Should I buy insurance for my cat who may have asthma?

Hello! I’m looking for some advice because I’m a new cat owner here. I recently adopted a cat estimated to be about 3 years old. The rescue sent me his veterinary intake records from this past December and the exam notes say his lungs, breathing, nose, and eyes were normal at that time with no respiratory concerns documented.

However, since bringing him home I’ve been noticing things that don’t seem normal. He has had recurring watery eye/conjunctivitis issues (it started in one eye and then showed up in the other), he snores when sleeping, and he sometimes drools in his sleep.

Wha is concerning me a lot right now though is that he has coughing fits that look exactly like he’s trying to cough up a hairball but nothing ever comes out. During these episodes he crouches low and does it very rapidly, almost like a honking or quacking sound, it’s not even coughing. It also sometimes happens after short play sessions (like less than 5 minutes) and he will start wheezing afterward. Otherwise he eats, drinks, and acts normal.

I’m planning to schedule a vet visit, but I’m wondering if this sounds like possible feline asthma or post-adoption URI/herpes that flared after stress.

I also have a pet insurance question. Since his existing paperwork does not mention any coughing or respiratory issues, would enrolling in insurance before a diagnosis potentially allow coverage for future treatment if he is later diagnosed with asthma? Or will symptoms I’ve observed at home still count as pre-existing? I could tell the vet that the symptoms just started, after I get insurance and wait the min coverage dates, I mean there nothing about these issues documented anywhere, so I feel like I have a window of opportunity here. Am I wrong?

Also, if anyone has gone through asthma diagnosis with a cat, what insurance companies have actually reimbursed inhalers/long-term treatment? I have no idea which company to pick because it seems that every company has at least one horrible review somewhere.

Any experiences or advice appreciated, I hust want to make sure I handle this correctly and get him the care he needs.