Best Pet Insurance in Ontario for March 2025
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
Fetch Pet Insurance offers a single, comprehensive plan tailored for pet owners who want extensive yet flexible coverage. With annual limit options of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), Fetch allows pet parents to find a plan that fits their budget. The plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and advanced treatments, although there is no unlimited coverage tier. Deductibles range from $300 to $700 and are age-based, offering some adaptability based on your pet’s needs.
What sets Fetch apart is its inclusive dental coverage for all teeth and gum disease—something many other providers overlook. The plan also includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and behavioural treatments, as well as sick-visit exam fees, which are often excluded by competitors. Additional perks include lost pet advertising, boarding fees during the owner's hospitalization, and a wellness add-on for routine care. Fetch also offers a Healthy Pet Credit, lowering premiums by up to 30% after two claim-free years. However, there’s no option for direct vet payment—claims must be paid out-of-pocket first.
Fetch does have some drawbacks. It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, prescription food, or late claims (over 90 days). A six-month waiting period applies to hip and knee issues, though this can be waived with a timely vet exam. It’s also unavailable in New Brunswick and Quebec. Still, for pet owners looking for generous dental and therapeutic coverage with flexible plan design, Fetch is a top-tier contender.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for comprehensive accident, illness, and dental coverage, with flexible reimbursement and deductible options. Especially recommended for younger pets who are more prone to accidents and illnesses—getting coverage early can help secure lower premiums and ensure broad eligibility for care.
- Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- Extensive dental coverage (includes all teeth and gum disease)
- Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioural therapy)
- Sick-visit exam fees included (saves $50–$250 per visit)
- Flexible reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- No upper age limit for pet enrollment
- Healthy Pet Credit: Up to 30% off premiums with no claims for two years
- No unlimited coverage option
- No direct vet payment (must pay upfront and get reimbursed)
- Not available in New Brunswick or Quebec
- Routine wellness care requires an additional add-on
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only—making it one of the few Canadian insurers with an accident-only option. The Accident & Illness plan comes with annual coverage limits of $7,500 or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), while the Accident Only plan offers a fixed $5,000 limit and 80% reimbursement. Deductibles are age-based, starting at $100 and increasing with the pet’s age.
Coverage includes hereditary conditions, diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, behavioural therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture. Both plans include extra benefits like boarding fees, trip cancellation, and end-of-life expenses. Blue Ribbon Benefits add value with 24/7 vet access, poison control, and grief counselling.
Pets Plus Us stands out with its 4Life Guarantee, which ensures lifelong coverage as long as the policy stays active, and there are no breed exclusions. However, it doesn’t cover dental care, pre-existing conditions, or preventive treatments, and lacks an unlimited coverage option.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable coverage with strong accident and illness protection. The Accident & Illness plan is ideal for those wanting comprehensive care, while the Accident Only plan is a budget-friendly alternative perfect for younger and active pets. A great fit for those seeking lifetime coverage with no breed restrictions.
- Two customizable annual limits: $7,500 or $15,000
- Accident-only plan available for budget-conscious pet owners
- Reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- Alternative therapies and behavioral therapy included
- $1,000 in additional benefits per incident for trip cancellations, boarding, lost pet advertising, and end-of-life costs
- 4Life Guarantee ensures lifetime renewability
- No breed exclusions
- No unlimited coverage option
- Dental care and routine wellness treatments not covered
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded
- Deductible increases with pet’s age
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion Canada offers a simple yet robust pet insurance plan with 90% reimbursement and no payout limits—making it one of the few providers with truly unlimited coverage. Instead of annual deductibles, it uses a per-condition lifetime deductible, so you only pay once per issue, no matter how long treatment continues. Coverage begins after a 5-day waiting period for accidents and 30 days for illnesses.
The core plan includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and hereditary conditions. Trupanion Pet Insurance’s standout feature is its Vet Direct Pay system, allowing the insurer to pay your vet directly at checkout (at participating clinics), avoiding out-of-pocket costs. Optional add-ons cover alternative therapies and lost pet support.
While Trupanion Canada offers excellent long-term value for pets with chronic conditions, it doesn’t cover exam fees or routine care. Premiums are generally higher, but the unlimited coverage and direct vet payment make it a strong option for owners seeking dependable, lifetime protection.
Ideal Profile: Best for pets with chronic or hereditary conditions, especially if you're worried about long-term treatment costs. A solid choice for owners who want predictable costs and peace of mind, particularly for breeds prone to specific health issues. Not ideal if you're looking for coverage on routine checkups or want to customize reimbursement levels.
- 90% reimbursement
- No annual or lifetime payout caps
- Lifetime per-condition deductible is ideal for chronic conditions
- Option to pay vets directly at checkout
- Covers congenital and hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- No coverage for exam fees or wellness/routine care
- Higher premiums compared to other providers
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for owners seeking coverage for preventative care
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct offers a simple, affordable pet insurance plan with two annual coverage limit options: $5,000 or $10,000. It features 80% reimbursement and a low $200 annual deductible, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious pet owners. What makes PHI Direct unique is its “New-Condition Coverage” model—any condition treated during the policy year is considered pre-existing the following year, which helps keep premiums low but limits long-term coverage for recurring or chronic conditions.
The plan covers a broad range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalization, prescriptions, diagnostics, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Exam fees and taxes are also covered, and 24/7 telehealth access is included for added convenience. Pets can be enrolled from 7 weeks up to 14 years old, and a 5% multi-pet discount is available. However, PHI Direct doesn’t cover routine dental care, wellness services, bilateral conditions, or ongoing treatment for issues from a prior policy year.
PHI Direct is best suited for young, healthy pets whose owners want low-cost protection against new accidents and illnesses. Its streamlined, no-frills model offers solid short-term value, but it's not ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or those prone to chronic conditions.
Ideal Profile: Best for young, healthy pets or pet owners looking for affordable accident and illness coverage without ongoing treatment needs. The low-cost premiums and straightforward policy make it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents. Not suitable for pets with chronic conditions, as prior-year treatments are excluded from future coverage.
- Two affordable annual coverage options: $5,000 or $10,000
- Low $200 deductible, making claims reimbursement quicker
- Exam fees, taxes, and alternative therapies included
- 24/7 Telehealth support for quick pet health consultations
- 5% multi-pet discount for households with multiple pets
- Keeps premiums lower over time with the New-Condition model
- New-Condition Coverage model means conditions covered one year are excluded the next
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions, wellness care, or preventive treatments
- Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues) are not covered
- Not ideal for pets with chronic illnesses requiring long-term treatment
- Multiple low deductible options
- Dental illness coverage included
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year
- Multiple low deductible options
- Dental illness coverage included
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year
OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers three plans: Comprehensive, Extended, and Unlimited+, all with 80% reimbursement after the deductible. Unlike many providers, OVMA includes exam fees and taxes, reducing out-of-pocket costs. The standout Unlimited+ plan has no annual limits for accidents and illnesses, making it one of the most comprehensive options in Canada.
All plans cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics, medications, hospitalization, and dental (up to $600/year depending on the plan). The Unlimited+ plan also includes annual wellness coverage ($450 for dogs, and $350 for cats). Additional benefits include alternative therapies, behavioural treatments, boarding fees, holiday cancellation, and cremation/burial expenses. While claims are reimbursed, OVMA does offer direct vet pay by request.
Created by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, OVMA stands out for its unlimited coverage, built-in wellness care, and non-medical perks. Lower-tier plans have condition-based annual caps, and customization is limited—reimbursement rates are fixed. Premiums for the Unlimited+ plan are higher, but the breadth of coverage and loyalty discounts (3% after year one, 5% after year two) add long-term value.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners who want premium coverage with no limits on accident and illness claims. Unlimited+ is ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or owners who want wellness coverage included. Lower-tier plans suit pet parents seeking solid but capped protection. Not ideal for those looking for customizable reimbursement rates or lower-cost plans with unlimited benefits.
- Unlimited accident and illness coverage in the Unlimited+ plan
- Covers exam fees and taxes, reducing out-of-pocket costs
- Includes dental care ($300–$600 per year)
- Alternative therapies and behavioural training covered
- Wellness coverage is included in Unlimited+ ($450 for dogs, $350 for cats)
- Loyalty discount (3% after one year, 5% after two years)
- Direct vet-pay option available upon request
- Lower-tier plans have per-condition annual limits ($2,500–$5,000)
- No customization of reimbursement percentage (fixed at 80%)
- Wellness coverage only included in Unlimited+
- Unlimited+ premiums may be higher than basic coverage options
As pet owners, we strive to give our furry companions the best care and attention. However, unexpected accidents or illnesses can arise, leading to expensive veterinary bills, especially with the high cost of living in Ontario. That's where pet insurance comes to the rescue.
Pet insurance in Ontario provides a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills due to accidents or illnesses. But how do you choose the best pet insurance? We've got you covered.
HelloSafe evaluated 11 Canadian pet insurance companies, highlighting their coverage options, pros, cons, and more to help you find the best pet insurance in Ontario. Use our free tool at the top of this page to compare pet insurance quotes online and make an informed decision.
Best Pet Insurances Ontario: Top Companies
- Fetch Pet Insurance: Best for Customizable Plans
- Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance: Best for Flexibility
- Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Flexible Coverage Levels
- Trupanion Pet Insurance: Best for High Reimbursement Rates
- PHI Direct Pet Insurance: Best for Affordable Premiums
- Furkin Pet Insurance: Best for Continuous Coverage
- OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
- Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simplicity and Affordability
- Desjardins Pet Insurance: Best for Dental Coverage
- Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Diverse Options
- Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Multi-Pet Discounts
Fetch Pet Insurance: Best for Customizable Plans
If you're looking for a customizable pet insurance option, Fetch Pet Insurance is a good choice. Fetch lets you choose your maximum annual coverage, reimbursement, and deductible. Annual coverage options are $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement rates.
Deductible options are $300, $500 or $700* and they are age-based. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, emergency visits, dental care, behavioural therapy, and holistic care. However, Fetch does not cover pre-existing conditions or routine preventative care and is unavailable in New Brunswick or Quebec.
Fetch also offers discounts, such as a 10% off for shelter rescues or adopted pets, and a 10% discount for active or retired service members.
Pros of Fetch Pet Insurance
- Customizable deductible and reimbursement options.
- Comprehensive dental coverage is included in all plans.
- Earn a Healthy Pet Credit of up to 30% off your premium after two years without claims.
- Easy online quotes
- Good customer service
- Exclusive access to Fetch Forward technology for personalized advice
Cons of Fetch Pet Insurance
- Not available in Quebec and New Brunswick.
- No vet direct pay option.
- $15,000 maximum coverage (no unlimited).
- Minimum deductible starts at $250
- Age-based deductible as your pet gets older
Read our full Fetch Pet Insurance review.
Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Flexible Coverage Levels
Spot pet insurance offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only. It is one of the few companies to offer accident-only plans. It has annual limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. Deductibles range from $100 to $300, with reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. You can add optional Preventative Care coverage to the Accident and Illness plan as well. It doesn't enforce per-incident or lifetime caps ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and optional wellness riders for routine care. Spot has shorter waiting periods compared to other insurers, allowing for quicker coverage activation. Spot offers an optional wellness rider that covers spay or neuter surgery. However, they do not cover dental illnesses and implement age-based deductibles and reimbursement.
Pros of Spot Pet Insurance
- Short waiting periods for faster coverage activation.
- Optional wellness coverage available for routine care.
- Low $100 deductible for affordable out-of-pocket costs.
- Multi-pet discounts available
- Offers accident-only plan
Cons of Spot Pet Insurance
- No coverage for dental illnesses
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursement rates
- Not available in Quebec
Read our full Spot Pet Insurance Review
Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance: Best for Flexibility
Pets Plus Us offers two comprehensive pet insurance plans: Accident & Illness, and Accident, with your choice of deductible and reimbursement giving you the options to tailor your coverage. Their accident and illness plan provides coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while their accident insurance plan offers coverage of $5,000. Pets Plus Us is one of the very few providers that offer an accident-only plan.
For their accident and illness plan, pet owners can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of the veterinary bill, including taxes. For the accident insurance plan, the reimbursement rate is set at 80%. Deductibles range from $100 to $700, and they are age-based. Its 4Life Guarantee ensures continuous benefit renewal throughout a pet's lifetime. They cover all breeds and breed-associated health conditions, except for pre-existing conditions.
Pros of Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance
- Three annual policy limits and deductibles
- 24/7 PetHelpFone and Pet Poison Helpline
- Wide range of treatments and conditions covered
- Vet direct pay option available for expensive procedures
- Multi-pet discount
- Designed by veterinarians and pet owners
Cons of Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Age-based deductible as your pet gets older
- Maximum coverage is $15,000 (No unlimited coverage)
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care, unless Flex Care is added
Trupanion Pet Insurance: Best for High Reimbursement Rates
Trupanion offers a Lifetime Policy with unlimited coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate. The company allows you to customize your deductible, ranging from $0 to $1,000, ensuring a monthly cost that aligns with your budget. Trupanion's standout feature is its lifetime per condition deductible, meaning you only pay when your pet develops a new condition. It does not apply an age-based deductible as your pet gets older.
Coverage includes hereditary and congenital conditions, diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, advanced dental care, alternative therapies, and prosthetic devices. Trupanion focuses on sudden and expensive illnesses and does not cover pre-existing conditions, exam fees, routine wellness, or elective procedures.
Pros of Trupanion Canada
- 90% reimbursement
- Unlimited coverage without payout limits
- Customizable deductible from $0 to $1,000
- Per medical condition lifetime deductible
- Direct payment to vets reduces out-of-pocket expenses
- 24/7 support from an award-winning customer care team
Cons of Trupanion Canada
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Relatively higher premiums
- Limited coverage options compared to some competitors
- Does not include wellness and preventative/routine care
- Does not cover exam fees
Read our full Trupanion Pet Insurance review.
PHI Direct Pet Insurance: Best for Affordable Premiums
PHI Direct offers budget-friendly pet insurance with annual coverage limits of $5,000 or $10,000. Reimbursement is up to 80%, with a low deductible of $200. PHI Direct's premiums are significantly lower. According to the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct's average premiums are approximately 45.8% less for dogs and 37.7% less for cats.
Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, and dental treatments for tooth fractures. Their 'New-Condition' Coverage covers the first 12 months of a new illness or injury. This coverage period is valuable as it addresses the initial high costs associated with diagnosing and treating a new condition. However, it does not cover pre-existing conditions or provide coverage in Quebec.
Pros of PHI Direct Pet Insurance
- Cheapest monthly premium
- Vet direct pay is available
- 24/7 access to Telehealth phone care
- Two affordable plans with one low deductible
- 5% multi-pet discount
Cons of PHI Direct Pet Insurance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Conditions from the first year are considered pre-existing in subsequent years.
- Not available in Quebec
Read our full PHI Direct Pet Insurance review.
Furkin Pet Insurance: Best for Continuous Coverage
Furkin offers unlimited 'per condition' benefits with a $20,000 annual maximum, which is more than most other providers. With Furkin's Lifetime Coverage, there are no caps on eligible conditions. You can enjoy automatic annual renewals, ensuring continuous coverage year after year.
Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, and dental injuries. Deductibles can be chosen from $100, $300, or $750 (age-based). Furkin goes above and beyond by providing 24/7 access to a Telehealth hotline staffed by veterinary nurses. Additionally, you receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an invaluable online pet triaging software. They do not cover pre-existing conditions, pets older than 14 years, and wellness or preventive care.
Pros of Furkin Pet Insurance
- High annual coverage up to $20,000 with no per-condition limits.
- 24/7 Telehealth hotline for immediate veterinary advice.
- Flexible deductible options.
- Multi-pet discount of 5%
Cons of Furkin Pet Insurance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Does not cover pets older than 14 years at enrollment
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care
- Not available in Quebec
Read our full Furkin Pet Insurance review.
Desjardins Pet Insurance: Best for Dental Coverage
Underwritten by Petline Insurance, a reputable provider, Desjardins Pet Insurance ensures reliable protection through three distinct plans: Bronze Paw ($4,000 coverage), Silver Paw ($8,000 coverage), and Gold Paw (unlimited coverage). The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans stand out by providing extensive coverage for dental care and cleanings, promoting your pets' overall health. For the Bronze Paw plan, there is the option to add $500 coverage specifically for dental care.
The average monthly price for the Desjardins pet insurance ranges from $37 for a dog and $26 for a cat to $136 for a dog and $87 for a cat based on the policy. You can save 10% on your premiums if you have three or more pets. Coverage includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization, prescription drugs, preventive care, and MRIs, with deductibles from $100 to $350. However, pre-existing conditions, behavioural, and alternative therapies aren't covered without add-ons.
Pros of Desjardins Pet Insurance
- Comprehensive dental coverage is included in plans.
- Multiple plan options to suit different needs and budgets.
- Multi-pet 10% discount.
- Preventive care is included in some plans.
- You can insure a pet at any age
Cons of Desjardins Pet Insurance
- Behavioural, alternative therapies and medical device coverage are add-ons
- No 24/7 pet health hotline.
- Age-based deductible as your pet gets older.
Read our full Desjardins Pet Insurance review.
OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
OVMA Pet Health Insurance, created by Ontario veterinarians and backed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, offers plans based on local veterinary expertise. Choose from three plans: Comprehensive ($5,000 annual limit), Extended ($10,000 annual limit), and Unlimited+ (no annual limit), with deductibles from $100 to $500.
There’s a six-month waiting period for dental issues, cruciate ligament, and intervertebral disc disease, but the Unlimited+ plan has no waiting period for preventive care. Deciduous (baby) teeth conditions have only a 14-day waiting period with prior approval. While there's no vet direct pay option or 24/7 health line, the Unlimited+ plan includes wellness coverage, and all plans cover dental illness. You can also save with multi-pet and loyalty discounts after the first year.
Pros of OVMA
- Designed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).
- Multiple low deductible options.
- Dental illness coverage included.
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year.
- Coverage for vet exams
Cons of OVMA
- No wellness coverage for routine care.
- No direct vet payment option.
- No 24/7 helpline.
Read our full OVMA Pet Insurance review.
Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simplicity and Affordability
Sonnet Pet Insurance, underwritten by Petline Insurance Company, provides a straightforward plan with a $5,000 maximum annual coverage, including $2,500 per accident and $2,500 per condition. Deductibles are $100 or $300, with an 80% reimbursement. Coverage includes emergencies, accidents, illnesses, and dental care. Behavioural and alternative therapies are also included.
Pet owners also get their kennel and boarding fees covered apart from lost pet advertising. Additionally, the plans cover cremation or burial costs, an in-memoriam donation, and holiday cancellations. But they do not offer wellness options or vet direct payment. Sonnet Pet Insurance has a simple claims process and is supported by an award-winning customer care team.
Pros of Sonnet Pet Insurance
- Affordable premiums for cost-effective coverage.
- Simple plan easy to understand and manage.
- Includes dental illness, behavioural, and alternative therapies.
- Dental illness coverage includes cleanings.
Cons of Sonnet Pet Insurance
- Pet insurance policy is a new product.
- Limited to $5,000 annual coverage, which may be insufficient for costly treatments.
- No direct payment option to veterinarians.
- Age-based deductible as your pet gets older
Read our full Sonnet Pet Insurance review.
Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Diverse Options
Peppermint offers four levels of coverage: Lite, Base, Plus, and Prime, with annual limits of up to $10,000. The plans also include an accident-only plan. The monthly premiums are cheaper than most pet insurance providers. With a low $100 deductible (up to $500 based on age), you can get up to 80% reimbursement.
Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, behavioural therapy, and pet ownership assistance. They do not cover dental illness and have age-based deductibles.
Pros of Peppermint
- Diverse coverage options to meet various needs.
- Includes coverage for alternative and holistic treatments.
- Pet ownership assistance provides additional support.
- Low deductible.
- Lower premiums than average.
Cons of Peppermint
- No coverage for dental illnesses.
- Age-based deductibles increase costs as pets age.
- No unlimited coverage option.
- No vet-direct payment.
- No dental illness coverage.
Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Multi-Pet Discounts
Petsecure offers four plan options with annual coverage limits and deductible choices: Secure 1 ($2,000), Secure 2 ($5,000), Secure 3 ($10,000), and Secure 4 (unlimited). Deductibles range from $100 to $400, with reimbursement rates of 80%.
There is a 48-hour waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, dental care, and routine wellness. Multi-pet discounts of 10-15% are available, but they do not offer vet direct payment and have higher premiums for $5,000 coverage.
Pros of Petsecure
- Four plan options for flexibility.
- Comprehensive dental coverage included.
- Routine wellness covered in the unlimited plan.
- Multi-pet discount for insuring multiple pets.
Cons of Petsecure
- Higher premiums for $5,000 coverage compared to some competitors.
- No direct vet payment option.
- Age-based deductible as your pet gets older.
Pet Insurance Companies in Ontario: Ratings
| Pet Insurance Company | HelloSafe Rating | Reimbursement Options | Deductible Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch Pet Insurance | 4.9 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $300, $500 or $700* |
| Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance | 4.8 | 70%, 80%, 90% | $100-$700* |
| Trupanion Pet Insurance | 4.7 | 90% | $0-$1,000 |
| PHI Direct | 4.5 | 80% | $200 |
| Furkin Pet Insurance | 4.4 | 80% | $100, $300, $750* |
| OVMA Pet Health Insurance | 4.3 | 80% | $100-$500* |
| Spot Pet Insurance | 4.3 | 70% to 90% (age-based) | $100-$300* |
| Sonnet Pet Insurance | 4.3 | 80% | $100 or $300* |
| Desjardins Pet Insurance | 4.2 | 80% | $100* |
| Peppermint Pet Insurance | 4.1 | 80% | $100* |
| Petsecure Pet Insurance | 4.1 | 80% | $100-$400* |
- *Age-based deductible - changes as your pet gets older
How does pet insurance work in Ontario?
Ontario Pet insurance works by having pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance company. In return, the pet insurance company reimburses a portion of eligible veterinary expenses. Here's how it typically works:
- Choose a Plan: Select a pet insurance plan with coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and deductible amounts that suit your needs.
- Pay Premiums: Pay the monthly or annual premiums to keep the policy active.
- Visit the Vet: Take your pet to the veterinarian for treatment when needed.
- Submit a Claim: After the visit, submit a claim to the insurance company with the vet bill and necessary documentation.
- Receive Reimbursement: The insurance company reviews the claim and reimburses you for the covered portion of the expenses, minus the deductible.
Example: Suppose you have a pet insurance plan with a $500 annual deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate, and a $10,000 annual coverage limit. If your dog needs emergency surgery costing $3,000:
- You pay the $500 deductible.
- The insurance company reimburses 90% of the remaining $2,500, which is $2,250.
- You end up paying $750 out-of-pocket, and the insurance covers $2,250 of the surgery cost.
This way, pet insurance helps manage unexpected veterinary expenses, making it more affordable to provide the best care for your pet.
How much is pet insurance in Ontario?
Average monthly cost of pet insurance in Ontario
The cost of Ontario pet insurance will vary based on the animal you are insuring, their age and how comprehensive a cover you are interested in.
Basic pet insurance in Ontario generally starts at around $39 per month for a dog and $29 per month for a cat. More comprehensive insurance, that is insurance with higher reimbursement rates and higher coverage levels, may cost as much as $150 per month.
Why opt for a higher deductible?
Opting for a lower deductible and higher reimbursement level will result in higher premiums for your pet insurance. A plan with 90% reimbursement will be more expensive compared to the same plan with 70% reimbursement.
Here's a pet insurance quote we got using the HelloSafe tool from Fetch Pet Insurance. It took just a couple of minutes and it was completely online. The quotes are for a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever in Ontario. The coverage is a comprehensive plan including dental coverage.
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Annual Payout | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Annual Deductible | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| Reimbursement Rate | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Monthly Premium | $115.87 | $141.98 | $143.37 |
Is pet insurance more expensive in Ontario?
No, pet insurance is not more expensive in Ontario.
Pet insurance is always private and therefore does not change from province to province. All pet insurance companies offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada.
Good to know
Therefore pet insurance in Ottawa will be no more expensive than Edmonton pet insurance or Winnipeg pet insurance - though the pets themselves might be quite different!
How to get the cheapest pet insurance in Ontario?
When seeking affordable pet insurance in Ontario, start by determining your specific coverage needs. Consider whether you require coverage for accidents only or a comprehensive plan that includes illnesses and routine care.
Assess additional features like pet ownership assistance coverage and other unforeseeable circumstances like euthanasia. Be aware that more comprehensive plans tend to have higher monthly premiums.
Review the policy details, such as waiting periods, exclusions, and age-based deductibles, to understand any limitations. Adjusting your deductible and reimbursement rates can help save on premiums.
Look for potential discounts, such as multi-pet (considering most providers offer a 5% discount), loyalty, bundled, healthy pet, and member discounts, while also inquiring about special discounts for military service or seniors.
Ultimately, the most important part of getting a cheap pet insurance policy is by comparing your options. You can simply use our free tool at the top to compare free pet insurance quotes online based on your unique needs.
Good to know
One of the cheaper providers in Ontario is OVMA pet insurance. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association is an Ontario-based insurance provider that focuses exclusively on pet insurance for dogs and cats. Although it is based in Ontario and therefore can cater to the specific needs of Ontarians, all Canadians can purchase OVMA insurance wherever they live.
What does pet insurance in Ontario cover?
The coverage offered by pet insurance varies based on the policy provider and the premiums involved. It could differ based on whether you go for an accident-only policy, a mix of both accident and illness or just wellness coverage.
However, some conditions are commonly covered by the best pet insurance policies. Policies offer comprehensive coverage, encompassing emergency and serious illnesses like cancer and accidents.
They go beyond by providing coverage for advanced care such as testing, diagnostics, chemotherapy, endoscopies, and MRIs. Moreover, these policies often include alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Additionally, some plans extend coverage to behavioural therapy, addressing issues such as aggression, destructive chewing, and excessive barking.
Watch out!
However, pet insurance in Ontario, as is the case with most best pet insurances in Canada, often excludes pre-existing conditions, experimental treatments, cosmetic procedures/grooming, food/nutritional supplements, non-veterinary expenses, and spay/neuter surgery. Moreover, not all insurers in Ontario offer exotic pet insurance.
It's important to review the policy carefully to understand the specific exclusions before enrolling in a pet insurance plan.
Is pet insurance in Ontario worth it?
You may have read that rather than buying pet insurance, it is better to put money aside and save. It is true that if you have a young, healthy animal who will only need to see the vet for routine visits then it is possible you could pay for these by putting aside some money from your paycheck.
However, if you have an older animal or one that has health problems then you are unlikely to be able to save the amount needed to pay for long-term care.
Example of the cost of owning a young dog without pet insurance
- Chris, 27, from Toronto, has an Australian Shepherd puppy called Buttons. Chris is currently making good money in his job as a graphic designer. Buttons is from a healthy breed, young, and unlikely to have any problems. If Chris can put aside $50 a month he will probably be able to cover the routine costs like:
| Basic procedures | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vet visits | $109 |
| Vaccines | $115 |
| Dental treatment | $531 |
| Parasite treatment | $178 |
Example of the cost of owning an older dog without pet insurance
Let's take another example for contrast. Marjory, 45, lives in Durham. She has a pug, Blueberry, whom she loves very much but is getting on a bit at 12. Let's look at some of the costs that Marjory might have to pay as she looks after Blueberry.
| Longer procedures | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arthritis treatment | $300+/year |
| Cancer treatment | $4000+ |
| Ligament repair | up to $5,000 per knee |
| Antibiotics | 10c -50c / pill |
Keep in mind
As we can see, the expenses that Marjory is facing are far more onerous than those likely to affect Chris. Marjory would be wise to take out insurance for Blueberry that will allow her to pay for as many treatments as her canine companion will need.
The best way for you to save money on your pet insurance coverage, while still providing your pet an efficient protection, is to compare the market's offers. You can do so using our free online comparison tool at the top of this page.
