Best Pet Insurance in Canada for 2025
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
Fetch Pet Insurance offers a single, comprehensive plan designed for pet owners seeking extensive yet flexible coverage. With annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 - and the option to contact Fetch for higher limits starting at $5,000 - pet parents can customize plans to fit their needs. Reimbursement rates are adjustable at 70%, 80%, or 90%, and age-based deductibles range from $300 to $700, allowing for further personalization.
The plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and advanced treatments, though it does not include an unlimited coverage option. A standout feature is Fetch’s inclusive dental coverage, which applies to all teeth and gum disease—an area many competitors overlook. The plan also covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture and behavioral treatments, along with sick-visit exam fees that are often excluded elsewhere.
Additional benefits include reimbursement for lost pet advertising, boarding fees during the owner's hospitalization, and an optional wellness add-on for routine care. Fetch also rewards healthy pets with a Healthy Pet Credit, reducing premiums by up to 30% after two consecutive claim-free years. However, direct vet payment is not available—claims must be paid upfront and reimbursed later.
Some limitations apply: the plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, prescription food, or claims submitted more than 90 days after treatment. A six-month waiting period applies to hip and knee conditions, though this can be waived with a prompt vet exam. Fetch is currently unavailable in New Brunswick and Quebec.
Ideal Profile: Best suited for pet owners who want robust coverage for accidents, illnesses, and dental care, with flexible deductible and reimbursement options. Especially recommended for younger pets, as enrolling early can help secure lower premiums and broader coverage eligibility.
- Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- Extensive dental coverage (includes all teeth and gum disease)
- Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioural therapy)
- Sick-visit exam fees included (saves $50–$250 per visit)
- No upper age limit for pet enrollment
- Top rate on Google
- Fast & easy reimbursements
- Use any vet in Canada
- Optional wellness add-on available
- No direct vet payment (must pay upfront and get reimbursed)
- Not available in New Brunswick or Quebec
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
Spot Pet Insurance offers flexible, affordable coverage with two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident-Only. Annual coverage ranges from $5,000 to unlimited, with reimbursement rates of 70% to 90% and low deductibles starting at $100 (age-based). Unlike many competitors, Spot includes behavioural treatments and pet owner assistance in its standard plans. While dental illnesses aren’t covered by default, optional wellness add-ons can provide preventive and dental care.
Spot’s Accident & Illness plan covers vet exams, diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, hereditary issues, and alternative therapies. A standout feature is its next-day accident coverage—much faster than most providers. Spot also offers a 5% discount for microchipped pets, a 5% multi-pet discount for two pets, and 10% for three or more. However, it does not include a 24/7 vet helpline, which some competitors now offer.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Dental illness coverage requires an upgrade. Spot Pet Insurance is also not available in Quebec. Still, with its fast accident coverage, customizable plans, and multiple discounts, Spot is a great fit for pet owners seeking flexible, budget-conscious insurance.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable accident & illness coverage with flexible reimbursement options. Ideal for those who want quick accident coverage, lower deductibles, and discounts for multiple pets or microchipped pets. Especially recommended for younger pets, who are more prone to accidents and can benefit from fast coverage.
- Multiple annual coverage options, including unlimited coverage
- Covers alternative therapies and behavioural issues in standard plans
- Next-day accident coverage (shorter waiting periods than most providers)
- Lower deductibles ($100-$300) compared to some competitors
- Multi-pet discount (5% for two pets, 10% for three or more)
- 5% discount for microchipped pets
- Optional wellness add-ons for routine and preventive care
- Highly positive customer reviews for claim processing and affordability
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursement rates increase as pets age
- No 24/7 vet helpline
- Not available in Quebec
- No dental illness coverage in standard plans (requires add-on)
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only—making it one of the few Canadian insurers with an accident-only option. The Accident & Illness plan comes with annual coverage limits of $7,500 or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), while the Accident Only plan offers a fixed $5,000 limit and 80% reimbursement. Deductibles are age-based, starting at $100 and increasing with the pet’s age.
Coverage includes hereditary conditions, diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, behavioural therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture. Both plans include extra benefits like boarding fees, trip cancellation, and end-of-life expenses. Blue Ribbon Benefits add value with 24/7 vet access, poison control, and grief counselling.
Pets Plus Us stands out with its 4Life Guarantee, which ensures lifelong coverage as long as the policy stays active, and there are no breed exclusions. However, it doesn’t cover dental care, pre-existing conditions, or preventive treatments, and lacks an unlimited coverage option.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable coverage with strong accident and illness protection. The Accident & Illness plan is ideal for those wanting comprehensive care, while the Accident Only plan is a budget-friendly alternative perfect for younger and active pets. A great fit for those seeking lifetime coverage with no breed restrictions.
- Two customizable annual limits: $7,500 or $15,000
- Accident-only plan available for budget-conscious pet owners
- Reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- Alternative therapies and behavioral therapy included
- $1,000 in additional benefits per incident for trip cancellations, boarding, lost pet advertising, and end-of-life costs
- 4Life Guarantee ensures lifetime renewability
- No breed exclusions
- No unlimited coverage option
- Dental care and routine wellness treatments not covered
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded
- Deductible increases with pet’s age
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion Canada offers a simple yet robust pet insurance plan with 90% reimbursement and no payout limits—making it one of the few providers with truly unlimited coverage. Instead of annual deductibles, it uses a per-condition lifetime deductible, so you only pay once per issue, no matter how long treatment continues. Coverage begins after a 5-day waiting period for accidents and 30 days for illnesses.
The core plan includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and hereditary conditions. Trupanion Pet Insurance’s standout feature is its Vet Direct Pay system, allowing the insurer to pay your vet directly at checkout (at participating clinics), avoiding out-of-pocket costs. Optional add-ons cover alternative therapies and lost pet support.
While Trupanion Canada offers excellent long-term value for pets with chronic conditions, it doesn’t cover exam fees or routine care. Premiums are generally higher, but the unlimited coverage and direct vet payment make it a strong option for owners seeking dependable, lifetime protection.
Ideal Profile: Best for pets with chronic or hereditary conditions, especially if you're worried about long-term treatment costs. A solid choice for owners who want predictable costs and peace of mind, particularly for breeds prone to specific health issues. Not ideal if you're looking for coverage on routine checkups or want to customize reimbursement levels.
- 90% reimbursement
- No annual or lifetime payout caps
- Lifetime per-condition deductible is ideal for chronic conditions
- Option to pay vets directly at checkout
- Covers congenital and hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- No coverage for exam fees or wellness/routine care
- Higher premiums compared to other providers
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for owners seeking coverage for preventative care
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct offers a simple, affordable pet insurance plan with two annual coverage limit options: $5,000 or $10,000. It features 80% reimbursement and a low $200 annual deductible, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious pet owners. What makes PHI Direct unique is its “New-Condition Coverage” model—any condition treated during the policy year is considered pre-existing the following year, which helps keep premiums low but limits long-term coverage for recurring or chronic conditions.
The plan covers a broad range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalization, prescriptions, diagnostics, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Exam fees and taxes are also covered, and 24/7 telehealth access is included for added convenience. Pets can be enrolled from 7 weeks up to 14 years old, and a 5% multi-pet discount is available. However, PHI Direct doesn’t cover routine dental care, wellness services, bilateral conditions, or ongoing treatment for issues from a prior policy year.
PHI Direct is best suited for young, healthy pets whose owners want low-cost protection against new accidents and illnesses. Its streamlined, no-frills model offers solid short-term value, but it's not ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or those prone to chronic conditions.
Ideal Profile: Best for young, healthy pets or pet owners looking for affordable accident and illness coverage without ongoing treatment needs. The low-cost premiums and straightforward policy make it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents. Not suitable for pets with chronic conditions, as prior-year treatments are excluded from future coverage.
- Two affordable annual coverage options: $5,000 or $10,000
- Low $200 deductible, making claims reimbursement quicker
- Exam fees, taxes, and alternative therapies included
- 24/7 Telehealth support for quick pet health consultations
- 5% multi-pet discount for households with multiple pets
- Keeps premiums lower over time with the New-Condition model
- New-Condition Coverage model means conditions covered one year are excluded the next
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions, wellness care, or preventive treatments
- Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues) are not covered
- Not ideal for pets with chronic illnesses requiring long-term treatment
- Why take out pet insurance?
- What does pet insurance cover?
- What does pet insurance usually not cover?
- How much does pet insurance cost?
- How to lower the cost of your pet insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, over one million Canadians trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
Why take out pet insurance?
The cost of veterinary care in Canada has surged by nearly 20% over the last five years, with advanced treatments like MRIs or cancer therapies often exceeding $3,000 to $5,000.
Modern pets can receive sophisticated medical care comparable to human healthcare—which also means higher bills for owners during unexpected accidents or illnesses.
Just like human health insurance helps manage out-of-pocket hospital and pharmacy expenses, pet insurance protects you from unpredictable vet costs, allowing you to focus on your pet’s well-being, not your finances.
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (CAD) | % covered with Basic Plan | % covered with Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive surgery (blockage) | $1,200 – $2,500 | Up to $1,000 | Up to 100% |
| Spaying/neutering | $200 – $500 | Often excluded | Up to 80% (annual cap may apply) |
| X-ray | $250 – $400 | 30% to 60% | Up to 100% |
| Dental scaling | $300 – $700 | Rarely covered | Up to $200/year |
| Hospitalization (per night) | $400 – $700 | 30% to 60% | Up to 100% |
| Ear infection treatment | $120 – $180 | 40% to 60% | Up to 90% |
| Blood test | $120 – $180 | Up to 50% | Up to 100% |
| Annual vaccination | $70 – $110 | Not covered or capped at $30 | Up to 100% |
| Standard vet consultation | $70 – $120 | 30% to 60% | Up to 100% |
| Deworming treatment | $30 – $60 | Not covered | Included up to twice/year |
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance in Canada typically covers essential veterinary expenses like accident-related injuries, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics, and prescription medications.
Standard coverage usually includes vet consultations, emergency care, and hospitalizations, while premium policies add broader limits and even alternative therapies or rehabilitation.
Many providers also offer add-ons, such as wellness packages covering preventive care (vaccines, annual exams, dental cleanings)—these aren’t standard and come at extra cost.
Deductibles may apply either per claim or per year, impacting your premium and out-of-pocket costs.
Canadian insurers offer accident-only, accident & illness, or comprehensive plans, catering to various needs and budgets.
| Name of coverage | 🟢 Essential / 🟠 Recommended | Coverage (Basic Plan) | Coverage (Premium Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet consultations (GP & emergency) | 🟢 Essential | Covered with caps (e.g. $50/visit) | Fully covered |
| Medications (prescription only) | 🟢 Essential | Partial reimbursement (≈50%) | Up to 100% |
| Hospitalization | 🟢 Essential | Capped per day (e.g. $100/day) | Fully covered |
| Surgery & anesthesia | 🟢 Essential | 70% to 80%, with annual cap | Up to 100% |
| Lab tests (blood, urine) | 🟢 Essential | Up to 50% | Up to 100% |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 🟢 Essential | 50% to 70% | 90% to 100% |
| Annual reimbursement limit | 🟢 Essential | $2,000 to $3,500/year | $5,000 to $20,000/year |
| Deductible (per year or per claim) | 🟢 Essential | $75–$100 per claim | $0 to $50/year |
| Euthanasia (veterinary decision) | 🟢 Essential | Partially covered ($80–$150) | Fully covered |
| Dental accidents (trauma, fracture) | 🟢 Essential | Sometimes excluded | Often included ($500–$1,000 cap) |
| Wellness care (vaccines, deworming) | 🟠 Recommended | Not available | Included via wellness package |
| Routine dental scaling | 🟠 Recommended | Not covered | $75 to $200/year |
| Radiography, ultrasound, MRI | 🟠 Recommended | Often excluded or capped ($200) | Fully included (annual cap applies) |
| Ambulance transport | 🟠 Recommended | Rarely covered | Included in specific cases |
| Alternative medicine (acupuncture...) | 🟠 Recommended | Not covered | Sometimes covered (annual cap) |
| Therapeutic diet (if prescribed) | 🟠 Recommended | Not covered | Occasionally reimbursed |
| International travel cover | 🟠 Recommended | Local only | North America or worldwide |
| Death / cremation costs | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Partial coverage ($200–$400) |
| Theft, loss, search expenses | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Sometimes included (rare) |
| Boarding fees (owner hospitalized) | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Covered up to $500/year |
What does pet insurance usually not cover?
Most Canadian pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine preventive care unless a separate wellness package is chosen, and elective procedures such as spaying or cosmetic surgery.
There are also often breed-specific exclusions, age restrictions for new enrollments (e.g., above 10 years), as well as coverage limits on hereditary and congenital illnesses, especially for certain dog and cat breeds.
It’s important to carefully review policy documents to be aware of conditions or expenses that may be excluded for your pet’s breed, age, or health history.
| Exclusions type | Healthcare not covered | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing conditions, hereditary/congenital diseases, experimental treatments | Any diagnosis before policy start is usually excluded |
| Preventive/non-urgent exclusions | Routine care (vaccines, annual checkups), spaying/neutering, cosmetic surgery | Some are available as wellness add-ons, not by default |
| Reproductive & pregnancy | Pregnancy, breeding costs, artificial insemination | No coverage except in some specific breeding policies |
| Age & breed restrictions | Certain high-risk breeds, senior pets over age cap | Enrollment age limits may apply (varies per insurer) |
| Behavioral exclusions | Behavioural therapy, training, obedience or aggression | May be covered with special add-on by select insurers |
| Geographic exclusions | Non-emergency care outside Canada | Emergency care abroad may be possible in premium plans |
| Legal / Identification | Fines, penalties, pets without microchips/license | Ensure your pet’s microchip is updated for lost pet help |
How much does pet insurance cost?
The monthly cost of pet insurance in Canada depends on your pet’s breed, age, size, health history, where you live, and the type of plan you choose. Premiums are higher for older pets, high-risk breeds, or comprehensive coverage. Rates often rise as pets age, after making claims, or if you upgrade to a plan with a lower deductible or higher reimbursement rate.
Dog insurance cost
| 🐶 Dog profile | Common needs or risks | Monthly premium (basic) | Monthly premium (premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever – 2 y/o | Joint issues, obesity | $28–$38 | $75–$110 |
| Labrador Retriever – 10 y/o | Osteoarthritis, cancer | $68–$95 | $150–$220 |
| French Bulldog – 1 y/o | Respiratory issues | $34–$46 | $95–$145 |
| French Bulldog – 9 y/o | Brachycephalic syndrome | $78–$120 | $200–$285 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog – 3 y/o | Hip dysplasia, cancer risk | $32–$49 | $82–$120 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog – 8 y/o | Cancer, arthritis | $70–$108 | $170–$250 |
Cat insurance cost
| 😺 Cat profile | Common needs or risks | Monthly premium (basic) | Monthly premium (premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon – 2 y/o | Heart disease, joint issues | $22–$32 | $53–$75 |
| Maine Coon – 9 y/o | Heart disease, arthritis | $44–$65 | $110–$150 |
| British Shorthair – 1 y/o | Obesity, urinary tract health | $16–$24 | $40–$55 |
| British Shorthair – 10 y/o | Kidney disease, diabetes | $34–$50 | $87–$120 |
| Siamese – 3 y/o | Respiratory, dental issues | $18–$26 | $45–$60 |
| Siamese – 11 y/o | GI, kidney, and immune issues | $39–$60 | $95–$125 |
How to lower the cost of your pet insurance?
| Tip | Impact on premium & explanation |
|---|---|
| Compare offers | Use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool at the top of this page to find the best value. |
| Insure your pet early | Younger pets qualify for lower premiums before health issues arise. |
| Opt for a higher deductible | Choosing higher deductibles reduces your monthly payments (but increases out-of-pocket). |
| Remove optional add-ons | Skip non-essential extras if your pet is healthy, focusing on core accident/illness coverage. |
| Choose lower annual limits | Selecting realistic annual reimbursements makes premiums more affordable. |
| Bundle with other insurance | Some insurers offer discounts for combining pet with home or auto insurance. |
| Maintain regular check-ups | Keeping your pet healthy may reduce claims, which can help keep future premiums down. |
| Spay/neuter early | Spayed/neutered pets may qualify for lower risk and premiums with some insurers. |
FAQ
What is pet insurance and how does it work in Canada?
Pet insurance in Canada is a policy you purchase to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses for your pet. You pay a monthly premium, and when your pet needs medical care for an accident or illness, you pay the vet upfront and submit a claim. The insurer reimburses you a percentage of the bill, minus your deductible.
What does pet insurance typically cover?
Most pet insurance policies in Canada cover accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, hospitalization, and surgeries. Many plans also reimburse prescription medications. Some offer optional add-ons for preventive or routine care, but these are usually not included in basic policies.
Can I get pet insurance for an older pet?
Yes, several insurers in Canada accept new enrollments for senior pets, though premiums are higher and coverage may be limited. It’s best to insure your pet when they are young and healthy, but options such as Pets Plus Us and Spot allow sign-ups for pets as old as 14 years.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, nearly all pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions—any health issues diagnosed before enrollment are not eligible for reimbursement. Some insurers may cover curable conditions after a waiting period, but chronic or recurring problems remain excluded.
How quickly are claims processed?
Most Canadian insurers process claims within a few days to two weeks. Providers like Trupanion and Desjardins offer digital submissions and direct deposit, speeding up reimbursement. Ask your provider about their specific claims timeline and options for faster processing.
Is preventive care like vaccines or dental cleaning covered?
Preventive care is not usually covered under standard accident and illness plans but may be available as an optional add-on or wellness package. If routine care is important to you, look for plans offering wellness coverage or compare add-on prices across insurers.
How can I lower my monthly pet insurance premium?
To reduce costs, compare plans using tools like the HelloSafe comparison engine, choose a higher deductible, remove unnecessary add-ons, or insure your pet when they are younger. Maintaining good pet health can also help keep premiums manageable over time.
Is pet insurance worth it in Canada?
Pet insurance can save you from significant financial strain if your pet requires expensive emergency care. The peace of mind, ability to choose treatments based on best outcome (not price), and protection against rising veterinary costs make it worthwhile for many Canadian pet owners.
Can I use pet insurance at any vet in Canada?
Yes, most pet insurance policies allow you to use any licensed veterinarian in Canada. You pay the vet directly, then file a claim with your insurer for reimbursement, regardless of the clinic you visit.
Does pet insurance cover alternative therapies or holistic care?
Some premium or specialized policies may include coverage for alternative therapies like physiotherapy or acupuncture if prescribed by a vet. Check your policy’s terms or inquire with the insurer if holistic care is important for your pet.
What is pet insurance and how does it work in Canada?
Pet insurance in Canada is a policy you purchase to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses for your pet. You pay a monthly premium, and when your pet needs medical care for an accident or illness, you pay the vet upfront and submit a claim. The insurer reimburses you a percentage of the bill, minus your deductible.
What does pet insurance typically cover?
Most pet insurance policies in Canada cover accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, hospitalization, and surgeries. Many plans also reimburse prescription medications. Some offer optional add-ons for preventive or routine care, but these are usually not included in basic policies.
Can I get pet insurance for an older pet?
Yes, several insurers in Canada accept new enrollments for senior pets, though premiums are higher and coverage may be limited. It’s best to insure your pet when they are young and healthy, but options such as Pets Plus Us and Spot allow sign-ups for pets as old as 14 years.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, nearly all pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions—any health issues diagnosed before enrollment are not eligible for reimbursement. Some insurers may cover curable conditions after a waiting period, but chronic or recurring problems remain excluded.
How quickly are claims processed?
Most Canadian insurers process claims within a few days to two weeks. Providers like Trupanion and Desjardins offer digital submissions and direct deposit, speeding up reimbursement. Ask your provider about their specific claims timeline and options for faster processing.
Is preventive care like vaccines or dental cleaning covered?
Preventive care is not usually covered under standard accident and illness plans but may be available as an optional add-on or wellness package. If routine care is important to you, look for plans offering wellness coverage or compare add-on prices across insurers.
How can I lower my monthly pet insurance premium?
To reduce costs, compare plans using tools like the HelloSafe comparison engine, choose a higher deductible, remove unnecessary add-ons, or insure your pet when they are younger. Maintaining good pet health can also help keep premiums manageable over time.
Is pet insurance worth it in Canada?
Pet insurance can save you from significant financial strain if your pet requires expensive emergency care. The peace of mind, ability to choose treatments based on best outcome (not price), and protection against rising veterinary costs make it worthwhile for many Canadian pet owners.
Can I use pet insurance at any vet in Canada?
Yes, most pet insurance policies allow you to use any licensed veterinarian in Canada. You pay the vet directly, then file a claim with your insurer for reimbursement, regardless of the clinic you visit.
Does pet insurance cover alternative therapies or holistic care?
Some premium or specialized policies may include coverage for alternative therapies like physiotherapy or acupuncture if prescribed by a vet. Check your policy’s terms or inquire with the insurer if holistic care is important for your pet.
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