OVMA Pet Insurance Review 2024: Updated
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Discover the methodologyOVMA Pet Health Insurance is developed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). It offers three plans including Unlimited+, Extended, and Comprehensive, providing coverage from $2,500 to unlimited annual limits. All plans feature an 80% reimbursement rate, with deductibles starting from $100, increasing with the pet’s age. OVMA pet insurance covers accidents, illnesses, hospitalization, medications, and alternative treatments like acupuncture and physiotherapy. All three plans offer dental coverage, a rarity among other providers. The Unlimited+ plan also offers a wellness option. However, it does not offer add-ons or riders to customize your coverage. It is ideal for pet owners seeking extensive and preventive care, especially those who appreciate the professional endorsement and added benefits like wellness care.
OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Key Takeaways
- Pets covered: Dogs, cats
- Plans: Comprehensive, Extended, Unlimited+
- Annual Coverage Options: $2,500, $5,000, Unlimited (per illness/per accident per year)
- Premium: $81.96/month (For a 4-year-old Labrador, $100 deductible)
- Reimbursement rate: 80%
- Annual deductible: Starting at $100* (age-based deductible)
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Our review of OVMA Pet Health Insurance
OVMA Pet Health Insurance, offered by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, provides three distinct plans: Unlimited+, Extended, and Comprehensive. All plans offer an 80% reimbursement.
The Comprehensive plan caps coverage at $2,500 per incident, the Extended plan at $5,000, while the Unlimited+ plan provides unlimited coverage. Coverage across these plans is robust. OVMA covers essential aspects like accidents, and illnesses, along with additional benefits for boarding fees, holiday cancellation, and cremation or burial costs. Specialized treatments such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and behavioural training are also included.
Notably, the Unlimited+ plan adds annual wellness care benefits, providing $450 for dogs and $350 for cats. Further, there is no waiting period for preventive care under the Unlimited+ plan offering immediate coverage. In this aspect, OVMA scores better than providers like Trupanion Pet Insurance that provides unlimited coverage but no preventive care.
All three OVMA plans offer dental coverage, making it better than other providers that offer dental as an add-on or have no dental care coverage like Peppermint Pet Insurance. The inclusion of exam fees and taxes sets OVMA apart, though the lack of certain coverages, like congenital conditions and pregnancy costs, limits its comprehensiveness.
OVMA employs an age-based deductible, with options ranging from $100 to $400. This offers flexibility, but the increase in deductibles as pets age could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs over time. OVMA also has lesser customization of deductible options.
The average monthly premiums for OVMA Pet Health Insurance are relatively high compared to insurers like PHI Direct Pet Insurance and Sonnet Pet Insurance. However, OVMA premiums are lesser compared to providers like Trupanion, which also offers unlimited coverage but at potentially higher premiums.
Customers appreciate the extensive coverage, especially for dental and behavioural treatments, and the inclusion of wellness benefits in the Unlimited+ plan. However, the main drawbacks are the age-based deductible, the absence of vet direct pay, and the lack of a 24/7 pet health hotline. These elements detract from its convenience and immediate financial relief aspects.
In summary, OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers a diverse range of plans with strong coverage options, though it may not be the most cost-effective choice. Its high premiums and age-based deductibles might not suit all pet owners, but its extensive benefits and comprehensive care make it a viable option for those prioritizing expert health and dental coverage for their pets.
Compare how OVMA fares against other pet insurance providers in the market using our free tool below. You can get free pet insurance quotes online based on your unique needs from top providers like Fetch and Pets Plus Us, instantly using our tool.
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What are the pros and cons of OVMA Pet Insurance?
Advantages
- Comprehensive coverage, including accidents, illnesses, dental, hospitalization, and alternative treatments.
- Unlimited+ plan offers unlimited annual coverage.
- Unlimited+ covers routine exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings.
- Dental coverage is included in all plans.
- Extra Benefits include boarding fees, holiday cancellation, and cremation.
- Loyalty discounts of 3% after the first year, and 5% after the second.
- Designed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
- No waiting period for preventive care with the Unlimited+ plan.
Disadvantages
- Age-based deductible that increases with the pet’s age.
- No vet direct pay option
- Six-month waiting period for dental, cruciate ligament, and disc disease.
- Fixed reimbursement rate at 80%, no higher options.
- Not available in Quebec.
- No 24/7 Hotline for emergency pet health advice.
What does OVMA pet insurance cover?
OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers extensive protection for accidents, illnesses, dental care, and alternative treatments across its plans. Here's a table including the coverage based on the plan.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Extended | Unlimited+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $2,500 | $5,000 | Unlimited |
| Reimbursement Rate | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Deductible Options | $100 * or $300 | $100 * or $300 | $250 or $400 |
| Coverage for Accidents | $2,500 per accident | $5,000 per accident | Unlimited |
| Coverage for Illnesses | $2,500 per illness | $5,000 per illness | Unlimited |
| Dental Coverage | $300 per year | $400 per year | $600 per year |
| Wellness Care | $450 for dogs / $350 for cats per year | ||
| Hospitalization & Surgery | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Medications | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Alternative Treatments | Covered (acupuncture, physiotherapy, etc.) | Covered (acupuncture, physiotherapy, etc.) | Covered (acupuncture, physiotherapy, etc.) |
| Boarding Fees | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Holiday Cancellation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Cremation/Burial Costs | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Ideal for | Pet owners who need basic coverage | Pet owners who need robust but limited coverage | Pet owners seeking comprehensive and preventive care |
- *Age-Based Deductible: Your policy’s deductible increases with your pet's age: starting at $100, it rises to $300 when your pet turns five, and to $500 at ten years or older.
The coverage also includes:
- Exam fees
- X-rays and other diagnostics
- Chronic conditions
- Medical devices (upon approval)
- Specialist referrals
- Lost pet advertising
- Coverage while travelling in the U.S. and Canada
What is the waiting period for OVMA pet insurance coverage?
- Accidents: 48 hours from policy activation.
- Illnesses: 14 days from policy activation.
- Dental & Specific Conditions: 6 months for dental issues, cruciate ligament injuries, and intervertebral disc disease.
What does OVMA pet health insurance not cover?
- Congenital Conditions. Example: Hip dysplasia, heart defects.
- Pregnancy Costs. Examples: Prenatal care, birthing, and postnatal care.
- Elective Treatments. Example: Tail docking, ear cropping.
- Pre-existing Conditions. Example: Chronic illnesses diagnosed before coverage.
- Cosmetic and Preventive Care (unless part of the Unlimited+ wellness benefits). Example: Teeth cleanings, spaying/neutering
- Experimental Treatments. Example: Unproven therapies or experimental drugs.
- Grooming and Behavioral Products. Example: Grooming, training collars.
- Dietary Supplements and Prescription Food. Example: Prescription pet foods unless medically necessary.
Good to know
When opting for an OVMA policy, your pet's medical history will undergo a comprehensive assessment before enrollment. This meticulous evaluation guarantees that there won't be any unforeseen exclusions concerning pre-existing conditions or other restrictions on coverage.
You can compare coverage of different pet insurance providers in Canada using our free tool below. Get the best pet insurance quotes online in a few minutes.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
How much does OVMA pet insurance cost?
The cost of OVMA pet health insurance depends on factors like the breed, age, and health condition of the pet. However, here are quotes we obtained from OVMA for a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever in Ontario.
OVMA Pet Insurance Cost for a 4-Year-Old Labrador Retriever
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | $81.96 | $100 |
| $66.15 | $300 | |
| Extended | $112.50 | $100 |
| $98.57 | $300 | |
| Unlimited+ | $202.69 | $250 |
| $182.11 | $400 |
You can get a quote from OVMA pet insurance online on the website. Simply navigate to the "Get a quote" option and fill in essential details. The process took us all of two minutes and we received the quotes for all three plans.
Pet Insurance costs vary based on your pet's age, breed, health condition, and the coverage you choose. It is therefore recommended to get personalized quotes.
How does OWMA pet insurance work?
How do I purchase a pet insurance plan with OVMA?
If you would like to obtain a quote and purchase an OVMA plan, you can do so online. All you need to do is enter basic information like your pet's name, age, and breed, and where you live, and get quotes instantly.
You could also call them on the toll-free number 1-844-744-6862 or write an email to [email protected] and get all the information you need to get the right policy.
How do I file an OVMA pet insurance claim?
If you need to file a claim, you will need to complete a personalized claim form that you will find by logging onto OVMA's website. You can also download the OVMA generic claim form here.
After you pay your bill, ask your veterinarian to fill out sections 1 and 3 of the claim form. You must fill out section 2.
Send the completed claim form to:
- OVMA's email: [email protected]
- OVMA's fax: 1-855-647-7387
- OVMA's mail address: Petline Insurance Company, 301-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5
How do I cancel my OVMA pet health insurance plan?
If you want to cancel your OVMA pet insurance policy, you can contact the customer service team at 1.844.744.6862 or write to [email protected].
Make sure to check with the team on cancellation upon renewal of your policy because some providers may charge additional fees for late cancelation.
Watch out!
However, cancelling your policy might put your pet at risk of not having coverage and result in expensive vet fees should something arise. Besides, the cost of owning a pet, even if it's healthy, is generally quite high without pet insurance.
Can I transfer my OVMA pet health insurance policy?
You might find yourself in a situation where you would like to change your pet insurance provider, for example, to get a better deal. When doing so, there are some factors to take into consideration:
- Difference in coverage - a medical condition may be considered pre-existing to the new insurer at the time of enrolment, and, therefore, not being covered.
- There may be an unavoidable waiting period before your new policy begins.
- Immediate savings of a new policy may ultimately cost more in the long run - the cost of ongoing treatment.
How can I contact OVMA pet insurance?
This is the best way to get in touch with OVMA:
- For any inquiry, call OVMA pet insurance on the following number: 1-844-744-6862
- You can also write to OVMA at this email id: [email protected]
