Best Pet Insurance in Ontario for July 2024

As pet owners, we strive to give our furry companions the best care and attention. However, unexpected accidents or illnesses can arise, leading to expensive veterinary bills, especially with the high cost of living in Ontario. That's where pet insurance comes to the rescue.

Pet insurance in Ontario provides a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills due to accidents or illnesses. But how do you choose the best pet insurance? We've got you covered.

HelloSafe evaluated 11 Canadian pet insurance companies, highlighting their coverage options, pros, cons, and more to help you find the best pet insurance in Ontario. Use our free tool at the top of this page to compare pet insurance quotes online and make an informed decision.

Fetch Pet Insurance: Best for Customizable Plans

If you're looking for a customizable pet insurance option, Fetch Pet Insurance is a good choice. Fetch lets you choose your maximum annual coverage, reimbursement, and deductible. Annual coverage options are $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement rates.

Deductible options are $300, $500 or $700* and they are age-based. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, emergency visits, dental care, behavioural therapy, and holistic care. However, Fetch does not cover pre-existing conditions or routine preventative care and is unavailable in New Brunswick or Quebec.

Fetch also offers discounts, such as a 10% off for shelter rescues or adopted pets, and a 10% discount for active or retired service members.

Read our full Fetch Pet Insurance review.

Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance: Best for Flexibility

Pets Plus Us offers two comprehensive pet insurance plans: Accident & Illness, and Accident, with your choice of deductible and reimbursement giving you the options to tailor your coverage. Their accident and illness plan provides coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while their accident insurance plan offers coverage of $5,000. Pets Plus Us is one of the very few providers that offer an accident-only plan.

For their 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 80%. Deductibles range from $100 to $700, and they are age-based. Its 4Life Guarantee ensures continuous benefit renewal throughout a pet's lifetime. They cover all breeds and breed-associated health conditions, except for pre-existing conditions.

Trupanion Pet Insurance: Best for High Reimbursement Rates

Trupanion offers a Lifetime Policy with unlimited coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate. The company allows you to customize your deductible, ranging from $0 to $1,000, ensuring a monthly cost that aligns with your budget. Trupanion's standout feature is its lifetime per condition deductible, meaning you only pay when your pet develops a new condition. It does not apply an age-based deductible as your pet gets older.

Coverage includes hereditary and congenital conditions, diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, advanced dental care, alternative therapies, and prosthetic devices. Trupanion focuses on sudden and expensive illnesses and does not cover pre-existing conditions, exam fees, routine wellness, or elective procedures.

Read our full Trupanion Pet Insurance review.

PHI Direct Pet Insurance: Best for Affordable Premiums

PHI Direct offers budget-friendly pet insurance with annual coverage limits of $5,000 or $10,000. Reimbursement is up to 80%, with a low deductible of $200. PHI Direct's premiums are significantly lower. According to the 2021 North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) Industry Data Report, PHI Direct's average premiums are approximately 45.8% less for dogs and 37.7% less for cats.

Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, and dental treatments for tooth fractures. Their 'New-Condition' Coverage covers the first 12 months of a new illness or injury. This coverage period is valuable as it addresses the initial high costs associated with diagnosing and treating a new condition. However, it does not cover pre-existing conditions or provide coverage in Quebec.

Read our full PHI Direct Pet Insurance review.

Furkin Pet Insurance: Best for Continuous Coverage

Furkin offers unlimited 'per condition' benefits with a $20,000 annual maximum, which is more than most other providers. With Furkin's Lifetime Coverage, there are no caps on eligible conditions. You can enjoy automatic annual renewals, ensuring continuous coverage year after year.

Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, and dental injuries. Deductibles can be chosen from $100, $300, or $750 (age-based). Furkin goes above and beyond by providing 24/7 access to a Telehealth hotline staffed by veterinary nurses. Additionally, you receive a complimentary subscription to Petriage, an invaluable online pet triaging software. They do not cover pre-existing conditions, pets older than 14 years, and wellness or preventive care.

Read our full Furkin Pet Insurance review.

Desjardins Pet Insurance: Best for Dental Coverage

Underwritten by Petline Insurance, a reputable provider, Desjardins Pet Insurance ensures reliable protection through three distinct plans: Bronze Paw ($4,000 coverage), Silver Paw ($8,000 coverage), and Gold Paw (unlimited coverage). The Silver Paw and Gold Paw plans stand out by providing extensive coverage for dental care and cleanings, promoting your pets' overall health. For the Bronze Paw plan, there is the option to add $500 coverage specifically for dental care.

The average monthly price for the Desjardins pet insurance ranges from $37 for a dog and $26 for a cat to $136 for a dog and $87 for a cat based on the policy. You can save 10% on your premiums if you have three or more pets. Coverage includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization, prescription drugs, preventive care, and MRIs, with deductibles from $100 to $350. However, pre-existing conditions, behavioural, and alternative therapies aren't covered without add-ons.

Read our full Desjardins Pet Insurance review.

OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise

OVMA Pet Health Insurance, created by Ontario veterinarians and backed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, offers plans based on local veterinary expertise. Choose from three plans: Comprehensive ($5,000 annual limit), Extended ($10,000 annual limit), and Unlimited+ (no annual limit), with deductibles from $100 to $500.

There’s a six-month waiting period for dental issues, cruciate ligament, and intervertebral disc disease, but the Unlimited+ plan has no waiting period for preventive care. Deciduous (baby) teeth conditions have only a 14-day waiting period with prior approval. While there's no vet direct pay option or 24/7 health line, the Unlimited+ plan includes wellness coverage, and all plans cover dental illness. You can also save with multi-pet and loyalty discounts after the first year.

Read our full OVMA Pet Insurance review.

Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Flexible Coverage Levels

Spot pet insurance offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only. It is one of the few companies to offer accident-only plans. It has annual limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. Deductibles range from $100 to $300, with reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. You can add optional Preventative Care coverage to the Accident and Illness plan as well. It doesn't enforce per-incident or lifetime caps ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and optional wellness riders for routine care. Spot has shorter waiting periods compared to other insurers, allowing for quicker coverage activation. Spot offers an optional wellness rider that covers spay or neuter surgery. However, they do not cover dental illnesses and implement age-based deductibles and reimbursement.

Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simplicity and Affordability

Sonnet Pet Insurance, underwritten by Petline Insurance Company, provides a straightforward plan with a $5,000 maximum annual coverage, including $2,500 per accident and $2,500 per condition. Deductibles are $100 or $300, with an 80% reimbursement. Coverage includes emergencies, accidents, illnesses, and dental care. Behavioural and alternative therapies are also included.

Pet owners also get their kennel and boarding fees covered apart from lost pet advertising. Additionally, the plans cover cremation or burial costs, an in-memoriam donation, and holiday cancellations. But they do not offer wellness options or vet direct payment. Sonnet Pet Insurance has a simple claims process and is supported by an award-winning customer care team.

Read our full Sonnet Pet Insurance review.

Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Diverse Options

Peppermint offers four levels of coverage: Lite, Base, Plus, and Prime, with annual limits of up to $10,000. The plans also include an accident-only plan. The monthly premiums are cheaper than most pet insurance providers. With a low $100 deductible (up to $500 based on age), you can get up to 80% reimbursement.

Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, alternative therapies, behavioural therapy, and pet ownership assistance. They do not cover dental illness and have age-based deductibles.

Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Multi-Pet Discounts

Petsecure offers four plan options with annual coverage limits and deductible choices: Secure 1 ($2,000), Secure 2 ($5,000), Secure 3 ($10,000), and Secure 4 (unlimited). Deductibles range from $100 to $400, with reimbursement rates of 80%.

There is a 48-hour waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, dental care, and routine wellness. Multi-pet discounts of 10-15% are available, but they do not offer vet direct payment and have higher premiums for $5,000 coverage.

Pet Insurance Companies in Ontario: Ratings

Pet Insurance Company	HelloSafe Rating	Reimbursement Options	Deductible Options
Fetch Pet Insurance	4.9	70%, 80%, 90%	$300, $500 or $700*
Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance	4.8	70%, 80%, 90%	$100-$700*
Trupanion Pet Insurance	4.7	90%	$0-$1,000
PHI Direct	4.5	80%	$200
Furkin Pet Insurance	4.4	80%	$100, $300, $750*
OVMA Pet Health Insurance	4.3	80%	$100-$500*
Spot Pet Insurance	4.3	70% to 90% (age-based)	$100-$300*
Sonnet Pet Insurance	4.3	80%	$100 or $300*
Desjardins Pet Insurance	4.2	80%	$100*
Peppermint Pet Insurance	4.1	80%	$100*
Petsecure Pet Insurance	4.1	80%	$100-$400*

• *Age-based deductible - changes as your pet gets older

How does pet insurance work in Ontario?

Ontario Pet insurance works by having pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance company. In return, the pet insurance company reimburses a portion of eligible veterinary expenses. Here's how it typically works:

1. Choose a Plan: Select a pet insurance plan with coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and deductible amounts that suit your needs.
2. Pay Premiums: Pay the monthly or annual premiums to keep the policy active.
3. Visit the Vet: Take your pet to the veterinarian for treatment when needed.
4. Submit a Claim: After the visit, submit a claim to the insurance company with the vet bill and necessary documentation.
5. Receive Reimbursement: The insurance company reviews the claim and reimburses you for the covered portion of the expenses, minus the deductible.

Example: Suppose you have a pet insurance plan with a $500 annual deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate, and a $10,000 annual coverage limit. If your dog needs emergency surgery costing $3,000:

• You pay the $500 deductible.
• The insurance company reimburses 90% of the remaining $2,500, which is $2,250.
• You end up paying $750 out-of-pocket, and the insurance covers $2,250 of the surgery cost.

This way, pet insurance helps manage unexpected veterinary expenses, making it more affordable to provide the best care for your pet.

How much is pet insurance in Ontario?

Average monthly cost of pet insurance in Ontario

The cost of Ontario pet insurance will vary based on the animal you are insuring, their age and how comprehensive a cover you are interested in.

Basic pet insurance in Ontario generally starts at around $39 per month for a dog and $29 per month for a cat. More comprehensive insurance, that is insurance with higher reimbursement rates and higher coverage levels, may cost as much as $150 per month.

Here's a pet insurance quote we got using the HelloSafe tool from Fetch Pet Insurance. It took just a couple of minutes and it was completely online. The quotes are for a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever in Ontario. The coverage is a comprehensive plan including dental coverage.

Feature	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
Max Annual Payout	$5,000	$10,000	$15,000
Annual Deductible	$300	$300	$500
Reimbursement Rate	90%	90%	90%
Monthly Premium	$115.87	$141.98	$143.37

Is pet insurance more expensive in Ontario?

No, pet insurance is not more expensive in Ontario.

Pet insurance is always private and therefore does not change from province to province. All pet insurance companies offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada.

How to get the cheapest pet insurance in Ontario?

When seeking affordable pet insurance in Ontario, start by determining your specific coverage needs. Consider whether you require coverage for accidents only or a comprehensive plan that includes illnesses and routine care.

Assess additional features like pet ownership assistance coverage and other unforeseeable circumstances like euthanasia. Be aware that more comprehensive plans tend to have higher monthly premiums.

Review the policy details, such as waiting periods, exclusions, and age-based deductibles, to understand any limitations. Adjusting your deductible and reimbursement rates can help save on premiums.

Look for potential discounts, such as multi-pet (considering most providers offer a 5% discount), loyalty, bundled, healthy pet, and member discounts, while also inquiring about special discounts for military service or seniors.

Ultimately, the most important part of getting a cheap pet insurance policy is by comparing your options. You can simply use our free tool at the top to compare free pet insurance quotes online based on your unique needs.

What does pet insurance in Ontario cover?

The coverage offered by pet insurance varies based on the policy provider and the premiums involved. It could differ based on whether you go for an accident-only policy, a mix of both accident and illness or just wellness coverage.

However, some conditions are commonly covered by the best pet insurance policies. Policies offer comprehensive coverage, encompassing emergency and serious illnesses like cancer and accidents.

They go beyond by providing coverage for advanced care such as testing, diagnostics, chemotherapy, endoscopies, and MRIs. Moreover, these policies often include alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Additionally, some plans extend coverage to behavioural therapy, addressing issues such as aggression, destructive chewing, and excessive barking.

It's important to review the policy carefully to understand the specific exclusions before enrolling in a pet insurance plan.

Is pet insurance in Ontario worth it?

You may have read that rather than buying pet insurance, it is better to put money aside and save. It is true that if you have a young, healthy animal who will only need to see the vet for routine visits then it is possible you could pay for these by putting aside some money from your paycheck.

However, if you have an older animal or one that has health problems then you are unlikely to be able to save the amount needed to pay for long-term care.

Example of the cost of owning a young dog without pet insurance

• Chris, 27, from Toronto, has an Australian Shepherd puppy called Buttons. Chris is currently making good money in his job as a graphic designer. Buttons is from a healthy breed, young, and unlikely to have any problems. If Chris can put aside $50 a month he will probably be able to cover the routine costs like:

Basic procedures	Cost
Vet visits	$109
Vaccines	$115
Dental treatment	$531
Parasite treatment	$178

Example of the cost of owning an older dog without pet insurance

Let's take another example for contrast. Marjory, 45, lives in Durham. She has a pug, Blueberry, whom she loves very much but is getting on a bit at 12. Let's look at some of the costs that Marjory might have to pay as she looks after Blueberry.

Longer procedures	Cost
Arthritis treatment	$300+/year
Cancer treatment	$4000+
Ligament repair	up to $5,000 per knee
Antibiotics	10c -50c / pill

The best way for you to save money on your pet insurance coverage, while still providing your pet an efficient protection, is to compare the market's offers. You can do so using our free online comparison tool at the top of this page.