When you purchase pet insurance for cats, you’re not just making a one-time decision—you’re entering into an ongoing relationship with your insurer. Each policy year brings a critical moment: the renewal. This is when your insurer evaluates whether to continue your coverage, at what price, and under what conditions.
But what really happens during a cat insurance renewal? What can change? And how do you make sure your cat stays protected without facing unpleasant surprises? This article will guide you through the ins and outs of renewal and how to navigate it like a savvy pet parent.
What Is a Renewal in Cat Insurance?
Renewal is the process where your current insurance policy continues for another term—usually 12 months—after the expiration of your current policy. It typically happens automatically unless you cancel, but that doesn’t mean the policy terms stay the same.
At renewal, the insurance provider may update:
- Your monthly premium
- Your coverage terms and exclusions
- Waiting periods or benefit caps (in rare cases)
This makes understanding the renewal process essential—not just for your cat’s care but also for your financial planning.
Why Renewal Matters
Many cat owners assume that once they enroll, their policy will always remain the same. But changes at renewal—especially to pricing and coverage—can significantly affect your peace of mind and your cat’s protection.
Renewal is also the moment when:
- Premiums may increase, especially as your cat ages
- Coverage may be adjusted based on claims history or risk data
- You can make changes to your plan (limits, riders, deductibles)
How Premiums Can Change at Renewal
Your monthly cost may rise at renewal. Here’s why:
- Your cat is older: Older cats are riskier to insure
- Claim history: A high volume of claims can lead to price hikes
- Veterinary inflation: Rising vet costs in your ZIP code may prompt higher premiums
- Company-wide rate changes: Providers adjust pricing based on market performance
It’s not uncommon to see a 5%–20% increase per year, particularly once your cat reaches senior status (around age 7+). While this can feel frustrating, it’s also common in all forms of insurance, not just cat insurance.
Can Coverage Terms Change at Renewal?
Generally, policies are “guaranteed renewable,” which means your insurer cannot cancel coverage due to health issues or increase your deductible unexpectedly. However, they may:
- Stop offering a certain plan and migrate you to a new one
- Discontinue coverage for certain treatments (future claims only)
- Limit or modify rider options (e.g., dental or wellness)
That’s why reviewing your policy documents at renewal time is critical. What you signed up for last year may not be what you’re getting next year.
What You Should Do During Renewal Season
1. Review Your Renewal Notice Carefully
Insurers typically send this 30–45 days before your current term ends. It will include:
- New premium rate
- Any changes to benefits or exclusions
- Deadline to cancel or modify your plan
Compare this version to last year’s terms to spot any major shifts.
2. Evaluate If Your Current Plan Still Fits
Your cat’s health changes over time. So should your policy. Ask yourself:
- Do I need a higher annual limit?
- Should I add or remove wellness coverage?
- Is my deductible still appropriate based on my emergency fund?
Renewal time is your window to make smart adjustments without needing to reapply from scratch.
3. Avoid Lapses in Coverage
If you miss your renewal payment, you may experience a lapse in coverage—which can reset waiting periods and make your cat ineligible for certain protections.
Set calendar reminders or enroll in auto-pay to keep your coverage active. Some insurers offer a “grace period,” but don’t rely on it.
4. Check for Loyalty Perks or Discounts
Some providers reward customers who renew on time or remain claim-free. These perks may include:
- Lower premiums
- Higher reimbursement rates
- Waived deductibles after a set number of years
Can You Switch Cat Insurance at Renewal?
Yes—but with caution. If you decide to change providers during the renewal period:
- Any conditions diagnosed under your old policy will be considered pre-existing by the new one
- You’ll restart waiting periods (for illness, injury, and sometimes dental)
- New coverage may not be active in time for ongoing treatment needs
If your cat is young and healthy, switching might make financial sense. If they’ve been diagnosed with chronic conditions, you’ll want to keep your current provider to ensure continued coverage.
Real-World Renewal Scenario
Let’s say you enrolled your 2-year-old tabby last year at $22/month. This year, at age 3, you receive a renewal notice stating your premium is rising to $26/month. But you also learn that your policy now includes coverage for alternative therapies—a benefit that wasn’t available before.
Rather than cancel in frustration, you recognize that the added coverage could save hundreds if your cat ever needs physical therapy after surgery. That’s the power of reviewing your renewal holistically—not just focusing on price.
Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring notices: Many owners forget to review renewal documents and are caught off guard by rate hikes or coverage changes
- Delaying payment: Missing your payment can trigger a lapse that affects future claims
- Failing to reassess: Your cat’s health evolves. So should your policy.
- Switching too quickly: Jumping to a new insurer might save money short-term but expose you to risk long-term
Renewal Is a Strategic Moment
Your cat insurance renewal isn’t just a continuation—it’s a fresh opportunity to reassess your cat’s care plan, lock in protections, and confirm you’re still getting value. As your cat grows older or develops new health needs, your policy should grow with them—not just in price, but in purpose.
So take renewal season seriously. Ask questions. Compare options. And make choices not just for today, but for your cat’s entire health journey. A thoughtful renewal strategy is a powerful part of responsible pet parenting—and financial peace of mind.
