Get the Best Pet Insurance in Quebec for 2024
4.8/5
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion is a pet insurance company offering comprehensive coverage for dogs and cats. They provide a unique 'Lifetime' policy that covers chronic and hereditary conditions for the entire lifespan of your pet. Trupanion's coverage includes diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and hospital stays. They have a straightforward claims process and no payout limits. However, Trupanion does not cover pre-existing conditions, and their premiums can be relatively high compared to other providers. While their Lifetime policy is a great benefit, it may not be necessary for all pets.
Overall, Trupanion offers extensive coverage and a simple claims process, but it may not be the most cost-effective option for every pet owner.
- Lifetime coverage for chronic and hereditary conditions.
- Extensive coverage for veterinary services.
- Simple and streamlined claims process.
- No payout limits, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Relatively high premiums compared to other providers.
- Lifetime policy may not be necessary for all pets.
- Limited coverage options compared to some competitors.
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us is a pet insurance company that provides coverage for dogs and cats in Canada. It was designed by veterinarians and pet owners. Pets Plus Us offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident. The Accident & Illness plan covers up to 90% of eligible veterinary treatment costs due to accidents or illnesses up to an annual policy limit of $7,500 or $15,000. The Accident plan covers 80% of eligible veterinary treatment costs due to accidents only up to an annual policy limit of $5,000. Plans cover taxes, exam fees, prescription medications, hereditary and congenital conditions, dental injuries, alternative therapies, and more. They also have a choice of three annual deductibles for the Accident & Illness plan. There is a multi-pet discount, and there is no upper age limit to enroll a pet.
However, Pets Plus Us also has some drawbacks. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or wellness or preventive care unless a Flex Care plan is added. It has no live chat support.
- Coverage for a wide range of conditions and treatments
- Choice of three annual policy limits and deductibles
- Designed by veterinarians and pet owners
- Includes Blue Ribbon Benefits such as 24/7 PetHelpFone and Pet Poison Helpline
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care, unless Flex Care is added
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Short waiting periods for faster coverage activation
- Optional wellness coverage available for routine care
- Low $100 deductible for affordable out-of-pocket costs
- Multi-pet discounts available
Spot Pet Insurance Spot Pet Insurance offers both accident-only and comprehensive accident and illness plans with flexible annual limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited. Reimbursement options vary between 70% and 90%, and deductibles range from $100 to $300, increasing with the pet's age. Coverage includes alternative therapies, behavioral issues, and the option to add wellness coverage. The plans come with competitive premiums and offer multi-pet discounts of 5% for two pets and 10% for three or more pets. However, Spot does not cover dental illnesses and has age-based deductibles and reimbursements. Spot is best for pet owners who want flexible coverage options and the ability to add wellness care.
- Flexible annual limits and deductibles
- No lifetime caps
- Shorter waiting periods than most other providers
- Includes alternative therapies and behavioral coverage
- Optional wellness coverage
- Competitive premiums and multi-pet discounts (5% to 10%)
- Excellent Trust Pilot rating of 4.7
- Offers accident-only plan
- No dental illness coverage
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursements
- No 24/7 pet health hotline
- Limited availability in some regions
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct is a pet insurance company that provides affordable coverage for dogs and cats in Canada. It partners with Humane Canada, the national voice for animal welfare, and supports no-kill shelters. PHI Direct covers 80% of eligible veterinary treatment costs due to new accidents or illnesses up to an annual policy limit of $5,000 or $10,000. It covers taxes, exam fees, prescription medications, breed-specific conditions, alternative therapies, dental tooth fracture, parasites and more. It has a low deductible of $200 and a multi-pet discount of 5%. PHI Direct also offers 24/7 access to Telehealth phone care, where veterinary nurses can provide pet health advice and guidance.
However, PHI Direct also has some drawbacks. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, wellness or preventive care. It also does not cover any condition experienced in one policy year in future policy years, including any associated or bilateral conditions. This means that some chronic or recurring conditions may not be covered after the first year.
- Affordable coverage for a wide range of conditions and treatments
- Low deductible and multi-pet discount
- 24/7 access to Telehealth phone care
- Partners with Humane Canada and supports no-kill shelters
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care
- Does not cover any condition experienced in one policy year in future policy years
- Only available in Canada
- Multiple low deductible options
- Dental illness coverage included
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year
OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers three plan options: Comprehensive, Extended, and Unlimited+. The Comprehensive plan has a $2,500 coverage limit per accident or illness, Extended offers $5,000, and Unlimited+ provides unlimited coverage. Reimbursement is set at 80%, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $400, which increase as pets age. OVMA plans cover accidents, illnesses, and a variety of additional treatments such as alternative therapies and behavioral training. Dental illness coverage is included, with a six-month waiting period for dental coverage and certain conditions. Multi-pet discounts start at 3% after the first year and increase to 5% after the second anniversary. This insurance is best for pet owners seeking comprehensive coverage with flexible options and the expertise of veterinary professionals.
- Unlimited coverage option available
- Low deductible options starting from $100
- Designed by veterinary professionals
- Includes dental illness coverage
- Multi-pet discounts of 3% to 5% after the first and second years
- Six-month waiting period for dental coverage and certain conditions
- No 24/7 pet health hotline
- Age-based deductible increases as pets age
- No vet direct pay
New or experienced, searching for the best pet insurance in Quebec that fits your budget and meets your pet's needs can be overwhelming. There are many options available, and the abundance of information can make it difficult to know where to begin.
Fortunately, HelloSafe has taken the time to conduct thorough research for you. In this article, we will provide insights into the best pet insurance in Quebec, what they cover, what they exclude, pricing information, reviews, and more.
What's more, with HelloSafe's reliable partners, you can compare and obtain quotes from Quebec's best pet insurance companies within seconds. Get set to discover the best pet insurance option for you and your beloved furry companion.
Top 7 best pet insurances in Quebec for 2024
- PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Best for Extensive Benefits
- Trupanion Pet Insurance: Policy with 90% reimbursement
- OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
- Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simple Coverage
- Desjardins Pet Insurance: Affordable with good coverage
- Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Budget-Friendly Basic Coverage
- Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Comprehensive Dental Coverage
Our 2024 ranking of the best Quebec pet insurances
PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Best for Extensive Benefits
Overview: PetsPlusUs offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only. The Accident & Illness plan provides coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while the Accident Only plan has a $5,000 limit. You can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness, and 80% for Accident Only. Deductibles range from $100 to $700 based on your pet's age, and the 4Life Guarantee ensures continuous benefits renewal throughout your pet's lifetime. Coverage includes boarding fees, trip cancellations, and lost pet advertising. Additional benefits feature 24/7 access to PetHelpFone and a Compassionate Care Line.
Pros:
- Unique benefits like 24/7 PetHelpFone and Compassionate Care Line.
- Up to 15% discount for insuring multiple pets.
- Shorter waiting periods compared to many competitors.
- Coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions.
- Includes boarding fees and trip cancellation due to pet emergencies.
- Offers an Accident-Only plan option.
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Age-based deductibles increase costs as pets age.
- No unlimited coverage option.
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care, unless Flex Care is added.
You can get a free quote from our partner Pets Plus Us right here. You get results instantly and online.
Trupanion Pet Insurance: Policy with 90% Reimbursement
Overview: Trupanion offers a single comprehensive plan with unlimited annual coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,000 per medical condition for the pet's lifetime. Coverage includes new injuries, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, and advanced treatments such as surgeries and hospital stays. The Vet Direct Pay system allows for direct payment to veterinarians, reducing out-of-pocket costs by a huge margin.
Pros:
- Unlimited coverage with no annual or lifetime limits.
- 90% reimbursement rate, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
- Direct Vet Payments via Vet Direct Pay system.
- Customizable deductibles per condition.
- High Trustpilot rating of 4.1.
- Covers advanced treatments including surgeries and hereditary conditions.
Cons:
- Routine care and exam fees are not included.
- More expensive than some competitors.
- Does not cover wellness treatments.
Read: Our full Trupanion Pet Insurance Review.
OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
Overview: OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers three plans: Comprehensive ($2,500), Extended ($5,000), and Unlimited+. The Unlimited+ plan provides unlimited annual coverage with an 80% reimbursement rate. Coverage includes hospitalization, surgery, diagnostics, alternative therapies, dental illness, and boarding fees. Designed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, OVMA provides extensive benefits with fewer waiting periods for preventive care.
Pros:
- Comprehensive benefits, including dental illness and alternative therapies.
- Unlimited coverage option available.
- Multi-pet and loyalty discounts offered.
- No waiting period for preventive care on the Unlimited+ plan.
- Local expertise from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
Cons:
- Six-month waiting period for dental coverage.
- Higher premiums compared to some competitors.
- Age-based deductibles may increase costs over time.
Read: Our full OVMA Pet Health Insurance review.
Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simple Coverage
Overview: Sonnet offers a straightforward plan with a maximum annual coverage of $5,000, divided into $2,500 per accident and $2,500 per condition. The plan features an 80% reimbursement rate and deductibles of $100 or $300, depending on the pet's age. Coverage includes vet exam fees, surgeries, diagnostics, dental work, and alternative and behavioural therapies.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward plan structure.
- Affordable premiums.
- Includes coverage for dental illnesses.
- High Trustpilot rating of 4.3.
- Covers boarding fees and trip cancellations due to pet emergencies.
- Offers $100 or $300 deductible options.
Cons:
- Maximum coverage of $5,000 per year.
- No routine care or wellness coverage.
- Six-month waiting period for certain conditions.
Desjardins Pet Insurance: Affordable with Good Coverage
Overview: Desjardins offers three plans: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw, with coverage limits ranging from $4,000 to unlimited. The reimbursement rate is 80%, with a $100 deductible adjusted for pet age. Coverage includes vet exams, surgeries, diagnostics, dental care, alternative and behavioral therapies, and preventive care in the Gold Paw plan.
Pros:
- Flexible coverage options with three plan levels.
- Comprehensive benefits including dental care and preventive treatments.
- Multi-pet discount up to 15%.
- Covers alternative and behavioral therapies.
- Insure a pet at any age.
Cons:
- Age-based deductibles can increase costs.
- Preventive care coverage is only in the Gold Paw plan.
- No customization options for reimbursement rates or deductibles.
Read: Our full Desjardins Pet Insurance review.
Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Budget-Friendly Basic Coverage
Overview: Peppermint offers four plans: Lite ($1,500 per accident (Accident-Only Plan)), Base ($3,000), Plus ($5,000), and Prime ($10,000). The reimbursement rate is 80%, and the deductible is $100, adjusted based on the pet's age. Coverage includes vet exams, surgeries, diagnostics, medications, and alternative therapies.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly premiums suitable for essential coverage.
- Includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Low $100 deductible.
- Covers boarding fees and trip cancellations due to pet emergencies.
- Offers an Accident-Only plan option.
Cons:
- No unlimited coverage option; maximum coverage is $10,000.
- No vet-direct payment.
- Does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care.
Read: Our full Peppermint Pet Insurance Review.
Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Comprehensive Dental Coverage
Overview: Petsecure offers four plans: Secure 1 ($2,000), Secure 2 ($5,000), Secure 3 ($10,000), and Secure 4 (Unlimited). The reimbursement rate is fixed at 80%, and deductibles range from $100 to $400 based on pet age. Coverage includes vet bills, alternative treatments, dental care, accidents and illnesses, medications, and behavioral therapy. The Secure 4 plan includes wellness coverage.
Pros:
- Comprehensive dental coverage including annual cleanings and treatments.
- Flexible plan options with four levels of coverage.
- Wellness coverage available in the unlimited plan.
- Multi-pet discount up to 15%.
- Extensive coverage for various treatments and emergencies.
- Covers behavioral therapy.
Cons:
- Six-month waiting period for certain conditions.
- Higher premiums than some competitors.
- Trustpilot rating of 2.0 indicates mixed customer experiences.
Read: Our full Petsecure Pet Insurance Review.
How does pet insurance work in Quebec?
Like in the rest of Canada, Quebec pet insurance helps pet owners by paying for a significant portion of unexpected veterinary costs for their animals. The comparison tool above can help you choose the best pet insurance in Quebec for you and your companion, so you can rest assured knowing that you are empowered to act on your pet’s needs when the time comes.
Once you’ve chosen the best health insurance that suits your pet, the insurance provider will calculate a premium (based on several factors such as the type of animal, age and breed) that you will pay each month.
Watch out!
Most pet insurance policies include a waiting period after the purchase, so make sure to wait until the end of this period (if you can) for any veterinary treatment.
Normally, you will have to pay for any veterinary expenses yourself and then the insurance kicks in with a reimbursement. Rates of reimbursement are typically between 80% and 100%. For example, Desjardins pet insurance offers 80% of expenses covered and a 10% discount if you insure 3 or more pets with them.
Some insurers do offer to pay the vet directly but keep in mind that in these cases, you will have to look for a vet that partners with your insurance provider. If your preferred vet clinic or animal hospital is a part of their network, then it might be worth considering for your policy.
Occasionally, providers also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or help to find a vet.
Expert advice
Do you know the OMVQ? The Ordre des Médecins Vétérinaires du Québec (OMQV) regulates the professional practice of Québec’s 2,600 veterinarians, be it in clinics or hospitals. Although they don’t offer insurance themselves, they provide plenty of information on adopting, owning and caring for animals in Quebec. Additionally, you can also contact them when selecting your vet as registration with the OMQV is mandatory for vets in Quebec.
How much does pet insurance cost in Quebec?
The average premium for pet insurance in Canada is reportedly somewhere around $29 a month for a cat and $39 a month for a dog.
Quebec pet insurance varies based on multiple factors. These include the type of your animal, their age, the extent of coverage provided, your chosen reimbursement rate, the deductible amount, and the annual payout limit.
Each of these elements contributes to determining the monthly premium you will pay for your pet insurance policy. By considering these factors carefully, you can customise your coverage to suit your pet's needs and your budget. Whether you're looking for pet insurance in Montreal or Gatineau or Quebec city, the pet insurance prices are roughly the same.
Dog pet Insurance cost in Quebec
Below, you can see how much pet insurance for a dog costs for Quebec’s most beloved breed, the German Shepherd. It is important to note that the cost and expenses mentioned here are an average and may differ from one provider to another.
| Age | Max annual payout | Max annual deductible | Reimbursement rate | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <11 months | $5,000 | $700 | 70% | $58.12 |
| <11 months | $15,000 | $300 | 90% | $130.40 |
| 5 years | $5,000 | $700 | 70% | $92.42 |
| 5 years | $15,000 | $300 | 90% | $211.80 |
Good to know
Some cities in Quebec have deemed certain dog breeds aggressive, and the German Shepherd is often on that list. In such a case, you’ll usually need a special permit and additional rules may apply when walking your dog.
Cat pet Insurance cost in Quebec
If it’s a cat you’re looking to insure, here is an example of pet insurance for a cat in Quebec, using Trupanion pet insurance and the most common breed in La Belle Province, the Domestic Shorthair, as an example.
| Age | Deductible per condition | Reimbursement rate | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| <11 months | $700 | 90% | $16.46 |
| <11 months | $0 | 90% | $38.21 |
| 5 years | $700 | 90% | $27.38 |
| 5 years | $300 | 90% | $74.17 |
Good to know
Many pet insurance providers offer an annual deductible, but Trupanion’s deductible is per condition, meaning you only pay the deductible for every new condition diagnosed.
Is pet insurance more expensive in Quebec?
No. Pet insurance is private, which means it doesn’t change from province to province. Most pet insurance companies offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada, and often even include the U.S.
Therefore, pet insurance in Montreal, for example, will be no more expensive than Pet Insurance Toronto or BC pet insurance or Nova Scotia pet insurance — though the pets and their conditions themselves may differ significantly.
For example, basic pet insurance in Toronto generally starts at around $39 per month for a dog and $29 per month for a cat. But it might change based on the age, lifestyle of the pet, and other factors.
Sometimes, there are differences between rural, suburban and rural areas because pet ownership in different places comes with different risks. Cat insurance is, however, typically less expensive than insurance for dogs.
What does pet insurance cover in Quebec?
Pet insurance in Quebec covers a variety of accidents, sickness and longer-term conditions for your pet, whether it’s a cat, dog, bird, reptile or other. The availability of the treatments and the amount reimbursed will depend on your policy’s coverage.
Accident and illness coverage
If your pet has an accident or becomes unwell, most insurance policies will cover the costs of:
- X-rays
- Short stays for monitoring
- Emergency diagnosis
- Prescriptions
- Any surgery they may need
- MRI and other scans
- Chemotherapy
For example
Pushkin is a one-year-old German Shepherd who lives with Sophie, her owner. Sophie has got another 2 dogs and 2 cats, and that’s why she got multi-pet insurance in her native Montreal. While Sophie was at the dog park with her 3 dogs, Pushkin suddenly started acting strangely, wobbling around and looking disoriented. Worried that Pushkin may have eaten something toxic at the park, Sophie rushed her to the nearby animal hospital where Pushkin was diagnosed with a toxin ingestion. The vet told Sophie it was probably the end of a marijuana joint, a common issue in dog parks. Thankfully, Pushkin fully recovered.
The total bill at the animal hospital was $650, including a few tests and medicine. Sophie’s insurance covers 90% of the bill without a deductible, so she only ends up paying $65.
Preventative care coverage
Preventative medicine is always more effective (and cheaper in most pets’ lifetimes) than reactive medicine. However, only the best pet insurance in Quebec will cover these kinds of treatments, including:
- Annual examinations
- Vaccines
- Flea treatments
- Urinalysis and fecal analysis
- Parasitic treatment
Pet insurance does not typically cover routine trips to the vet, but some insurers offer wellness add-ons or separate policies that cover common, recurring tests and procedures.
Watch out!
Pet insurance providers almost never cover pre-existing conditions, which means it’s better to get insurance when your pet is young!
Is pet insurance worth it in Quebec?
The simple answer is yes, pet insurance is almost always worth it. If you have a young, healthy animal who will only need to see the vet for routine visits, then you might be well able to pay for these by putting aside some money from your paycheck.
However, many animals run into health problems at least once in their lifetime, and the vet bills in these cases can grow quickly.
Pet insurance becomes even more worthwhile if you have an older animal or one that is prone to health problems. In that case, you are unlikely to be able to save enough to pay for long-term care without suffering financial stress yourself.
Not having adequate protection can mean having to pay hefty, unexpected fees (that are difficult for any budget) or, in a worst-case scenario, not being able to pay for treatment for your pet at all.
Although the cost of treatments differs slightly from animal to animal, let’s have a look at some typical costs associated with healthcare for dogs, as an example:
| Veterinary services for an adult dog | Cost |
|---|---|
| Routine visit | $120 |
| Vaccines | $150 |
| Parasite prevention | $200 |
| Dental x-rays | $245 |
| Teeth cleaning | $531 |
| Tests and screening | $250 |
As you can see, the cost of routine visits and normal, preventative care is not negligible. If you imagine a situation, perhaps with an older pet, where routine care needs to be more frequent and health can suddenly deteriorate and cause other problems, you can see the need for more comprehensive insurance.
Meanwhile, a younger dog, from a relatively healthy breed might only need accident insurance to cover them if they are injured. Either way, it is better to have insurance you don't use than not to have insurance and need it!
Good to know
Pet insurance policies rarely cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s best to get insured before your pet runs into health problems.
Is there CAA Pet Insurance in Quebec?
If you are a member of CAA-Quebec then you might be eligible for the CAA pet insurance discount in Quebec. It may seem odd, but Quebec’s affiliate of the Canadian Automobile Association also offers pet insurance, though they focus primarily on car insurance and assistance.
If you’re already a CAA-Quebec member, it may be worth having a look. Keep in mind that it is always useful to compare policies to choose the best pet health insurance in Quebec for your four-legged family member.
Where to adopt a pet in Quebec?
Several institutions in Quebec have shelters where you can easily adopt an animal. The Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ) groups adoption centres under one cruelty-free banner.
These adoption centres do not impose a time limit for adoption on their residents and offer sterilisation, and often even vaccination, as a part of their adoption process.
Good to know
In addition, almost every city in Quebec has an SPCA centre that you can adopt from. All you have to do is visit one of their shelters and bring all household members with you, including children, roommates and other dogs, to make sure it’s a match.
As a dog or cat owner, most cities in Quebec have certain rules you must abide by. These usually include:
- Having a valid pet license that can be renewed annually
- Ensuring your dogs or cats wear their tags
- Making sure your pets are neutered/spayed and microchipped
- Maintaining them on a leash in public spaces (except dog parks)
- Picking up your pet’s droppings and dispose of them appropriately
- When using dog parks, make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date
Expert advice
Puppies should not visit dog parks until their vaccination is complete, which is usually when they are 4 months old at the earliest. It is also important to treat them against parasites.
The rules for other pets, such as birds, rodents, rabbits or reptiles, are largely unregulated, but the owner or caretaker is always responsible for their animal’s actions.
What should I consider when choosing pet insurance in Quebec?
Pet owners in Quebec have many options when it comes to pet insurance to protect their animal family members and prevent an unpleasant financial shock.
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the best pet insurance for you:
- Animal: Not all animals carry the same risks, so pet insurance differs from animal to animal. Larger animals tend to be more expensive to insure than smaller animals.
- Age: Generally, the younger the animal, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be. Also, an older animal is more likely to develop a health condition, and insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, dog insurance for Great Danes costs significantly more than cat insurance for an American Shorthair.
- Gender: Male animals are more expensive to insure than female animals. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums in cats and dogs.
- Deductible: The higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium. However, keep in mind that your insurance will only reimburse your vet expenses after you’ve paid the deductible from your own pocket.
- Location: Where you live with your pet will influence how much you pay. Certain regions and environments carry more outdoor risks than others.
- Add-ons: You can purchase additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine, though these will increase the cost of your policy.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
