What is Canada's Best Dog Insurance in 2023?

Did you know that one in three Canadian homes includes at least one furry companion? That’s about 8 million dogs! Pups have always walked alongside us in this country, from the Chow Chow to the Chihuahua. We all know dogs are passionately loyal — there for us through thick and thin.

And what is the best way to look after humanity’s best friend? If your dog got hurt or sick, would you be able to afford the thousands of dollars it may cost to treat them? Is your dog protected?

This guide will introduce you to the different aspects of dog insurance, what it covers, how much it costs and why you need it, so you can give humanity’s best friend the best protection!

Canada's Best Dog Insurances For 2023

Whether you have a playful puppy or a seasoned senior, finding the right dog insurance can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your canine companion's health is safeguarded. Read on as we dive into the world of dog insurance and discover the best options to protect your best friend.

Trupanion Dog Insurance: Policy with generous reimbursement

Trupanion Pet Insurance has been a leading provider in the pet insurance industry since 1998, offering a standout option for dog owners seeking comprehensive coverage. With their unique Lifetime Policy, Trupanion sets itself apart from the competition.

One of the key advantages of Trupanion is their unlimited coverage, ensuring that your dog's medical expenses are fully protected without per incident, annual, or lifetime payout limits.

Trupanion Pet Insurance also offers a generous reimbursement rate of 90%, ensuring that a significant portion of your veterinary costs will be covered. Additionally, they allow you to customise your deductible, ranging from $0 to $1,000.

What makes Trupanion truly unique is its lifetime per condition deductible. This means that you only have to pay the deductible once when your pet develops a new condition, rather than with each claim.

While routine wellness care is not covered by Trupanion, the company prioritises fast service and even offers the convenience of paying your veterinarian directly before you leave. This ensures that you can focus on your dog's health without the stress of upfront payment and reimbursement.

In addition to essential medical expenses, Trupanion provides comprehensive coverage for alternative medicine and therapies. This includes treatments like bone marrow transplants, herbal therapy, and stem cell therapy, letting you explore various options for your dog's well-being.

It's important to note that Trupanion's plans do not include wellness coverage, as their focus is primarily on essential medical expenses. Routine 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 get a quick dog insurance quote from our partner Trupanion in just a few seconds.

Fetch dog insurance: Policy with flexible customisations

Fetch by The Dodo, formerly known as Petplan, is an esteemed pet insurance company that has been providing reliable protection for dogs since its establishment in 2007.

Affordability is a key aspect of Fetch Pet Insurance, offering various discount options to ensure manageable monthly premiums. Their coverage is designed to address unforeseen accidents and illnesses, prioritising the well-being of dogs at all stages of life.

While unlimited coverage is not available, Fetch provides a substantial annual maximum of $15,000, offering protection for a wide range of pet-related issues.

When it comes to customisation, Fetch offers flexibility with choices 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's notable features include extensive dental coverage, pet owner assistance, and valuable inclusions like lost pet advertising and boarding during medical emergencies. These features ensure that you have comprehensive support for your dog's well-being.

Fetch also goes the extra mile by offering discounts, including a 10% off for shelter rescues or adopted pets, as well as a 10% discount for active or retired service members.

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

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

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

Desjardins Dog Insurance: Affordable policy with good coverage

Since its launch in January 2013, the Desjardins Pet Insurance Program has been dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage specifically tailored for dogs.

Backed by Petline Insurance, a trusted provider with a 28-year history of insuring over 1.2 million pets, Desjardins Pet Insurance offers reliable protection for your canine companion.

Desjardins Insurance offers three distinct plans: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw. What sets the Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans apart is their extensive coverage for dental care and cleanings, prioritising the overall health and well-being of dogs.

The average monthly price for Desjardins pet insurance for dogs ranges from $37 for the basic coverage, to $136 for more comprehensive coverage, based on the specific policy.

For those opting for the Bronze Paw plan, there is the option to add $500 coverage specifically for dental care. While the maximum coverage amounts may be slightly lower at $2,000 (Bronze Paw) and $4,000 (Silver Paw) compared to other plans (excluding the Gold Paw unlimited plan), Desjardins Pet Insurance still provides substantial protection for a range of dog-related expenses.

Policyholders with three or more dogs can take advantage of a 10% discount on their monthly premiums, making it more cost-effective to insure multiple furry friends and ensuring their well-being without breaking the bank.

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 Dog Insurance: Multiple plans and affiliate options

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, PetsPlusUs pet insurance has established itself as a trusted and reputable company in the world of dog insurance. With a decade of positive impact on the lives of 100,000 beloved pets, PetsPlusUs has garnered a strong reputation for reliable coverage and exceptional service.

PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance sets itself apart from the competition by offering exclusive member discounts through partnerships with renowned names like Costco and CAA.

Costco Pet Insurance provides Executive Members with a generous 15% discount, while Gold Star and Business Members receive a valuable 10% discount, making comprehensive pet insurance even more accessible.

When it comes to coverage options, PetsPlusUs offers three comprehensive plans, accompanied by the flexibility of wellness benefits through the optional Flex Care policy add-on. In addition, they provide the convenience of direct payment to the veterinarian for expensive cases.

One notable advantage of PetsPlusUs is the absence of special waiting periods, ensuring that pets can receive coverage promptly without any unnecessary delays.

Their accident and illness plan offers coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, providing ample protection for unexpected veterinary expenses. 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. For the accident insurance plan, the reimbursement rate is set at a competitive 80%.

PetsPlusUs takes pride in its 4Life Guarantee, ensuring continuous benefit renewal throughout a dog's lifetime. They offer coverage for all breeds and breed-associated health conditions, with the exception of 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 dog Insurance: Continuous coverage

Furkin Pet Insurance is a trusted and comprehensive choice for dog owners across Canada. With a team of experienced experts in pet health and insurance, Furkin is dedicated to nurturing the special bond between dogs and their families.

When it comes to coverage, Furkin stands out by offering unlimited 'per condition' benefits. This means that you can utilise your annual coverage for multiple illnesses or accidents throughout the year, providing peace of mind and comprehensive protection for your beloved dog.

Furkin provides the flexibility to choose the deductible that best suits you, giving you full control over your monthly premium.

With Furkin's Lifetime Coverage, there are no caps on eligible conditions. This means that regardless of the ongoing or recurring nature of your dog's health issues, you can enjoy continuous coverage year after year.

Automatic annual renewals further simplify the process, ensuring that your dog remains protected without any interruptions.

Furkin's policy offers a generous $20,000 annual maximum benefit, without any per incident or per illness limits. This means that your dog can receive the necessary care and treatment they need, without any financial constraints hindering their well-being.

They offer 24/7 access to a Telehealth hotline staffed by knowledgeable veterinary nurses, giving you professional guidance whenever you need it.

Additionally, you receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an invaluable online pet triaging software that can help you assess your dog's health and provide appropriate care.

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 Dog Insurance: The cheapest monthly premiums

PHI Direct is a well-established insurance brand that specialises in providing affordable and reliable dog insurance coverage. PHI Direct brings over 20 years of expertise in pet health and insurance to dog owners.

PHI Direct Pet Insurance provides coverage of up to 80%. Their annual policy limits, available in options of $5,000 or $10,000, provide financial protection and flexibility to suit different budgets and requirements.

PHI Direct's coverage includes essential services such as taxes, examination fees, prescription medications, treatment for breed-specific conditions, alternative therapies, dental treatments for tooth fractures, parasite treatments, and more.

PHI Direct stands out by offering a low deductible of $200. They also provide a 5% multi-pet discount, making it more affordable for dog owners with multiple pets to protect their furry family members.

One of the remarkable features of PHI Direct is their unique 'New-Condition' Coverage. This coverage is specifically designed to address the initial high costs associated with diagnosing and treating a new illness or injury in dogs.

By covering the first 12 months of a new condition, PHI Direct helps dog owners better manage their budgets for ongoing care of chronic conditions or future treatments in subsequent policy years.

According to the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct's average premiums are significantly lower, with approximately 45.8% less for dog insurance and 37.7% less for cat insurance.

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 dog insurance?

Dog insurance is a type of health insurance for your dog, protecting their health and shielding your wallet from unexpected expenses. Dog health insurance is a form of pet insurance for your dog that covers unforeseen costs associated with your dog’s health. If your dog is injured or gets sick, veterinary costs can quickly spiral out of control. A simple procedure, like neutering, can cost between $500 and $800. Some more complex operations, like eye surgery, can run to five-figure sums.

The annual average cost of owning a dog in Canada is around $3,700, and for a puppy, the price increases to over $4,600. For example, let's take diabetes. The cost of insulin can cost more than $100, depending on your dog’s size, and routine visits typically cost over $300 while dental treatments start at $500. Compare those numbers to the fact that most Canadians can only afford to spend up to $1,500 for veterinary treatment, and dog insurance in Canada becomes the only way to prepare yourself for the unexpected and have the power to act when it comes to the health of your dog.

How much for dog insurance?

Like most insurance, the cost of dog insurance in Canada varies. How much you pay and what is covered will depend on the policy you purchase. Price varies depending 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:

Most insurers provide coverage nationally, so the price of dog insurance in BC should be similar to that of dog insurance in Ontario. Although, differences can exist between rural, suburban and rural areas because pet ownership in them comes with different levels of risk.

How much does it cost to neuter a dog?

Neutering is an important procedure that concerns all breeds. After all, you don't want to unexpectedly have a litter of puppies joining your family. The cost of the surgery depends on the size and gender of your dog:

Eight tips for the cheapest dog insurance in Canada

With numerous dog insurance providers available, it's essential to navigate the landscape strategically to secure the most cost-effective coverage that meets your furry friend's needs. To help you out, we've compiled eight valuable tips to help you find the cheapest dog insurance in Canada.

1. Opt for Accident-Only Coverage: Consider accident-only insurance plans as they often come at a lower cost compared to comprehensive coverage options.
2. Customise Your Policy: Evaluate your dog's specific needs and tailor your policy accordingly. By customising the coverage, you can ensure you're only paying for the essential protection your dog requires.
3. Adjust Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates: You can lower your premiums by selecting higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates. This means you'll have higher out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim, but it can significantly impact the overall cost of your pet insurance.
4. Seek Discounts: Look for multi-pet discounts, which can range from 5% to 10% off your premiums when you insure multiple pets with the same provider.
5. Bundle Insurance Policies: Consider bundling your pet insurance policy with other types of insurance, such as renters insurance, as this may qualify you for additional discounts.
6. Explore Membership Clubs: Check if membership clubs like Costco offer exclusive savings on pet insurance rates. In some cases, you may find discounts of up to 15% off regular premiums.
7. Enrol Early: It's advisable to enrol your dog at a young age to benefit from lower premiums. Insurance rates are typically more affordable for puppies and younger dogs compared to older dogs.
8. Maintain Your Pet's Health: Some insurance providers offer diminishing deductibles as a reward for maintaining your pet's good health.

How does dog insurance work?

Dog insurance in Canada helps relieve the financial strain of unforeseen health costs on your wallet when your furry friend is ill or injured. An insurance policy is often the only way pet owners are empowered to do the right thing for their dog’s health and well-being.

Once you’ve chosen the best policy for you and your dog, the insurance provider will calculate a premium (based on several factors such as your dog's age and breed) that you will pay each month.

Dog insurance's reimbursements

Usually, you will have to pay the veterinary costs out of your pocket first before being reimbursed by the provider. Rates of reimbursement are typically between 80% and 100% after you pay the deductible, a dollar amount you have to spend before the insurance kicks in.

For example, Desjardins' pet insurance offers 80% of expenses covered and a 10% discount if you insure 3 or more pets with them.

Getting the cash to pay upfront may seem daunting, but that way you are not limited to vets that partner with your insurer. Any licensed vet clinic or animal hospital will do.

Some providers also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or for help finding a vet.

When to buy dog insurance?

The best time to get insurance for your dog is when they are young, ideally still a puppy. Many dogs will have at least one medical emergency in their lifetime, which is the reason why veterinarians recommend getting coverage as soon as possible.

Most pet owners in Canada buy dog health insurance earlier than 6 months after getting their dog.

Each breed has its health risks, and each stage of a dog’s life comes with its own hazards. Pet insurers will rarely cover a pre-existing condition. That’s why it’s so important to start your coverage while your dog is young.

Also, the younger your dog is when they get insured, the cheaper your insurance policy gets. Peace of mind — that is what the best dog insurance gets you in the case of unexpected veterinary costs.

What does dog insurance cover?

Pet health insurance in Canada covers a variety of emergency and longer-term treatments for your dog. The availability of the treatments and the amount reimbursed will depend on your policy’s coverage. Let's look at accident and illness vs preventive care coverage.

Accident and illness coverage

If your dog suffers an accident or becomes unwell, most insurers will cover the costs of:

• X-rays
• Short stays for monitoring
• Emergency diagnosis
• Prescriptions
• Any surgery they may need
• MRI and other scans
• Chemotherapy

Preventative care coverage

Preventative medicine is always more effective (and cheaper in the long run) than reactive medicine. However, usually, only the best dog insurance in Canada will cover these kinds of treatments, including:

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

What isn’t covered by dog insurance?

Dog insurance does not typically cover:

• Routine check-ups
• Any conditions the insurer deems to be pre-existing
• Wellness exam fees
• Vaccinations
• Spay/neuter
• Microchip
• Parasite prevention
• Routine lab work
• Dental cleaning

Although the cheapest dog insurance in Canada will not cover routine veterinary expenses, some insurance companies offer pet wellness plans that reimburse you for common, expected procedures such as vaccination and most routine tests.

What should I consider when choosing dog insurance?

In Canada, pet owners have several options when it comes to dog insurance to protect their furry friends and prevent a blow to their wallets.

Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the best dog insurance for you:

• Age: the younger the dog, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be. Also, an older dog is more likely to develop a health condition. Note that insurers never cover pre-existing conditions.
• Breed: some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, dog insurance for Great Danes and English Bulldogs costs more than for Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers.
• Gender: when it comes to insurance, male dogs are more expensive than female dogs. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums.
• Deductible: the higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium. However, note that your insurance will only start to reimburse your vet costs after you reach the deductible sum out of your own pocket.
• Location: where you live with your dog will influence how much you pay. Certain cities carry more outdoor risks than others.
• Additional coverage: you can purchase additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine, though these will naturally increase the cost of your insurance policy.

Is pet insurance worth it for dogs?

You might be asking yourself: is dog insurance worth it? Pet insurance is definitely worth having if you want to be able to look after your dog and keep them in the best health possible. Dog ownership is expensive! For an estimate, try our dog cost calculator.

Not having adequate protection can mean having to pay hefty, unexpected fees (that are difficult for any budget) or, in a worst-case scenario, not being able to pay for treatment for your dog at all.

Let's take a look at some typical costs associated with healthcare for dogs:

As you can see the cost of routine visits and normal, preventative care is not negligible. If you imagine a situation, perhaps with an older dog, where routine care needs to be more frequent and health complications can arrive suddenly and cause other problems, you can see the need for comprehensive insurance.

At the same time, a younger dog, from a relatively healthy breed might only need accident insurance to cover them if they are injured. However, it is better to have insurance you don't use than not to have insurance and need it!

Now that you have a good idea about dog insurance, you could use our comparator below and get quick and tailor-made quotes for Canada's best pet insurances.

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