Is pet insurance worth it for LaPerm?
There are a variety of health challenges Laperms may face. One common ailment is a condition called PRA-rcd3, which causes progressive retinal atrophy and eventual blindness. This degenerative eye disease is the most common single-gene trait in cats and can cause vision loss as early as six months of age or as late as age 3. Although not all LaPerm cats will develop this condition, it can cost around a lot to treat with both medications and supplements.
LaPerm cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to health issues. Some of the most common conditions include kidney and liver disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Laperms are also at risk for hip dysplasia and other joint and bone problems.
These conditions can be expensive to treat. For example, a cat with kidney failure may need a special diet and frequent lab work to manage its state. These costs add up quickly — not to mention that medication and hospitalization for such a cat could easily run into thousands of dollars.
You’re also probably aware of the fact that cats like to do their own thing. They can be aloof and independent, which can mean they sometimes hide when they’re not feeling well. They may not show it right away, but you might notice a behavior change when they’re in pain or sick. They might not eat as much as normal, lose weight or stop grooming themselves. You might notice them limping or having trouble jumping up on things.
Common health conditions for LaPerm
Some of the health conditions most commonly seen in LaPerm are:
- Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): This is the most common ailment seen in cats. It is caused by any one of a large number of viruses or bacteria. The signs of upper respiratory infection are nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, and coughing. In advanced cases, fever, anorexia, and depression may be seen.
- Dental Disease: Every cat should get a dental cleaning before age 3. After that, they should have a professional dental cleaning once or twice a year to prevent periodontal disease
- Diarrhea: Ruling out parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia is essential when diagnosing cats’ diarrhea. Also, consider diet and stress as possible causes.
- Ear Mites: The mites are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye but can cause severe itching, resulting in a head-shaking ear scratching and secondary bacterial infections of the ear canal.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: This is caused by the absence of an enzyme called pyruvate kinase. Cats with this condition have pale gums and are easily fatigued due to anemia and low red blood cell count. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
- Skin allergies: Skin allergies cause various symptoms, including scratching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Environmental allergens or food sensitivities may cause allergies.
What does pet insurance cover for LaPerm?
Here’s what pet insurance generally covers:
- Accident Coverage: It covers accidents such as broken bones and poisonings. Accident coverage also typically includes veterinary exams and x-rays. Accident coverage may also include the cost of your cat’s hospitalization if he is injured in an accident.
- Illness Coverage: It covers illnesses typically including conditions like respiratory infections and diabetes. Your cat’s illness coverage may be limited to diseases that are not hereditary or congenital, although some policies do have those conditions as well.
- Hereditary Conditions: The cover includes heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Some cat insurance policies will also cover pregnancy-related conditions if your cat unexpectedly becomes pregnant after being spayed.
- Wellness: This covers the cost of preventative veterinary services such as annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and spaying/neutering.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for LaPerm?
Here are the factors that affect Laperm insurance premiums:
- Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.
- Age: If you’re adopting a senior LaPerm with health issues, expect to pay more for pet insurance than you would for a healthy Laperm. The same is true if you’re buying insurance for a breed that’s prone to congenital conditions, such as hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers.
- Pre-existing condition: Some insurance providers won’t issue policies to Laperm cats with certain types of cancer, for example. Other companies may exclude coverage for specific conditions while still offering policies to pets with those pre-existing conditions.
- Coverage type: Accident-only plans are the cheapest insurance option but only cover unexpected accidents and illnesses. Complete coverage plans can cost more than accident-only plans, but they provide more comprehensive benefits.
- Location: Where you live could affect your pet’s premium because some areas are associated with higher medical costs than others.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for LaPerm
Here are some tips on how to choose the best pet insurance plan for your LaPerm:
- Check out the company’s reputation: The Internet is a great tool to help you find out more about companies you are considering. It’s important to find an insurer with a good reputation that has been around for several years. Look for online reviews, as well as testimonials.
- Define your needs: You should know what you want to cover. For example, if you’re concerned about accidents, look for a plan that has a low deductible and covers accidents. If you’re worried about illnesses, look for a plan with a low copayment that covers conditions.
- Consider your budget: Although most pet insurance providers offer monthly payment plans, paying annually may be more cost-effective. This may be easier on your wallet since you’ll only have to pay once a year instead of every month, and some companies offer a discount for paying in advance.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: Consider pre-existing conditions: Many insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. That means that if your LaPerm had an accident before you bought coverage, the accident might not be covered by your plan.