Is pet insurance worth it for a Savannah?
Having a healthy pet is the most important thing, whether you have a cat, dog, or other pet. But an emergency visit to the vet can be expensive! How much is too much, and is insurance worth it? Here are some reasons why you should consider having pet insurance cover for your Savannah cat:
Accident and injury cover: Accidents can happen, and when they do, it’s best to be prepared for them. We all know that cats are curious creatures, so even if you think you’ve made everything safe and sound for them, they’ll find a way of getting into trouble. They might get hit by a car or fall from a height. The consequences can be costly. For example, if your cat needs surgery, you’ll have to pay for it. This is where insurance will come in handy. You’ll also receive help with treatments, including scans, X-rays, and medications.
Illness cover: A good policy will offer illness cover and accident and injury cover. You don’t want to be worrying about money when your beloved pet is ill. It’s best to leave those things to the experts, who know what they’re doing!
Peace of mind: You can rest assured that your cat will be covered by an insurer who will take care of it no matter what happens. If something happens to your cat, you won’t struggle to pay for its medical bills.
Common health conditions for a Savannah
Savannahs are generally healthy, hardy cats who can live for 12-18 years. Some of the common health conditions that affect Savannahs include:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): a heart disease that can cause sudden death. HCM is found in many cat breeds, and responsible breeders will have their breeders tested for it before they breed them.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to form on the kidneys. Affected cats usually don’t show symptoms until late in life, when the cysts cause kidney function problems. PKD is found in many cat breeds, and responsible breeders will test for it before breeding their cats.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): like human HIV, FIV attacks the immune system and makes cats susceptible to opportunistic infections. FIV is spread through bite wounds. It’s impossible to tell whether a cat has FIV just by looking at them, so if you acquire an adult Savannah, you should ask your vet to test them for FIV before introducing them to your other pets.
- Feline panleukopenia (FP): Panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease characterized by vomiting, fever and dehydration. It’s often fatal, particularly in kittens. Even if the cat survives, it will have an impaired immune system for the rest of its life.
- Calicivirus: This virus can cause acute respiratory illness, leading to oral ulcers and pneumonia. Cats with the virus become lethargic, develop a fever and lose their appetites. Most cats recover on their own within two weeks, but antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary infections.
- Periodontal disease: This bacterial infection affects the gums and teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss. More importantly, it can lead to kidney or heart failure in Savannah cats, as bacteria from the mouth travel through the body and damage other organs.
What does pet insurance cover for a Savannah?
Pet insurance is often purchased for dogs and cats, but it’s not just limited to those species. You can buy pet insurance for animals ranging from birds and reptiles to equines and livestock. Here are the three main things offered by most pet insurance companies:
- Accidents are sudden, unexpected events that cause injury, such as a cat eating a sock and needing surgery to remove it. Accident insurance can help with the cost of emergency visits, treatments, and surgeries.
- Illness: These are ongoing condition that requires ongoing treatment, such as cancer. This type of coverage can help with the costs of medication and other treatments but is often more limited than accident-only coverage.
- Routine care: Also referred to as preventative or non-emergency care. It includes physical exams and vaccinations, amongst other things. Most companies offer optional add-ons for recurring care costs.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Savannah?
This breed is not as common as other cats, but many people own them and require pet insurance to keep them healthy. Several factors affect the cost of pet insurance for a Savannah cat, including:
- Location: If your area is prone to extreme weather and natural disasters, like hurricanes and tornados, you can expect to pay more for your policy. In addition, if you live in an area with a large concentration of wildlife, like coyotes or raccoons, you’re likely to pay more. Your neighborhood also plays a role in determining your premiums — rural areas tend to be less expensive than urban ones.
- Age: Generally, the older they are, the more expensive their coverage is. As they age, they become more prone to diabetes and kidney disease illnesses. Costs typically increase as much as 10% with each year of age.
- Deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. The lower the deductible, the higher your premium. You want to find a deductible that you can afford to pay if your cat experiences an emergency but will still allow you to save money over time by helping cover other veterinary costs.
- Gender: Female pets tend to be less expensive than males because they have fewer health issues and rarely engage in risky behavior. Male pets may cost more because they have more medical problems and engage in more dangerous behaviors, such as fighting with other pets or getting themselves into trouble (like trying to escape from their home).
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Savannah
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best pet insurance plan for your Savannah:
- Check out the company’s reputation: Plenty of pet insurance companies are out there, but not all of them are created equal. Before committing to a plan, do some research on the company. What do other pet owners say about them? Do they offer good customer service? Take the time to read through their reviews and learn about the services they provide.
- Consider your budget: Pet premiums can vary depending on several factors, including your dog’s breed, age and where you live. Before settling on a policy, make sure it fits within your budget. If you’re not sure how much premium you can afford, use our pet insurance calculator to get an estimate.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: Some plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions, period. Others will only pay for genetic conditions (like hip dysplasia) if they were diagnosed after your policy took effect. Make sure you understand how each provider treats pre-existing conditions before signing up.
- Define your needs: No two pet owners are alike, and what works for some people may not work for others. Pet owners should consider their circumstances and decide how much they’re willing to pay out of pocket for veterinary care, then look at pet insurance policies to determine how much coverage they want.