Petset Pet Insurance Canada 2025: A Full Review
Our expert's opinion on Petset
Petset is offered underwritten by Western Financial Insurance Company and provides two core plans: Petset Accident Only and Petset Accident/Illness, both requiring you to pay the veterinarian up front and submit claims for reimbursement.
The Accident Only plan applies limits per new incident with a per-incident deductible ($100) and a 48-hour accident waiting period, while the Accident/Illness plan uses an annual limit, age-based annual deductibles (two conflicting tables appear in the document), a 48-hour accident waiting period and a 14-day illness waiting period; co-insurance percentages are specified on the Document of Insurance and may be adjusted up to a 50% maximum based on claims history, and no wellness budgets or routine preventive care are listed in the policy documents. Compared with major Canadian competitors, Petset presents a narrower, simpler product mix with adjustable co-insurance but does not publish pricing in the supplied materials.
Best suited for owners seeking basic accident coverage or limited accident-and-illness protection for younger to middle-aged pets and who accept a claim-first reimbursement model.
The policy is underwritten by Western Financial Insurance Company (documents routed through Petsecure administration); no public revenue or premium volumes were provided in the materials. Customer feedback in available summaries flags claim denials for alleged pre-existing conditions and slow processing times of several weeks, though the policy offers pre-authorization and possible special claim payment arrangements for high-cost emergencies.
- ✅Two clear plan choices: Accident Only and Accident/Illness
- ✅Per-incident limits for accident-only (no annual cap specified)
- ✅Age-based deductible structure for Accident/Illness
- ✅Co-insurance adjustable up to a 50% maximum
- ✅Reimbursement model allowing any licensed veterinarian
- ✅Pre-authorization option for planned treatments
- ✅Special claim payment arrangements for emergencies
- ❌No wellness budgets or routine preventive coverage
- ❌Extensive exclusions for dental, alternative therapies, behavioural care
- ❌Conflicting deductible tables in the policy document
- ❌No pricing information published in provided materials
- ❌Customer reports of claim denials and slow processing
Score- ✅Two clear plan choices: Accident Only and Accident/Illness
- ✅Per-incident limits for accident-only (no annual cap specified)
- ✅Age-based deductible structure for Accident/Illness
- ✅Co-insurance adjustable up to a 50% maximum
- ✅Reimbursement model allowing any licensed veterinarian
- ✅Pre-authorization option for planned treatments
- ✅Special claim payment arrangements for emergencies
Our expert's opinion on Petset
- ✅Two clear plan choices: Accident Only and Accident/Illness
- ✅Per-incident limits for accident-only (no annual cap specified)
- ✅Age-based deductible structure for Accident/Illness
- ✅Co-insurance adjustable up to a 50% maximum
- ✅Reimbursement model allowing any licensed veterinarian
- ✅Pre-authorization option for planned treatments
- ✅Special claim payment arrangements for emergencies
- ❌No wellness budgets or routine preventive coverage
- ❌Extensive exclusions for dental, alternative therapies, behavioural care
- ❌Conflicting deductible tables in the policy document
- ❌No pricing information published in provided materials
- ❌Customer reports of claim denials and slow processing
Score- ✅Two clear plan choices: Accident Only and Accident/Illness
- ✅Per-incident limits for accident-only (no annual cap specified)
- ✅Age-based deductible structure for Accident/Illness
- ✅Co-insurance adjustable up to a 50% maximum
- ✅Reimbursement model allowing any licensed veterinarian
- ✅Pre-authorization option for planned treatments
- ✅Special claim payment arrangements for emergencies
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Petset Guarantees
Petset offers two core products in its retail portfolio: Petset Accident Only and Petset Accident/Illness. Both plans are underwritten by Western Financial Insurance Company and operate on a reimbursement model where the owner pays the veterinarian and submits a claim. The Accident Only plan is positioned as an entry-level, incident-limited product (per-incident limits apply). The Accident/Illness plan is positioned as a broader accident-and-illness product subject to an annual aggregate limit shown on the policy Document of Insurance.
Financial mechanics differ between the plans. Both use a co-insurance percentage that is specified on the Document of Insurance and may be adjusted up to a maximum of 50% based on claims history. The Accident Only plan applies a per-incident deductible (document example: $100). The Accident/Illness plan uses an annual, age-based deductible (two deductible tables appear in the policy document, creating ambiguity in the extracted material). The Accident/Illness plan applies an annual limit to covered illnesses and combined conditions; the Accident Only plan applies limits per new incident and does not use an annual aggregate for accident benefits.
Waiting periods and covered items are straightforward: the Accident Only plan covers accidents after a 48‑hour waiting period. The Accident/Illness plan applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses. Dental coverage under both plans is limited to treatment directly related to a covered accident. The policy expressly excludes alternative therapies, behavioural problem treatments, prescription food, and medical devices under both plans. Strengths include a clear accident-only entry option and underwriting by a regulated insurer (Western Financial). Weaknesses include limited preventive and behavioural coverage, several explicit exclusions, and limited transparency in the Document of Insurance for specific monetary limits and some conflicting deductible tables in the supplied extracts.
| Petset Accident Only | Petset Accident/Illness | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level; accident-only, per-incident limits | Balanced / comprehensive; accident & illness with annual aggregate limit |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accident only | Accident and illness |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats (document examples reference both) | Dogs and cats (document examples reference both) |
| Reimbursement rate | Specified on Document of Insurance (co-insurance applied). Can be adjusted up to 50% based on claims history | Specified on Document of Insurance (co-insurance applied). Can be adjusted up to 50% based on claims history |
| Annual reimbursement limit | No annual maximum for accidents; per-incident limit applies (specific limit on Document of Insurance) | Annual limit applies to illnesses and combined conditions (specific limit on Document of Insurance) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Per incident: $100 (document example) | Annual, age-based (policy contains two differing deductible tables in provided extracts) |
| Age limits for enrollment | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Waiting periods (accident and illness) | Accident: 48 hours | Accident: 48 hours; Illness: 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Consultations | Covered when related to a covered accident (Accident Only) or covered accident/illness (Accident/Illness) | Covered when related to a covered accident or illness |
| Medications | Not covered (Prescription food / therapeutic diets excluded) | Covered when related to a covered illness/accident (policy specifies exclusions for prescription food) |
| Hospitalization | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) |
| Surgery | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) |
| Diagnostic tests | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) | Covered when required for a covered accident or illness (subject to Document limits) |
| Dental care | Only for costs directly related to a covered accident; routine dental care excluded | Only for costs directly related to a covered accident; routine dental care excluded |
| Preventive care | Not covered (routine / preventive treatments excluded) | Not covered (routine / preventive treatments excluded) |
| Alternative medicine | Not covered | Not covered |
| Travel coverage | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Civil liability | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Euthanasia | Not covered unless recommended by a veterinarian as the direct result of an insured accident or illness | Not covered unless recommended by a veterinarian as the direct result of an insured accident or illness |
| Death & cremation coverage | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
| Boarding fees | Not specified in provided documents | Not specified in provided documents |
Petset Exclusions
Petset’s policies exclude standard items: pre‑existing or foreseeable conditions and any condition arising during waiting periods; routine, preventive and elective treatments (including vaccinations, parasite control and grooming), prescription or therapeutic diets, and most dental care (only accident‑related dental costs are covered) are also excluded.
The Petset Accident Only plan has several notable, stricter exclusions — accidents resulting from known behavioural problems, soft‑tissue or muscle inflammation from normal activities (running/jumping), arthritis and degenerative joint disease, illnesses from contaminated water, gastric dilation/torsion (bloat), digestive organ dysfunction, and consequential damage following an accident are specifically excluded.
Additional general exclusions include alternative therapies and behavioural training costs, reproduction (pregnancy, whelping, related complications), umbilical hernias, euthanasia unless veterinarian‑recommended for a covered condition, owner‑inflicted injuries, and losses caused by war or nuclear incidents.
Notable competitive differences to watch for are Petset’s explicit Accident Only exclusions for soft‑tissue and degenerative joint conditions and the cat‑specific rule that FIP, FIV or FeLV diagnosed or showing signs prior to enrollment or during the waiting period voids illness coverage, all of which materially affect comparability when selecting a plan.
Petset Prices
Petset’s pricing positioning in 2025 appears to sit between entry‑level and mid‑range: the product line is deliberately simple (an Accident Only plan and an Accident/Illness plan), and the insurer shifts part of the cost burden to policyholders through adjustable co‑insurance and deductible options rather than offering multiple feature‑rich tiers. Key published mechanics that shape affordability include a per‑incident $100 deductible for the Accident Only plan, an age‑based annual deductible structure for the Accident/Illness plan (two conflicting tables are present in the documentation), and a co‑insurance percentage that is specified on the Document of Insurance and may be adjusted up to 50% based on claims history; no public premium or rate tables were provided (N.C.).
Competitiveness is therefore driven by deductible selection, the co‑insurance level that will be set on each policy, and the coverage limit format (the Accident Only plan applies limits per new incident with no annual maximum, while the Accident/Illness plan applies an annual limit shown on the policy schedule). Petset’s narrower benefit scope (no coverage for alternative therapies, behavioural care, prescription food or medical devices) and limited ancillary services suggest lower complexity and potentially lower base premiums compared with full‑service or premium insurers that include wellness add‑ons and broader therapy coverage; operational features include pre‑authorization for planned treatment and special claim arrangements, while no 24/7 teleconsultation service was found.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile | Secure 1 | Secure 2 | Secure 3 | Secure 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Dog 1 year | $62.95 | $89.18 | $137.28 | $242.59 |
| Labrador Dog 3 years | $62.95 | $89.18 | $137.28 | $242.59 |
| Labrador Dog 7 years | $62.95 | $89.18 | $137.28 | $242.59 |
| Australian Shepherd Dog 1 year | $47.55 | $67.37 | $103.71 | $185.04 |
| Australian Shepherd Dog 3 years | $47.55 | $67.37 | $103.71 | $185.04 |
| Australian Shepherd Dog 7 years | $47.55 | $67.37 | $103.71 | $185.04 |
| French Bulldog Dog 1 year | $63.58 | $94.54 | $146.89 | $278.97 |
| French Bulldog Dog 3 years | $63.58 | $94.54 | $146.89 | $278.97 |
| French Bulldog Dog 7 years | $63.58 | $94.54 | $146.89 | $278.97 |
| European Cat 1 year | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| European Cat 3 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| European Cat 7 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| Maine Coon Cat 1 year | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| Maine Coon Cat 3 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| Maine Coon Cat 7 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| British Shorthair Cat 1 year | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| British Shorthair Cat 3 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
| British Shorthair Cat 7 years | $38.99 | $53.53 | $80.85 | $148.44 |
Petset Promo Codes
| Petset 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.
The reimbursement amount with Petset
Reimbursements with Petset are calculated by applying your annual deductible first, then reimbursing a percentage (co‑insurance) of the remaining eligible costs.
✅ Example 1: Consultation for ear infection. Total vet costs: $250 (consultation + medication). Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible for 0–5 years). Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Petset Accident/Illness plan: $250 – $100 = $150.
80% of that amount reimbursed: $150 × 80% = $120
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $120.
ℹ️ *This example uses an 80% reimbursement rate as an illustration; your actual co‑insurance is specified on your policy and may be adjusted based on claims history.*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO). Total vet costs: $5,000 (surgery, hospitalization, diagnostics, medication). Deductible already used earlier in the year. Amount reimbursed at 80% with the Petset Accident/Illness plan: $5,000 × 80% = $4,000.
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $4,000.
ℹ️ *Annual coverage limits apply to the Accident/Illness plan and are specified on your policy (N.C.); large claims reduce your remaining annual limit.*
✅ Example 3: Dental extraction after accidental tooth fracture. Total vet costs: $900 (extraction, anesthesia, follow‑up). Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible for 0–5 years). Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Petset Accident/Illness plan: $900 – $100 = $800. 80% of that amount reimbursed: $800 × 80% = $640
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $640.
ℹ️ *Dental treatment is covered only when directly related to a covered accident; routine dental disease is excluded.*
Petset Assistance
Petset offers pre-authorization for planned treatments and can arrange special claim payment options for emergency or high‑cost care, allowing owners to confirm coverage before committing to treatment.
The documentation explicitly lacks a 24/7 emergency veterinary helpline or teleconsultation service, which is a notable support gap for urgent advice.
There is no clear information on standard advance payment programs (Payvet, Petcard), installment billing, a mobile app, partner clinic networks, or international coverage in the provided materials, so these should be verified directly with customer care.
Canadian policyholders should confirm pre-approval and any emergency payment arrangements with Petset before treatment to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
| Assistance Petset | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ✅ | Special claim payment arrangements may be available by calling customer care for emergency or high‑cost cases. Specific third‑party advance programs (Payvet, Petcard) N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No clear information on installment options or fee‑free payment plans in the policy documents. Details: N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app is mentioned in the provided materials. Details: N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ❌ | Pre‑authorization forms are available for planned treatment. Online or app‑based claim submission: N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency vet line or teleconsultation service was found in the documents. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No mention of a preferred partner clinic or direct‑pay network. Details: N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | International coverage is not described in the provided materials. Details: N.C. |
Specific third‑party advance programs (Payvet, Petcard) N.C.
Details: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Online or app‑based claim submission: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Details: N.C.
Customer Reviews of Petset
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.2 / 5 — 12 reviews |
Notes and reviews by platform
Customers and reviewers who reported positive experiences frequently note that Petset’s documentation and service channels include practical tools such as pre‑authorization and special claim arrangements, and some policyholders highlighted successful claim approvals for older pets when adequate documentation was provided. On the other hand, the available review synthesis shows recurring frustrations with claim denials attributed to pre‑existing conditions, prolonged processing times, and administrative issues such as continued billing after cancellation and perceived reductions in long‑term coverage.
Contact Petset
| Petset 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. Website: www.petsecure.com |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Petset operates on a reimbursement model: you pay the veterinarian and submit a claim for reimbursement. Claims submission channels listed: fax 1-866-322-5246 and mailing address for claims (see contact row). Pre-authorization for planned treatment and special payment arrangements for emergency/high-cost care are available by contacting customer care. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. Reimbursement method (e.g., direct deposit, cheque): N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request method: N.C. Available contact channels to inquire: toll-free phone 1-800-268-1169, mailing address for correspondence, or via the website www.petsecure.com. Information required to issue a certificate (policy number, owner details, pet details): N.C. Turnaround time: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone (toll-free): 1-800-268-1169. Claims fax: 1-866-322-5246. Mailing address for claims/correspondence: Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, 200 - 1200 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0T5. Website: www.petsecure.com. Email for general enquiries/claims: N.C. Online portal for policy management/claim tracking: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | Cancellation procedure: Contact customer service by phone 1-800-268-1169 or send written notice to the mailing address. Required information to process cancellation (policy number, policyholder name, effective date): N.C. Deadlines for notice and refund/prorated premium conditions: N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petset?
Petset operates primarily on a reimbursement basis — you normally pay the veterinarian at the time of treatment and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
The policy documents do not describe a standard third‑party advance payment (direct‑to‑vet) service.
In emergency or high‑cost situations special claim payment arrangements may be available; you must contact customer care to discuss options before or immediately after treatment.
Pre‑authorization can be requested in advance to confirm whether a planned treatment is likely to be covered.
Customer care toll‑free: 1‑800‑268‑1169.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petset?
To cancel, contact Petset customer care by phone or in writing and request policy termination, providing your policy number and policyholder details.
The policy documents do not specify a formal notice period or a standardized cancellation form; follow the insurer’s instructions when you call or write.
Provide the policy number, pet details and the effective cancellation date you want and keep written confirmation for your records.
Information on refunds, prorated premiums or administrative fees after cancellation is N.C. — request case‑specific details from customer care.
Customer care toll‑free: 1‑800‑268‑1169.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Petset applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents across plans and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses on the Accident/Illness plan.
Waiting periods begin on the policy effective date; any signs or treatment that occur before coverage starts are excluded as pre‑existing.
Some specific conditions or treatments may have longer or different waiting requirements — check your policy wording for exceptions.
Pre‑authorization does not override waiting‑period exclusions; coverage only applies to eligible events after waiting periods expire.
How do reimbursements, deductibles and co‑insurance work with Petset?
Reimbursement is calculated after the deductible is applied and based on the co‑insurance percentage shown on your policy; the insurer may adjust co‑insurance up to a maximum of 50% based on claims history.
The Accident‑Only plan uses a per‑incident $100 deductible, while the Accident/Illness plan uses an annual age‑based deductible (two differing tables appear in the documents).
Because the documents conflict, confirm the exact deductible and co‑insurance for your pet on your Certificate or Document of Insurance.
Accident limits are per incident; Illness plans have an annual limit — the precise dollar amounts are defined on your policy schedule.
Which common conditions and services are excluded from Petset coverage?
Petset excludes pre‑existing or foreseeable conditions (anything that showed signs or was treated before the policy start or during waiting periods).
Bilateral conditions are treated as a single condition, and if one side was pre‑existing the other is excluded.
Routine preventive care, elective procedures, most dental work (except costs directly related to a covered accident), alternative therapies and reproduction are not covered.
For any exclusion details or potential re‑evaluations of an exclusion the policy is N.C. on specific review timelines — contact customer care for clarification.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petset?
Petset operates primarily on a reimbursement basis — you normally pay the veterinarian at the time of treatment and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
The policy documents do not describe a standard third‑party advance payment (direct‑to‑vet) service.
In emergency or high‑cost situations special claim payment arrangements may be available; you must contact customer care to discuss options before or immediately after treatment.
Pre‑authorization can be requested in advance to confirm whether a planned treatment is likely to be covered.
Customer care toll‑free: 1‑800‑268‑1169.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petset?
To cancel, contact Petset customer care by phone or in writing and request policy termination, providing your policy number and policyholder details.
The policy documents do not specify a formal notice period or a standardized cancellation form; follow the insurer’s instructions when you call or write.
Provide the policy number, pet details and the effective cancellation date you want and keep written confirmation for your records.
Information on refunds, prorated premiums or administrative fees after cancellation is N.C. — request case‑specific details from customer care.
Customer care toll‑free: 1‑800‑268‑1169.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Petset applies a 48‑hour waiting period for accidents across plans and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses on the Accident/Illness plan.
Waiting periods begin on the policy effective date; any signs or treatment that occur before coverage starts are excluded as pre‑existing.
Some specific conditions or treatments may have longer or different waiting requirements — check your policy wording for exceptions.
Pre‑authorization does not override waiting‑period exclusions; coverage only applies to eligible events after waiting periods expire.
How do reimbursements, deductibles and co‑insurance work with Petset?
Reimbursement is calculated after the deductible is applied and based on the co‑insurance percentage shown on your policy; the insurer may adjust co‑insurance up to a maximum of 50% based on claims history.
The Accident‑Only plan uses a per‑incident $100 deductible, while the Accident/Illness plan uses an annual age‑based deductible (two differing tables appear in the documents).
Because the documents conflict, confirm the exact deductible and co‑insurance for your pet on your Certificate or Document of Insurance.
Accident limits are per incident; Illness plans have an annual limit — the precise dollar amounts are defined on your policy schedule.
Which common conditions and services are excluded from Petset coverage?
Petset excludes pre‑existing or foreseeable conditions (anything that showed signs or was treated before the policy start or during waiting periods).
Bilateral conditions are treated as a single condition, and if one side was pre‑existing the other is excluded.
Routine preventive care, elective procedures, most dental work (except costs directly related to a covered accident), alternative therapies and reproduction are not covered.
For any exclusion details or potential re‑evaluations of an exclusion the policy is N.C. on specific review timelines — contact customer care for clarification.
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