Petsecure Pet Insurance 2025: In-Depth Review, Coverage, and Pricing
Our expert's opinion on Petsecure
Petsecure is one of Canada's most established pet insurance providers, offering four tiers—Secure 1 through Secure 4—with coverage for accidents, illness, dental care, alternative and behavioural therapies, and unique extras like boarding, vacation cancellation, and lost pet advertising, though detail and extent depend on the chosen plan. Petsecure limits annual reimbursements and uses a mandatory co-insurance model (20–50%) and annual deductibles that increase with pet age, with only the highest Secure 4 plan including preventive care. Compared to leading digitally-focused competitors like Fetch or Trupanion, Petsecure is traditional in pricing and process, and stands out mainly for breadth of covered events and only moderate sub-limits, but with significant co-pay and deductible obligations. This provider is best suited to owners of middle-aged or older pets, those seeking wide event/circumstance coverage rather than the highest percentage reimbursement, and those who want some dental and alternative therapy protection for common breeds in Canada. Petsecure is underwritten by Petline Insurance, a long-standing Canadian insurer, but has a typically low Trustpilot score (2.2/5 from 12 reviews), with frequent customer complaints about claims denials (especially for pre-existing conditions) and slow processing; claims are usually handled via standard mail/email with variable processing times, often several weeks.
- ✅Four plan tiers for flexible coverage
- ✅Covers dental, alternative, and behavioural therapies
- ✅Includes boarding, vacation cancellation, lost pet advertising
- ✅Accident and illness coverage on all plans
- ✅Preventive care add-on with Secure 4
- ✅Annual deductible options by pet age and specie
- ✅Long-standing Canadian underwriter
- ❌High co-insurance (minimum 20%, can increase to 50%)
- ❌Frequent claim denials for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Strict limits and sub-limits on benefits
- ❌Low, unclaimed Trustpilot review score (2.2/5 from 12 reviews)
- ❌No digital-first or paperless claims process
- ✅Four plan tiers for flexible coverage
- ✅Covers dental, alternative, and behavioural therapies
- ✅Includes boarding, vacation cancellation, lost pet advertising
- ✅Accident and illness coverage on all plans
- ✅Preventive care add-on with Secure 4
- ✅Annual deductible options by pet age and specie
- ✅Long-standing Canadian underwriter
Our expert's opinion on Petsecure
Petsecure is one of Canada's most established pet insurance providers, offering four tiers—Secure 1 through Secure 4—with coverage for accidents, illness, dental care, alternative and behavioural therapies, and unique extras like boarding, vacation cancellation, and lost pet advertising, though detail and extent depend on the chosen plan. Petsecure limits annual reimbursements and uses a mandatory co-insurance model (20–50%) and annual deductibles that increase with pet age, with only the highest Secure 4 plan including preventive care. Compared to leading digitally-focused competitors like Fetch or Trupanion, Petsecure is traditional in pricing and process, and stands out mainly for breadth of covered events and only moderate sub-limits, but with significant co-pay and deductible obligations. This provider is best suited to owners of middle-aged or older pets, those seeking wide event/circumstance coverage rather than the highest percentage reimbursement, and those who want some dental and alternative therapy protection for common breeds in Canada. Petsecure is underwritten by Petline Insurance, a long-standing Canadian insurer, but has a typically low Trustpilot score (2.2/5 from 12 reviews), with frequent customer complaints about claims denials (especially for pre-existing conditions) and slow processing; claims are usually handled via standard mail/email with variable processing times, often several weeks.
- ✅Four plan tiers for flexible coverage
- ✅Covers dental, alternative, and behavioural therapies
- ✅Includes boarding, vacation cancellation, lost pet advertising
- ✅Accident and illness coverage on all plans
- ✅Preventive care add-on with Secure 4
- ✅Annual deductible options by pet age and specie
- ✅Long-standing Canadian underwriter
- ❌High co-insurance (minimum 20%, can increase to 50%)
- ❌Frequent claim denials for pre-existing conditions
- ❌Strict limits and sub-limits on benefits
- ❌Low, unclaimed Trustpilot review score (2.2/5 from 12 reviews)
- ❌No digital-first or paperless claims process
- ✅Four plan tiers for flexible coverage
- ✅Covers dental, alternative, and behavioural therapies
- ✅Includes boarding, vacation cancellation, lost pet advertising
- ✅Accident and illness coverage on all plans
- ✅Preventive care add-on with Secure 4
- ✅Annual deductible options by pet age and specie
- ✅Long-standing Canadian underwriter
- Petsecure Coverages
- Petsecure Exclusions
- Petsecure Prices
- Petsecure Assistance
- Customer Reviews of Petsecure
- Contact Petsecure
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market each year, offering you a dependable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, more than one million Canadians trust us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Petsecure Coverages
Petsecure offers four coverage tiers (Secure 1–4), all for dogs and cats, with Secure 4 notably distinguished by its inclusion of preventive care—an uncommon feature among Canadian pet insurers. All plans provide broad accident and illness coverage, dental, alternative therapies, and behavioral treatment as standard, but annual deductibles and minimum 20% co-insurance apply, with both possibly increasing for older pets or after high claims.
Strengths include full reimbursement of eligible expenses up to annual and per-condition limits, separate dental maximum, unique loss and reward benefits, and access to pre-authorization for some therapies and devices.
However, permanent exclusions for pre-existing, hereditary and congenital conditions are rigorous, waiting periods span from 48 hours to six months depending on treatment area, and coverage is unavailable for wellness care outside Secure 4, emergency assistance services (telehealth, hotlines), and most travel or breeding-related claims.
Name of coverage | Secure 1 | Secure 2 | Secure 3 | Secure 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plan positioning | Entry-level comprehensive | Intermediate | Advanced | Premium, with wellness |
Type of coverage (accident, illness, both) | Both | Both | Both | Both |
Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats | Dogs, cats |
Reimbursement rate (%) | 80% (min. 20% co-insurance) | 80% (min. 20% co-insurance) | 80% (min. 20% co-insurance) | 80% (min. 20% co-insurance) |
Annual reimbursement limit | Per Schedule of Maximums | Per Schedule of Maximums | Per Schedule of Maximums | Per Schedule of Maximums |
Deductible (annual or per claim) | Annual, per pet age and plan option | Annual, per pet age and plan option | Annual, per pet age and plan option | Annual, per pet age and plan option |
Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | Not Communicated (N.C.) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Not Communicated (N.C.) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
Waiting period (illness) | 14 days (except knees/dental: 6 mo) | 14 days (except knees/dental: 6 mo) | 14 days (except knees/dental: 6 mo) | 14 days (preventive care: none, else as left) |
Waiting period (accident) | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
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) | ✅ Separate annual max, 6 mo wait | ✅ Separate annual max, 6 mo wait | ✅ Separate annual max, 6 mo wait | ✅ Separate annual max, 6 mo wait |
Preventive care package (vaccines, etc.) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ annual limit |
Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ Annual max | ✅ Annual max | ✅ Annual max | ✅ Annual max |
Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | Canada, US (short trips only) | Canada, US (short trips only) | Canada, US (short trips only) | Canada, US (short trips only) |
Civil liability | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Euthanasia | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events |
Death & cremation coverage | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events | ✅ for covered events |
Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ✅ (ad/reward, limits apply) | ✅ (ad/reward, limits apply) | ✅ (ad/reward, limits apply) | ✅ (ad/reward, limits apply) |
Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ ($25/day, conditions apply) | ✅ ($25/day, conditions apply) | ✅ ($25/day, conditions apply) | ✅ ($25/day, conditions apply) |
Important Considerations for Coverage
Dental coverage, ligament, and intervertebral disc disease all require a six-month waiting period and are only insured after this period if no related symptoms are present at enrollment. Pre-existing and hereditary conditions are permanently excluded unless specially reviewed and accepted after 6–12 months with no symptoms or treatment. Preventive care (wellness package) is only available with Secure 4 and is subject to a separate annual limit. All plans require co-insurance (you pay at least 20%) and annual deductible, both of which increase with pet age and claims use. No coverage for third-party liability or emergency/telehealth service; limits and pre-approvals apply to some benefits.
Petsecure Exclusions
Exclusions | Details |
---|---|
Medical exclusions | • Pre-existing or foreseeable conditions (including symptoms or diagnosis before coverage or during waiting period; bilateral condition rule) • Any treatment not related to a covered accident or illness • Congenital conditions identified before or during the waiting period • Routine dental (non-anesthetic cleanings), grooming, nail trim, routine anal gland care • Over-the-counter or non-approved drugs (DIN/PSN required) • Spaying/neutering or related complications • Diets (prescribed or not) • Euthanasia not recommended due to a covered event • Elective/cosmetic procedures |
Reproductive exclusions | • Gestation, pregnancy, and related complications • Breeding, whelping, or use of animal for business/competition (unless specifically approved in advance) |
Identification & reward exclusions | • Lost pet advertising/reward only reimbursed with proof of receipt; no reimbursement to household staff/family • Claimant for lost pet cannot be member of same household or Petsecure employee |
Geographic/national exclusions | • Illness in cats with PIF, FIV, or FeLV diagnosed before or during waiting period • Use of the animal for business/professional/competition without prior approval • Restrictions on travel or claims occurring outside Canada and short-term US trips |
Owner conduct exclusions | • Claims related to intentional acts or gross negligence by owner • Claims arising from war (declared/undeclared), nuclear events, or natural disasters |
Conditional and time-limited exclusions | • Temporary exclusion: Any condition manifesting during the waiting period excluded permanently • Removal of a pre-existing exclusion possible only after vet review and up to 12 months symptom-free (varies by condition, requires written request and vet certificate) |
Boarding/travel exclusions | • Boarding not covered unless owner hospitalized at least 2 days for eligible causes (exclusions: pregnancy, elective surgery, addiction treatment) • Boarding limited to $25/day during eligible hospitalization • Vacation cancellation not covered if booked less than 28 days prior or unrelated to a covered event • Funeral/cremation only covered if related to accident/illness |
• Any treatment not related to a covered accident or illness
• Congenital conditions identified before or during the waiting period
• Routine dental (non-anesthetic cleanings), grooming, nail trim, routine anal gland care
• Over-the-counter or non-approved drugs (DIN/PSN required)
• Spaying/neutering or related complications
• Diets (prescribed or not)
• Euthanasia not recommended due to a covered event
• Elective/cosmetic procedures
• Breeding, whelping, or use of animal for business/competition (unless specifically approved in advance)
• Claimant for lost pet cannot be member of same household or Petsecure employee
• Use of the animal for business/professional/competition without prior approval
• Restrictions on travel or claims occurring outside Canada and short-term US trips
• Claims arising from war (declared/undeclared), nuclear events, or natural disasters
• Removal of a pre-existing exclusion possible only after vet review and up to 12 months symptom-free (varies by condition, requires written request and vet certificate)
• Boarding limited to $25/day during eligible hospitalization
• Vacation cancellation not covered if booked less than 28 days prior or unrelated to a covered event
• Funeral/cremation only covered if related to accident/illness
Petsecure Prices
Petsecure positions itself as a mid-range provider in the Canadian pet insurance market, offering balanced pricing for the breadth of its coverage. Plans feature flexible deductible and reimbursement options, with higher tiers (Secure 4) including preventative care, but premiums reflect this expanded coverage and tend to be slightly above the most budget competitors. Out-of-pocket costs may increase for older pets or those with claims history, as deductibles and co-insurance can be adjusted at renewal. Petsecure does not operate as a digital-only “insurtech,” so administrative overhead is standard for the sector, and digital user experience is moderate rather than cutting-edge. Overall, Petsecure suits pet owners seeking a reliable, full-spectrum policy but who do not prioritize the lowest possible premium or rapid digital features.
Secure 1 | Secure 2 | Secure 3 | Secure 4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Young cat (2–4 years) | $20/month | $25/month | $30/month | $38/month |
Senior cat (7–8 years) | $27/month | $33/month | $41/month | $49/month |
Small breed dog | $27/month | $34/month | $41/month | $52/month |
Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $24/month | $30/month | $37/month | $47/month |
Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $33/month | $40/month | $48/month | $59/month |
Senior dog (7–8 years) | $41/month | $49/month | $58/month | $68/month |
Petsecure Promo Codes
Petsecure 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.
What reimbursement amount can I expect from Petsecure?
With Petsecure’s Secure 4 plan, you can expect straightforward reimbursements on a wide range of pet health expenses—just pay your deductible once per year, and after that, Petsecure reimburses a high percentage of your eligible veterinary costs.
✅ Example 1: Emergency surgery for a dog (intestinal blockage)
Total vet costs: $2,800 (consultation, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, medications)
Annual deductible to subtract: $250 (dog age under 5, Option A)
Reimbursable amount: $2,800 – $250 = $2,550 80% of that is covered: $2,550 × 80% = $2,040 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,040.
ℹ️ The annual deductible is paid only once per policy year—subsequent claims are not subject to another deductible.
✅ Example 2: Annual preventive care package (Secure 4 plan, dog)
Total vet costs: $340 (wellness exam, core vaccines, flea/tick prevention, heartworm test)
Annual deductible does not apply to covered preventive care 80% of amount reimbursed (subject to plan limits): $340 × 80% = $272
👉 You receive $272 back for routine care.
ℹ️ Preventive care is exclusively included under Secure 4, with a maximum paid per year—excess will not be reimbursed.
✅ Example 3: Cat dental cleaning and tooth extraction
Total vet costs: $950 (dental scaling, tooth extraction, anesthesia, meds)
Deductible already paid earlier in the policy year Amount eligible: $950 80% reimbursed: $950 × 80% = $760
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $760.
ℹ️ Dental treatments are covered under Secure 4, but a six-month dental waiting period applies after enrollment.
Petsecure Assistance
Assistance Petsecure | Available? | Details |
---|---|---|
Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment option such as Payvet or Carecredit. The policyholder must pay the vet and claim for reimbursement. |
Payment facilities | ❌ | No mention of installment payments or fee-free payment plans for annual policies. |
Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. No information available regarding a mobile app for claims or policy management, nor user experience details. |
Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted by email, fax, or online portal. Digital submission is accepted; no app mentioned. |
Emergency vet service | ❌ | No emergency veterinary helpline or 24/7 teleconsultation provided. |
Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No reference to a network of approved or partner veterinary clinics in Canada. |
Coverage abroad | ✅ | Coverage valid in Canada and for short-term travel to the US, but no support services for extended trips or other countries. |
Customer Reviews of Petsecure
Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
---|---|
Trustpilot | 2.2/5 (12 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side :
- A successful approval of surgeries or treatments for older pets is mentioned in rare reviews.
- A flexibility to provide documentation for complex claims is sometimes acknowledged.
- A few users felt their pet's needs were taken seriously by certain claims representatives.
On the negative side :
- A high frequency of claim denials, especially related to pre-existing conditions or interpretations thereof, is cited by many users.
- A significant number of reviewers report ongoing premium payments and administrative issues after policy cancellation or even after a pet’s death.
- A notable reduction in coverage for long-term policyholders is a repeated concern among those who had been insured for several years.
- A slow claims process and long reimbursement wait times are commonly mentioned.
- A lack of adequate coverage for some high-cost medical devices and frustration with the handling of currency conversion/exchange rates is described by several customers.
Contact Petsecure
Petsecure 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 | Email your claims and supporting documents (claim form, itemized invoice, proof of payment, and medical records if required) to [email protected], fax to 1-866-501-5580, or mail to Petsecure, 301-600 Empress St, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5. Payment is made by direct deposit or cheque; average processing time is typically 7–10 business days once all documents are received. Call 1-800-268-1169 for claim status. |
To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact customer service at 1-800-268-1169 or email [email protected]; certificates are sent by email or mail upon request. |
To contact assistance | Assistance is limited to the claims process; call 1-800-268-1169 or email [email protected] for support. |
To cancel my policy | Call 1-800-268-1169 or email [email protected] and provide your policy number, written cancellation request, and proof of identity if requested. Notice period is generally immediate; ensure all outstanding claims are settled before cancellation is processed. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petsecure?
Yes, with Petsecure, you must pay your veterinarian directly for all treatment costs upfront. Afterward, you can submit a claim for reimbursement according to your policy's terms. Petsecure does not offer a direct payment or advance payment system to clinics. You are responsible for covering the vet bills before your claim is processed.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petsecure?
To cancel your Petsecure policy, contact customer service by phone or email. You are usually required to submit a written cancellation request and provide your policy number. There is no mandatory notice period, but all outstanding claims should be resolved. Keep a copy of your cancellation request for your records.
What is covered by Petsecure pet insurance?
Petsecure policies cover veterinary costs related to new accidents and illnesses, including exams, surgeries, medications, hospitalization, dental care (after a 6-month waiting period), alternative and behavioral therapies, and medical devices (with pre-approval). Preventive care is only included in the Secure 4 plan. Certain limits, deductibles, and co-insurance apply depending on the plan and your pet’s age.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
No, Petsecure excludes all pre-existing or foreseeable conditions. Any illness or symptom present before your coverage started, or that appears during waiting periods, will not be covered now or in the future. This includes bilateral conditions if one side was affected before policy start.
How does the deductible and co-insurance work?
You pay an annual deductible for each pet, amounting between $100 and $700 based on your plan and your pet's age. After the deductible is met, you are responsible for a portion of each claim (at least 20%), known as co-insurance. The remainder of eligible expenses will be reimbursed up to your annual or per-incident benefit limits.
Does Petsecure cover preventive care and vaccinations?
Preventive care, such as wellness exams, vaccines, and parasite prevention, is only available in the Secure 4 plan and subject to specific annual limits. If you have Secure 1, 2, or 3, routine and preventive treatments are not covered. Always review your policy details to check what is included in your specific coverage.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petsecure?
Yes, with Petsecure, you must pay your veterinarian directly for all treatment costs upfront. Afterward, you can submit a claim for reimbursement according to your policy's terms. Petsecure does not offer a direct payment or advance payment system to clinics. You are responsible for covering the vet bills before your claim is processed.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petsecure?
To cancel your Petsecure policy, contact customer service by phone or email. You are usually required to submit a written cancellation request and provide your policy number. There is no mandatory notice period, but all outstanding claims should be resolved. Keep a copy of your cancellation request for your records.
What is covered by Petsecure pet insurance?
Petsecure policies cover veterinary costs related to new accidents and illnesses, including exams, surgeries, medications, hospitalization, dental care (after a 6-month waiting period), alternative and behavioral therapies, and medical devices (with pre-approval). Preventive care is only included in the Secure 4 plan. Certain limits, deductibles, and co-insurance apply depending on the plan and your pet’s age.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
No, Petsecure excludes all pre-existing or foreseeable conditions. Any illness or symptom present before your coverage started, or that appears during waiting periods, will not be covered now or in the future. This includes bilateral conditions if one side was affected before policy start.
How does the deductible and co-insurance work?
You pay an annual deductible for each pet, amounting between $100 and $700 based on your plan and your pet's age. After the deductible is met, you are responsible for a portion of each claim (at least 20%), known as co-insurance. The remainder of eligible expenses will be reimbursed up to your annual or per-incident benefit limits.
Does Petsecure cover preventive care and vaccinations?
Preventive care, such as wellness exams, vaccines, and parasite prevention, is only available in the Secure 4 plan and subject to specific annual limits. If you have Secure 1, 2, or 3, routine and preventive treatments are not covered. Always review your policy details to check what is included in your specific coverage.