Costco Pet Insurance in Canada 2025: Review, Coverage & Benefits
Our expert's opinion on Costco
Costco Pet Insurance in Canada, administered by Pets Plus Us, offers annually renewable Accident & Illness coverage for dogs and cats, structured around an annual deductible and customizable co-insurance, typically providing up to 80% reimbursement with no lifetime coverage limit but with annual and sublimits for certain benefits. In comparison to leading competitors, Costco stands out with enhanced benefits like alternative and behavioral therapies, moderate sub-limits for medical devices and prescription food, and a flexible claims structure, though lack of transparent pricing keeps it in the mid-market tier. Costco is particularly suitable for owners of young to middle-aged pets or purebreds seeking robust incident protection and owners open to customizing both deductible and reimbursement features. Backed by PTZ Insurance Services (Pets Plus Us), a reputable Canadian provider, Costco leverages solid financial infrastructure but does not publish premium revenues or volume; no recent Trustpilot data or client review volumes are available, but claims are processed digitally via their portal, with average reimbursement times typically ranging from 10 to 30 days.
- ✅80% reimbursement option available
- ✅Alternative and behavioral therapy coverage
- ✅No lifetime coverage limits
- ✅Accident and illness waiting periods among shortest (3/15 days)
- ✅Dental accident coverage included
- ✅Customizable deductible and co-insurance
- ✅Digital claims and account portal
- ❌No routine/preventive care reimbursement
- ❌Annual and sublimits on some benefits
- ❌Limited transparency on pricing and maximums
- ❌Minimal wellness or preventive budgets
- ❌No customer reviews or Trustpilot data available
Our expert's opinion on Costco
- ✅80% reimbursement option available
- ✅Alternative and behavioral therapy coverage
- ✅No lifetime coverage limits
- ✅Accident and illness waiting periods among shortest (3/15 days)
- ✅Dental accident coverage included
- ✅Customizable deductible and co-insurance
- ✅Digital claims and account portal
- ❌No routine/preventive care reimbursement
- ❌Annual and sublimits on some benefits
- ❌Limited transparency on pricing and maximums
- ❌Minimal wellness or preventive budgets
- ❌No customer reviews or Trustpilot data available
Score- ✅80% reimbursement option available
- ✅Alternative and behavioral therapy coverage
- ✅No lifetime coverage limits
- ✅Accident and illness waiting periods among shortest (3/15 days)
- ✅Dental accident coverage included
- ✅Customizable deductible and co-insurance
- ✅Digital claims and account portal
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market every year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, over a million Canadians trust us each month to help guide them through their most important financial decisions.
Costco Coverages
Costco, in partnership with Pets Plus Us, offers highly flexible accident & illness pet insurance plans for dogs and cats in Canada, allowing members to select their annual coverage maximum, deductible, and reimbursement level (typically up to 80%).
A significant advantage is the wide array of covered treatments—including exams, hospitalization, surgery, dental accidents, diagnostics, alternative and behavioural therapies, select medical devices and even some travel-related pet risks—all under a single annual limit.
Annual wellness and routine/preventive care are not included in basic coverage, nor is third-party liability, and the annual dental benefit is tightly limited to accidental fractures, not routine cleaning.
Exclusions are strict on pre-existing conditions, breed-typical illnesses present prior to coverage, and claims for elective, cosmetic, or wellness care.
While the absence of a lifetime cap and the customizable structure are notable strengths, lack of bundled wellness packages and any civil liability protection remain clear weaknesses.
| Name of coverage | Accident & Illness Plan (Costco / Pets Plus Us) |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Flexible accident & illness insurance; member discount |
| Type of coverage | Accident & illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 80% (co-insurance); adjustable at purchase |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Choice of coverage max; N.C. exact figures |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Annual deductible; member chooses |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | Pets ≥7 weeks; no upper age published |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Medical history required at enrollment |
| Waiting period (illness) | 15 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 3 days |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ |
| Medications | ✅ |
| Hospitalization | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ❌ Preventive/routine not included; accidental fractures/extractions only |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ Must be prescribed by a vet |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | Emergency (N.C.); trip cancellation up to $1,000/incident |
| Civil liability | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ Up to $1,000 per covered event |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ Up to $1,000 per covered event |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ✅ $1,000/incident lost pet recovery/reward |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ Up to $1,000/incident (min. 48h hospitalization) |
Coverage Summary Details
No claims processed for treatments within waiting periods; prescription food eligible for limited coverage; annual deductible applies only once per year but varies by pet age; certain incidentals (travel, emergency pet sitting, lost pet advertising) are included up to sublimits without deductible/co-insurance; maximums and rates determined at enrollment and stated in your Summary of Coverage.
Always compare coverage details and deductible/reimbursement options to secure the best possible rate for your pet.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Costco Exclusions
The Costco (Pets Plus Us) policy lists extensive standard exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and all dental or periodontal care except accidental fractures/extractions.
Routine, elective, or well-care procedures—like vaccines, check-ups, parasite prevention, grooming, and spay/neuter—are not covered, even in some situations where competitors offer wellness options.
No cost is covered for breeding, pregnancy, birthing, or complications, and treatments for hereditary or bilateral conditions are excluded if evidence or signs occurred before coverage.
Extra administrative fees, products not prescribed by a vet or not bought from a licensed veterinary pharmacy, and any cosmetic or non-medically necessary procedures are entirely excluded.
Notably, house calls, travel for medical care, experimental therapies, and repeated conditions caused by preventable owner behaviour after three warnings are also specifically excluded.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Exclusions | • Pre-existing conditions (including bilateral/related signs) • Waiting period conditions (3 days accident/15 days illness) • Hereditary or breed-specific illness with pre-existing signs • Animals under 7 weeks old • Post-mortem claims |
| Preventive/Elective | • Vaccinations, check-ups, dental cleaning/routine care • Parasite prevention/treatments • Spay/neuter and complications • Grooming, training, elective/cosmetic procedures (declaw, dock, crop, orthodontics) |
| Behavioral/Owner Fault | • Claims for accidents or illness arising from neglect, repeated preventable behaviour (after 3 incidents) • Non-medically necessary training or devices |
| Administration | • Products or supplements without DIN/NHP/VHP/INP • Not prescribed by licensed vet/hospital • Administrative/processing fees and late claims |
| Geographic/Logistics | • House/farm calls (unless life-essential) • Travel/transport to care • Boarding/cattery (except after 48h owner hospitalization, maximum applies) |
| Other | • Breeding, pregnancy, whelping, cryptorchidism • Illness/damages covered by other contract • Experimental/non-standard treatments • Losses due to war, pandemic, nuclear, or government events |
• Waiting period conditions (3 days accident/15 days illness)
• Hereditary or breed-specific illness with pre-existing signs
• Animals under 7 weeks old
• Post-mortem claims
• Parasite prevention/treatments
• Spay/neuter and complications
• Grooming, training, elective/cosmetic procedures (declaw, dock, crop, orthodontics)
• Non-medically necessary training or devices
• Not prescribed by licensed vet/hospital
• Administrative/processing fees and late claims
• Travel/transport to care
• Boarding/cattery (except after 48h owner hospitalization, maximum applies)
• Illness/damages covered by other contract
• Experimental/non-standard treatments
• Losses due to war, pandemic, nuclear, or government events
Costco Prices
Costco’s pet insurance, administered by Pets Plus Us, is positioned competitively in the Canadian market, offering strong value for broad accident and illness protection at moderate monthly rates.
The flexibility to tailor reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits gives members control over their spending, making it possible to align coverage options with budget.
While Costco does not offer bundled wellness or preventive care packages, the core medical coverage is robust and frequently includes benefits like trip cancellation, emergency pet boarding, and alternative therapies not always standard among competitors.
As a fully digital offering, operational efficiency helps keep premiums accessible compared to more traditional insurers, but members should note that comprehensive dental and civil liability protections are excluded.
Overall, Costco is an appealing mid-range choice, best suited to owners seeking customizable coverage and predictable medical risk management without a high monthly price.
| Accident & Illness Plan (Costco/Pets Plus Us) | |
|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $19–$24/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $27–$36/month |
| Small breed dog | $25–$33/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $25–$33/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $38–$55/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $52–$72/month |
Compare different combinations of Costco plan options to find the best price for your pet’s needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!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 with Costco?
With Costco’s highest-level Accident & Illness plan (insured by Pets Plus Us), you typically pay an annual deductible and a percentage of each vet bill, but most major veterinary expenses are reimbursed up to 80%, making budget planning simple and predictable.
✅ Example 1: Specialist consultation and medication for a skin allergy (first claim of year)
Total vet costs: $250 (consultation + allergy medication)
Deductible to subtract: $100 (for annual deductible on first claim of policy year)
Reimbursable amount after deductible: $250 - $100 = $150
80% of that amount reimbursed: $150 × 80% = $120
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $120.
ℹ️ The deductible is applied once a year; after it’s paid, you only pay your share of future claims.
✅ Example 2: Orthopedic surgery for a torn ACL (dog)
Total vet costs: $2,800 (surgery, anesthesia, hospital)
Deductible already met with previous claim this year
Amount reimbursed at 80%: $2,800 × 80% = $2,240
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,240, deducted from your annual coverage limit.
ℹ️ You pay $560 out-of-pocket for a major unexpected expense thanks to the comprehensive plan.
✅ Example 3: Treatment for acute pancreatitis (cat)
Total vet costs: $1,200 (hospitalization, fluids, medications)
Deductible already covered earlier in the year
Amount reimbursed at 80%: $1,200 × 80% = $960
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $960.
ℹ️ Preventive care is not included in the standard plan, but all medically necessary care is covered after the annual deductible.
Costco Assistance
Costco, through Pets Plus Us, offers fully digital claims submission and tracking for policyholders, allowing for efficient reimbursement management but does not provide an advance payment service at veterinary clinics.
There is no evidence of installment payment facilities or a dedicated mobile application for submitting claims, which may limit flexibility for some users.
Unlike some competitors, there is also no emergency veterinary helpline or 24/7 teleconsultation coverage, which could be a gap for owners needing urgent advice outside of regular hours.
Costco does not operate a network of partner clinics or veterinarians, but insured members are free to consult any licensed veterinarian in Canada.
Abroad, coverage is limited, with care only reimbursed in Canada (and possibly in select cross-border cases with prior approval), so policyholders traveling internationally may need supplemental protection.
| Assistance Costco | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment service (e.g., Payvet, Petcard, Carecredit) is offered. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No dedicated app available for claims; all processes handled via web portal. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | 100% online claims submission and reimbursement, quick tracking via online portal. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No emergency helpline or teleconsultation provided. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No official partner network; you can choose any licensed vet in Canada. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | Coverage limited to Canada; care abroad is generally not reimbursed unless pre-approved. |
Customer Reviews of Costco
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Costco pet insurance for their pets often mention:
- A simple and straightforward claims process, facilitated by the digital submission portal.
- The ability to choose any licensed veterinarian in Canada, which is appreciated for flexibility and convenience.
- Clear communication of coverage terms and straightforward policy documents provided at sign-up.
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- A lack of proactive assistance services, such as an emergency vet helpline or 24/7 teleconsultation options.
- An absence of a dedicated mobile app and advance payment options at clinics, which some users find restrictive.
- Annual deductibles and exclusions for certain preventive and hereditary conditions are noted as recurring drawbacks among policyholders.
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. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim and required documents (vet invoice, itemized treatment report, paid receipt, claim form) via the online portal at portal.petsplusus.com, by email to submissions@petsplusus.com, or by mail to PTZ Insurance Services Ltd., 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, Ontario, L6K 3V7. Payments are made by direct deposit or cheque. Processing time is typically less than 5 business days once all documents are received and validated. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Log in to your customer account at portal.petsplusus.com or contact customer care by phone at 1-800-364-8422 or by email at info@petsplusus.com to request your certificate. |
| To contact assistance | Call customer care at 1-800-364-8422 or email info@petsplusus.com for any assistance or general support regarding your policy. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact customer care at 1-800-364-8422 or email info@petsplusus.com. Provide your policy number and a written request to cancel. Cancellation may require advance notice (check your policy for the notice period) and supporting identity documentation. Written confirmation will be sent upon processing. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Costco?
Yes, you must pay your veterinary fees upfront at the clinic. Costco pet insurance does not offer a direct payment or advance payment option; after you pay your vet, you submit a claim for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Costco?
To cancel your Costco pet insurance policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy number and written request. A written cancellation notice is usually required—ideally 30 days in advance—and you may be asked for identification or supporting documentation.
What does Costco pet insurance cover for my pet?
Costco pet insurance (Pets Plus Us) covers both accidents and illnesses for cats and dogs, including exams, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, alternative therapies, and some dental care. Annual limits, deductibles, and co-insurance apply, and some benefits, such as lost pet advertising or boarding fees if you are hospitalized, are included as extras. Preventive and routine care, such as vaccines or spay/neuter, are not covered.
Are there any waiting periods before my coverage starts?
Yes, there is a 3-day waiting period for accidents and a 15-day waiting period for illnesses. Some conditions, like specific surgeries or dental coverage, may have their own longer waiting periods, so review your policy details for precise information. Waiting periods help ensure your pet is not already ill or injured before coverage starts.
How do I make a claim and how are reimbursements handled?
To make a claim, submit your completed form with itemized vet bills and any supporting documents via the online portal, by email to the claims team, or by mail. Claims are reviewed and, if accepted, reimbursed by direct deposit or cheque less any deductible and co-insurance. The typical processing time is less than five business days after all documents are received.
Will pre-existing conditions be covered under my Costco pet insurance policy?
No, pre-existing conditions—that is, any symptom or diagnosis present before your policy’s effective date or during the waiting period—are not covered. This includes chronic illnesses, injuries, or any signs and symptoms of a condition, even if undiagnosed, that occurred prior to enrollment.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Costco?
Yes, you must pay your veterinary fees upfront at the clinic. Costco pet insurance does not offer a direct payment or advance payment option; after you pay your vet, you submit a claim for reimbursement.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Costco?
To cancel your Costco pet insurance policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy number and written request. A written cancellation notice is usually required—ideally 30 days in advance—and you may be asked for identification or supporting documentation.
What does Costco pet insurance cover for my pet?
Costco pet insurance (Pets Plus Us) covers both accidents and illnesses for cats and dogs, including exams, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, alternative therapies, and some dental care. Annual limits, deductibles, and co-insurance apply, and some benefits, such as lost pet advertising or boarding fees if you are hospitalized, are included as extras. Preventive and routine care, such as vaccines or spay/neuter, are not covered.
Are there any waiting periods before my coverage starts?
Yes, there is a 3-day waiting period for accidents and a 15-day waiting period for illnesses. Some conditions, like specific surgeries or dental coverage, may have their own longer waiting periods, so review your policy details for precise information. Waiting periods help ensure your pet is not already ill or injured before coverage starts.
How do I make a claim and how are reimbursements handled?
To make a claim, submit your completed form with itemized vet bills and any supporting documents via the online portal, by email to the claims team, or by mail. Claims are reviewed and, if accepted, reimbursed by direct deposit or cheque less any deductible and co-insurance. The typical processing time is less than five business days after all documents are received.
Will pre-existing conditions be covered under my Costco pet insurance policy?
No, pre-existing conditions—that is, any symptom or diagnosis present before your policy’s effective date or during the waiting period—are not covered. This includes chronic illnesses, injuries, or any signs and symptoms of a condition, even if undiagnosed, that occurred prior to enrollment.
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