Is pet insurance worth it for a Norwegian Forest?
Like many cats, your Norwegian Forest may be a healthy kitty most of the time. But even if your cat stays healthy, you’ll want to consider getting pet insurance to protect your cat in case of an accident or illness.
You can take your pet to the veterinarian without worrying about the cost with insurance. It’s essential for Norwegian Forest cats because of their tendency toward specific health problems.
Norwegian Forest Cats are prone to hereditary conditions and diseases, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), heart disease, kidney failure, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), diabetes, and retinal atrophy.
Since Norwegian Forest Cats are such large animals, they can also be prone to back injuries (such as intervertebral disc disease), and they are more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life than smaller breeds.
Insuring your Norwegian Forest Cat can offer financial protection if any of these health issues arise in the future.
A typical pet insurance policy reimburses you for a certain percentage of the cost of treatment for an accident or illness. Some policies will also cover routine care like vaccinations and annual checkups.
Common health conditions for a Norwegian Forest
Norwegian Forest Cats are generally healthy, with an average life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. However, they can be prone to some health conditions:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is a common heart condition in cats and the most common form of heart disease in Norwegian Forest Cats. It causes the heart muscle to thicken abnormally and can lead to sudden death. A genetic test is available for HCM, which can help breeders pick healthy cats to breed from.
- Hip dysplasia: This condition affects the hip joints. In Norwegian Forest Cats, it’s known to be caused by a recessive gene that doesn’t show itself until the cat is at least two years old. Buying a kitten with both parents’ hip scores will help ensure he has good hip health.
- Glycogen Storage Disease: This hereditary condition affects how the body converts glycogen into glucose. Glycogen storage disease affects only male cats and causes weakness and muscle tremors. If not treated promptly, it can lead to seizures, liver failure, and death.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: This disease affects both male and female cats. PKD causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, which can cause kidney failure and other health problems.
- Cataracts: Cataracts are a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, resulting in poor vision and eventual blindness. Cataracts can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, genetics, trauma, and other diseases. Cataracts can be removed surgically to restore vision and prevent further damage to the eye.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited disease that affects red blood cells. As a result, the animal becomes anemic, leading to lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and labored breathing.
What does pet insurance cover for a Norwegian Forest?
Pet insurance covers a variety of things. The exact coverage varies by plan, and you can find the details of your plan in terms of your policy. Most pet insurance policies cover the following:
- Accidents: This includes things like broken bones, burns, bites, poisoning, and swallowing something dangerous.
- Illness: This includes conditions like cancer, infections (including tick-borne diseases), kidney failure, and more. If you’re buying a policy for your Norwegian Forest Cat, look for one that includes coverage for hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Both are common in this breed.
- Routine care: Most plans cover annual check-ups and other regular veterinary care. Some also include vaccines, dental cleanings, and other preventive care options.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Norwegian Forest?
Here are some factors that affect the cost of pet insurance for Norwegian Forest Cats:
- Location: If you live in an area where veterinary costs are high, then the premiums will be higher than those in a state where prices are lower. This is because insurers have to pay out more money in states with high veterinary costs.
- Age: Young pets tend to have fewer medical problems, so their policies are typically cheaper. Younger pets can still get sick or injured — so having coverage is still essential. As your furry friend ages, it may cost more to insure them because older animals may need more medical care.
- Deductible: This is the maximum amount of money your insurance provider will pay in claims per year or lifetime. If you choose a high annual limit, then your premium will increase. Selecting a low yearly limit can save you money, but it could mean you’ll be responsible for covering some of your pet’s medical expenses.
- Gender: In general, because males tend to be more expensive to insure, you will typically pay a little more per month if your cat is male. This is because males are statistically more likely to have certain genetic conditions affecting their reproductive organs, such as Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), and they are much more likely to develop testicular cancer than females.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Norwegian Forest
Not always. Pet insurance policies vary widely in their coverage. To get the most out of your monthly premiums, you need to research before picking a plan. Here are some factors to consider:
- Check out the company’s reputation: Make sure that it has been around for a while and offers reasonable rates. You’ll also want to check the Better Business Bureau website to see if there are any complaints against the company. Some companies may offer lower rates but then don’t pay out quickly when you file claims or don’t pay at all.
- Consider your budget: Pet insurance policies can vary significantly in cost, so you need to find one that fits into the budget you have set aside for this type of expense. Some plans offer good value even with low premiums, but you need to be careful that these plans don’t have excessive deductibles or co-pays. You should also keep in mind that the cost of your policy may increase over time based on factors such as your pet’s age or health status.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it will likely be excluded from coverage. For example, if your dog has diabetes, it’s unlikely that any provider will cover the condition. However, some providers will cover hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia in dogs or heart problems in cats, as long as they were not present before enrollment.
- Define your needs: You can get them covered for accidents and illnesses almost immediately if you have a new puppy or kitten. However, if your pet is older (and therefore more likely to need medical attention), there may be a waiting period before benefits kick in (generally 14 days). The type of plan you select will impact the waiting period, so choose wisely. If your pet suffers from allergies or joint problems, look for plans with additional riders that cover those conditions specifically.