Spot Pet Insurance Review 2024
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Discover the methodologySpot Pet Insurance provides affordable coverage tailored to your needs with two main plans: Accident and Illness, and Accident-Only. You can choose from annual coverage options ranging from $5,000 to unlimited coverage, and get reimbursements up to 90%. Unlike many other providers, Spot also covers behavioural issues and pet owner assistance without add-ons. Although dental illnesses aren't covered in the standard plans, you can add on routine and advanced wellness plans to ensure comprehensive care for your pet's routine needs.
Spot Pet Insurance Canada: Key Takeaways
- Pets covered: Dogs, cats
- Plans: Accident and Illness, and Accident-Only
- Annual Coverage Options: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement rate: 70% to 90%* (age-based)
- Annual deductible: $100-$300* (age-based)
Protect your pet today with Spot Pet Insurance
Our 2024 review of Spot Pet Insurance Canada
Spot Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage options, including Accident & Illness, and Accident Only plans, with annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or Unlimited. Spot's coverage includes vet exam fees, diagnostic tests, surgeries, hospitalizations, hereditary conditions, and alternative therapies like acupuncture. It also covers behavioural issues, which is not common among providers other than companies like Fetch Pet Insurance.
The reimbursement ranges from 70% to 90% (age-based), with deductibles ranging from $100 to $300. While the age-based deductible increases as your pet ages, the maximum $300 deductible is much less than other providers many of whom increase it to $450, $750 and above.
Spot also offers a competitive edge with its next day waiting period for accidents which is much lower than top providers like Fetch and Trupanion which have a 15 and 5-day waiting period, respectively. Spot also offers discounts including a 5% multi-pet discount for two pets and 10% for three or more, providing savings for households with multiple pets. You also get a 5% discount if your pet has a microchip.
Spot pet insurance reviews online are highly positive, indicating high customer satisfaction, with users appreciating the broad coverage and fast claims processing. However, Spot does not have a 24/7 helpline an increasingly common feature among today's providers. Further, it does not cover dental illnesses.
While it doesn't cover preventive and routine care in its standard plans, you can buy the wellness add-on for as low as $17/month to have comprehensive care for your pet. Dental cleanings are included in the advanced add-on.
Spot Pet Insurance is ideal for pet owners seeking comprehensive accident and illness coverage with flexible reimbursement options and lower deductibles at affordable premiums. It's also beneficial for those looking for quick accident coverage.
You can check how Spot Pet Insurance fares against Canada's top providers. Use our free tool below to compare pet insurance online. You can also get free personalized quotes from top companies.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
What are the pros and cons of Spot Pet Insurance?
Pros of Spot Pet Insurance
- Multiple annual coverage options, including unlimited coverage
- Wide range of coverage including alternative therapies and behavioural issues
- Optional wellness plans for routine and preventive care
- Multi-pet discount of up to 10%
- Highly positive reviews online indicating good customer experience
- Shorter waiting periods compared to other providers
- Next day accident coverage
Cons of Spot Pet Insurance
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursement rates as your pet gets older
- No 24*7 helpline
- Not currently available in Quebec
- No coverage for dental illnesses
What does Spot Pet Insurance cover?
Spot Pet Insurance covers a wide range of medical conditions and treatments for pets under its Accident & Illness and Accident Only plans. Here is a detailed breakdown of what is covered:
Accident & Illness Plan
- Vet Exam Fees: Costs associated with veterinary exams.
- X-rays & Diagnostic Tests: Coverage for various diagnostic procedures.
- Emergencies & Hospitalizations: Includes emergency treatments and hospital stays.
- Skin, Eye, and Ear Infections: Treatment for common infections.
- Hereditary Conditions: Conditions that are inherited genetically.
- Digestive Illnesses: Coverage for digestive-related health issues.
- Hip Dysplasia: Specific coverage for this common orthopedic condition.
- Cancer & Tumours: Treatments related to cancer and tumours.
- Infectious & Parasitic Diseases: Coverage for diseases caused by infections and parasites.
- Orthopedic Issues: Coverage for bone and joint problems.
- Swallowed Objects & Toxic Ingestions: Treatment for ingestion of harmful substances.
- Diagnostics & Treatments: General diagnostics and subsequent treatments.
- Prescription Medications: Medications prescribed by a vet.
- Surgery & Specialized Care: Surgical procedures and specialized treatments.
- Advanced Medical Care: Coverage for complex and advanced medical treatments.
- Alternative Therapies: Including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal therapy.
Accident Only Plan
- Vet Exam Fees: Costs associated with veterinary exams due to accidents.
- MRI, CT Scans & X-rays: Coverage for imaging required after accidents.
- Surgery & Hospitalizations: Includes surgeries and hospital stays due to accidents.
- IV Fluids & Medications: Treatment involving intravenous fluids and medications.
- Medical Supplies: Coverage for necessary medical supplies like bandages.
- Poison Control Consultations: Consultations for poisoning incidents.
- Prescription Medications: Medications required after accidents.
- Tooth Extractions: Extraction of teeth damaged in accidents.
- Alternative Therapies: Such as acupuncture related to accident recovery.
Additional Benefits
- Behavioural Issues: Coverage for treatments related to behavioural problems.
- Therapeutic Diets: 50% coverage up to a $500 maximum for prescribed therapeutic diets.
- Physical and Rehabilitative Therapies: Coverage for rehabilitation treatments.
- Medical Devices: Coverage for devices like slings, prosthetics, and glucometers prescribed by a vet.
- Trip Cancellation: Up to $500 per incident if a trip is cancelled due to a pet's medical emergency.
- Advertising & Reward for Lost Pet: Up to $500 per incident for advertising and rewards.
- Emergency Boarding Kennel Fee: Up to $500 per incident if the owner is hospitalized.
- Accidental Death: Up to $500 if a pet dies unexpectedly before receiving treatment.
- End-of-Life Coverage: Including euthanasia and cremation or burial costs up to $200 if the pet dies from an insured medical condition.
How old does my pet have to be for Spot coverage?
You can enroll your puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks old. For adult dogs, enrollment is available up to the age of 10 years, and for cats, up to 12 years. Once enrolled, your pet can remain on their Spot policy for life. Dogs aged 12 and over and cats aged 13 and older are eligible for an Accident-only policy.
What is the waiting period for Spot Pet Insurance?
The waiting period for Spot is as follows:
- Illnesses: 14-day waiting period
- Accident Coverage and Preventive Care Benefits: Next-day coverage
- Named Peril Illnesses: 3-day waiting period (refer to the sample policy in the following sections for details)
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions: 15-day waiting period
Good to know
Spot's next day waiting period for accidents is shorter than most pet insurance providers that have at least a 48-hour waiting period or more.
What add-on coverage options does Spot Pet Insurance offer?
Spot Pet Insurance offers two wellness plans that cover a variety of preventative care and routine wellness treatments. The plans are:
Routine Preventive Care Coverage ($17/month)
- Fecal Screen: $15
- Heartworm Test: $25
- Microchip and/or Urinalysis: $30
- Spay or Neuter and/or Wellness Blood Test/Pre-anesthetic Blood Test: $90
- Wellness Exam: $60
- Canine DHLPP Vaccine/Titer: $20
- Rabies Vaccine/Titer and/or Canine Lyme Disease Vaccine/Titer: $20
Advanced Preventive Care Coverage ($35/month)
- Dental Cleaning: $125
- Fecal Screen: $20
- Heartworm/Flea Prevention: $75
- Heartworm Test: $25
- Microchip and/or Urinalysis: $30
- Spay or Neuter and/or Wellness Blood Test/Pre-anesthetic Blood Test: $115
- Wellness Exam: $80
- Canine Bordetella Vaccine/Titer: $20
- Canine DHLPP Vaccine/Titer: $20
- Rabies Vaccine/Titer and/or Canine Lyme Disease Vaccine/Titer: $20
The total annual benefits for the Routine plan are $260, and for the Advanced plan, they are $530. These wellness plans are designed to help you manage routine care and preventative treatments, ensuring that your pets stay healthy and receive necessary routine care.
Spot pet insurance discounts
Spot offers a multi-pet discount for policyholders who insure more than one pet. Specifically, there is a 5% discount for insuring two pets and a 10% discount for insuring three or more pets.
You also get a 5% discount if your dog has a microchip. Simply enter your dog's microchip number while getting your quote to avail of the discount.
How much is Spot Pet Insurance?
The cost of Spot Pet Insurance varies depending on the plan you've chosen, the breed, age and health condition of your pet. Here's a sample quote for a 4-year-old Labrador based in Toronto. The quote was obtained on July 18, 2024, and it is for the accident and illness plan.
| Annual Coverage | Reimbursement | Deductible | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 85% | $150 | $80.93 |
| $10,000 | 85% | $150 | $112.28 |
| Unlimited | 85% | $150 | $156.07 |
The above quotes are without the wellness add-on.
Good to know
You can get additional plan options by contacting Spot Customer Service at 1.888.501.7768.
How to get a Spot Pet Insurance quote?
We received the above dog insurance quotes using the Spot online tool. You can get quotes for both dog insurance and cat insurance based on your unique needs. Enter basic information about your pet and the coverage you desire and get instant results online. Remember that pet insurance cost varies from one pet to another, therefore it's important to get personalized quotes.
You must compare quotes from multiple providers before zeroing in on a plan. Use our free tool to compare pet insurance quotes online.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
What are the deductible options offered by Spot Pet Insurance?
Spot Pet Insurance offers age-based deductibles that change as your pet ages. Here are the specific deductible options based on your pet's age at the start of the policy term:
- Under 2 years: $100 deductible
- 2-5 years: $150 deductible
- 5-8 years: $200 deductible
- 8-10 years: $250 deductible
- Over 10 years: $300 deductible
These deductibles are applied annually (once per policy term) to eligible claims filed under the veterinary fees benefit.
Good to know
It is worth noting that the maximum $300* deductible of Spot Pet Insurance is much lower than several other pet insurance providers which increase deductibles up to $450, $750 or even higher. This gives Spot an edge over the other providers in this aspect.
How does Spot pet insurance work?
Spot Pet Insurance coverage is pretty straightforward. Here's how it works once you purchase a plan with Spot.
- Visit Any Vet You have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in Canada or the U.S. with no restrictions.
- Submit Your Claim Easily submit your claim online, via fax, or email. The process is quick and straightforward.
- Get Paid! Receive cash back for covered vet bills through either direct deposit or cheque, based on your preference.
What does Spot Pet Insurance not cover?
Spot offers comprehensive coverage, including alternative and rehabilitative therapies, which are not always covered by other insurers. However, it does not cover dental illnesses, or wellness and preventive care without additional wellness plans. It excludes pre-existing conditions, bilateral conditions, fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive system claims. Here is a detailed list of what's not covered by Spot:
- Pre-existing conditions: Conditions showing signs before the policy's waiting period ends.
- Bilateral conditions: Conditions affecting both sides if pre-existing on one side.
- Fertility and reproductive claims: Costs for fertility, breeding, pregnancy, birth, or nursing.
- Routine care: Annual physicals, vaccines, spay/neuter, grooming, and parasite prevention (unless under preventive care add-on).
- Dental treatment: Dental and orthodontic care or diseases of the teeth and gums.
- Non-prescription foods: Raw diets, home-cooked diets, weight management foods.
- Non-medical devices: Collars, muzzles, strollers, carriers, crates.
- Experimental treatments: Tests or treatments without strong scientific evidence.
- Policyholder-caused conditions: Including mistreatment, neglect, and preventable conditions.
- Repetitive behaviours: More than three similar preventable incidents.
- Non-medical boarding: Boarding or hospitalization for non-medical reasons.
- Cosmetic procedures: Elective or non-essential procedures and complications.
- Euthanasia: For dangerous behaviour or financial reasons, not related to covered conditions.
- Memorial options: Urns, caskets, paw prints, memorial stones.
- Late claims: Submitted over 180 days after treatment or 90 days after policy cancellation.
- Animals not covered: Pets younger than 8 weeks, dogs older than 10 years, or cats older than 12 years.
Good to know
It's important to note that pre-existing conditions are generally not eligible for coverage under any pet insurance provider unless through a special provision or extra add-on.
You can take a look at this sample Spot Pet Insurance Canada policy for the typical list of coverage and exclusions.
How does Spot Canada differ from other providers?
Let's do a quick comparison of Spot with top providers like Trupanion Pet Insurance, Fetch Pet Insurance, and Furkin in the following table.
| Feature | Spot Pet Insurance Canada | Trupanion Canada | Fetch Pet Insurance | Furkin Pet Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Coverage Options | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Reimbursement | 70% to 90%** | 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 80% |
| Deductible | $100-$300* | $0-$1,000 | $300, $500, $700* | $100, $300, $750* |
| Waiting Period for Accidents | Next day coverage | 5 days | 15 days | 48 hours |
- *Age-based deductible as your pet gets older
- * *Age-based reimbursement as your pet gets older
You can use our free tool below to compare pet insurance plans online. Get instant quotes based on your unique needs.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
How to file a claim with Spot?
- Collect Documents: Pay your vet first and collect your invoice, which should include an invoice number, your pet's name, itemized services, associated costs, and taxes.
- Submit Claim: Submit your claim form online 24/7 at members.spotpetinsurance.ca within 180 days of the treatment date.
- Provide Medical Records: Ensure you submit all required medical records and closed invoices to avoid delays.
- Choose Reimbursement Method: Select your preferred reimbursement method (Electronic Funds Transfer or cheque) when making your claim.
- Track Status: Check the status of your claim anytime on the Customer Portal.
You can use your Spot Pet Insurance login to access the portal to submit claims, check your claim status, update your profile information and more. You can take a look at the Spot Pet Insurance claim form here.
How to contact Spot Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance has a Customer Service Center, available Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm EST. Here are the contact details you'll need:
- Spot pet insurance Phone number: 1.888.501.7768
- Spot pet insurance Email: [email protected]
You can also log into your Spot account, through their website, or sign up if you don't already have an account.
FAQs on Spot Pet Insurance
How long does Spot Pet Insurance take to reimburse?
Spot Pet Insurance processes and communicates their claim decision within 60 days once they receive the completed claim form and all required supporting documentation.
Where is Spot Pet Insurance accepted?
Spot Pet Insurance is accepted at any licensed veterinarian across Canada and the United States. This broad acceptance allows policyholders to choose the best veterinary care for their pets without worrying about network restrictions.
Who owns Spot Pet Insurance?
Spot Pet Insurance is underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation and managed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. This combination ensures that Spot Pet Insurance is backed by a reputable and experienced insurance provider while being managed by a specialized pet insurance service.
How to cancel my Spot Pet Insurance policy?
To cancel Spot Pet Insurance, you need to contact Spot's customer service directly. The policy will renew automatically until it is cancelled by the insured or the insurer due to non-payment of premiums. You can contact Spot by email or phone at 1-800-905-1595.
