Just like humans, cats sometimes get very sick or injured and need extensive medical attention. When this happens, vet bills can be extremely expensive, and you will be responsible for these bills. However, pet health insurance is now available to help you care for your cat if your funds are limited. Just like health insurance for humans, pet health insurance is a gamble.You gamble you'll need it, the insurance company gambles you won't. There are many things to consider before you purchase an insurance plan for your feline friend.

First, check out what different companies offer with their health insurance. If you love your current vet, make sure that the health insurance company has a provider network that includes your vet. Many pet insurance plans are available that allow you to choose your own vet.

Also, look at the services that are covered. Many will not include coverage for a pre-existing condition. That means, if your cat has already been diagnosed with a chronic condition, it will not be covered. Also, it may not cover complications due to a previous injury. Other exclusions may include things like vaccinations, spaying and neutering, flea control, and dental care. Make sure you read all of the fine print before you purchase a policy.

If you decide to purchase a health insurance plan for your cat, check out all of the different plans available. Look at deductibles and co-pays to find out how much you'll have to pay out of pocket. This should even out with the price of the insurance plan per month. Deductibles are a flat rate that you have to pay before the insurance takes over. Co-payments are a percentage of the bill you must pay. Many insurance plans have both a deductible and co-payments. There also may be a cap on how much the company will pay per year or how much they will pay on a single procedure. Again, read the fine print.

The bottom line is that you have to take everything into consideration before you purchase a policy. If your cat is healthy and young, you may put off getting a policy until your cat gets older and health insurance will be more necessary. Your vet can help you understand your options when it comes to pet health insurance. Consider all of the information carefully so that you can be sure you are doing the best thing possible for your pet and your family's financial situation.