When Grey the cat injured his back in an unexpected accident, his symptoms quickly raised concerns about his ability to walk normally. Thanks to Pets Best pet insurance, his pet parent, Lynda, was able to pursue the veterinary care Grey needed, including an MRI, and receive reimbursement for 90% of his eligible veterinary expenses.
An Unexpected Accident While Getting Brushed
Grey loves having his fur brushed, so when Lynda reached up to get his brush, he eagerly jumped onto the counter. Unfortunately, he misjudged the jump and fell backward, hitting his lower spine on a four-tier metal toilet paper holder.
Later, Lynda noticed something was wrong. Grey wasn’t using one of his hind legs properly. His toes were curled, and he dragged his foot when he walked.
Concerned about these changes, Lynda took Grey to the veterinarian the next day. After X-rays and medication, the veterinary team recommended seeing a neurologist for an MRI to better understand his injury.
Lynda and her family followed that recommendation, making sure Grey had the opportunity to receive the specialized care he needed.
90% Reimbursement Helped Make Critical Care Possible
Between the initial veterinary visit, X-rays, medication, and specialized neurological care, Grey’s veterinary bills totaled over $5,000.
Lynda submitted the bills to Pets Best and was reimbursed 90% of her eligible expenses, helping ease the financial burden of an unexpected and potentially serious injury.
For Lynda, having pet insurance meant being able to focus on Grey’s care rather than worrying about how to afford the bills.
“I couldn't imagine not being able to afford the vet bill and deny Grey the critical care that he needed,” Lynda shared. “Pets Best is a blessing!”
A Special Bond Worth Protecting
Grey is more than a pet to Lynda and her husband. He has been a constant source of love and companionship, especially during some of their family's most difficult moments.
When Lynda’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and later underwent surgery, Grey stayed by his side 24/7. His loyalty and affection helped make those challenging times a little easier.
When Grey needed medical care himself, Lynda wanted to make sure he received the same love and support he had always given their family.
With Pets Best helping cover his eligible veterinary expenses, Lynda could focus on getting Grey the care he needed.
Understanding Cat Spinal Trauma: Signs And Symptoms to Watch Out For
Cats are naturally agile, but a sudden fall can cause serious trauma to the spinal cord. In Grey’s case, a misjudged jump meant a trip to the vets where he required medication and specialized care. Here are common signs of spinal trauma so you know when to seek help:
Hind-limb weakness: Dragging one or both hind feet when walking or not being able to use their hind legs at all.
Curled toes: Spinal injuries can cause a loss of proprioception, (the brain's ability to know where the feet are) which can result in cats walking on the top of their paws.
Stiff posture: Due to discomfort, a cat may have a stiff posture, hunched back and a reluctance to walk after a spinal injury.
Incontinence: A loss of bladder or bowel control is a common sign of spinal trauma in cats.
If your cat is showing any of the above, it's important to take a trip to the vet where they may take an X-ray, MRI and perform a neurological exam.
Peace of Mind When Your Pet Needs You Most
Accidents can happen in an instant, even during an ordinary moment at home. For Lynda, Grey’s injury was a reminder of how quickly a pet can need unexpected veterinary care.
Having Pets Best pet insurance helped her pursue the recommended treatment without facing the full cost of the bills alone.
“Thank you on Grey’s behalf,” Lynda said.
Pre-existing Conditions & Waiting Periods: Why Pet Insurance Matters
One of the main reasons why Lynda was able to recover a 90% reimbursement rate for Grey’s medical care was because she already had an active Pets Best policy, which was past the initial waiting period. This means the care Grey received was eligible for reimbursement.
Another reason that meant Lynda was eligible for reimbursement was because Grey’s spinal injury was a new issue. Like the majority of pet insurance providers, Pets Best doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. This category includes any injury, illness or symptom that’s already known about before the policy’s start date or during the waiting period.
Grey has been there for his family through life's hardest moments. With Pets Best, his family had help being there for him when he needed them most. That’s why so many pet parents decide to enroll their pet on one of our insurance plans, so they have a safety net in place to help pay for their care.
Make sure your pet is insured in case of the unexpected. Get a quote or learn more about our Accident Only plans.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover an MRI for a cat's spinal injury?
Yes. Pets Best’s Accident Only and standard Accident & Illness plans cover diagnostic testing, including an MRI scan for a spinal injury.
Will pet insurance cover a spinal injury if my cat is already showing symptoms?
No. Symptoms of an injury without insurance in place is considered a pre-existing condition, which pet insurance providers don’t cover.
How long is the waiting period before spinal accident coverage begins?
At Pets Best, we have some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry. For more information, get a quote today.
Claim Summary & Cost Breakdown: Understanding Costs and Coverage
- Condition: Back injury requiring surgery
- Total Veterinary Bill: $5,345.72
- Total Reimbursed: $4,706.42
- Deductible: $100
- Coverage: 90% reimbursement of eligible veterinary expenses after deductible
Coverage varies by policy. Reimbursement is based on the selected reimbursement level, deductible, and covered eligible expenses. Individual claim results will vary.
Claim reimbursement is based on actual policyholder claims 2026. Claim example illustrates reimbursement based on an accident and illness policy with a $100 deductible, 90% reimbursement, and unlimited annual benefit for a 5-year-old domestic shorthair. Individual reimbursement amounts may vary depending on the specific terms of the policy, including coverage selected, annual deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Testimonial represents the individual experience and opinion of a veterinary professional based on interactions with patients and clients. The veterinarian is not a policyholder. Experiences may vary.