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Best American Longhair Pet Insurance of 2024

Lisa Scott

American Longhair cats are prone to some health issues that could be costly to pay. Pet insurance can help with expensive vet visits when your pet gets sick or injured. We’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality.

Super-extensive accident & illness coverage

$20,000

Coverage Up To

90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.

Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.

What we like

  • Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
  • Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
  • No exclusion on breeds or older pets
  • Offers a Fur Family Discount on multiple pets
  • Healthcare coverage in Canada and the US

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Pumpkin only covers dogs and cats

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.

Multiple options for wellness plans

$100,000

Coverage Up To

90% - 100%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Wagmo began by providing stand-alone pet wellness coverages. Today, it has expanded its portfolio to include customizable pet insurance coverage.

What we like

  • Customizable policies
  • Variety of wellness plans
  • Fast reimbursements
  • High incident limits
  • Visit a vet of your choice

What we don't

  • 15 day waiting period on accident policy

Affordable prices with a fast reimbursement process

$100,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.

What we like

  • Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
  • Claims are reimbursed in minutes
  • Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
  • Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
  • Pay deductible once per year and not per incident

What we don't

  • Lemonade is only available in 33 states
  • Certain hybrid breeds may be denied

Short waiting periods on accidental coverage

$25,000

Coverage Up To

50% - 100%

Reimbursement

Overview

MetLife Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and is known for the shortest waiting periods in the industry.

What we like

  • No restriction on breeds and pet age
  • Customizable annual benefit limits
  • Short waiting periods accidental coverage
  • Flexible deductibles from $50 to $2,000
  • No incident limits

What we don't

  • Wellness treatment not included (optional add-on)
  • Pay first out of pocket and reimbursed later

Quick claims process

$10,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Spot will insure older animals and provides a multi-pet discount when you insure two or more pets

What we like

  • Multi-pet discount
  • No upper age limit
  • Quick claims process
  • Fast and simple filing of claims
  • Optional no lifetime limits or caps on payouts

What we don't

  • Customer service limited to weekdays
  • 14 day waiting period

Pre-existing conditions and 6 pets covered for $24/m

$3,000

Coverage Up To

100%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.

With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.

What we like

  • Monthly premiums as low as $24
  • Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
  • Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
  • 24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors

What we don't

  • Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
  • Does not offer wellness coverage
  • Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year

Provides holistic therapy coverage

$15,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Fetch covers various conditions and offers holistic therapy coverage.

What we like

  • Covers examination fee during vet visits
  • Holistic therapy coverage
  • Comprehensive dental coverage
  • No penalty for multiple claims
  • No upper age limit for the pets

What we don't

  • Offers a single plan
  • No preventive care plans
  • No multi-pet discount

No age limit on pets - older dogs and cats are covered

Unlimited

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.

What we like

  • Older cats and dogs are covered
  • Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
  • Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
  • Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
  • 10% multiple pets discount

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Wellness add-ons can get expensive

Is pet insurance worth it for an American Longhair?

American Longhair breeders and veterinarians suggest purchasing pet insurance for an American Longhair. Here are some reasons why:

Cat breeds like the American Longhair can cost more to insure than other breeds because they’re predisposed to specific health conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella, but it will be worth it. Pet insurance policies are designed to protect you against unexpected vet bills. It’s a good idea to have pet insurance when you bring your new family member home.

Pet insurance can help you budget for unexpected vet visits. With a plan, you’ll pay a portion of the costs, called the deductible, each time you take your cat to the veterinarian. Your pet insurance company will spend the rest.

Pet insurance is worth it for American Longhairs because, like all cats, they can be prone to health conditions that may require expensive medical care.

Common health conditions for an American Longhair

American Longhairs are generally healthy cats with no particular health problems. That said, they may be susceptible to some of the same conditions that affect other cat breeds.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The most common form of heart disease in cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can affect American Longhairs and many other purebred and mixed-breed cats. Symptoms include sudden collapse, difficulty breathing, and fainting. This disease is a genetic defect that causes the heart muscle’s thickening, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through the body.
  • Cardiomyopathy: A more severe form of HCM also causes the thickening of the heart muscle. It is a genetic defect found in only certain breeds, including Maine Coons and Ragdolls.
  • Upper respiratory infection (URI): This common condition can infect any breed of cat but is most often seen in kittens and cats kept in large groups or shelters where it spreads quickly from one animal to another. Signs include sneezing, runny nose, fever and lethargy.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis is joint in older pets; it often starts as early as seven years. Arthritis is when the cartilage in joints breaks down and causes painful rubbing of bone on bone. Pets with arthritis may have difficulty getting up, jumping, or even climbing stairs. 

What does pet insurance cover for an American Longhair?

Pet insurance may cover the cost of your pet’s medication, but it depends on the plan you choose. Pet insurance companies protect the following conditions:

  • Accidents: Some pet insurance companies may cover injuries such as sprains, broken bones and cuts that can all result from accidents. Your American Longhair’s pet insurance plan may also cover foreign body ingestion and toxic substances consumed by your cat.
  • Illness: This coverage reimburses you for medical care when your cat is diagnosed with a disease, including prescription medication and care from specialists.
  • Routine care includes dental cleanings, vaccines, and annual checkups at the veterinarian’s office for your American Longhair. Some plans may consist of this coverage at no additional cost, while others include additional fees.

How are pet insurance premiums determined for an American Longhair?

  • Location: Where you live can impact your pet’s health and the cost of veterinary care. If you live in a densely populated area, your pet may be at risk of certain illnesses such as kennel cough or ringworm. If you reside in an area with a high cost of living, veterinary care will likely cost more.
  • Age: Premiums are higher for older pets because they are more prone to illness and disease than younger pets.
  • Deductible: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but if your pet has frequent health issues, it can be better to opt for lower deductibles so that you don’t have to pay as much out-of-pocket when treatment is needed.
  • Gender: Many pet owners opt to spay or neuter their pets because it has health benefits and behavioural advantages (e.g., spaying helps prevent some cancers). However, since males tend to be more aggressive than females, it can make sense from an insurance perspective to charge higher premiums.

How to choose the best pet insurance plan for an American Longhair

Choosing the right pet insurance plan can be challenging. Here are three things to consider:

  • Check out the company’s reputation: The first thing you should consider when choosing a pet insurance provider is the company’s reputation. You can find reviews and ratings online, or you can check with friends and family who have experience with pet insurance. You’ll want to choose a company that has earned high marks from its customers, and that has been in business long enough to build up a good track record.
  • Consider your budget: Before you start looking at plans, it’s essential to know how much you’re willing to spend on premiums each month. The more coverage the program offers, the more it will cost, but it’s worth paying a little more for better coverage in many cases. Once you’ve determined your budget, look for plans that fit within that price range.
  • Consider pre-existing conditions: If you come across a pet insurance plan that expressly excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions, keep looking. It’s essential to find a plan that will cover at least some of the costs associated with treating common maladies like ear infections or digestive disorders. 
  • Define your needs: Make a list of the most important things to you in a plan, such as coverage for hip dysplasia or emergency care. Some plans don’t cover everything, so it’s important to know what you want before shopping.

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