Is pet insurance worth it for a Bengal?
Bengals are beautiful cats that love to stay active and curious. They make a great addition to any family and are very affectionate and friendly cats. It is critical to provide your Bengal cat with the right food and access to care so they can maintain their well-being.
While Bengals are a relatively healthy breed, they are predisposed to some genetic health conditions. In the event that they develop one of these genetic conditions, you will want to be able to provide them with medical care as soon as possible.
Insurance coverage for your Bengal is important in helping you be able to take care of them in several ways. This includes veterinary care, which can be expensive and the bills can add up quickly. You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to choose between your pet’s health and what you can afford. Pet insurance can alleviate the costs of your Bengal’s healthcare, and you can solely focus on your cat getting better.
Common health conditions for a Bengal
Like all breeds, Bengals are more susceptible to certain health conditions based on genetics. Some of the most common conditions your Bengal cat may be predisposed to include:
- Patellar Luxation: Bengal’s kneecaps may slip off to the side, causing patellar luxation. Although this develops overtime, it can lead to significant issues with your Bengal’s movement and activity, especially if left untreated. In more severe cases, surgery is required.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: this is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency in the pyruvate kinase enzyme, affecting blood cell production. Overtime, this can cause severe anemia resulting in other serious health issues.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: this inherited disease causes Bengals to lose their sight overtime. This disease often occurs in the first few weeks of a Bengal’s life, causing them to go fully blind after a couple months.
What does pet insurance cover for a Bengal?
Depending on the pet insurance plan you sign up for, your Bengal could be covered for a range of health procedures. Most insurance providers offer plans that cover injury-only, illness-only, or a combination of injury and illness medical coverage. Some of the most common procedures covered by pet insurance include:
- Blood tests and diagnostics: by doing a blood test and/or a diagnostic test, the veterinarian can determine which treatment is required for your Bengal cat.
- Surgery and hospitalization: if your Bengal cat requires surgery to treat its medical condition, it will be covered under your pet insurance plan. Additionally, if your cat needs to be hospitalized before or after its surgery, your plan will cover the costs associated.
- Torn ligaments and broken bones: if your Bengal cat gets injured or tears a ligament, your pet insurance coverage will help you pay for the costs associated with the treatment and aftercare.
While pet insurance helps to cover the cost of medical treatments, it may not cover every visit to the veterinarian. If you would like coverage for specific treatments, you will either need to add it to your existing plan through your provider or take advantage of a new plan altogether.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Bengal?
Insurance premiums vary depending on the provider, but many other details will factor into the overall cost to cover your Bengal cat. Some of the most common factors include:
- Age: older Bengals are more likely to have a higher overall pet insurance cost as opposed to younger Bengals. You will want to take advantage of pet insurance while your Bengal is young for a lower rate.
- Gender: male Bengal cats are more likely to have a higher overall rate than female Bengals. Male Bengals are more susceptible to developing serious health conditions compared to female Bengals.
- Plan details: your plan details will largely determine how much you pay monthly. If you opt for a higher overall insurance cap or a lower yearly deductible, you can expect to pay more overall for coverage.
Additionally, your location may factor into your monthly insurance premium. Areas that have less veterinary coverage available are likely to have higher insurance rates.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Bengal
With tons of different insurance plans available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your Bengal cat. To help you make the right choice, here are some things to consider:
- Your cat’s health history: if your Bengal cat has a history of medical conditions, or requires more complex health care, you will want to factor that into your pet insurance plan.
- Budget: each plan differs in cost based on the specific details of your plan. Depending on your budget, you will want to narrow down your selection of plans so you can choose one that offers everything your Bengal cat needs.
- Customer reviews: be sure to read customer reviews on any insurance plans you are considering. This will help you get an understanding of what to expect if you file a claim in the future.