Costco Pet Insurance Review 2025: A Canadian Guide
Our expert's opinion on Costco
Costco Pet Insurance in Canada is offered through the Pets Plus Us program and marketed to Costco members, providing two core plans: Accident and Accident & Illness. The policy is reimbursement-based: you pay the veterinarian, then submit a claim; deductibles and co-insurance percentages are defined on the policy Summary of Coverage.
Available plans cover accidents or accidents plus illnesses, with waiting periods of 48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illnesses; exact reimbursement percentages and annual limits are detailed in the Summary of Coverage, but notable limits include $1,000 annual coverage for medical devices, prescription food caps of $50 (cats) and $200 (dogs), and additional per-incident benefits such as $1,000 trip cancellation and $1,000 lost/stolen recovery; there is no separate wellness budget or routine preventive care coverage. Compared with major competitors, Costco's Pets Plus Us offering emphasizes lower-cost accident-only protection and breed-sensitive A&I pricing with modest benefit caps and selected ancillary perks rather than broad preventive coverages.
Best suited for owners seeking affordable accident protection or budget-conscious buyers with younger, healthy pets rather than those wanting routine wellness or extensive dental coverage.
The insurer is Pets Plus Us with administrative correspondence via PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. in Oakville, Ontario; contact channels include an online member portal, email, and a toll-free phone number. The provided documents include no revenue, premium-volume, or customer-review metrics; claims are handled via the portal or email, reimbursement is the primary payment method, pre-approval is available for estimated treatments over $1,000, and cheques can be arranged to pay veterinarians directly.
- ✅Two-plan choice: Accident or Accident & Illness
- ✅Low sample accident premiums (e.g., ~$23/month)
- ✅Alternative therapy coverage when prescribed by a vet
- ✅Behavioural therapy covered under Accident & Illness
- ✅$1,000 annual limit for prescribed medical devices
- ✅Ancillary benefits: trip cancellation, recovery, emergency boarding
- ✅Online member portal and pre-approval option
- ❌Reimbursement policy—policyholder pays vet first
- ❌No wellness or routine preventive care coverage
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded; strict waiting periods
- ❌Low prescription food limits ($50 cats, $200 dogs)
- ❌Breed-sensitive pricing; high premiums possible for some breeds
Score- ✅Two-plan choice: Accident or Accident & Illness
- ✅Low sample accident premiums (e.g., ~$23/month)
- ✅Alternative therapy coverage when prescribed by a vet
- ✅Behavioural therapy covered under Accident & Illness
- ✅$1,000 annual limit for prescribed medical devices
- ✅Ancillary benefits: trip cancellation, recovery, emergency boarding
- ✅Online member portal and pre-approval option
Our expert's opinion on Costco
- ✅Two-plan choice: Accident or Accident & Illness
- ✅Low sample accident premiums (e.g., ~$23/month)
- ✅Alternative therapy coverage when prescribed by a vet
- ✅Behavioural therapy covered under Accident & Illness
- ✅$1,000 annual limit for prescribed medical devices
- ✅Ancillary benefits: trip cancellation, recovery, emergency boarding
- ✅Online member portal and pre-approval option
- ❌Reimbursement policy—policyholder pays vet first
- ❌No wellness or routine preventive care coverage
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded; strict waiting periods
- ❌Low prescription food limits ($50 cats, $200 dogs)
- ❌Breed-sensitive pricing; high premiums possible for some breeds
Score- ✅Two-plan choice: Accident or Accident & Illness
- ✅Low sample accident premiums (e.g., ~$23/month)
- ✅Alternative therapy coverage when prescribed by a vet
- ✅Behavioural therapy covered under Accident & Illness
- ✅$1,000 annual limit for prescribed medical devices
- ✅Ancillary benefits: trip cancellation, recovery, emergency boarding
- ✅Online member portal and pre-approval option
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Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Costco Guarantees
Costco pet insurance (provided through Pets Plus Us) is offered in two main plan types: an Accident Plan (entry-level, accident-only) and an Accident & Illness Plan (balanced/comprehensive). Policies operate on a reimbursement model: you pay the veterinarian and submit a claim. Coverage specifics such as the annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage are shown on each policyholder’s Summary of Coverage; examples in the user guide use an 80% reimbursement (20% your share) and a $100 deductible, and the Accident & Illness Plan allows the policyholder to select an annual limit (examples include $7,500 or $15,000).
Key coverage features include reimbursement for veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, medications for covered conditions, medical devices (annual limit), and alternative therapies when prescribed by a veterinarian. Behavioural therapy is included under the Accident & Illness Plan (consultation and referred certified therapists). Several additional non-deductible benefits apply to both plans, including trip cancellation reimbursement, lost/stolen pet recovery (advertising and reward), emergency boarding when the owner is hospitalized, and euthanasia/cremation/burial reimbursement (with limits). Preventive/wellness care is not included in either plan; an optional FlexCare wellness product is available separately.
Waiting periods apply (accidents: 48 hours; illnesses: 14 days) and some conditions (e.g., bloat, cruciate ligament injuries, hip/elbow dysplasia) are always classified as illnesses and therefore are covered only on the Accident & Illness Plan. The policies are offered through a regulated Canadian underwriter (Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, as the Pets Plus Us policies indicate). Main strengths are the clear separation of accident-only and accident & illness options, a selection of annual limits on the illness plan, and a set of non-deductible ancillary benefits. Main limitations in the provided documentation include standard exclusions for pre-existing and bilateral conditions, explicit exclusions for routine dental disease and preventive care (unless separate wellness is purchased), and other exclusions (experimental treatments, reproduction-related costs, and administrative/non-medical fees). Exact monetary maximums for many features are specified on each policyholder’s documents (Summary of Coverage or Schedule of Maximum Amounts) and were not fully reproduced in the user guide.
| Accident Plan | Accident & Illness Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level / accident-only | Balanced / accident & illness with selectable annual limits |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident only | Accident & illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats (documentation focuses on dogs & cats) | Dogs and cats (documentation focuses on dogs & cats) |
| Reimbursement rate | Shown on the Summary of Coverage (example in guide: 80% reimbursement / 20% your share) | Shown on the Summary of Coverage (example in guide: 80% reimbursement / 20% your share) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Shown on the policyholder’s Summary of Coverage (not a single public amount) | Selected by the policyholder (examples: $7,500 or $15,000). Renews annually. |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Shown on the Summary of Coverage (example: $100); applies per the policy’s terms | Annual deductible; must be met once per policy year (specific amount on Summary of Coverage) |
| Age limits for enrollment | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents |
| Waiting periods (accident and illness) | Accident: 48 hours | Accident: 48 hours; Illness: 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents |
| Consultations | Covered when part of veterinary treatment for a covered condition | Covered when part of veterinary treatment for a covered condition |
| Medications | Covered when prescribed for a covered condition; unlicensed medications excluded | Covered when prescribed for a covered condition; unlicensed medications excluded |
| Hospitalization | Covered for eligible accidents | Covered for eligible accidents & illnesses |
| Surgery | Covered for eligible accidents | Covered for eligible accidents & illnesses |
| Diagnostic tests | Covered when required for treatment of a covered condition | Covered when required for treatment of a covered condition |
| Dental care | Only covers extraction of a non-diseased tooth fractured in a covered accident; dental disease and routine dental care excluded | Only covers extraction of a non-diseased tooth fractured in a covered accident; dental disease and routine dental care excluded |
| Preventive care | Not covered (optional FlexCare wellness plan available separately) | Not covered (optional FlexCare wellness plan available separately) |
| Alternative medicine | Covered if prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered accident (examples: acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, massage, physiotherapy, laser) | Covered if prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered accident or illness (same therapies listed) |
| Travel coverage | Trip cancellation benefit included (up to limit; see policy) | Trip cancellation benefit included (up to limit; see policy) |
| Civil liability | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents |
| Euthanasia | Covered if medically recommended as a result of a covered condition (subject to benefit limit) | Covered if medically recommended as a result of a covered condition (subject to benefit limit) |
| Death & cremation coverage | Cremation/burial reimbursed up to policy benefit limit (example: up to $1,000) | Cremation/burial reimbursed up to policy benefit limit (example: up to $1,000) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Lost/stolen pet recovery (advertising and reward) reimbursable up to policy limit (example: up to $1,000 per incident) | Lost/stolen pet recovery (advertising and reward) reimbursable up to policy limit (example: up to $1,000 per incident) |
| Boarding fees | Emergency boarding if owner or immediate family member hospitalized ≥48 hours: up to $30/day, to a maximum (example: $1,000 per incident) | Emergency boarding if owner or immediate family member hospitalized ≥48 hours: up to $30/day, to a maximum (example: $1,000 per incident) |
Costco Exclusions
Costco’s pet insurance (administered by Pets Plus Us) excludes standard items such as pre-existing conditions, events occurring during waiting periods, bilateral conditions, routine dental disease, reproductive care, cosmetic/elective procedures, and treatments deemed experimental or not widely accepted in veterinary practice.
A notable divergence from many competitors is the three‑incident repetition rule—after three separate but similar preventable incidents (e.g., repeated foreign body ingestions or fight wounds) the condition is treated as preventable and excluded—and dental coverage is limited to extraction of a non‑diseased tooth fractured in a covered accident.
Administrative and service fees (forms, record transfers, dispensing fees), owner‑caused injury or neglect, commercial or risky activities, and a strict claims submission timeframe (claims filed after the policy’s allowed period, e.g., >180 days, are excluded) are also explicitly denied.
Geographic specifics are N.C.; optional wellness/FlexCare coverage may address some preventive services but is separate and must be purchased in addition to the core policy.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing conditions; conditions occurring during waiting periods; illnesses always classified as non-accident (as defined by policy) |
| Pre-existing & bilateral conditions | Conditions present or showing signs before policy/waiting period end; bilateral rule applies (if one side pre-existing, opposite side excluded) |
| Dental exclusions | Dental disease and routine dental procedures excluded; only extraction of a non-diseased tooth fractured in a covered accident is eligible |
| Repetitive / preventable incidents | After three separate but similar incidents (e.g., foreign body ingestion, fight wounds, poisonings), condition considered preventable and excluded |
| Experimental & innovative treatments | Treatments not commonly accepted in veterinary medicine excluded (e.g., unproven regenerative therapies) |
| Reproductive & congenital exclusions | Breeding, pregnancy, spay/neuter and related complications excluded; congenital conditions evident before policy start excluded |
| Owner-related & conduct exclusions | Intentional injury, neglect, failure to follow veterinary advice, injuries from commercial/risky activities (fighting, guarding, racing) excluded |
| Administrative & procedural exclusions | Administrative fees, form/record transfer fees, prescription dispensing fees excluded |
| Claims & time limits | Late claim submissions beyond the allowed timeframe (e.g., >180 days) excluded; pre-approval requirements for large estimates apply |
| Geographic exclusions | N.C. |
Costco Prices
Costco’s pet insurance offering, provided through Pets Plus Us, presents a clear two‑tier structure: a low‑cost Accident plan and a broader Accident & Illness plan.
This positioning places Costco’s product range between entry‑level (for accidental coverage) and mid‑range (for combined accident and illness protection), with sample premiums reflecting a large gap between basic accident cover and full illness protection for higher‑risk breeds.
Reimbursement mechanics (co‑insurance shown on the Summary of Coverage), deductibles and selectable annual limits are the main pricing levers that affect competitiveness: lower deductibles and higher annual limits increase premiums, while the Accident plan’s per‑incident limits allow notably lower monthly prices for basic protection.
Costco’s programme benefits from digital servicing (online member portal, online claims) and the ancillary benefits that Pets Plus Us includes (trip cancellation, lost pet recovery, emergency boarding, euthanasia/cremation limits), which help justify mid‑range pricing versus traditional insurers that rely more on broker networks and legacy processes.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Accident Plan | Accident & Illness Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $23.58 | $111.99 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $23.58 | $463.58 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $23.58 | $463.58 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $23.58 | $463.58 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $21.10 | $58.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $21.10 | $58.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $21.10 | $58.66 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $21.10 | $65.83 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $21.10 | $65.83 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $21.10 | $65.83 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $21.10 | $65.78 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $21.10 | $65.78 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $21.10 | $65.78 |
Costco Promo Codes
| Costco Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed by Costco?
Costco’s pet insurance (issued through Pets Plus Us) reimburses eligible veterinary expenses on a reimbursement basis: you pay the vet, meet the annual deductible if applicable, and the plan pays a percentage (commonly 80%) of the remaining eligible costs up to your selected annual limit.
✅ Example 1: Consultation for allergic dermatitis
Total vet costs: $200 (consultation + medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (this is the first expense of the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Accident & Illness plan (highest-tier): $200 – $100 = $100
80% of that amount reimbursed: $100 × 80% = $80
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $120 (deductible $100 + co‑insurance 20% = $20)
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $80.
ℹ️ *The deductible applies once per policy year; after it’s met, subsequent eligible claims are processed without repeating the deductible.*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament repair surgery (TPLO)
Total vet costs: $6,500 (surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, diagnostics, rehabilitation)
Deductible: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable at 80% with the Accident & Illness plan (highest-tier): $6,500 × 80% = $5,200
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $1,300 (20% co‑insurance)
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $5,200.
ℹ️ *High-cost treatments count toward your chosen annual limit (e.g., $15,000); consider pre-approval for costs over $1,000 to confirm coverage details.*
✅ Example 3: Emergency hospitalization for pancreatitis (IV fluids, diagnostics, meds, monitoring)
Total vet costs: $2,400
Deductible: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable at 80% with the Accident & Illness plan (highest-tier): $2,400 × 80% = $1,920
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $480 (20% co‑insurance)
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $1,920.
ℹ️ *Certain conditions (e.g., cruciate injuries, bloat) are always treated as illnesses under the policy and will be subject to the illness waiting period and annual illness limit.*
Costco Assistance
Costco’s assistance for policyholders includes a functional online member portal for claim submission and pre-approval for treatments over $1,000, which supports practical claim management but is focused on reimbursements rather than real-time clinic payments.
The insurer can arrange for a reimbursement cheque to be sent directly to a veterinarian in some cases, which is helpful but not equivalent to instant third‑party advance‑pay services like Payvet.
Notably absent are a 24/7 emergency veterinary hotline, teleconsultation services, or a clearly stated national partner clinic network, which limits immediate clinical support in urgent situations.
Additional non-medical assistance (trip cancellation, lost pet advertising, emergency boarding, and cremation) is explicit and can be valuable, but overseas medical coverage details are not communicated.
| Assistance Costco | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ✅ | Reimbursement cheque can be arranged to be sent directly to the veterinarian. Not a real‑time Payvet‑style advance payment; primary flow is reimbursement to policyholder. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Online member portal supports electronic claim submission, tracking and account management. Reimbursements are mainly paid to the policyholder. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency veterinary helpline or teleconsultation service is mentioned. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Trip cancellation benefit up to $1,000 per incident is included for prepaid travel. Coverage for pet medical treatment abroad is N.C. |
Costco Customer Reviews
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.3 out of 5 |
Reviewers most often praise fast claim reimbursements, an easy-to-use claims portal (including vet-submitted claims), and helpful, friendly customer service. Several positive reviews describe fair handling of claims and coverage for ongoing conditions (e.g., allergies) without surprises.
Common criticisms include significant premium increases at renewal (notably for older pets), higher deductibles, policy changes that reduce coverage for long-time customers, added exclusions at renewal, and claims denied as “pre-existing.” A few reviewers also report difficulty reaching support or getting written responses.
Here are some examples of customer reviews:
- V.R — 23 August 2025 “A claim for a new pet. A mysterious and sudden food related event, which we believe was poisoning. After full explanation and update and medical records the claim was covered. I’m sure other companies would have fought this and refused to pay, but they listened.”
- T M — 22 August 2025 “Great friendly service when I have needed to call them for inquiries not listed on their website. Really easy to submit a claim and I am thankful vet is able to do it on my behalf. Fair pricing for coverage.”
- G.M — 11 August 2025 “Stay away from them . My dog got an ear infection and when my policy came up for renewal , not only did they increase the price of my policy . They excluded ear infections all together.”
Contact Costco
| Costco Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. Member portal for existing customers: portal.petsplusus.com. Online subscription channels for new customers: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Pets Plus Us (provider for Costco Pet Insurance) operates on a reimbursement model: you pay the veterinarian and submit a claim. Claims can be submitted and tracked via the member portal (portal.petsplusus.com), by email to submissions@petsplusus.com, or by postal mail to the address below. Required documents: itemized veterinary invoice and supporting medical records. Pre-approval is available for treatments estimated over $1,000. Deadline for submission: claims must be submitted within 180 days of treatment. Reimbursement is normally issued to the policyholder; a reimbursement cheque can be arranged to be sent directly to the veterinarian in some cases. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Requests can be made via the member portal (portal.petsplusus.com), by general email (info@petsplusus.com), or by calling the toll-free number 1-800-364-8422. Procedure to issue a certificate and the specific information required (e.g., exact documentation, policy details) are: N.C. Turnaround time: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Member portal: portal.petsplusus.com. Toll-free phone: 1-800-364-8422. General enquiries email: info@petsplusus.com. Claims submissions email: submissions@petsplusus.com. Mailing address: PTZ Insurance Services Ltd., 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, ON L6K 3V7. |
| To cancel my policy | Official cancellation procedure, required information to process a cancellation (beyond contacting customer service), notice deadlines, and refund/prorated premium conditions are: N.C. To submit a cancellation request or discuss refunds contact customer service via the member portal (portal.petsplusus.com), phone 1-800-364-8422, or general email info@petsplusus.com. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Costco?
Costco pet insurance is delivered by Pets Plus Us and operates on a reimbursement model in Canada: you normally pay the veterinarian at point of service and then submit a claim.
Pets Plus Us can, in some situations, arrange for the reimbursement cheque to be issued directly to the veterinarian, but the standard method is reimbursement to the policyholder.
For planned treatments estimated over $1,000 you can request pre‑approval to confirm coverage in advance and to discuss any direct‑pay options.
Contact the member portal or claims team to confirm whether a clinic can receive a direct cheque for a specific case before treatment.
Confirm preferred payment method and clinic participation with Pets Plus Us prior to high‑cost procedures.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Costco?
To cancel, contact Pets Plus Us via the member portal (portal.petsplusus.com), the toll‑free number 1‑800‑364‑8422, or the general email and provide your policy number and policyholder details.
State the effective cancellation date you want and include the pet’s name and any identifying policy information to avoid delays.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation and a final statement showing any prorated premium or refund.
The policy documents do not specify a standard notice period or refund calculation method (N.C.), so ask customer service for case‑specific details.
Keep the cancellation confirmation for your records and check your bank/credit statements to ensure billing stops.
What waiting periods apply before coverage starts?
Costco/Pets Plus Us applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date.
Certain musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, bloat) are always classed as illnesses and follow the illness waiting period.
Any signs, symptoms or treatment that occur before the waiting period ends are considered pre‑existing and are excluded.
Temporary exclusions for curable conditions may be reviewed for removal after 12 months symptom‑free; ask customer service about the process.
How are reimbursements, deductibles and co‑insurance calculated?
Your Summary of Coverage shows your chosen annual limit, deductible and reimbursement percentage; the guide commonly uses an example of 80% reimbursement after deductible.
Typical calculation order: eligible charges minus deductible = eligible balance; eligible balance × reimbursement % = payable benefit to the policyholder (subject to annual limit).
Some benefits (e.g., emergency boarding, trip cancellation, lost pet advertising) are paid without applying the deductible or co‑insurance according to the guide.
Co‑insurance may be adjusted based on claims history; confirm your exact percentages and deductible on your policy documents.
What is covered and what are common exclusions under Costco pet insurance?
The plans cover veterinary care for accidents, and for the Accident & Illness plan also eligible illnesses, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and some therapies when prescribed.
Common exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, routine wellness/preventive care, most dental disease, reproductive services, elective procedures and experimental treatments.
Bilateral conditions are treated as one condition (if one side was pre‑existing the other is excluded) and owner‑caused injuries or neglect are excluded.
Review the Schedule of Maximum Amounts and your Summary of Coverage for exact caps, sub‑limits and any plan‑specific exclusions.
How do I submit and track a claim, and what deadlines apply?
Submit claims and track status via the Pets Plus Us member portal (portal.petsplusus.com) for fastest handling, or send by email to submissions@petsplusus.com, fax or mail per your policy details.
Include a completed claim form, the itemized veterinary invoice and any relevant medical records to avoid delays or requests for more information.
The policy excludes claims submitted more than 180 days after treatment, so file promptly and keep originals or digital copies of invoices and records.
For treatments over $1,000, submit a pre‑approval request with an itemized estimate to confirm likely coverage and expected reimbursement before proceeding.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Costco?
Costco pet insurance is delivered by Pets Plus Us and operates on a reimbursement model in Canada: you normally pay the veterinarian at point of service and then submit a claim.
Pets Plus Us can, in some situations, arrange for the reimbursement cheque to be issued directly to the veterinarian, but the standard method is reimbursement to the policyholder.
For planned treatments estimated over $1,000 you can request pre‑approval to confirm coverage in advance and to discuss any direct‑pay options.
Contact the member portal or claims team to confirm whether a clinic can receive a direct cheque for a specific case before treatment.
Confirm preferred payment method and clinic participation with Pets Plus Us prior to high‑cost procedures.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Costco?
To cancel, contact Pets Plus Us via the member portal (portal.petsplusus.com), the toll‑free number 1‑800‑364‑8422, or the general email and provide your policy number and policyholder details.
State the effective cancellation date you want and include the pet’s name and any identifying policy information to avoid delays.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation and a final statement showing any prorated premium or refund.
The policy documents do not specify a standard notice period or refund calculation method (N.C.), so ask customer service for case‑specific details.
Keep the cancellation confirmation for your records and check your bank/credit statements to ensure billing stops.
What waiting periods apply before coverage starts?
Costco/Pets Plus Us applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date.
Certain musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, bloat) are always classed as illnesses and follow the illness waiting period.
Any signs, symptoms or treatment that occur before the waiting period ends are considered pre‑existing and are excluded.
Temporary exclusions for curable conditions may be reviewed for removal after 12 months symptom‑free; ask customer service about the process.
How are reimbursements, deductibles and co‑insurance calculated?
Your Summary of Coverage shows your chosen annual limit, deductible and reimbursement percentage; the guide commonly uses an example of 80% reimbursement after deductible.
Typical calculation order: eligible charges minus deductible = eligible balance; eligible balance × reimbursement % = payable benefit to the policyholder (subject to annual limit).
Some benefits (e.g., emergency boarding, trip cancellation, lost pet advertising) are paid without applying the deductible or co‑insurance according to the guide.
Co‑insurance may be adjusted based on claims history; confirm your exact percentages and deductible on your policy documents.
What is covered and what are common exclusions under Costco pet insurance?
The plans cover veterinary care for accidents, and for the Accident & Illness plan also eligible illnesses, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and some therapies when prescribed.
Common exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, routine wellness/preventive care, most dental disease, reproductive services, elective procedures and experimental treatments.
Bilateral conditions are treated as one condition (if one side was pre‑existing the other is excluded) and owner‑caused injuries or neglect are excluded.
Review the Schedule of Maximum Amounts and your Summary of Coverage for exact caps, sub‑limits and any plan‑specific exclusions.
How do I submit and track a claim, and what deadlines apply?
Submit claims and track status via the Pets Plus Us member portal (portal.petsplusus.com) for fastest handling, or send by email to submissions@petsplusus.com, fax or mail per your policy details.
Include a completed claim form, the itemized veterinary invoice and any relevant medical records to avoid delays or requests for more information.
The policy excludes claims submitted more than 180 days after treatment, so file promptly and keep originals or digital copies of invoices and records.
For treatments over $1,000, submit a pre‑approval request with an itemized estimate to confirm likely coverage and expected reimbursement before proceeding.
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