What is the Best Pet Insurance in Alberta for 2024?

Canadians just love pets and over half the country's households own at least one pet. But it is Alberta that takes the cake when it comes to the most pets per home because in Wild Rose Country over 63% of households have pets.

But with great pet ownership comes greater responsibility—and expenses soar like a soaring eagle, year after year, fueled by the relentless winds of inflation. Now this is where having the best pet insurance in Alberta becomes crucial.

HelloSafe has put together this complete guide on the best pet insurance in Alberta, pricing info, coverage, and more. You can also use our free comparator that will give you quick quotes on the best pet insurance in Alberta, and in just a matter of seconds.

Fetch Pet insurance: Policy that suits every budget

Fetch by The Dodo is a trusted pet insurance company that has been providing reliable coverage since 2007. Affordability is a top priority for Fetch Pet Insurance. They offer a range of premiums and discounts to suit different budgets.

While Fetch pet insurance doesn't offer unlimited coverage, their generous annual maximum of $15,000 provides ample protection for most pet-related issues. What makes Fetch stand out is their commitment to customization. Policyholders can tailor their coverage to meet their specific needs.

Customers can choose from different annual deductibles of $250, $300, or $500, select an annual coverage limit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, and decide on a reimbursement rate of 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Fetch goes beyond basic coverage by offering extensive dental coverage for your pet's oral health. They also provide pet owner assistance, offering guidance and support when you need it.

Additionally, the Fetch pet insurance policy includes valuable features like lost pet advertising and boarding during medical emergencies. They also have attractive offers for specific groups, such as a 10% discount for shelter rescues or adopted pets, and a 10% discount for active or retired service members.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Fetch Pet Insurance.

What does Fetch Pet Insurance cover?

Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

You can get a quick pet insurance quote from our partner Fetch in just a few seconds:

Get a Fetch Pet Insurance Quote

Trupanion Pet Insurance: High reimbursement rate

Trupanion Pet Insurance has been a trusted player since 1998, known for its exceptional Lifetime Policy.

They stand out with an impressive claim payout of nearly $2 billion and offer unlimited coverage with a high reimbursement rate of 90%. What's even better, there are no limits on per incident, annual, or lifetime payouts.

Trupanion understands that every pet owner has unique needs, so they let you customise your deductible. Whether you prefer no deductible or up to $1,000, you can find a monthly cost that suits your budget.

A standout feature of Trupanion Pet insurance is their lifetime per condition deductible. This means you only pay when your pet develops a new condition.

While routine wellness care isn't covered, Trupanion focuses on providing fast service and convenience. They can even pay your vet directly, saving you from filing claims.

Trupanion goes above and beyond by offering comprehensive coverage for alternative medicine and therapies, including treatments like bone marrow transplants, herbal therapy, and stem cell therapy.

It's important to note that Trupanion doesn't cover wellness care or exam fees. They prioritize essential medical expenses in their plans.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Trupanion.

What does Trupanion Pet Insurance cover?

Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• Hereditary conditions
• Undiagnosed issues
• Congenital conditions
• Diagnostic tests
• Surgeries
• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Veterinary supplements
• Herbal therapy
• Prosthetic devices and carts
• Orthotics
• Breed-specific conditions

Now that you're aware of what is covered, it's important to understand what Trupanion pet insurance doesn't cover.

Desjardins Pet Insurance: Holistic coverage

Desjardins Pet Insurance Program has been a popular choice for comprehensive coverage since 2013. Backed by Petline Insurance, with over 28 years of experience and insuring over 1.2 million pets, Desjardins offers reliable and trusted protection.

With three plans to choose from – Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw – Desjardins Insurance caters to diverse pet owner needs. The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans stand out for their extensive dental care coverage, including cleanings.

Desjardins pet insurance costs vary depending on the chosen plan. On average, monthly prices range from $37 for dogs and $26 for cats on the basic policy to $136 for dogs and $87 for cats on more comprehensive coverage options.

Bronze Paw plan holders have the option to add $500 coverage specifically for dental care. The maximum coverage amounts are slightly lower, with $2,000 for Bronze Paw and $4,000 for Silver Paw, while the Gold Paw plan offers unlimited coverage.

Pet owners with three or more furry companions can benefit from a valuable 10% discount on their monthly premiums, making it even more cost-effective to insure multiple pets with Desjardins.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Desjardins Pet Insurance.

What does Desjardins Pet insurance cover?

Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• X-rays
• Hospitalisation
• Veterinary diagnostics and treatment
• Prescription drugs
• Surgery
• MRIs
• Chemotherapy
• Preventive care coverage
• Dental care
• Behavioural therapy (add-on)
• Alternative therapy (add-on)

Now that you know what Desjardins Pet Insurance covers, let's see what it doesn't cover.

PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Policy with valuable affiliates

PetsPlusUs, a well-established pet insurance company, is celebrating a remarkable milestone as it enters its 10th year of operation in 2023. Over the past decade, they have positively impacted the lives of 100,000 beloved pets and earned a reputation for reliable coverage.

What sets PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance apart is their dedication to individual cases and their support for animal welfare groups. They have donated over $250,000 and reimbursed a staggering $21 million in claims, demonstrating their commitment to animal well-being.

PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance offers exclusive member discounts through esteemed partnerships with organisations like Costco and CAA.

Costco Pet Insurance provides a generous 15% discount for Executive Members and a valuable 10% discount for Gold Star and Business Members, making their coverage accessible and affordable.

With three comprehensive plans and the option to add wellness benefits through the Flex Care policy, PetsPlusUs offers flexibility to pet owners. They simplify the claims process by making direct payments to veterinarians for costly cases.

One notable advantage of PetsPlusUs is the absence of special waiting periods, ensuring pets receive coverage promptly.

They also offer customisability in monthly premiums, allowing pet owners to tailor their coverage based on deductible and reimbursement rate options that suit their specific needs.

Their accident and illness plans provide robust coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, offering extensive protection for pets. Additionally, their accident insurance plan offers coverage of $5,000.

For the accident and illness plan, pet owners can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of the veterinary bill, including taxes. The accident insurance plan offers a fixed reimbursement rate of 80%.

PetsPlusUs takes pride in their 4Life Guarantee, which ensures continuous benefit renewal throughout a pet's lifetime. They cover all breeds and most breed-associated health conditions, providing comprehensive protection for pets of all kinds.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of PetPlusUs.

What does PetsPlusUs pet insurance cover?

Well, here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

Now that you know what the PetsPlusUs pet insurance covers, it's important to know what it doesn't.

Furkin Pet Insurance: Policy with lifetime coverage

Furkin Pet Insurance is a trusted and comprehensive choice for Canadian pet owners seeking reliable coverage. With a team of experienced experts in pet health and insurance, Furkin is dedicated to supporting the special bond between pets and their families.

What sets Furkin apart is their unlimited 'per condition' benefits, allowing you to use your annual coverage for multiple illnesses or accidents throughout the year. This flexible approach ensures that your pet receives the necessary care without restrictions.

Furkin's Lifetime Coverage stands out with no caps on eligible conditions. There are no limits on the coverage you can receive for your pet's medical needs. Automatic annual renewals guarantee continuous coverage year after year, providing long-term protection.

The policy offers an impressive $20,000 annual maximum benefit without per incident or per illness limits. This ensures that your beloved pet can receive the care they need without financial constraints, giving you peace of mind.

Furkin goes above and beyond by providing access to a 24/7 Telehealth hotline staffed by veterinary nurses. This invaluable service allows customers to seek professional advice and guidance at any time.

As a bonus, you also receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an online pet triaging software that enhances your ability to assess your pet's health and make informed decisions about their well-being.

Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of Furkin.

What does Furkin pet insurance cover?

Well, here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

• Alternative Therapies
• Anaesthesia and Surgery
• Dental Injuries
• Diagnostics
• Emergency Care
• Exam Fees
• Prescription Medications
• Referral and Specialist Fees
• Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
• Hospitalisation
• Imaging - CT scans, MRI and X-Rays
• Medical Procedures
• Applicable Taxes
• Lost Pet Advertising and Reward
• Coverage While Travelling
• 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.

How much is pet insurance in Alberta?

The cost of Pet insurance in Alberta can vary depending on a few factors such as your animal type, age, what is covered, your reimbursement rate, the deductible and the annual payout limit.

Below, you can see how much pet insurance in Edmonton costs for a Labrador Retriever dog, Alberta’s most common breed, using Desjardins pet insurance for a puppy as an example:

If it’s a cat you want to insure, here is an example of pet insurance in Calgary, Alberta using Trupanion pet insurance and Wild Rose Country’s most common breed, the Domestic Shorthair, as an example:

Age	Deductible per condition	Reimbursement rate	Monthly premium
<12 months	$500	90%	$28.84
<12 months	$0	90%	$64.27
5 years	$500	90%	$54.02
5 years	$300	90%	$130.23

Pet insurance in Alberta will cost roughly the same from an Albertan provider as it will if the insurer is based in another province, like for example say an Ontario pet insurance provider. Companies generally offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada, and in most cases even include the U.S.

Therefore, pet insurance in Calgary, for example, will cost the same as BC pet insurance or Nova Scotia pet insurance — though the pets themselves may differ significantly!

Sometimes, there are differences between urban, suburban and rural areas because pet ownership comes with different risks in each of these areas.

Cat insurance is, however, typically less expensive than insurance for dogs. So it's worth it to compare insurers to get the best pet insurance in Alberta at the best price. To do so, you can use our free comparison tool at the top of this article.

How does pet insurance work in Alberta?

Alberta pet insurance works like pet insurance in other Canadian provinces and territories. The comparison tool at the top of the page can help you choose the best pet insurance in Alberta for you and your companion, so you can relax knowing that you have the tools to act when your pet gets into a medical emergency.

Once you’ve chosen the best pet insurance that fits your pet’s (and your wallet’s) needs, the insurance provider will propose a premium (that they calculate based on several factors such as the type of animal, age and breed) that you will have to pay each month.

Normally, you will have to pay for any veterinary expenses first before the insurance acts with a reimbursement. Rates of reimbursement are commonly somewhere between 80% and 100%. For example, Desjardins offers 80% of expenses covered and a 10% discount if you insure 3 or more pets with them.

Some pet insurers give you the option for them to pay the vet directly but note that in these cases, you will have to look for a vet clinic or animal hospital that partners with your insurance provider, which may be a little impractical in the case of an emergency.

But if your preferred vet clinic or animal hospital is already a part of their network, then it might be worth considering for your policy.

Providers do occasionally also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or help to find a vet.

What does pet insurance cover in Alberta?

Typically, pet health insurance in Alberta covers anything unexpected that happens to your pet’s health, which could mean an accident, sickness or longer-term condition that needs sustained treatment.

The availability of the treatments, the amount reimbursed and how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket will depend on your policy’s details.

Accident and illness coverage

If your pet has an accident or becomes sick, most insurance policies will cover the costs of:

• X-rays
• Short stays for monitoring
• Emergency diagnosis
• Prescriptions
• Any needed surgery
• MRIs and other scans
• Chemotherapy

Preventative care coverage

Being preventive always pays off when it comes to protecting your pet’s health (and your wallet too, in the long run). However, only the best pet insurance in Alberta will cover these kinds of treatments, including:

• Annual examinations
• Vaccines
• Flea treatments
• Urinalysis and fecal analysis
• Parasitic treatment

Pet insurance does not typically cover routine trips to the vet, but some insurers offer wellness add-ons or separate policies that cover common, recurring tests and procedures.

Exotic pet insurance

Exotic pet insurance is a lesser-known but highly recommended coverage option for a wide range of legally owned pets.

It covers procedures and treatments similar to those for dogs and cats, reimbursing expenses for common healthcare issues among reptiles, birds, rodents, and more. However, like standard pet insurance, it only covers accidents and illnesses, excluding preventive care and preexisting conditions.

The cost of exotic pet insurance is comparable to regular pet insurance, with monthly premiums ranging from $10 to $100. Much like insurance for other pets, factors such as the type of pet, location, reimbursement percentage, deductible, wellness add-ons, age, and breed influence the price.

Specialized veterinarians for exotic pets often charge higher fees, making insurance coverage valuable for peace of mind and ensuring necessary veterinary visits are covered.

"Is my pet exotic?" Well, to determine if your pet is considered exotic, consider their natural environment versus a domesticated one. Most commonly considered pets under exotic pet insurance are:

• Amphibians
• Hedgehogs
• Most birds
• Iguanas
• Mice
• Ferrets
• Goats
• Sugar gliders
• Potbellied pigs
• Chinchillas
• Turtles

Is pet insurance worth it in Alberta?

Yes, pet insurance is always worth it, even for younger pets. Some say that pet insurance isn’t worth it for healthy pets, suggesting instead to put money aside every month for an unexpected medical emergency.

If your pet is still young and healthy, it might only need to see the vet for routine visits, in which case it is possible that you could pay for these by putting aside some money from your paycheck.

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.

Joseph, 34, from Calgary, has a French Bulldog puppy called Wizz. Joseph is making good money in his job as a sheet metal worker, and Wizz is healthy, young and unlikely to have any problems. If Joseph can put aside $50 a month he will probably be able to cover routine costs like:

Procedures	Cost
Vet visits	$109
Vaccines	$115
Dental treatment	$531
Parasite treatment	$178

Meanwhile, Hank, 45, lives in Fort McMurray. She has a rottweiler called Paws, who she loves very much but who is starting to feel the weight of his age at 12 years old. Let's look at some of the costs that Hank might have to pay as she looks after Paws:

Procedures	Cost
Arthritis treatment	$400+/year
Cancer treatment	$4000+
Ligament repair	up to $5,000 per knee
Antibiotics	15c -70c / pill

Although Joseph’s veterinary costs are overshadowed by Hank’s, they may both do well to secure pet insurance for their dogs. Joseph is able to put enough money aside now, but if his Bulldog has a long-term health problem, his savings may not cover his furry friend’s needs.

Hank’s canine companion would also benefit from pet insurance so Hank can have some peace of mind of knowing she can protect her elder dog and that she can afford to give Paws the care he needs.

Is there CAA Pet Insurance in Alberta?

If you are a member of the Canadian Automobile Association, you could be eligible for a discount on CAA pet insurance in Alberta. The provincial affiliate is called the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), but keep in mind that the CAA’s main purpose is car insurance and assistance.

Discount or not, insurance coverage can widely vary from policy to policy, so it’s always worth comparing details to choose the best pet health insurance in Alberta for your four-legged family member.

What to do with your pet in an emergency in Alberta?

Be blizzards, hail storms, high winds, blowing snow, and even the occasional tornado, the weather in Alberta can get extreme. And that’s without counting the serious cold in the dead of winter. Weather like this can quickly become life-threatening and put people and pets at risk.

If you live in Alberta, you probably already do what you’ve got to do to keep yourself safe, but as a pet owner, you also have to keep your pet safe in these situations.

You might be asking yourself, does pet insurance cover emergency visits? The answer is yes, if your pet has a medical emergency, weather-related or not, pet insurance is there to help you financially.

It is useful to map out where your nearest emergency pet hospital or emergency pet clinic is around you so you know where to go in a crisis. You can also have a pet emergency kit with first aid basics and the following:

In addition, it is a good idea to know where your community will post news and updates during an emergency. The Alberta Emergency Alert app is worth downloading for its emergency alerts which can help you decide what to do.

In the case of a tornado, keep your pet indoors. If the emergency is a flood, contain your animal on an upper level. If it’s a fire, take your companion to a safe place well outside the affected area.

Alberta is a beautiful province with an abundance of natural landscapes, but it also has plenty of wildlife. In most urban areas of Alberta, the main wildlife danger to pets is coyotes, so be aware of your home’s surroundings to keep them safe.

What should I consider when choosing pet insurance in Alberta?

Pet owners in Alberta have a lot to choose from when it comes to pet insurance to protect their animal friends and prevent a hit to their wallet.

Here are the major factors that will affect the cost of the best pet insurance for you:

• Animal: Not all animals carry the same risks, so pet insurance premiums and coverages will differ from animal to animal. Larger animals are usually more expensive to insure than smaller animals.
• Age: In general, the younger the animal, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be. Also, an older animal is more likely to develop a health condition, and insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions.
• Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, dog insurance for Saint Bernards costs significantly more than cat insurance for a mixed breed.
• Gender: Male animals are more expensive to insure than female animals. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums in cats and dogs.
• Deductible: The higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium. However, remember that your insurance will only reimburse your vet fees after you’ve paid the deductible from your own wallet.
• Location: Where you live with your pet will influence how much you pay. Certain regions and environments carry more outdoor risks than others.
• Add-ons: You can purchase additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine, though these will increase the cost of your premium.

Now that you have all the information, you can use our comparator below to get quotes from the best pet insurances in Alberta in no time.

Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!

Get a quote