How Much Is Pet Insurance in Canada For 2023?

Pets hold a special place in the hearts and homes of Canadians, bringing joy and unconditional love to our lives. As responsible pet owners, ensuring their well-being is a top priority. That's where pet insurance comes into the picture. With the rising costs of veterinary care, having the best pet insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial support when our furry friends face unexpected health issues.

In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the world of pet insurance in Canada. Whether you're a new pet owner or considering insurance for your long-time companion, we'll explore everything about pet insurance: costs, coverage, and factors to consider when choosing the policy.

To make things easy for you, we've also created this easy-to-use comparator tool on top of the page that will help you compare the best pet insurances in Canada and also get you quick quotes based on your unique needs.

Best pet insurance in Canada (2023)

Finding the best pet insurance in Canada can be quite a challenge, particularly if going through pages of policy details and figures is not something you enjoy. You could also miss out on important details and deals in the process.

But worry not, HelloSafe has got your back. Our team has put together the best pet insurances in Canada to give you a quick overview of what they cover, what they don't, pricing, and more.

By the end of this article, you will be equipped to pick a policy that suits best both you and your dear pet's unique needs.

Trupanion: Pet insurance with 90% reimbursement rates

Trupanion Pet Insurance has been a prominent player in the pet insurance industry for over two decades, earning a reputation for its unique Lifetime Policy.

With a remarkable track record of paying out nearly $2 billion in claims, Trupanion stands out by offering unlimited coverage and an impressive reimbursement rate of 90%, all without the constraints of per incident, annual, or lifetime payout limits.

One of the key advantages of Trupanion is its flexibility in customising your deductible, allowing you to choose an amount ranging from $0 to $1,000.

Notably, Trupanion's best feature is its lifetime per condition deductible, meaning you only pay the deductible when your pet develops a new condition, providing long-term cost savings.

Trupanion prioritises swift service and convenience for its policyholders. In fact, they offer direct payment to veterinarians, allowing for seamless transactions at the point of care.

This means that, in many cases, Trupanion can pay your veterinarian directly before you even leave their office, reducing the need for out-of-pocket expenses and reimbursement paperwork.

Trupanion goes beyond the basics by offering coverage for alternative medicine and therapies. This includes treatments like bone marrow transplants, herbal therapy, and stem cell therapy.

It's important to note that Trupanion's focus is primarily on essential medical expenses, and routine wellness care is not included in their plans. Exam fees are considered part of standard administrative expenses and are therefore excluded from coverage.

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

What does Trupanion 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.

You can now get a quick pet insurance quote from our partner Trupanion in just a few seconds.

Fetch Pet Insurance: Comprehensive coverages

Fetch by The Dodo, formerly known as Petplan, is an esteemed pet insurance company that has been serving pet owners since 2007.

Renowned for its holistic coverage approach and comprehensive therapy coverage, Fetch provides reliable protection for your beloved pet, prioritising their health and well-being.

Affordability is a key focus for Fetch Pet Insurance, offering various discount options to ensure manageable monthly premiums. Their coverage is designed to cater to pets of all ages, with a particular emphasis on unforeseen accidents and illnesses that may arise.

Fetch Pet Insurance emphasises on customisation, providing policyholders with the flexibility to tailor their coverage to suit their individual needs.

This includes the ability to select options for annual coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate, allowing for a personalised monthly premium that aligns with their budget and requirements.

While Fetch does not offer unlimited coverage, their substantial annual maximum of $15,000 provides ample protection for a wide range of pet-related issues.

Fetch offers flexibility through options such as annual deductibles of $250, $300, and $500, annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000, and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%.

Fetch includes notable features such as extensive dental coverage, providing comprehensive care for your pet's oral health. Additionally, they offer valuable inclusions such as lost pet advertising and boarding during medical emergencies..

Fetch understands the importance of pet adoption and rescue, offering a 10% discount for shelter rescues or adopted pets. They also have a 10% discount for active and retired military members.

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

What does Fetch cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

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

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Desjardins Pet Insurance: Insure your pet at any age

Since its introduction in 2013, Desjardins Pet Insurance has been a trusted provider of comprehensive coverage for pets. Underwritten by Petline Insurance, a company with a longstanding history of insuring over 1.2 million pets, Desjardins offers reliable protection.

Desjardins Insurance presents pet owners with three distinct plans to choose from: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw. The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans are notable for their extensive coverage of dental care and cleanings.

The monthly premium for Desjardins pet insurance varies depending on factors such as the type of pet. On average, the cost ranges from $37 for dogs and $26 for cats for the basic coverage to $136 for dogs and $87 for cats for more comprehensive plans.

For those opting for the Bronze Paw plan, there is an option to add an additional $500 coverage specifically dedicated to dental care.

While the maximum coverage amounts for the Bronze Paw and Silver Paw plans may be slightly lower at $2,000 and $4,000 respectively (excluding the Gold Paw unlimited plan), they still provide substantial coverage for a wide range of pet-related expenses.

Pet owners who have three or more pets can take advantage of a 10% discount on their monthly premiums, making it more cost-effective to insure multiple furry friends under the Desjardins Pet Insurance Program.

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: Three annual policy limits and deductibles

PetsPlusUs, a well-established pet insurance company, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, having positively impacted the lives of 100,000 beloved pets over the past decade.

With over $21 million in claims reimbursed, PetsPlusUs has gained a reputation for providing reliable coverage and exceptional service.

Setting themselves apart from the competition, they offer member discounts through partnerships with organisations like Costco and CAA. Costco Pet Insurance grants Executive Members a 15% discount, while Gold Star and Business Members receive a 10% discount.

PetsPlusUs pet insurance provides three comprehensive plans to cater to various needs, with the added flexibility of wellness benefits through the optional Flex Care policy. To simplify the claims process, they offer the convenience of direct payment to the veterinarian for costly cases.

Another notable advantage of PetsPlusUs plans is the absence of special waiting periods, allowing pets to receive coverage promptly.

Pet owners can customise their monthly premiums by selecting deductible and reimbursement rate options that best suit their specific requirements.

The accident and illness plan offers coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, providing ample protection for unexpected events. Additionally, their accident insurance plan provides coverage of $5,000.

Reimbursement options with PetsPlusUs are flexible as well. 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, ensuring continuous benefit renewal throughout a pet's lifetime. They provide coverage for all breeds and most breed-associated health conditions, excluding pre-existing conditions.

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

What does PetsPlusUs 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: Up to $20,000 coverage every year

Furkin Pet Insurance is a trusted choice for pet owners who prioritise comprehensive coverage and expert support. With a team of experienced professionals specialising in pet health and insurance, Furkin is dedicated to supporting the special bond between pets and their families.

Furkin's coverage stands out with its unlimited "per condition" benefits, allowing you to utilise your annual coverage for multiple illnesses or accidents throughout the year. This flexibility ensures that your pet's healthcare needs are met without unnecessary limitations.

When it comes to tailoring your coverage, Furkin provides the freedom to choose the deductible that best suits your individual needs. This empowers you to have control over your monthly premium, making it more manageable and personalised.

With Furkin's Lifetime Coverage, you can enjoy continuous protection for your pet with automatic annual renewals. This feature provides peace of mind knowing that your pet will be covered year after year, without any interruption in their healthcare support.

Furkin's policy offers a generous $20,000 annual maximum benefit, and there are no per incident or per illness limits.

Furkin provides access to a 24/7 Telehealth hotline staffed by knowledgeable veterinary nurses. This valuable resource allows you to seek professional advice and guidance whenever you need it, ensuring that your pet's health concerns are addressed promptly.

Additionally, as a Furkin policyholder, you receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an online pet triaging software. This tool enables you to assess and evaluate your pet's health symptoms and determine the right course of action, enhancing your ability to care for your pet.

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

What does Furkin 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.

PHI Direct Pet Insurance: The cheapest monthly premium

With a strong focus on affordability, PHI Direct has established itself as a reputable insurance brand offering accessible pet insurance coverage.

Drawing upon the expertise of a skilled team comprising professionals in veterinary care, actuarial science, brand management, and insurance marketing, PHI Direct boasts over 20 years of experience in the field of pet health and insurance.

PHI Direct Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage that spans a wide range of services, ensuring that pet owners can access up to 80% coverage for their furry companions' healthcare needs.

With annual policy limits of either $5,000 or $10,000, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing they have financial protection in place to address unexpected medical expenses.

The coverage offered by PHI Direct encompasses various essential services, including taxes, examination fees, prescription medications, breed-specific conditions, alternative therapies, dental treatments for tooth fractures, parasite treatments, and more.

PHI Direct provides a low deductible of $200, making it more accessible for pet owners to seek necessary medical treatment for their pets.

Additionally, PHI Direct offers a 5% multi-pet discount, further incentivising pet owners with multiple furry companions to secure comprehensive coverage for all their beloved pets.

A standout feature of PHI Direct is their unique 'New-Condition' Coverage, which specifically covers the first 12 months of a new illness or injury. This coverage period is particularly valuable as it addresses the initial high costs associated with diagnosing and treating a new condition.

When it comes to premiums, PHI Direct stands out with lower rates. As per the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct's average premiums are 45.8% less for dogs and 37.7% less for cats compared to industry averages.

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

What does PHI Direct cover? Here's an overview of what's covered under this policy.

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

What is pet insurance?

Now that you know what options you have, let's get to the basics. Pet insurance is a policy you purchase that will reimburse part of the costs of medical treatments for your pet. Policies can be purchased from big-name insurance providers or from specialist animal insurers.

After having chosen an insurer, you will agree to pay a certain amount in premiums each month. After an initial waiting period, the coverage will kick in and you will be reimbursed for whatever medical expenses your animal might have, typically at a rate of 80% or 90%.

How much is pet insurance in Canada?

The cost of pet insurance will vary depending on the specifics, breed (do you have a pug, a French bulldog, a chihuahua, a labrador, a great dane?) and age of your pet (do you have a puppy? A senior dog?). Most insurers provide for more common pets like dogs and cats. Reptiles, fish and more exotic animals may require you to look for specialists in the field.

For dogs and cats, a rough estimate would be that the most basic pet insurance packages need to be under $50 a month and the most comprehensive, over $150. The key question to ask yourself is: will I save money having this insurance if my pet gets sick?

If you have a young, healthy pet, it may be that they only need routine check-ups and vaccinations. In this case, be careful not to over-purchase coverage that you don't need.

However, if your pet is older, say a cat of 10 years or more, or is a breed well-known for having health problems, like a Red Setter, then it is worth having insurance in place for when problems arise.

How much is pet insurance in Ontario?

The cost of pet insurance in Ontario 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.

Choosing the best pet insurance in Ontario will, however, depend on your pet's unique needs and your affordability.

How much is pet insurance in BC?

For a basic and affordable option, cat insurance starts at approximately $24 per month, while dog insurance begins around $40 per month. However, larger or rarer breeds like Great Danes may have higher premiums, with some of the best insurance plans costing over $400.

On average, pet owners in BC can expect to pay around $50 per month for pet insurance.

Keep in mind that these prices are estimates, and the actual cost of your pet insurance in BC will depend on the specific details of your pet and the insurance policy you choose.

How much is pet insurance for dogs?

Like most insurances, the cost of dog insurance in Canada varies depending on the policy. Price depends on what is covered, your reimbursement rate, the deductible and the annual payout limit. The age and breed of your dog will also affect the cost of health insurance for your dog.

Below, you can see how much dog insurance costs for Canada’s most common breed using Fetch pet insurance as an example:

Age	Max annual payout	Max annual deductible	Reimbursement rate	Monthly premium
<11 months	$5,000	$700	70%	$50.73
<11 months	$15,000	$300	90%	$112.85
5 years	$5,000	$700	70%	$80.17
5 years	$15,000	$300	90%	$182.75

How much is pet insurance for a cat?

The cost of cat insurance in Canada also varies on your cat (is it old or a kitten, healthy or sick), on what is covered, on your reimbursement rate, on the deductible and on the annual payout limit.

Below, you can see how much cat insurance costs for Canada’s most common breed using Fetch insurance as an example:

Age	Max annual payout	Max annual deductible	Reimbursement	Monthly premium
<11 months	$5,000	$400	70%	$23.78
<11 months	$15,000	$250	90%	$50.90
5 years	$5,000	$400	70%	$31.85
5 years	$15,000	$250	90%	$70.95

How much is pet insurance for a rabbit?

Rabbits are one of the more popular animals kept as pets, typically after cats and dogs, and, of course, fish. A significant number of Canadian households have a rabbit as a pet.

However, the lifetime cost of owning a rabbit can be quite expensive, going up to $12,000; and they live up to 15 years. They are also prone to frequent ear infections and intestinal issues, the treatment costs of which are significantly higher.

On average, rabbit insurance can range from around $15 to $30 per month. However, it's important to note that these are just estimated figures, and the actual cost may differ based on the insurance company and the specific coverage and features included in the policy.

Do I need pet insurance?

Pet insurance is not mandatory in Canada. Like with any insurance, buying or not buying it is a gamble.

But, have you ever wondered, for instance, what the cost of owning a dog is in Canada? Turns out, it's quite a pretty penny, and it's only more expensive without pet insurance.

If you do not buy the insurance and something happens you may be forced to dip into your savings, or worse, have to choose between your budget and caring for your pet.

You should also consider your specific situation. If you live in a cabin in Hockley Valley, Ontario and your dog knows to avoid bears then perhaps you will need less coverage.

If you have a cat and live next to a busy road in downtown Vancouver, BC, then it could be worth having an accident and emergency insurance policy in place.

If you're confused where to start, then try our comparator below to compare the best pet insurances in Canada and get quick quotes from our trusted partners.

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Is pet insurance worth it?

Let's take a look at some of the costs of basic vet procedures, using a snake as an example:

Procedure	Cost
Visit to a reptile vet	$60
Fecal exam	$30
Parasite medicines	$25

As you can see, for a healthy reptile, which did not suffer from chronic or repeated health problems, an owner might be tempted to pay for the costs out of their own pocket. After all, all the yearly visits come to just over $100 and the cheapest insurance will be more than that.

By contrast, let's look at the costs associated with a dog who has a chronic disease like cancer:

Procedure	Cost
Oncologist consultation	up to $250
Chemotherapy	up to $500 a dose
Radiation (palliative)	up to $1,800
Radiation (curative)	up to $6,000

The average cost for cancer treatment is $3,282 for cats and $4,137 for dogs. These are large sums of money and clearly, it would be extremely useful to have an insurance company covering 90% of the costs.

8 tips to get the cheapest pet insurance in Canada

Now that you have an idea of pet insurance in Canada and how it works, you're probably wondering how to get the cheapest pet insurance. Here are eight tips to help you get the cheapest pet insurance coverage in Canada:

1. Consider accident-only coverage for a more budget-friendly option.
2. Customise your policy to pay for the coverage your pet specifically needs.
3. Opt for higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates to lower premiums.
4. Take advantage of multi-pet discounts offered by insurance providers.
5. Bundle your pet insurance with other policies to qualify for additional discounts.
6. Check for exclusive savings on pet insurance rates through membership clubs like Costco.
7. Enroll your pet at a young age to benefit from lower premiums.
8. Maintain your pet's good health to potentially qualify for diminishing deductibles.

The best way to compare pet insurers and find the best deal is to use our comparison tool and get pet insurance quotes in seconds.

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