Best Pet Insurances in BC in December 2024
- 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 that covers accidents and illnesses with annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%, and deductibles vary from $300, $500 or $700*, adjusted based on the pet's age (age-based deductible).
Fetch Pet Insurance includes extensive coverage for various medical needs, including prescription medications, emergency visits, surgeries, and breed-specific issues like hip dysplasia. Fetch also provides unique benefits such as coverage for every tooth and treatment for behavioral issues. The optional wellness add-on enhances coverage, including annual exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings.
Fetch stands out due to its extensive dental coverage and the inclusion of sick-visit exam fees, which many competitors do not cover. A unique Healthy Pet Credit can reduce premiums by up to 30% for pets with no claims over two years. Compared to other companies like Trupanion, Fetch's maximum annual limit of $15,000 may seem limited, but it provides a balanced option between cost and coverage.
- Complete sick visits are covered
- Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit
- Comprehensive dental and behavioural treatments (often excluded by other insurers)
- Healthy Pet Credit reduces premiums over time by up to 30% for pets with no claims over two years
- Extensive Dental Coverage for every tooth and related issue, unlike many competitors
- Breed-specific issues covered
- No Multi-Pet Discount
- Annual limit is capped at $15,000
- No Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Not available in New Brunswick and Quebec
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- 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
Spot Pet Insurance offers both Accident & Illness and Accident Only plans with annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%, and deductibles from $100 to $300 are adjusted based on the pet's age. The Accident & Illness plan covers vet exam fees, surgeries, diagnostics, and alternative therapies. Spot also offers two wellness plans that can be added to any plan, covering routine and preventive care.
Spot's flexibility in plan options and coverage makes it ideal for pet owners looking for customizable insurance. Compared to other insurers, Spot has shorter waiting periods for coverage activation, making it a more favourable option.
- Customizable Plans to suit different needs
- Wellness Plan Options: Includes routine and preventive care
- No Per-Incident or Lifetime Caps: Unlimited annual limit option available
- High Trustpilot Rating of 4.7, indicating high customer satisfaction
- Shorter Waiting Periods; faster coverage activation compared to other insurers
- Multi-Pet Discount
- No Coverage for Dental Illnesses
- Age-Based Deductibles
- Not Available in Quebec
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance offers two comprehensive plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only. The Accident & Illness plan provides coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while the Accident Only plan offers a coverage limit of $5,000. Pets Plus Us is among the few providers that provide an accident-only plan.
For the Accident & Illness plan, you can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of the veterinary bill, including taxes. The Accident Only plan has a reimbursement rate set at 80%. Deductibles range from $100 to $700 and are age-based, adjusting as your pet grows older. The 4Life Guarantee ensures that your pet’s benefits are renewed continuously throughout their lifetime. Pets Plus Us covers all breeds and breed-associated health conditions, except pre-existing conditions.
Additional benefits include boarding fees, holiday trip cancellations, and lost pet advertising. Pets Plus Us offers a multi-pet discount, making it attractive for households with multiple pets. The coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions and a shorter waiting period for accidents and illnesses sets it apart from many competitors. Notably, Costco Pet Insurance is offered through Pets Plus Us. If you're a Costco member, you can get up to 15% off on your Costco Pet Insurance premiums.
- Unique benefits like 24/7 PetHelpFone and a Compassionate Care Line
- Up to 15% discount for insuring multiple pets
- Short Waiting Periods compared to many competitors
- Coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions
- Coverage for boarding fees and trip cancellations due to pet emergencies
- Accident-Only Plan option
- Costco members (Costco Pet Insurance) earn between 10% and 15% off
- BCAA Pet Insurance and CAA Pet Insurance are also offered through Pets Plus Us
- BCAA and CAA members get up to 13.5% off
- Does Not Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
- Age-based deductibles increase as pets age, which can raise costs over time
- No unlimited coverage option
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care, unless Flex Care is added
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion Pet Insurance offers a single, straightforward plan with unlimited annual coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,000 and are per medical condition for the pet's lifetime, which can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. Coverage includes new and unexpected injuries and illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, and advanced treatments like surgeries and hospital stays.
Trupanion's Vet Direct Pay system, which allows for direct payment to veterinarians, sets it apart from competitors like PHI Direct and Sonnet. However, it does not cover wellness care, exam fees, or preventive care.
- Unlimited Coverage as there are no annual or lifetime limits on coverage
- 90% reimbursement rates
- Direct Vet Payments
- Customizable Deductibles: from $0 to $1,000 per condition
- Coverage for Advanced Treatments including surgeries, hospital stays, and hereditary conditions
- 24/7 Support offering round-the-clock customer care
- Advanced Dentistry
- Routine care and wellness treatments are not included
- Exam fees are not covered under the policy
- More expensive than some competitors, like PHI Direct
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct Pet Insurance provides a simple plan with annual coverage options of $5,000 or $10,000, an 80% reimbursement rate, and a low deductible of $200. This plan covers a range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, and emergency care, making it a cost-effective choice for pet owners. It also includes coverage for behavioural therapy, dental fractures, and diagnostics.
PHI Direct is notable for its affordability, with lower premiums than many competitors. 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 compared to other insurers. However, it does not cover wellness care or pre-existing conditions, and it is not available in Quebec.
- Premiums are significantly lower than other insurers, making it a budget-friendly option
- Low Deductible: $200 deductible is lower than many competitors
- Coverage includes a wide range of treatments and emergency care
- Covers treatments for behavioural issues
- Does Not Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
- Maximum coverage is $10,000 per year
- Not Available in Quebec
Did you know that over 20.3% of all pets in Canada are owned by families in British Columbia? But while owning a pet brings immeasurable joy, it also comes with financial responsibilities and the costs can be quite high when you don't have good pet insurance in BC.
This is where having the best pet insurance becomes a valuable safeguard, particularly in a place like BC where the weather can be harsh, posing unique risks to our pets.
That's why we bring you this pawsome article that will tell you everything you need to know about pet insurance in BC, from pricing and coverage to discounts, pros, cons, and more. You could use our comparator at the top of this page to get quotes from the best pet insurance companies in BC.
Our 2024 ranking of best pet insurances in BC
Best Pet Insurance BC Companies for 2024
- Fetch Pet insurance: Tailor-made policy for every budget
- PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Policy with valuable affiliates
- Trupanion Pet Insurance: Generous reimbursement
- PHI Direct Pet Insurance: Budget-friendly coverage
- Furkin Pet Insurance: Unrestricted long-term coverage
- Spot Pet Insurance: Best for customizable options
- Desjardins Pet Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
We know that searching for the perfect coverage can be as challenging as teaching a cat to fetch, with all those policies, figures, and options to navigate. But don't worry, we've fetched all the information you need and put it in one handy guide. Therefore, we've rounded up the best pet insurance options in British Columbia just for you.
So take a look at the best pet insurances in BC, and what they offer, and help you pick the one that suits you the best.
Fetch Pet insurance: Tailor-made policy for every budget
Fetch by The Dodo is a reputed company that has been providing coverage since 2007 and what sets Fetch pet insurance apart is its customization options.
Their annual maximum of $15,000 protects most pet-related issues. Customers can choose deductibles of $250, $300, and $500, coverage of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, and reimbursement of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Fetch provides extensive dental coverage, pet owner assistance, providing guidance and support when you need it most. It includes lost pet advertising and boarding during medical emergencies.
Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Fetch Pet Insurance.
Pros of Fetch Pet Insurance
- Flexible pricing options based on deductible, coverage, reimbursement
- Exclusive access to Fetch Forward technology for personalized advice
- Fast and easy claim process with prompt payment
- Extensive dental coverage
- No enrolment fee and a flexible cancellation policy
Cons of Fetch Pet Insurance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Lack of coverage for routine preventative care
- No multi-pet discount
- Not available in New Brunswick and Quebec
- No vet direct pay
What does Fetch cover? Here's what's covered under this policy.
- Veterinary Exam Fees
- Emergency Vet Visits
- Specialist Vet Visits
- Comprehensive Dental
- Breed-specific Conditions
- Complete Sick Visit
- Injuries & Illnesses
- Virtual Vet Visits
- Diagnostic Tests
- Imaging & Ultrasound
- Holistic & Chiropractic care
- Behavioural Therapy
- Cancer Treatment
- Surgery & Rehabilitation
It's important to understand what Fetch pet insurance doesn't cover.
Watch out!
Fetch does not cover pre-existing conditions. Expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, and whelping are excluded. Issues with cruciate ligaments or hip dysplasia within the first 6 months of the policy are not covered. The policy does not cover prescription diet foods, routine vet visits, elective procedures, and cosmetic surgeries.
If you want to explore if Fetch Pet Insurance is the right choice for you, you can get a free personalized quote right here. Fill up the short form below and get instant quotes.
Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance: Policy with valuable affiliates
PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance stands apart through exclusive member discounts via partnerships with Costco and CAA.
Costco Pet Insurance offers a 15% discount for Executive Members and 10% for Gold Star and Business Members.
PetsPlusUs offers three plans, with the flexibility to add wellness benefits through the optional Flex Care policy, and with the absence of special waiting periods. Their accident and illness plan provides coverage of $7,500 or $15,000, while the accident insurance plan offers $5,000.
For the accident and illness plan, you can choose reimbursement of 70%, 80%, or 90%. The accident insurance plan offers a fixed reimbursement of 80%.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of PetPlusUs.
Pros of PetsPlusUs 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
- Diverse affiliate program
Cons of PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- No dental and wellness coverage
- Age-based deductible
- No unlimited coverage, max $15,000
What does PetsPlusUs cover?
Accident-Only Plan
- Consultations
- Exams
- Emergency care
- Hospitalisation
- Drugs
- Surgery
- Anaesthesia
- Specialist referrals by a licensed veterinarian
- Pet boarding fees
- Holiday trip cancellation
- Lost pet advertising and reward
- Cremation/burial
Accident and Illness Plan
- Illness
- Injuries and accidents
- Hospitalisation
- Surgery
- Hereditary conditions
- Diagnostics
- Prescription medications
- Alternative therapies
- Behavioural therapies
- Pet boarding fees
- Holiday trip cancellation
- Lost pet advertising and reward
- Euthanasia and cremation/burial
It's important to know what it doesn't cover. PetsPlusUs' Accident & Illness Pet Insurance policy does not cover pre-existing conditions, dental care, reproductive health, experimental treatments, wellness/preventative care (unless Flex Care plan is added).
The Accident Insurance policy does not cover illnesses, routine preventive care, pre-existing conditions, non-accident-related issues, or accidents within the initial 48-hour waiting period.
Expert advice
Did you know there was a BCAA Pet Insurance? Yes, you heard that right, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) offers pet insurance through a partnership with PetsPlusUs. Plus, BCAA members can now save 12%! BCAA pet insurance stands out by offering alternative and behavioural therapies not commonly found in traditional policies, along with coverage for pet boarding in case of hospitalization. Additionally, they provide a multi-pet discount of up to 15%.
Trupanion Pet Insurance: Generous reimbursement
Trupanion Canada has been a well-established player since 1998 and it offers unlimited coverage with an impressive reimbursement rate of 90%. What's more, there are no per-incident, annual, or lifetime payout limits to worry about.
Whether you prefer a deductible of $0 or up to $1,000, you can find a monthly cost that fits your budget. Trupanion pet insurance's standout feature is its lifetime per-condition deductible. You only pay when your pet develops a new condition.
Trupanion covers alternative medicine and therapies which include treatments from bone marrow transplants to stem cell therapy. Their focus is on essential medical expenses, so wellness coverage is not included, and exam fees are considered standard administrative expenses and therefore excluded.
Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Trupanion.
Pros of Trupanion Pet Insurance
- 90% reimbursement
- Unlimited coverage without payout limits
- Customizable deductible from $0 to $1,000
- Per medical condition lifetime deductible
- Vet direct pay option
- 24/7 support
Cons of Trupanion Pet Insurance
- 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
What does Trupanion cover? Here's what's covered under this policy.
- Hereditary conditions
- Undiagnosed issues
- Congenital conditions
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Medications
- Veterinary supplements
- Herbal therapy
- Breed-specific conditions
It's important to understand what Trupanion pet insurance doesn't cover.
Watch out!
Pre-existing conditions are not covered, and the policy does not include exam fees, wellness care, elective procedures (such as tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, and dewclaw removal), as well as costs related to cremation, burial, and post-mortem expenses.
PHI Direct: Ideal for Budget-Conscious Pet Owners
PHI Direct offers a straightforward plan with annual coverage limits of $5,000 or $10,000, an 80% reimbursement rate, and a low deductible of $200. This plan encompasses various treatments, including accidents, illnesses, and emergency care, providing a cost-effective option for pet owners. Coverage also extends to behavioral therapy, dental fractures, and diagnostics.
Renowned for its affordability, PHI Direct features premiums that are substantially lower than many competitors. As noted in the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct's average premiums are about 45.8% lower for dogs and 37.7% lower for cats compared to other insurers. However, the plan does not cover wellness care or pre-existing conditions, and is unavailable in Quebec.
Pros of PHI Direct Pet Insurance
- Offers budget-friendly premiums well below the industry average.
- $200 deductible, which is lower than many other providers.
- Multi-Pet Discount
- Includes a broad range of treatments and emergency care.
- Covers treatments for behavioural issues.
Cons of PHI Direct Pet Insurance
- No Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
- The maximum annual coverage limit is $10,000.
- Not offered in Quebec.
What does PHI Direct cover? Here's what's covered under this policy.
- Accidents
- Surgeries
- Hospitalizations
- Diagnostics
- Exam Fees
- Alternative Therapies
- Anesthesia and Surgery
- Behavioural Therapy
- Coverage while Traveling
- Dental Tooth Fracture
- Emergency Care
- llnesses (New)
- Imaging - CT scans, MRI, and X-Rays
- Medical Devices
- Medical Procedures
- Prescription Medications
- Referral Specialist Fees
- Parasites
It's important to understand what PHI Direct pet insurance doesn't cover.
Watch out!
PHI Direct pet insurance does not cover wellness care, corrective procedures, or conditions linked to these treatments. Bilateral conditions and behavioral problems are also not included. Routine dental care, cremation, burial, and preventive measures like spaying/neutering and vaccinations are outside the scope of coverage. Additionally, any services related to breeding or reproduction are not covered by PHI Direct's policies.
Furkin Pet Insurance: Unrestricted long-term coverage
Furkin is a trusted and comprehensive choice for Canadian pet owners who prioritise reliable coverage. It stands out by offering unlimited 'per condition' benefits, allowing you to utilise your annual coverage for multiple illnesses or accidents throughout the year.
With Furkin's Lifetime Coverage, there are no caps on eligible conditions. Automatic annual renewals guarantee continuous coverage year after year, providing long-term protection.
The policy offers a generous $20,000 annual maximum benefit with no per incident or per illness limits. Furkin also provides access to a 24/7 Telehealth hotline staffed by veterinary nurses.
Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Furkin.
Pros of Furkin Pet Insurance
- Upto $20,000 coverage every year
- No ‘per condition’ limits
- Flexible deductibles
- Coverage renews each year
- 24/7 Telehealth pet health hotline
- 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
What does Furkin cover? Well, here's what's covered under this policy.
- Alternative Therapies
- Anaesthesia and Surgery
- Dental Injuries
- Diagnostics
- Emergency Care
- Exam Fees
- Prescription Medications
- Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
- Hospitalisation
- Medical Procedures
- Lost Pet Advertising and Reward
- Boarding Fees
- Holiday Trip Cancellation
- Prescription Foods
- Euthanasia Costs
Now that you know what the Furkin pet insurance covers, it's important to know what it doesn't.
Watch out!
Furkin coverage excludes pre-existing conditions, behavioural issues, cosmetic procedures, vaccinations, routine care, preventive dental treatment, and innovative therapies. Pregnancy, whelping expenses, spaying/neutering, organ/tissue transplants, and corrective procedures for brachycephalic breeds are also not covered.
Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Customizable Coverage
Spot Pet Insurance provides flexible plan options with both Accident & Illness and Accident Only coverage. Annual limits range from $5,000 to $10,000, with an option for unlimited coverage. Reimbursement rates are adjustable between 70% and 90%, and deductibles range from $100 to $300, depending on the pet's age. The Accident & Illness plan covers vet exams, surgeries, diagnostics, and alternative therapies. Spot also offers two optional wellness plans that cover routine and preventive care.
Spot’s extensive customization options make it ideal for pet owners seeking tailored insurance solutions. The availability of wellness plans and a high Trustpilot rating of Excellent: 4.7 underscore its attractiveness. Spot's shorter waiting periods for coverage activation further enhance its appeal, offering quicker access to benefits compared to many competitors.
Pros of Spot Pet Insurance
- Highly Customizable Plans.
- Wellness plan add-ons cover routine and preventive care.
- No Per-Incident or Lifetime Caps
- Excellent Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
- Shorter Waiting Periods
- Multi-Pet Discount
Cons of Spot Pet Insurance
- No Coverage for Dental Illnesses
- Age-Based Deductibles.
- Not offered in Quebec.
What does Spot Pet Insurance cover?
- Accidents
- Behavioral issues
- Hereditary and breed-specific conditions
- Illnesses
- Exam and diagnostic fees
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Therapeutic diets
- Physical and rehabilitative therapies
- Alternative treatments
- Medical devices
- Trip cancellation
- Advertising and reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Emergency boarding
- Additional living expenses if your home is damaged
- Accidental death coverage
- End-of-life coverage: Euthanasia, cremation, or burial costs
Watch out!
Spot pet insurance, like other companies, excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions. Additionally, Spot does not cover costs related to fertility, breeding, pregnancy, or nursing, spaying or neutering. Cosmetic procedures, non-essential boarding, and dental illnesses like periodontitis and abscesses are excluded. Spot also does not cover experimental treatments, or illnesses arising from failure to follow preventive care recommendations.
Desjardins Pet Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
Underwritten by Petline Insurance, Desjardins Pet Insurance offers reliable and trusted protection.
With three distinct plans available, Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw, Desjardins caters to diverse pet owners. The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans are particularly notable for their extensive coverage of dental care and cleanings.
The cost of Desjardins pet insurance varies depending on the chosen plan, with an average monthly price ranging from $37 for dogs and $26 for cats on the basic policy, to $136 for dogs and $87 for cats on the more comprehensive coverage options.
Pet owners with three or more furry companions can take advantage of a valuable 10% discount on their monthly premiums.
Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Desjardins Pet Insurance.
Pros of Desjardins Pet Insurance
- Desjardins has a comprehensive online portal
- They offer three plans to suit your pet's needs
- You can insure a pet at any age
Cons of Desjardins Pet Insurance
- There are no discounts available until 3 pets
- Behavioural, alternative therapies and medical device coverage are add-ons
What does Desjardins Pet insurance cover? Here's what's covered under this policy.
- X-rays
- Hospitalization
- Veterinary diagnostics and treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Surgery
- MRIs
- Chemotherapy
- Preventive care coverage
- Dental care
- Behavioural therapy (add-on)
- Alternative therapy (add-on)
Let's see what it doesn't cover.
Watch out!
Desjardins does not cover pre-existing conditions. Additionally, expenses related to flea control and pet food, including prescription diet and therapeutic nutrition, are not included. Desjardins Pet Insurance also does not cover spaying or neutering procedures. It's important to note that euthanasia is not covered, except in cases where it is recommended due to an insured incident or illness.
How much is pet insurance BC?
The cost of pet insurance in Canada BC will vary depending on several factors such as your animal, their age, what is covered, your reimbursement rate, the deductible and the annual payout limit.
The most basic and cheapest pet insurance in BC starts at around $24 per month for a cat and $40 per month for a dog. The best pet insurance in BC, Canada can cost upwards of $400 for larger and rarer breeds such as Great Danes. However, the average monthly charge for pet insurance in BC is about $50.
The cost will be more depending on how comprehensive the coverage is. For instance, a comprehensive Vancouver pet insurance will cost somewhere between $58 and $100 a month.
Good to know
As larger dogs, BC’s favourite dog breed, Golden Retrievers, are not the cheapest breed to insure but also not the most expensive. You can expect pet health insurance in BC to cost around $80 a month for BC's golden furry friends.
Most insurers provide coverage nationally, so the price of pet insurance in British Columbia should be similar to that of pet insurance in Ontario or Quebec pet insurance, for example. Differences can exist, though, between rural, suburban and rural areas because pet ownership in different places comes with different levels of risk. Cat insurance is, however, typically less expensive than insurance for dogs.
Is pet insurance more expensive in BC?
No. Pet insurance is a private service, so it doesn’t change from province to province. All pet insurance companies offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada, and often even include the U.S. Therefore pet insurance in BC will be no more expensive than Alberta pet insurance or Nova Scotia pet insurance — though the pets themselves might be quite different!
Eight tips to get the cheapest pet insurance in BC
Now that you have an idea of the different pet insurance options and the price ranges, you're probably wondering how to get the cheapest pet insurance. So, here are eight tips to help you find the most cost-effective pet insurance options in British Columbia.
- Consider accident-only coverage plans as they offer a budget-friendly option
- Evaluate your pet's specific requirements and customize your policy terms to pay only for the coverage you need
- Lower your premiums by selecting higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates. Adjusting these factors can significantly impact the cost of pet insurance
- Take advantage of available discounts offered by pet insurance providers. Look for multi-pet discounts ranging from 5% to 10%
- Consider bundling your pet insurance policy with other insurance types, such as renters insurance, to qualify for additional discounts
- Check if membership clubs like Costco offer exclusive savings on pet insurance rates (almost 15% in some cases)
- Enrol your pet at a young age to benefit from lower premiums. Insurance rates are typically lower for puppies and younger dogs
- Keep your pet healthy as some providers offer diminishing deductibles as a reward for maintaining your pet's good health
How does pet insurance BC work?
Like in the rest of Canada, BC pet insurance supports pet owners by reducing the financial strain of unexpected veterinary costs for their animals. The comparison tool above can help you choose the best pet insurance in BC for your companion, so you can relax knowing that you have the tools to offer your pet the care they need when the time comes.
Once you’ve chosen the best policy for you and your pet, the insurance provider will calculate a premium (based on several factors such as animal, age and breed) that you will pay each month.
Watch out!
Most insurance providers impose a waiting period after you purchase a policy, so make sure to wait until the end of this period (if you can) for any medical treatment.
Pet insurers do not usually pay the vet directly, which means you will have to pay for any costs yourself and then be reimbursed by the provider. Rates of reimbursement are typically between 80% and 100%.
Although paying out of pocket may not be ideal, being reimbursed means you don’t have to go through the added stress of finding a vet that partners with your insurer. Any licensed vet clinic or animal hospital will do. Some providers also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or help to find a vet.
To make sure you’re covered, remember to request and keep all the receipts and documentation from the vet as insurance companies almost always ask you for all the paperwork associated with your claim.
Why you must know the CVBC!
The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) is the governing body of all veterinary practices in the province. All vets working in BC must be licensed by the CVBC, so make sure you keep this in mind while selecting your vet. You can also complain to the CVBC if you experience incompetent or unethical behaviour at a vet anywhere in BC.
What does pet insurance BC cover?
Pet health insurance in BC covers a variety of emergency and long-term conditions for your pet, be it a cat, dog, bird or other. The availability of the treatments and the amount reimbursed will depend on your policy’s coverage.
Accident and illness coverage
If your pet has an accident or becomes unwell, most insurance policies will cover the costs of:
- X-rays
- Short stays for monitoring
- Emergency diagnosis
- Prescriptions
- Any surgery they may need
- MRI and other scans
- Chemotherapy
For example
Charlie is a 7-year-old Labrador Retriever. She lives with Omar, his owner, who got pet insurance in Vancouver as soon as he moved from his parent’s house. For the past few months, Charlie gets wobbly sometimes and stays sitting or lying more often. Omar noticed her limping for no apparent reason. One morning, Charlie had trouble climbing the stairs for the first time, so Omar decided to take her to the vet. Omar discovered his dog started to develop arthritis caused by mild hip dysplasia.
The total vet cost, including an X-ray and Charlie’s medication, amounts to $838, which Omar couldn't have afforded if it weren’t for pet insurance. After paying the deductible ($250), Omar got reimbursed 90% of the remaining bill, meaning he ended up paying less than $350.
Preventative care coverage
Prevention is always preferable (and cheaper in the long run). However, only the best pet insurance in BC will cover these kinds of treatments, such as:
- Annual examinations
- Vaccines
- Flea treatments
- Urinalysis and fecal analysis
- Parasitic treatment
Pet insurance does not typically cover routine veterinary expenses, but some insurance providers offer more comprehensive policy add-ons that cover common, planned procedures.
Watch out!
Pet insurance providers rarely cover pre-existing conditions, which means it’s better to get insurance when your pet is young!
Is pet insurance BC worth it?
Some say that rather than getting pet insurance, you can put money aside every month and save for an unexpected medical emergency for your pet. Yes, 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.
Watch out!
However, if you have an older animal or one that is prone to health problems, then you are unlikely to be able to save enough to pay for long-term care without suffering financial strain yourself. Let's take some examples.
Pet insurance bc for a young pet
Jan, 27, from Victoria, has a Chow Chow puppy called Vick. Jan is currently earning well in his job as a software engineer, and Vick is healthy, young and unlikely to have any problems. If Jan can put aside $50 a month for a Pet insurance Victoria BC he will probably be able to cover routine costs like:
| Procedures | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vet visits | $109 |
| Vaccines | $115 |
| Dental treatment | $531 |
| Parasite treatment | $178 |
Watch out!
Pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so if your little friend suffers a medical misfortune, you might not be able to insure them for it and will have to foot the bill in full.
Pet insurance bc for an older pet
Let's take another example for contrast. Maggie, 45, lives in Nanaimo. She has a Pug, Burberry, who she loves very much but who is starting to feel the weight of his age a bit at 12 years old. Let's look at some of the costs that Maggie might have to pay as she looks after Burberry:
| Procedures | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arthritis treatment | $300+/year |
| Cancer treatment | $4,000+ |
| Ligament repair | up to $5,000 per knee |
| Antibiotics | 10c -50c / pill |
Although Jan’s veterinary costs are overshadowed by Maggie’s, they may both do well to secure pet insurance for their dogs. Jan can afford to put some money aside, but if his Chow Chow has a long-term health problem, his savings may not cover his furry friend’s needs.
Maggie’s canine companion would also benefit from pet insurance so Maggie can have the peace of mind of knowing that her dog is protected and that she can afford to give Burberry the care he needs.
How to protect your pet from winter in BC?
Like most of Canada, winter in British Columbia can be a real challenge for pets and pet owners. Here are some pointers for keeping your pet safe and healthy:
- When getting camping gear ready for winter, make sure your pet isn’t hiding inside.
- Keep all your pets indoors during cold weather. If left outside in the cold, even huskies can suffer. If you must keep an animal outside, ensure they have shelter that is off the ground and provides protection from harsh weather. And keep their drinking water ice-free.
- Use pet-safe antifreeze (propylene glycol) in your car, instead of ethylene glycol, which can kill a pet with only 1 tablespoon.
- Clean your pet's paw pads after walking on sidewalks or roads to remove salt, which irritates their skin.
- If you de-ice the sidewalk yourself, make sure to use a pet-friendly product, as opposed to regular salt.
What should I consider when choosing pet insurance BC?
Pet owners in BC have many options when it comes to pet insurance to protect their four-legged family members and prevent an unpleasant financial surprise. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the best pet insurance for you:
- Size: Larger animals tend to be more expensive to insure.
- Age: Younger the pet, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be.
- Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, dog insurance for Great Danes costs significantly more than cat insurance for an American Shorthair.
- Gender: Male animals are more expensive than female animals. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums in cats and dogs.
- Deductible: Higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium.
- Add-ons: You can buy additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine.
Now that you have a fair idea of pet insurance, how it works, pros and cons, you can get the best pet insurance quotes online in no time from our partners by using the comparator below:
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