Best Pet Insurance Companies in Canada of September 2024

Compare the Best Pet Insurance in Canada

Use the table below to compare the cost and plan details of the best pet insurance companies that operate in Canada.

The Best Canadian Pet Insurance Companies of 2024

There are several reputable pet insurance companies in Canada that we feel comfortable recommending. While premiums vary from insurer to insurer, they all offer similar coverage for pets.

Our Pick for Special Perks

Fetch Pet Insurance

Why We Picked Fetch

Fetch offers comprehensive coverage for Canadian pets and provides more flexibility than the other providers on this list. Pet owners choosing a Fetch accident and illness plan can expect coverage for most treatments as long as they keep up with routine annual examinations, vaccinations and other veterinarian-recommended care. Although Fetch requires extensive documentation to process claims, it’s one of the best insurance options for Canadian pets based on our team’s review.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Covers non-routine veterinary exam fees

Covers more unique services such as supplements and holistic treatments

Provides a generous $1,000 annual reimbursement for behavioral issues

Cons

Doesn’t offer a multi-pet discount like most other providers

Requires annual medical and dental check-ups to maintain coverage

Plans and Coverage

The company includes dental coverage for every tooth, behavioral treatments and breed-specific conditions in its standard plan. It also takes care of all exam fees related to injuries and illnesses, such as ultrasounds and diagnostic testing. You can adjust the annual coverage limit by choosing from $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. Yearly deductibles range from $250 to $700, depending on your pet’s breed and age, and reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%.

Fetch does not cover pets in New Brunswick and Quebec.

Wellness Plan: Fetch offers three wellness plan options: Essentials, Advantage and Prime, with coverage of up to $735 per year. Each of the plans covers an annual exam, vaccines, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, dental cleaning, spaying/neutering, blood and fecal tests and urinalysis. The Advantage plan also covers microchipping and anal gland expression. The Prime plan covers all of what’s included in the Advantage plan, plus behavioral exams, an activity monitor and a health certificate.

Cost

We based sample premiums on 4-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dogs and cats in Vancouver, Canada. We requested a range of quotes for each provider’s base plan using both minimum and maximum coverage options. Here are sample monthly costs of Fetch plans in Canada:

• Dogs: $65–$145
• Cats: $39–$88

Most Customizable Plans

Spot

Why We Picked Spot

Although Spot plans are less customizable in Canada than in the U.S., the company still provides quality coverage with minimal exclusions. Spot includes often excluded coverage as standard in its plans, including exam fees, prescription food and extra perks, such as paying for lost-pet ads and emergency vacation cancellation coverage. The company also has an unlimited annual coverage option. Plus, Spot offers a shortened three-day illness waiting period for specific common conditions, including ear infections, flea allergies and upper respiratory infections.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Includes coverage for exam fees in its standard policies

Extends a 5% discount for microchipped pets

Covers 50% of prescription food costs up to a $500 maximum

Cons

Has maximum enrollment ages of 10 years for dogs and 12 years for cats

Sets fixed deductible and reimbursement rates based on pet age and the chosen annual limit

Plans and Coverage

Spot has four pet insurance plans available for Canadian pet parents. The Level 1 plan offers accident-only coverage on injuries, swallowed objects and toxic ingestions and is only available over the phone.

Levels 2 through 4 offer accident-and-illness coverage, including conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, heart disease and behavioral issues. The only difference among the accident-and-illness plans is the annual limit — $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.

Preventative Care Plans: Additionally, Spot provides two preventative care plans for extra coverage on routine care costs, such as dental cleanings, wellness exams, vaccinations, fecal tests and deworming. You can purchase the Routine Plan with a total of $260 of annual coverage or the Advanced Plan with a total of $530.

Cost

Our team collected quotes and determined the following sample ranges for monthly Spot pet insurance premiums:

• Dogs: $55–$105
• Cats: $30–$56

Most Flexible Deductibles

Trupanion

Why We Picked Trupanion

Trupanion is on our list of Canadian pet insurers despite having a higher price tag because of its commitment to customer service, high reimbursement rate and unlimited coverage. Pet owners can contact Trupanion 24/7 with questions and to get pre-approvals for emergencies. Also, because Trupanion partners with a large network of hospitals, it can approve claims instantly and pay your vet directly at checkout.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Pays qualifying claims directly to the veterinarian at checkout to eliminate the reimbursement model

Offers 24/7 customer service and preapprovals

Provides unlimited lifetime coverage and no payout limits

Cons

Has no preventive care add-on option

Does not enroll new pets over the age of 14

Plans and Coverage

Trupanion helps reduce the stress around being able to afford unexpected vet bills with one comprehensive accident-and-illness policy. It covers diagnostic testing, prescription medication, surgery, hospitalization, supplements and even prosthetics.

Trupanion pays 90% of your unexpected veterinary bills and offers a wide range of deductible options from $0 to $1,000. Pet owners with specific needs can add up to two riders that extend their plan’s coverage.

• Recovery and Complementary Care Rider: Covers additional alternative treatments.
• Pet Owner Assistance: Covers liability, advertising, boarding and end-of-life fees under circumstances outside of your vet’s office.

Cost

We determined the below sample monthly premiums for Trupanion insurance based on quotes we gathered from the company.

• Dogs: $152–$681
• Cats: $67–$283

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Canada?

Pet insurance costs can vary widely based on where you live in Canada, your pet’s age, species and your chosen plan. Based on the sample quotes we received for young adult dogs and cats living in Vancouver, BC, the average cost for pet insurance in Canada is CA$ 148 per month.

The table below breaks down costs for pet insurance based on species.

While this may seem like a high and unnecessary monthly expense, it’s actually quite affordable when you consider the high cost of emergency vet bills. The cost of annual wellness checks and vaccinations are from $50 to $200 annually. Emergency visit bills for unexpected illnesses or injuries can add up quickly.

According to Square One, Canadians spend approximately CA $6.6 billion a year on their pets. Surprisingly enough, less than 5% of Canadians carry a pet insurance policy on their furry friends. Many pet owners don’t realize the value of pet insurance until a medical emergency pops up with their pet, and they have no pet insurance.

How Does Pet Insurance Work In Canada?

When you buy pet insurance, you’ll pay a monthly or annual premium based on your chosen coverage and your pet’s age, location, gender and breed. When your pet needs veterinary care, you visit your vet of choice, pay the bill and submit a claim to your insurance company after the service is completed.

The insurance company processes claims based on the policy’s:

• Deductible or the amount you pay before the plan kicks in,
• Reimbursement rate or the percentage of each covered bill the plan pays,
• Annual limit or the maximum the plan will reimburse in a year,
• Fine print, such as plan coverages, exclusions and limitations.

How Pet Insurance Reimbursement Rates Work in Canada

For example, if you chose an insurance policy with a $500 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate, the following calculation applies:

• Vet bill: $2,000
• Insurance pays: $1,200 (after the deductible and 80% co-insurance)
• You pay: $800 

Customizable Coverage Levers

Many insurers let you customize your pet’s coverage by adjusting various plan parameters. Choosing more coverage means you’ll typically pay a higher monthly premium but less out-of-pocket when your pet needs care. Likewise, choosing less coverage means you’ll save on monthly premiums but pay more for veterinary services. Here’s how adjusting the following parameters can change your coverage:

• Deductibles: Choosing a high deductible means you’ll pay more before your coverage begins each year, but your premium is lower each month.
• Annual limits: Choosing a higher annual limit means you’ll pay more in monthly premiums, whereas a low annual limit lowers premiums.
• Reimbursement rates: Choosing a high reimbursement rate means you’ll pay higher monthly premiums and get more back on each veterinary bill than if you chose a lower rate with lower monthly premiums.

What To Look for in Pet Insurance Options

Before choosing a pet insurance company, it’s important to do your research and not only know what each company offers but also which policy best fits your needs. Getting the cheapest pet insurance is not as important as getting the one that fits your pocketbook and your pet’s needs.

Here are some things to look at prior to purchasing a pet insurance policy.

• Enrollment requirements: Some companies require a pet to be within a certain age group and to have a physical examination prior to or within a certain time frame after enrollment.
• What is covered: Some policies cover both accident and illness, while others may only cover accidents. Make sure you know what you’re getting.
• What treatments are covered: Some policies will pay for wellness checks as well as emergency visits, while others are only for emergencies. Are the exam fees covered? Will they provide continual coverage if needed? Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Payout limits: Make sure you find out if there is a maximum limit on what they’ll pay for treatment and how much that limit might be.
• Deductible amount: Find out what deductibles they offer. The difference between a 10% and a 30% deductible on a $10,000 bill is $1,000 or $3,000.
• Pre-existing conditions: Does the company pay for pre-existing conditions? If they do, find out how much they’ll pay and what types they’ll pay for. Some companies will let a certain amount of time expire (often two years) and then cover an ailment again.
• Exclusions: Many insurance companies will exclude certain illnesses or conditions. For instance, treatment for hip dysplasia may not be covered on animals that are prone to developing this illness.
• Level of reimbursement: Find out if there is a limit on how much they’ll reimburse you for on a bill. Some reimburse you a percentage of your bill while others will only reimburse you for a percentage of what they feel is a “reasonable cost” for that expense. Find out what their limit is prior to purchasing the policy.

Getting a pet insurance policy is a great way to protect your pet from the unexpected and also a way to ensure they get the quality of care they need to stay healthy for a long time.

How To File a Pet Insurance Claim

The procedure for filing a pet insurance claim varies by provider but often follows the same general steps. 

1. Obtain veterinary care for your pet and pay the bill. Get a copy of your paid invoice and complete medical notes from the visit, which could take a few days or weeks for your vet to complete.

2. Open your pet insurance app or visit the online portal to start the claims process. Submit your pet’s visit invoice and notes according to the app’s directions. You could also call or email your company for help with claims.

3. Check the progress of your claims in your client portal and check your email regularly to ensure you don’t need to submit more documentation. Once your claim is processed, you’ll get a check in the mail or reimbursement deposited directly into your account.

Is Pet Insurance Necessary for Canadians?

Canada does not require pet owners to have insurance on their pets by law. Pet owners may choose not to insure their pets because of the added monthly expense. However, paying a monthly premium is a predictable expense you can plan for, unlike emergency veterinary bills that can reach into the thousands of dollars.

We recommend pet owners research and consider purchasing a pet insurance policy to see if it can offer financial support. Coverage can help Canadian pet owners afford the rising costs of veterinary care throughout their pet’s life.

Is Pet Insurance in Canada the Same As in the U.S.?

Pet insurance operates similarly in the U.S. and Canada, but the providers offering insurance in each country differ. Trupanion and Fetch are the only providers with nearly identical policies in both countries. Spot also operates in each location but offers vastly different plans. Regardless of your home location and the company insuring your pet, you may be able to visit a vet in either country and obtain temporary coverage while traveling. 

Is Canadian Pet Insurance Right For You?

Pet insurance is worth it for most Canadian pet parents. Just like health insurance for humans, coverage can help you avoid massive medical expenses for your pet that you may not be able to afford out-of-pocket and difficult decisions that follow.

The best pet insurance provider for you depends on your pet’s health needs and your budget. If you want ultimate coverage at the cost of high insurance premiums, consider Trupanion. If you would rather fine-tune a policy to your unique situation, Fetch is a good place to start. In any case, we recommend gathering quotes from at least three providers before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Canada

Does pet insurance exist in Canada?

Pet insurance exists in Canada. Several American pet insurance companies offer coverage in Canada, including Trupanion and Fetch. Just like in the U.S., pet insurance can help cover the rising costs of pet care and avoid huge out-of-pocket expenses.

Why is vet care so expensive in Canada?

Vet care in Canada has gotten more expensive in recent years mostly due to the same inflation pressure that other industries are facing. Canadian veteranarians have seen price spikes for things like the cost of drugs, protective equipment, medical devices, assistant labor and more, pushing them to charge more for treatment to compensate.

How do I get reimbursed for a vet bill?

Simply take your pet to any licensed veterinarian and submit your claim. Depending on your provider, you can submit your claim through its mobile app, online member center, or through the mail. Then, you’ll wait for your provider to approve the claim. Once approved, it will reimburse you for the allocated amount in your pet insurance policy through direct deposit or check.

Does pet insurance cover all veterinary expenses?

No, pet insurance plans won’t cover all expenses at the vet’s office. However, insurance will typically cover accidents and illnesses that aren’t pre-existing. Some policies will even offer wellness and preventative care add-ons that add additional benefits to your policy, like wellness exams and vaccines.

What does pet insurance typically cover?

Depending on what type of plan you choose, your pet health insurance plan will cover different things. Accident-only plans provide medical coverage for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, sprains and prescription medications. Accident-and-illness plans try to extend that coverage to include cancer treatments, digestive illness, hip dysplasia and similar issues.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Pet Insurance Companies

We review each pet insurance company based on factors most important to pet parents like you. To inform our reviews, we surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. Our process includes in-depth industry research about each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading reviews to assess customer service. 

We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and divide the final score by 20 to calculate an overall rating out of 5.0 stars. Here are more details about the factors we consider when reviewing pet insurance providers:

• Monthly pricing (25%): To assess pricing, we collected sample quotes for medium-mixed breed and purebred dogs and cats ranging from 1 year old to 4 years old. Providers can earn the most points in this category for offering affordable coverage and a multi-pet discount. 
• Plans (15%): The best pet insurance companies offer a range of plans to give customers the option to choose the coverage that is best for their pet. Companies offering accident and illness plans, accident-only plans, and wellness or preventive care add-ons earn full points in this category. We also look at coverage limits and award the most points for policies with unlimited coverage. 
• Covered treatments (15%): According to our survey of pet owners, coverage is one of the most important factors when shopping for pet insurance. Companies with a breadth of included treatments and unique coverages receive more points in this category than providers with more standard or general policies.
• Customization options (10%): Customizing your pet insurance policy can help lower your cost. Providers that offer more annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate options earn the highest scores in this category.
• Customer care (10%): Respondents to our survey also valued customer service when comparing pet insurance providers. We score each company based on its website accessibility and overall usability, customer service availability, mobile apps, money-back guarantees and veterinarian telehealth options, awarding points to insurers with more customer experience offerings.
• Industry reputation (10%): We review up-to-date ratings and accreditation information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and score companies based on years of industry experience and state availability.
• Waiting periods (10%): Companies with shorter accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods between the time you sign up for coverage and your policy starts score higher in this category.
• Eligible age (5%): Some companies do not offer policies for pets over a certain age. For this category, we deduct points from providers that have age limits for covered pets.

We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers. 

Originally Appeared Here