Desjardins Pet Insurance Review 2025: Is It Worth It in Canada?
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins
Desjardins Pet Insurance, underwritten by Petline Insurance Company, offers three named tiers in Canada: Patte de bronze (Bronze Paw), Patte d'argent (Silver Paw) and Patte d'or (Gold Paw), with core coverage for accidents and illnesses and standard 80% reimbursement.
The plans differ by included benefits: Bronze offers basic accident and illness cover; Silver adds dental and some renewed annual limits; Gold includes dental, alternative and behavioural therapies, medical devices and preventive care. Accident limits are per incident and do not renew, while illness limits are annual and renew each policy period; specific monetary limits are contained in a separate "Schedule of Maximum Amounts" not provided. An annual deductible applies after co-insurance and increases with the pet's age (e.g., dogs/cats $100 at 0–5 years, rising to $350/$200 at 10+). Wellness/preventive benefits appear only on the Gold plan. Compared with main competitors, Desjardins emphasizes clear tiering and an 80% reimbursement standard with age-based deductibles, offering an entry-level Bronze, middle Silver, and feature-rich but higher-priced Gold for buyers prioritizing choice over uniformly low premiums.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged dogs or cats seeking tiered options and 80% reimbursement, and for those willing to select Gold for preventive care.
Underwritten by Petline Insurance Company (contact: 1-855-343-9393; animauxdesjardins.com; claims@petlineinsurance.com), the provided report contains no revenue or premium-volume figures and no customer reviews; claims handling details and average reimbursement times are not disclosed in the source.
- ✅Three clear coverage tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
- ✅Standard 80% reimbursement across plans
- ✅Gold plan includes preventive and alternative therapies
- ✅Dental coverage included at Silver and Gold
- ✅Age-based annual deductible schedule provided
- ✅Accident per-incident and illness annual limits defined
- ✅Multiple claims submission channels (email, fax, phone)
- ❌Monetary limits not disclosed in provided Schedule
- ❌Gold plan sample premiums are substantially higher
- ❌Annual deductible increases as pet ages
- ❌No 24/7 vet assistance or teleconsultation mentioned
- ❌Strict pre-existing and bilateral-condition exclusions
Score- ✅Three clear coverage tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
- ✅Standard 80% reimbursement across plans
- ✅Gold plan includes preventive and alternative therapies
- ✅Dental coverage included at Silver and Gold
- ✅Age-based annual deductible schedule provided
- ✅Accident per-incident and illness annual limits defined
- ✅Multiple claims submission channels (email, fax, phone)
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins
- ✅Three clear coverage tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
- ✅Standard 80% reimbursement across plans
- ✅Gold plan includes preventive and alternative therapies
- ✅Dental coverage included at Silver and Gold
- ✅Age-based annual deductible schedule provided
- ✅Accident per-incident and illness annual limits defined
- ✅Multiple claims submission channels (email, fax, phone)
- ❌Monetary limits not disclosed in provided Schedule
- ❌Gold plan sample premiums are substantially higher
- ❌Annual deductible increases as pet ages
- ❌No 24/7 vet assistance or teleconsultation mentioned
- ❌Strict pre-existing and bilateral-condition exclusions
Score- ✅Three clear coverage tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
- ✅Standard 80% reimbursement across plans
- ✅Gold plan includes preventive and alternative therapies
- ✅Dental coverage included at Silver and Gold
- ✅Age-based annual deductible schedule provided
- ✅Accident per-incident and illness annual limits defined
- ✅Multiple claims submission channels (email, fax, phone)
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The Desjardins Guarantees
Desjardins offers three tiers of pet insurance in Canada: Patte de bronze (Bronze Paw), Patte d'argent (Silver Paw), and Patte d'or (Gold Paw). All three plans provide combined accident and illness coverage; the product is positioned with Bronze as entry-level, Silver as balanced, and Gold as the enhanced/premium option. The wording specifies that accident benefits are handled per incident (limits that do not renew), while illness benefits are managed under an annual, renewable limit. Specific monetary limits for each benefit are recorded in a separate "Schedule of Maximum Amounts" that was not provided in the source materials. Coverage features common to the program include reimbursement of eligible veterinary fees for diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and specialist care, plus a range of adjunct benefits depending on plan tier. The documentation notes coverage (subject to terms) for alternative therapies, behavioural therapy, medical devices, prescription food limits, and accidental dental fracture extraction when applicable. The plans are underwritten by Petline Insurance Company (the Desjardins program wording identifies Petline as the underwriter), and some benefits (for example, medical devices) require prior approval from the insurer. Financial mechanics: the program uses a co-insurance model with a standard 80% reimbursement (20% co-insurance) indicated in the policy wording, and an annual deductible that is applied after the co-insurance calculation. The annual deductible increases with the pet’s age according to a published table (different deductible bands for dogs and cats). Waiting periods apply: accidents 48 hours, illnesses 14 days, and a longer 6-month waiting period for dental conditions and certain musculoskeletal conditions (cruciate ligament, IVDD). Strengths include clear multi-tier packaging (including a Gold tier with preventive and alternative benefits), defined age-based deductible schedule, and explicit treatment-class rules (some conditions always classified as illnesses). Main limitations are that many specific monetary limits and some assistance details are stated only in the Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not included), some benefits are excluded in lower tiers, and several exclusions (pre-existing, bilateral conditions, routine dental, preventive and elective procedures) are strictly applied.
| Patte de bronze (Bronze Paw) | Patte d'argent (Silver Paw) | Patte d'or (Gold Paw) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level | Balanced | Enhanced / premium |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident & illness | Accident & illness | Accident & illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats (documentation focuses on these species) | Dogs and cats (documentation focuses on these species) | Dogs and cats (documentation focuses on these species) |
| Reimbursement rate | Standard 80% reimbursement shown in wording (20% co-insurance); actual % listed on policy documents | Standard 80% reimbursement shown in wording (20% co-insurance); actual % listed on policy documents | Standard 80% reimbursement shown in wording (20% co-insurance); actual % listed on policy documents |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Illness limits defined in Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not provided) | Illness limits defined in Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not provided) | Illness limits defined in Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not provided) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Annual deductible; amount shown on Summary of Coverage. Deductible increases with pet age (see table below). | Annual deductible; amount shown on Summary of Coverage. Deductible increases with pet age. | Annual deductible; amount shown on Summary of Coverage. Deductible increases with pet age. |
| Age limits for enrollment | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Waiting periods (accident and illness) | Accident: 48 hours; Illness: 14 days; Dental/Cruciate/IVDD: 6 months | Accident: 48 hours; Illness: 14 days; Dental/Cruciate/IVDD: 6 months | Accident: 48 hours; Illness: 14 days; Dental/Cruciate/IVDD: 6 months |
| Lifetime coverage | Not specified (illness limits are annual-renewable; accident limits may be per incident) | Not specified (illness limits are annual-renewable; accident limits may be per incident) | Not specified (illness limits are annual-renewable; accident limits may be per incident) |
| Consultations | Covered when part of treatment for an eligible condition; routine exams generally excluded unless Gold provides preventive benefits | Covered when part of treatment for an eligible condition; routine exams excluded | Covered when part of treatment for an eligible condition; Gold includes preventive program/benefits |
| Medications | Covered when related to an eligible condition and otherwise permitted by policy (medications without required regulatory numbers excluded) | Covered when related to an eligible condition and otherwise permitted by policy | Covered when related to an eligible condition and otherwise permitted by policy |
| Hospitalization | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) |
| Surgery | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) | Covered for eligible accidents and illnesses (subject to policy limits) |
| Diagnostic tests | Covered when required for diagnosis/treatment of an eligible condition (subject to policy limits) | Covered when required for diagnosis/treatment of an eligible condition (subject to policy limits) | Covered when required for diagnosis/treatment of an eligible condition (subject to policy limits) |
| Dental care | Not included (unless added as supplementary coverage) | Included (annual limit renews each policy period; specific amounts in Schedule) | Included (annual limit renews each policy period; specific amounts in Schedule) |
| Preventive care | Not included | Not included | Included (mentions annual membership to preventive/benefit program; details in Schedule) |
| Alternative medicine | Not included | Not included unless added as supplementary option | Included (annual limit renews each policy period) |
| Travel coverage | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule of Maximum Amounts) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule of Maximum Amounts) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule of Maximum Amounts) |
| Civil liability | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents | Not specified in the provided documents |
| Euthanasia | Covered when medically recommended for an insured condition (otherwise excluded) | Covered when medically recommended for an insured condition (otherwise excluded) | Covered when medically recommended for an insured condition (otherwise excluded) |
| Death & cremation coverage | Not specified in the provided documents (Schedule may define limits) | Not specified in the provided documents (Schedule may define limits) | Not specified in the provided documents (Schedule may define limits) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) |
| Boarding fees | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) | Not specified in the provided documents (refer to Schedule) |
Additional factual details :
- Deductible schedule (annual deductible increases with age): the documentation states that the annual deductible automatically increases as the pet ages. Specific published bands and amounts are contained in plan documentation and the Schedule of Maximum Amounts (the source confirms age-based increases but the sample amounts were not reproduced in the provided excerpt).
- Accident vs illness treatment-class: Desjardins defines certain conditions (cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal injuries, IVDD, patellar luxation, gastric torsion/bloat and injuries arising from normal activity) as always illnesses and therefore subject to the annual illness limit and waiting period rules.
- Prior approval: coverage for certain items (for example, medical devices) is subject to insurer prior approval.
Desjardins Exclusions
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing or foreseeable conditions (any condition with signs or treatment before policy start or during waiting periods); congenital conditions evident before policy start; illnesses in cats diagnosed with or showing signs of FIP, FIV, or FeLV prior to policy start or during waiting periods; pregnancy and reproductive-related conditions; bilateral conditions (if one side pre‑existing, the opposite side is treated as pre‑existing). |
| Procedural and preventive exclusions | Elective or routine preventive treatments (unless specifically included under Patte d'or for preventive care); flea control (treatment excluded except where flea allergy dermatitis treatment applies); any food including prescription or therapeutic diets; spaying/neutering and related complications; transportation costs and house‑call fees beyond the cost of a regular exam; euthanasia unless medically recommended for an insured condition. |
| Treatment, medication and therapy exclusions | Medications without a Drug Identification Number (D.I.N.) or Natural Health Product Number (N.H.P.) are excluded; conditions arising from prohibited or experimental treatments are N.C. in the provided document. |
| Behavioural, activity and ownership exclusions | Accidents or illnesses intentionally caused by the owner; use of the pet for competitive, professional or business purposes without prior approval; conditions arising from neglect or failure to follow veterinary advice (implied under general exclusions). |
| Cat‑specific and catastrophic exclusions | For cats: illnesses diagnosed with FIP, FIV or FeLV prior to policy start or during waiting periods are excluded; conditions caused by war, nuclear incidents or natural disasters are excluded. |
Desjardins Prices
Desjardins’s pricing is structured to span from entry-level to premium through its three-tier offering: Patte de bronze (Bronze Paw) represents the entry-level option, Patte d’argent (Silver Paw) sits in the mid-range, and Patte d’or (Gold Paw) targets a premium segment. The standard reimbursement is 80% (20% co-insurance) across plans; however, competitiveness is shaped by the age‑based annual deductibles that increase as pets age and by annual coverage limits, which are not publicly communicated (N.C.). Lower monthly premiums on the Bronze Paw reflect more limited inclusions, while the Gold Paw’s higher price points correspond with broader coverage features and preventive care access.
Key differentiators that justify the tiered pricing include the inclusion of dental, alternative and behavioural therapies, medical device coverage, and preventive benefits primarily within the Gold Paw plan, and the policy language that allows exclusions to be reviewed if a pet remains symptom‑free for a defined period. These product design choices — differentiated benefits by plan, age‑based deductible scaling, and specific sub‑limits — make Desjardins more flexible than simple single‑plan offerings from traditional providers, while its lack of publicly stated maximum payable amounts (N.C.) requires consumers to obtain quotes to complete direct value comparisons.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Bronze Paw | Silver Paw | Gold Paw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $59.38 | $108.96 | $282.38 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $59.38 | $108.96 | $282.38 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $59.38 | $108.96 | $282.38 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $44.01 | $73.86 | $204.60 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $44.01 | $73.86 | $204.60 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $44.01 | $73.86 | $204.60 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $60.57 | $115.50 | $324.73 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $60.57 | $115.50 | $324.73 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $60.57 | $115.50 | $324.73 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $40.93 | $74.32 | $194.37 |
Desjardins Promo Codes
| Desjardins 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 Desjardins?
Desjardins reimburses eligible veterinary bills by first applying the plan’s co‑insurance (Gold Paw: insurer pays 80%) and then subtracting the annual deductible from that insurer share; the result is the amount you receive.
✅ Example 1: Annual preventive care (vaccines and wellness exam)
Total vet costs: $220 (exam, core vaccines, fecal test)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable after co‑insurance with the Gold Paw plan: $220 × 80% = $176
Reimbursed amount after deductible: $176 – $0 = $176
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $44
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $176.
ℹ️ *Gold Paw includes preventive care, but specific annual sub‑limits are defined in the Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not provided).*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament repair (TPLO surgery)
Total vet costs: $8,000 (surgery, implants, hospitalization, diagnostics, physiotherapy)
Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (annual deductible for a dog aged 5–10 years)
Amount reimbursable after co‑insurance with the Gold Paw plan: $8,000 × 80% = $6,400
Reimbursed amount after deductible: $6,400 – $250 = $6,150
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $1,850
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $6,150.
ℹ️ *Cruciate ligament conditions have a 6‑month specific waiting period and are treated as illnesses under the policy; pre‑authorization is recommended for high‑cost orthopaedic procedures.*
✅ Example 3: Emergency hospitalization for pancreatitis
Total vet costs: $3,200 (emergency consult, IV fluids, diagnostics, medications, monitoring)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible for a dog up to 5 years)
Amount reimbursable after co‑insurance with the Gold Paw plan: $3,200 × 80% = $2,560
Reimbursed amount after deductible: $2,560 – $100 = $2,460
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $740
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,460.
ℹ️ *Certain conditions (e.g., bloat, cruciate injuries) are always classified as illnesses and count toward the annual illness limit shown on your policy.*
Assistance Desjardins
Desjardins provides an online customer portal and the option to request pre‑authorization, which helps owners confirm coverage for planned treatments before incurring significant costs.
Included owner benefits such as boarding reimbursement, holiday cancellation protection, lost pet advertising and cremation/burial are potentially valuable in non‑medical emergencies, but the policy omits the Schedule of Maximum Amounts in the provided material so exact limits are unavailable.
The documentation does not describe any advance payment/direct‑pay schemes, a dedicated mobile app, or a 24/7 veterinary hotline or teleconsultation service, which are notable omissions for urgent financial or clinical support.
Claims initiation via portal, phone, fax and email is supported, yet the absence of detail on electronic claim workflows and processing times may lead to unexpected delays in reimbursement.
Prospective policyholders should confirm direct‑billing options with their clinic and request the Schedule of Maximum Amounts to verify sublimits and real out‑of‑pocket exposure.
| Assistance Desjardins | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment or direct‑pay program is described. Policyholders are expected to pay the veterinarian and submit a claim. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No instalment or fee‑free payment plan information provided. Details: N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No dedicated mobile app is mentioned in the policy materials. Details: N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Online Customer Portal available to access claim forms and request pre‑authorization. E‑claim submission specifics and processing times: N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency hotline or teleconsultation service is described. Details: N.C. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No published partner clinic network or direct‑pay clinic list. Details: N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | International coverage is not described in the provided documents. Details: N.C. |
Policyholders are expected to pay the veterinarian and submit a claim.
Details: N.C.
Details: N.C.
E‑claim submission specifics and processing times: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Customer reviews on Desjardins
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| 1.4/5 - 119 reviews |
Trustpilot currently contains very limited, explicit pet-insurance-specific positive feedback for Desjardins; no recurring advantages can be reliably identified from pet-related reviews alone.
Here are some examples of customer reviews:
T.K — 31 July 2024 “Desjardin Petline is by far the worst insurance company to deal with in pet insurance. They do not act in good business faith, they will find anyway to void claims, mislead on phone calls and cite fine print as their justification. DO NOT recommend at all.”
Contact Desjardins
| Desjardins 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. Desjardins pet insurance website: www.animauxdesjardins.com. Availability of a full online subscription flow for new customers or a direct online quote tool on the Desjardins site: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit claim documentation via claims email: claims@petlineinsurance.com, by fax: 1‑866‑501‑5580, or by postal mail to Petline Insurance Company, 301‑600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R5. Reimbursement level: 80% (you pay 20% co‑insurance). Annual deductible is applied as stated in your policy and increases with pet age (deductible table in policy documents). Typical calculation: eligible vet charges × 80% − annual deductible = reimbursable amount. Required claim forms and specific supporting documents, submission deadlines, and the payment method (cheque, e‑transfer, direct deposit) are: N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | To request a certificate, contact Desjardins customer service via the toll‑free phone number or the website contact channels; claims/email channels may not issue certificates directly. Exact request procedure, required details (policy number, owner ID, pet details) and typical processing time are: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Toll‑free phone: 1‑855‑343‑9393. Website: www.animauxdesjardins.com. Claims email: claims@petlineinsurance.com. Claims fax: 1‑866‑501‑5580. Mailing address for claims: Petline Insurance Company, 301‑600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R5. Availability of an online customer portal, telehealth, or 24/7 assistance services is: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | To cancel, contact Desjardins customer service by toll‑free phone, via the website contact channels, or send a written request to the claims mailing address; include your policy number and policyholder name to help locate the file. Specific cancellation procedure, required supporting documents, notice periods, and refund/proration rules are: N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Desjardins?
Desjardins Pet Insurance is reimbursement‑based: you normally pay your veterinarian at point of service and submit a claim for reimbursement.
The policy materials do not describe a standard third‑party direct‑pay or advance payment service, so clinics should be assumed to require upfront payment unless they have separate arrangements.
For planned high‑cost treatments ask for pre‑authorization to confirm coverage before you proceed and to discuss any possible clinic billing options.
Use the customer care number (1‑855‑343‑9393) or the online portal to clarify payment or direct‑pay possibilities before treatment.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Desjardins?
To cancel, contact Desjardins customer care at 1‑855‑343‑9393, use the online portal, or email your request and include your policy number and pet details.
Provide a signed written request or the account holder’s authenticated email if requested to confirm identity and authority to cancel.
Ask for written confirmation of the effective cancellation date and a final billing statement to verify any prorated premium or refund.
The policy documents do not specify a standard notice period or exact proration rules, so request case‑specific details from customer care.
What waiting periods apply before coverage begins?
Desjardins applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses measured from your policy start date.
Dental issues, cruciate ligament injuries and intervertebral disc disease generally carry a 6‑month waiting period before they are eligible.
The Gold Paw plan includes preventive care with no waiting period for that specific benefit, while other routine services remain subject to exclusions.
Any signs, treatment or diagnosis occurring during waiting periods are treated as pre‑existing and are excluded from coverage.
How are reimbursements, deductibles and annual limits calculated?
Standard reimbursement is 80% (you pay 20% co‑insurance) and an annual deductible applies; deductibles increase with the pet’s age.
Illness coverage limits renew annually and accident limits are per incident; exact dollar amounts are specified in the Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not included in the provided docs).
Confirm your chosen deductible option (age‑based) and review your policy schedule for precise maximum payable amounts and whether any benefits are excluded from co‑insurance.
Contact customer care or check your Certificate of Insurance for the numeric limits that apply to your selected plan.
What conditions and costs are excluded from Desjardins pet insurance?
Pre‑existing or foreseeable conditions, and anything showing signs before the policy start or during waiting periods, are excluded from coverage.
The policy also excludes routine preventive care (unless covered by Gold Paw), most dental disease, spay/neuter and related complications, prescription food, and elective procedures.
Bilateral conditions are treated as one condition (if one side was pre‑existing the other is also excluded), and owner‑caused injuries or neglect are not covered.
Review the full exclusions list in your policy wording for breed‑specific exclusions, medication requirements (DIN/NHP), and other detailed limitations.
How do I submit a claim and what support is available?
Submit claims through the online customer portal, by phone to customer care, by fax to 1‑866‑501‑5580, or by email to the insurer’s claims address as listed in your policy.
Include a completed claim form, itemized veterinary invoices, and relevant medical records; pre‑authorization is recommended for planned procedures.
The documents do not guarantee a fixed claim processing time, so ask customer care for current average turnaround when you file a claim.
Keep originals of invoices and medical records and request claim confirmation or a tracking reference when you submit to avoid delays.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Desjardins?
Desjardins Pet Insurance is reimbursement‑based: you normally pay your veterinarian at point of service and submit a claim for reimbursement.
The policy materials do not describe a standard third‑party direct‑pay or advance payment service, so clinics should be assumed to require upfront payment unless they have separate arrangements.
For planned high‑cost treatments ask for pre‑authorization to confirm coverage before you proceed and to discuss any possible clinic billing options.
Use the customer care number (1‑855‑343‑9393) or the online portal to clarify payment or direct‑pay possibilities before treatment.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Desjardins?
To cancel, contact Desjardins customer care at 1‑855‑343‑9393, use the online portal, or email your request and include your policy number and pet details.
Provide a signed written request or the account holder’s authenticated email if requested to confirm identity and authority to cancel.
Ask for written confirmation of the effective cancellation date and a final billing statement to verify any prorated premium or refund.
The policy documents do not specify a standard notice period or exact proration rules, so request case‑specific details from customer care.
What waiting periods apply before coverage begins?
Desjardins applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses measured from your policy start date.
Dental issues, cruciate ligament injuries and intervertebral disc disease generally carry a 6‑month waiting period before they are eligible.
The Gold Paw plan includes preventive care with no waiting period for that specific benefit, while other routine services remain subject to exclusions.
Any signs, treatment or diagnosis occurring during waiting periods are treated as pre‑existing and are excluded from coverage.
How are reimbursements, deductibles and annual limits calculated?
Standard reimbursement is 80% (you pay 20% co‑insurance) and an annual deductible applies; deductibles increase with the pet’s age.
Illness coverage limits renew annually and accident limits are per incident; exact dollar amounts are specified in the Schedule of Maximum Amounts (not included in the provided docs).
Confirm your chosen deductible option (age‑based) and review your policy schedule for precise maximum payable amounts and whether any benefits are excluded from co‑insurance.
Contact customer care or check your Certificate of Insurance for the numeric limits that apply to your selected plan.
What conditions and costs are excluded from Desjardins pet insurance?
Pre‑existing or foreseeable conditions, and anything showing signs before the policy start or during waiting periods, are excluded from coverage.
The policy also excludes routine preventive care (unless covered by Gold Paw), most dental disease, spay/neuter and related complications, prescription food, and elective procedures.
Bilateral conditions are treated as one condition (if one side was pre‑existing the other is also excluded), and owner‑caused injuries or neglect are not covered.
Review the full exclusions list in your policy wording for breed‑specific exclusions, medication requirements (DIN/NHP), and other detailed limitations.
How do I submit a claim and what support is available?
Submit claims through the online customer portal, by phone to customer care, by fax to 1‑866‑501‑5580, or by email to the insurer’s claims address as listed in your policy.
Include a completed claim form, itemized veterinary invoices, and relevant medical records; pre‑authorization is recommended for planned procedures.
The documents do not guarantee a fixed claim processing time, so ask customer care for current average turnaround when you file a claim.
Keep originals of invoices and medical records and request claim confirmation or a tracking reference when you submit to avoid delays.
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