Nebraska (NE) Cat Insurance FAQs

What is cat insurance and why should I have it in Nebraska?

Cat insurance is a health insurance policy for your feline that protects you from financial strain and ensures your cat can still get the medical care they need. It’s incredibly useful since vet costs can be out of reach, especially when emergencies occur. Unfortunately, many cat owners have to euthanize their pets due to unaffordable care. We strongly recommend insurance to make sure you don’t have to make that decision.

How do I get cat insurance?

Sign an insurance policy with a pet insurance provider for full protection and coverage. Just like you pay monthly premiums for your own health insurance, you will also pay a monthly premium for your cat’s insurance.

If your feline friend has an emergency, you will likely pay ahead of time at the vet. Afterward, you’ll submit a reimbursement claim from your insurance company. It’s important to know that insurers often exclude pre-existing conditions from reimbursement, such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, etc. It’s best to get cat insurance when your cat is still a kitten so you’re less likely to run into this issue.

How old does my kitten need to be for insurance?

Cat insurance providers require a minimum age of 8 weeks before they’ll allow you to sign up your cat for an insurance policy, however, they don’t have an upper age limit. Adult and senior cats will have no problem getting insurance, although before their first birthday is your best bet for the lowest rates and fewest exclusions.

Is cat insurance worth getting in NE?

You’d be surprised how fast vet bills can pile up. It’s not uncommon for a single emergency visit to run you into the $1000s. You may not like thinking about it, but emergencies can’t always be avoided. Paying your monthly insurance premium could save you from a crazy bill later on.

What is covered and what’s not with cat insurance?

You’ve probably experienced varying coverage with your own insurance throughout life. It also varies for your cat, depending on the insurance company and policy you choose. Typically, most illnesses and accidents considered sudden will be covered. Think about things along the lines of your cat swallowing something she shouldn’t have, or getting into a fight with another feline in the neighborhood.

Remember when we mentioned pre-existing conditions? Say your cat has epilepsy. It likely won’t be eligible for reimbursement as it is considered pre-existing, unlike a sudden seizure that your cat has never experienced before.

You’ll find that several insurers provide packages that include shots, wellness visits, and other routine care to help manage the cost of cat care.

How do I get reimbursed?

Complicated math? No problem. Here’s a simple scenario to show how reimbursement works:

You have a reimbursement amount of 90%, a $300 deductible, and your yearly max benefit are $20,000. Let’s say your cat has an emergency and the vet bill ends up being a costly $10,000. Based on your 90% reimbursement, your insurance provider will give you back $9,000 and keep your $300 deductible. So, instead of paying $10,000, you will only pay $1,300.

$10,000 (bill) – $9,000 (90% of 10,000) + $300 (deductible) = $1,300

One company that is an exception to this scenario is Trupanion, which offers payment straight from veterinarians in their network so you don’t have to pay first.

Do I want a low or high deductible?

While $250 or $500 are the most common deductibles cat owners choose, both low and high deductibles are good options for different financial situations. Typically, a lower deductible equals higher monthly premiums, so you pay more each month but less when your cat has an emergency vet visit. Figure out what deductible works best for yourself with a simple calculator from insurance quotes.

Are there restricted cat breeds for homeowners insurance in Nebraska?

Fortunately, there are no restrictions for cat breeds for the most part. Homeowners insurance companies do not view your everyday cat as a risk. However, for the most accurate information, please consult your insurer.

5 Health & Safety Strategies for Cats in Nebraska

1. Don’t Go Wild With Wildlife

Many wild animals call Nebraska home. Although sharing space with these creatures should be no problem, we all know cats can be quite curious. Here’s how to make sure your quizzical cat stays out of trouble:

• Get your cat vaccinated. Wildlife can carry several dangerous diseases and transmit them to your feline. Keep vaccinations up to date and take your cat to regular wellness checks.
• Keep pet food inside, or bring it inside at night. Food attracts wildlife.
• Supervise your cat. Keep an eye on your cat as much as you can while outdoors.
• Keep your cat inside as much as possible. Although many cats like to be outdoors, your home is the safest place for them to be.

2. Don’t Get Twisted in a Tornado

Tornados can touch down year-round in Nebraska, though the most common time is during spring and early summer. Because tornados are so common, Nebraskans and their cats should always be prepared:

• Develop a plan of action. If you’re not home, make sure someone else can take care of your pets. Figure out where you and your cat will stay in the event of an emergency since not all hotels are pet-friendly.
• Bring your cat indoors to a safe shelter. Do not leave them outside during a tornado.
• Take your pet to the safest area of your home, which will be basements, cellars, or other low-level or underground places.
• Don’t let your cat near a window, door, or another opening.

3. Don’t Storm Off About Thunder

Intense storms are a norm in Nebraska. Being wide, and mostly flat, it sometimes seems like escaping thunder and lightning is impossible in this expansive state, however, you and your cat will be okay with a few basic safety tips:

• Take shelter when a storm starts and bring your cat indoors. Stay out of open and outdoor areas.
• If you are not near a shelter, inside a vehicle is your next safest place.
• If you must be outdoors, minimize your height without lying flat. Cover your cat if possible. Stay away from trees, wire fences, or other metallic conductors.
• Keep your cat away from doors, windows, stoves, sinks, metal pipes, or other electrical conductors. Disconnect appliances like TVs and radios.

4. Don’t Get Chill About Cold

Nebraska has brrrr-utal winters with freezing temperatures being quite common. No matter how much fluff your cat has, if you don’t like the cold, chances are they don’t either:

• Keep your cat inside during the winter, especially for seniors and kittens, who are more susceptible to risk.
• Although you may let your cat outside to play for a short period, they still face cold weather risks. Frostbite can affect ears and toes, so pay extra attention to these parts of your cat’s body.
• Clean the bottom of your cat’s paws with a towel to get rid of snow and ice and keep their feet from getting irritated.

5. Don’t Get Into a Sweat About Summer

Nebraska summers are hot, hot, hot! Although the sunshine is welcome after long winters, you should still practice caution:

• Always provide adequate shade and water for your outdoor cat.
• Though you’re probably not taking cats on many car rides, if you do, please don’t leave them unattended, not even for a minute.
• Keep outdoor cats indoors during the hottest parts of the day. It’s best to let them out in the early morning and late evening.
• Look for signs of heatstroke, which include: panting, drooling, salivating, pacing, a bright red tongue, very red or pale gums, fast heart rate, difficult breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, dizziness, and lethargy, among others.

Conclusion

Now you know how to find the right cat insurance for your kitty companion. To summarize, it’s best to apply for insurance while your cat is still a kitten after they are eight weeks old. The earlier in their life, the better for the fewest exclusions and most ideal premiums. If you miss the kitten window, no problem. You can get insurance for your cat at any age to protect them and give them a long, great life.

Ready to get started? After countless hours of research, we’ve found that Lemonade pet insurance consistently performs the best with the lowest monthly premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Nebraska (NE) Cats

We ranked the best pet insurance policies for Nebraska (NE) Cats based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Nebraska (NE) Cat with a $500 deductible located in the 68154 zip code (Please note: prices will vary greatly based on your location)
• Coverage and benefits
• Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual benefit amount
• Technology and user experience
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews

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