Cat and Dog Health Insurance

Cat and dog health insurance is much more common in countries such as the UK, where over 12% of the pet owners can buy insurance from over 60 different companies. Here in the U.S. there are 5 main companies. PetHealth, Veterinary Pet Insurance, Pet Protect, Pet Assure, and Hartville Group. The U.S. market for pet insurance has grown at an annual growth rate of 45% over 5 years, totaling $88 million in 2002 according to the research firm, Packaged Facts.

Petshealth's Quickcare coverage for cats provides coverage for an unlimited number of accidents and coverage for over 6,000 illnesses, with no maximum annual illness benefit restrictions. Cats can be enrolled as early as 8 weeks of age. When you enroll your cat in QuickCare Gold before the age of 10 coverage continues for the rest of its life. There is a $50 fixed deductible on all QuickCare Gold Programs. QuickCare Gold 100% Coverage for cats provides coverage for an unlimited number of accidents up to $2,500 per accident. QuickCare Gold also provides coverage for over 6,000 types of accidents and illnesses up to $2,500 per illness category, up to a maximum lifetime illness coverage of $30,000. Petshealth's Quickcare plan for dogs also provides coverage for an unlimited number of accidents and over 6,000 illnesses with no maximum annual illness benefit restrictions. Enrollment is as early as 8 weeks of age for puppies. When you enroll your dog in QuickCare Gold before the age of 8 (age 6 for 'select' breeds), coverage continues for the rest of its life. The same $50 fixed deductible applies on all QuickCare Gold Programs for dogs. Cat and dog health insurance in the UK is based on different guidelines than those here in the US and so the resultant cost and coverage is also different.