Accident‑only plan: A budget‑friendly option covering injuries and emergencies.
- 24/7 pet helpline: Pets Best’s mobile app includes a 24/7 pet health line where you can chat with veterinary experts for advice—ideal for triaging a late‑night vomiting episode or a question about behavior.
Awards & recognition: Forbes Advisor lists Pets Best among its best pet insurance companies and notes that it offers competitive rates for unlimited coverage, broad deductible choices and provides a 24/7 pet health line. Pros highlighted include no upper age limit, the option to pay your veterinarian directly, and a 5 % multi‑pet discount. The main cons are a six‑month waiting period for cruciate ligament issues and a lack of coverage for stem‑cell therapy.
Why consider Pets Best? This insurer excels if you’re looking for affordable cat insurance for indoor cats with the option to customize reimbursement and deductibles. The accident‑only plan is a rare offering for cat parents on a tight budget. The 24/7 helpline and digital claims process make it convenient for busy owners, and the wellness add‑on can help with routine care costs.
Figo
Unique strengths: Figo markets itself as a tech‑forward insurer, offering a highly customizable accident‑and‑illness plan alongside a robust mobile app. Unlike some competitors, Figo offers unlimited annual coverage limits and reimbursement levels up to 100 %, so there’s virtually no cap on claims. The company also has six wellness plan tiers—more than most insurers—so you can tailor preventative care to your cat’s needs.
Standout coverage:
- Accident & illness plan: Covers injuries, illnesses, cancer and hereditary conditions. Optional add‑ons cover exam fees, rehabilitation and extra care. Reimbursement rates range from 70 % to 100 %, annual coverage limits can be $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited and deductibles vary from $100 to $750.
- Wellness power‑ups: Figo’s wellness tiers allow you to add routine care coverage for wellness exams, vaccines, dental cleanings and more.
- Pet Cloud app: Provides 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians via chat and video. This telehealth feature is included with the policy and is particularly valuable for minor issues or questions, though it cannot replace a VCPR requirement for prescriptions.
Awards & recognition: Forbes Advisor praises Figo for its competitive rates, extensive wellness plan choices and exceptionally high customer satisfaction scores, noting that customers are extremely satisfied with both the purchase and claims processes. U.S. News highlights Figo’s no upper age limit and customizable options but cautions that there is no accident‑only coverage and that multi‑pet discounts are smaller than some competitors.
Why consider Figo? Figo is ideal for tech‑savvy cat parents who want maximum flexibility. The ability to choose an unlimited annual limit and even a 100 % reimbursement rate is rare. If you value 24/7 telehealth support through a user‑friendly app and want to customize wellness coverage, Figo deserves a look.
Pumpkin
Unique strengths: Pumpkin emphasizes comprehensive coverage and quick reimbursements. Its plans offer 90 % cash back on eligible vet bills and impose no breed or upper‑age restrictions—important for owners of senior or purebred cats. An exclusive PumpkinNow urgent pay service can pay eligible vet expenses in as little as 15 minutes, allowing you to authorize treatments without waiting for reimbursement.
Standout coverage:
- Accident & illness plan: Covers a broad range of conditions, including eye and skin infections, digestive illnesses, urinary tract infections, orthopedic injuries, cancer, diabetes and more. Coverage also includes hereditary conditions, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, vet exam fees, virtual vet visits, alternative therapies, prescription foods and supplements.
- High reimbursement and deductible options: You can choose 80 % or 90 % reimbursement with four deductible choices, giving flexibility for different budgets.
- Quick claims: Pumpkin’s digital claims process aims to reimburse you promptly so you can manage cash flow.
Awards & recognition: While there is no major award listed for Pumpkin, the company is frequently praised in industry rankings for its broad coverage and consumer‑friendly policies. The commitment to no caps on breed or age and the urgent pay service distinguishes it from many competitors.
Why consider Pumpkin? Pumpkin caters to cat parents who want comprehensive coverage with minimal exclusions. Its inclusion of dental illnesses, behavioral issues and alternative therapies makes it one of the most thorough plans on the market. The ability to use the urgent pay service helps when large vet bills threaten to strain your budget.
Lemonade
Unique strengths: Lemonade is a disruptor in the insurance space, using AI to process claims quickly and offering some of the lowest premiums in the market. Forbes Advisor notes that Lemonade has very competitive pricing and several discount opportunities, including a multi‑pet discount, a discount for paying annually, bundling with other Lemonade products (such as renters or homeowners insurance) and partnerships with certain veterinary clinics. Its digital‑first approach means you can buy a policy and submit claims through an intuitive mobile app.
Standout coverage:
- Base accident & illness plan: Covers accidents, illnesses, diagnostics and medications. You can add coverage for therapies such as behavioral therapy, dental illness, prescription medication, physical therapy and end‑of‑life expenses, but these cost extra.
- Preventive care packages: Optional wellness plans can reimburse vaccines, routine exams and parasite prevention.
- Charitable giving: Lemonade operates as a public benefit corporation and donates leftover underwriting profits to charities chosen by customers.
Awards & recognition: Forbes Advisor reports that customers are extremely satisfied with Lemonade’s pricing and claims processes. However, there are some notable downsides: no direct vet pay, no 24/7 telehealth (only an on‑demand chat), and many types of care (behavioral therapy, dental illness, prescription drugs, physical therapy, end‑of‑life expenses) require additional purchase.
Why consider Lemonade? Lemonade is a strong option if you’re on a budget and want a quick digital experience. It can be an affordable choice for young, healthy cats, especially if you bundle other Lemonade insurance products. Be aware that coverage for some conditions costs extra, so read the policy carefully before you buy.
MetLife
Unique strengths: MetLife has been insuring pets for decades and focuses on robust coverage and flexible plan designs. In 2024 it was named “Pet Insurance of the Year” by the Pet Innovation Awards—a major recognition in an increasingly crowded market. MetLife offers chronic care coverage, no per‑incident limits, and allows you to choose your deductible, annual benefit limit and reimbursement percentage.
Standout coverage:
- Customizable accident & illness plan: Covers exam fees, diagnostics and prescription medications. There is no waiting period for orthopedic conditions, which is rare among insurers.
- Preventive care add‑on: Reimburses spay/neuter, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, teeth cleaning and vaccinations.
- Family plan: A unique policy feature allows you to cover up to three pets under one policy, simplifying paperwork and potentially reducing premiums.
- Mobile app & rewards program: MetLife’s app lets you submit claims, view policy documents and access 24/7 vet chat. A rewards program offers discounts on pet care products and services.
Awards & recognition: The Pet Innovation Awards recognized MetLife in 2024 for its robust annual benefit options and chronic care coverage, praising its efforts to eliminate financial worries for pet owners. This recognition supports MetLife’s position as a mature insurer committed to transparency and customer satisfaction.
Why consider MetLife? MetLife suits cat owners who want customizable coverage with high benefit limits and a reliable brand name. Its family plan is perfect for multi‑pet households, and the preventive care option helps cover routine expenses. The 2024 award underscores its innovation and customer‑centric approach.
Comparing Plan Features and Considering Your Cat’s Needs
Choosing a policy is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Consider the following factors when evaluating plans:
1. Your cat’s age and health: Premiums tend to rise with age. Kittens may need only accident coverage, whereas older cats benefit from comprehensive illness protection and wellness add‑ons for dental cleanings and bloodwork.
2. Indoor vs. outdoor lifestyle: Indoor cats have lower accident risk, but they can still develop chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease. Outdoor cats are more prone to injuries and poisonings, so accident coverage is critical. For indoor cats, you might prefer affordable accident‑and‑illness plans with lower annual limits.
3. Breed considerations: Purebreds like Maine Coons and Persians can have hereditary health issues. Ensure the policy covers genetic conditions without long waiting periods. Some insurers, like Pets Best and Pumpkin, specifically cover hereditary conditions.
4. Reimbursement rate and deductible: A higher reimbursement rate (e.g., 90 % or 100 %) means lower out‑of‑pocket costs but usually a higher premium. Adjust the deductible to balance monthly costs and your emergency fund.
5. Annual or lifetime limits: Unlimited annual coverage can protect you from catastrophic bills; however, it may raise your premium. Figo and Pumpkin offer unlimited or high limits, whereas some budget plans cap annual benefits.
6. Waiting periods and exclusions: Most insurers have a waiting period before illnesses are covered. Pay attention to specific exclusions (e.g., cruciate ligament conditions for Pets Best) and consider whether those align with your cat’s risk.
7. Telehealth and customer service: 24/7 vet chat is increasingly valuable. Figo, Pets Best and MetLife offer round‑the‑clock access, whereas Lemonade’s virtual support is more limited.
8. Add‑ons and wellness coverage: Routine care coverage may include vaccinations, microchipping and dental cleanings—important if you’re searching for best cat wellness plans. But add‑ons increase premiums. Evaluate whether the expected reimbursement exceeds the extra cost.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
- Bundle policies when possible. Insurers such as Lemonade and Pets Best offer multi‑pet or multi‑policy discounts. If you insure two cats or combine home/renters insurance with pet insurance, you may reduce your premium.
- Compare quotes annually. Premiums change as your cat ages or if you move. Use comparison tools or request quotes from several companies each year to ensure you’re still getting value.
- Read the fine print. Look closely at exclusions, co‑payments, reimbursement timelines and whether the plan covers exam fees. Some insurers require you to pay the vet directly then wait for reimbursement, while others, like Pets Best, may pay the vet directly.
- Consider telehealth options. If you frequently have questions after hours, choose a plan with a 24/7 helpline or partner with a stand‑alone telehealth service. Remember that online vets provide general advice and cannot prescribe medication without a VCPR.
- Think beyond price. It’s tempting to choose the cheapest premium, but coverage gaps could cost you more in the long run. Evaluate the likelihood of needing dental work, chronic disease management or behavioral therapy and choose a plan that covers those needs.
Next Steps
Protecting your cat’s health isn’t just about reacting to emergencies—it’s about proactive care and financial planning. The surge in pet‑insurance searches and the variety of new coverage options reflect a broader shift toward responsible, anticipatory pet parenthood. Whether you’re seeking affordable cat insurance for indoor cats, a comprehensive plan with the best wellness coverage, or an online vet consultation for cats in America, there is likely a policy to meet your needs.
Remember that there is no universally “best” insurer. Our top picks—Pets Best, Figo, Pumpkin, Lemonade and MetLife—were chosen because they offer strong coverage and high customer satisfaction across different budgets and lifestyles. Each has its own strengths: Pets Best’s flexibility, Figo’s unlimited coverage and telehealth, Pumpkin’s comprehensive benefits and urgent pay service, Lemonade’s low premiums and digital ease, and MetLife’s customization and award‑winning reputation. Your final choice should consider your cat’s age, health risks, lifestyle and your personal tolerance for financial risk.
We encourage you to request quotes from multiple providers, explore the detailed articles on PetInsuranceForCat.com (such as our guides to wellness plans and telehealth services), and, if possible, discuss options with your veterinarian. By being an informed shopper, you’ll be better prepared to secure care that allows your furry companion to thrive for years to come.