Is Spot Pet Insurance Worth It in Canada? Our 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Spot
Spot, underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation and distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd., delivers flexible and transparent pet insurance solutions for Canadian dogs and cats with plans ranging from accident-only to comprehensive accident and illness coverage that can be tailored by reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles, and optional wellness benefits. Its plans provide reimbursement of 70% to 90% of covered vet bills (subject to pet age), annual limits that can reach up to $20,000, and annual deductibles from $100 to $300 depending on the pet’s age, while the optional wellness budget is available only on accident and illness policies.
Spot stands out amid competitors by combining broad incident caps, high reimbursement rates, extensive supplementary benefits, and a digital-first approach for claims submission, placing it in a competitive mid- to upper-range pricing segment for its scope.
Spot is especially suitable for owners of young pets seeking high reimbursement, for those with purebreds requiring comprehensive coverage, or for multi-pet households, while the range of deductible and co-insurance options makes it accessible to both budget-focused and coverage-minded owners. Northbridge General Insurance Corporation is a robust Canadian insurer; while premium volume is not published here, claims are processed via a dedicated digital portal with support available by phone and email.
Spot holds a Trustpilot score of 4.3 out of 5 (71 reviews, spotpetinsurance.ca), and claims are typically reimbursed within days to a maximum of 60 days, reflecting strong operational reliability.
- ✅Plans for accident-only or accident/illness
- ✅Reimbursement rate up to 90% on eligible costs
- ✅Annual limits up to $20,000; customizable caps
- ✅Deductibles from $100–$300 based on age
- ✅Optional wellness reimburses routine/annual care
- ✅Rapid digital claims; payment in a few days
- ✅Multi-pet and microchip discounts available
- ❌Numerous exclusions, especially for pre-existing/preventive care
- ❌Co-insurance and deductible increase with pet’s age
- ❌Wellness benefits cost extra; not included by default
- ❌Strict documentation and medical history required
- ❌No direct vet billing; owner pays, then claims
- ✅Plans for accident-only or accident/illness
- ✅Reimbursement rate up to 90% on eligible costs
- ✅Annual limits up to $20,000; customizable caps
- ✅Deductibles from $100–$300 based on age
- ✅Optional wellness reimburses routine/annual care
- ✅Rapid digital claims; payment in a few days
- ✅Multi-pet and microchip discounts available
Our expert's opinion on Spot
ScoreSpot, underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation and distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd., delivers flexible and transparent pet insurance solutions for Canadian dogs and cats with plans ranging from accident-only to comprehensive accident and illness coverage that can be tailored by reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles, and optional wellness benefits. Its plans provide reimbursement of 70% to 90% of covered vet bills (subject to pet age), annual limits that can reach up to $20,000, and annual deductibles from $100 to $300 depending on the pet’s age, while the optional wellness budget is available only on accident and illness policies.
Spot stands out amid competitors by combining broad incident caps, high reimbursement rates, extensive supplementary benefits, and a digital-first approach for claims submission, placing it in a competitive mid- to upper-range pricing segment for its scope.
Spot is especially suitable for owners of young pets seeking high reimbursement, for those with purebreds requiring comprehensive coverage, or for multi-pet households, while the range of deductible and co-insurance options makes it accessible to both budget-focused and coverage-minded owners. Northbridge General Insurance Corporation is a robust Canadian insurer; while premium volume is not published here, claims are processed via a dedicated digital portal with support available by phone and email.
Spot holds a Trustpilot score of 4.3 out of 5 (71 reviews, spotpetinsurance.ca), and claims are typically reimbursed within days to a maximum of 60 days, reflecting strong operational reliability.
- ✅Plans for accident-only or accident/illness
- ✅Reimbursement rate up to 90% on eligible costs
- ✅Annual limits up to $20,000; customizable caps
- ✅Deductibles from $100–$300 based on age
- ✅Optional wellness reimburses routine/annual care
- ✅Rapid digital claims; payment in a few days
- ✅Multi-pet and microchip discounts available
- ❌Numerous exclusions, especially for pre-existing/preventive care
- ❌Co-insurance and deductible increase with pet’s age
- ❌Wellness benefits cost extra; not included by default
- ❌Strict documentation and medical history required
- ❌No direct vet billing; owner pays, then claims
- ✅Plans for accident-only or accident/illness
- ✅Reimbursement rate up to 90% on eligible costs
- ✅Annual limits up to $20,000; customizable caps
- ✅Deductibles from $100–$300 based on age
- ✅Optional wellness reimburses routine/annual care
- ✅Rapid digital claims; payment in a few days
- ✅Multi-pet and microchip discounts available
- Spot Coverage
- Exclusions of Spot
- Spot Prices
- Spot Assistance
- Customer feedback on Spot
- How to contact Spot?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies on the Canadian market every year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of users across Canada trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
Spot Coverage
Spot offers Accident-Only and Accident & Illness plans for dogs and cats in Canada, with reimbursement rates and deductibles that vary based on the pet's age—starting at $100 and 10% coinsurance for young pets, increasing up to $300 and 30% for older animals.
Annual limits reach $20,000 on Accident-Only plans and are variable for Accident & Illness plans, with optional wellness (preventive care) coverage available only on the latter; both plan types include up to $1,000 for alternative therapies, extra benefits such as travel, boarding, and lost pet recovery, but routine/preventive care requires the optional add-on.
Spot distinguishes itself with extensive ancillary benefits, transparent exclusions, digital claims management, and notable modularity—allowing owners to tailor coverage to their needs and access high annual benefits even on accident-only plans.
However, Spot imposes strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions, routine care (unless wellness option is added), certain musculoskeletal and dental issues, and places sub-limits on specific benefits such as prescribed food, wellness, and death/cremation.
The primary weaknesses are the age-based reduction in reimbursement levels, substantial co-payments for older pets, and strict documentation for claims—all critical for those seeking comprehensive, low-out-of-pocket coverage.
| Name of coverage | Accident Only Plan | Accident & Illness Plan (Levels 2/3/4) |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level: emergency accident cover | Comprehensive: accidents + illness + optional wellness |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Accidents only | Accidents and illnesses |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 80% | 70%–90% (varies by age: 10–30% coinsurance) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | $20,000 | Variable by selection; see policy details |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | $100 annual | $100–$300 annual (increases with age) |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | Dogs/cats: from 8 weeks; upper: N.C. | Dogs: under 10y; cats: under 12y at enrollment |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Health checklist + recent (≤6 mo) vet check | Health checklist + recent (≤6 mo) vet check |
| Waiting period (illness) | N.C. | 14 days post-enrollment |
| Waiting period (accident) | Next day (12:01 am after enrollment) | Next day (12:01 am after enrollment) |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ (while active and within age/terms) | ✅ (while active and within age/terms) |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | Emergency only | ✅ (consults for covered accident/illness) |
| Medications | For accidents | For accidents and illnesses |
| Hospitalization | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | For accidents | For accidents and illnesses |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | Accident-related tooth fractures only | Accident-related tooth fractures only; illness excluded |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | Optional (add-on, extra premium) |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | Up to $1,000/year (accident-related) | Up to $1,000/year (accident or illness) |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | Canada + 182 days/yr USA, PR, HI, AK | Canada + 182 days/yr USA, PR, HI, AK |
| Euthanasia | Accident only, up to $200 | Accident/illness, up to $200 |
| Death & cremation coverage | Accident only, up to $500 (value/adoption) | Accident/illness, up to $500 (value/adoption) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | Up to $500/incident | Up to $500/incident |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | $25/day, max $500/incident (>48h hospital) | $25/day, max $500/incident (>48h hospital) |
Good to know
- An annual exam by a vet within 6 months before sign-up (or within 30 days after) is required for enrollment.
- Pre-existing and bilateral conditions, preventive and routine care (unless wellness option purchased), and dental/illness-related gum care are excluded.
- Claims must be filed within 180 days of treatment; benefit sub-limits include $1,000 for alternative therapy, $500 for prescribed food, $500–$200 for end-of-life.
Compare Spot’s plans to find the rate and coverage best suited to your pet and budget.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Exclusions of Spot
Spot Pet Insurance in Canada applies a thorough list of exclusions, primarily standard across the industry: most notably, all pre-existing conditions (including bilateral issues already declared on one side), preventive care, annual exams, elective and cosmetic procedures, and all illness care under "Accident-Only" plans are excluded from reimbursement.
Excluded, too, are any conditions or complications relating to breeding, gestation, or aggression, as well as experimental or unconventional treatments, injuries resulting from deliberate actions by the owner, repeated uncured behavioural incidents (such as repeated ingestion of foreign objects or multiple accidents of the same nature), and use of the animal for commercial purposes.
Strict age limits at enrollment apply (no dogs over 10 years or cats over 12 years old) and failure to submit a recent veterinary checkup may result in claim denial or annulment.
Spot is also more explicit than many competitors regarding claim deadlines (claims must be submitted within 180 days of treatment or 90 days after policy cancellation), and double insurance is prohibited, resulting in immediate termination.
Coverage ceases for services or costs exceeding annual or sub-limit thresholds, and any non-compliance with veterinary advice or preventive recommendations may result in exclusion from reimbursement.
Spot Prices
Spot positions itself as a mid-range provider in the Canadian pet insurance market, balancing comprehensive coverage options with competitive pricing.
Plans offer generous annual limits, access to alternative therapies and behavioural coverage, as well as flexible reimbursement rates up to 90%, but deductibles and coinsurance rise with the pet’s age, in line with market norms.
As a digital-first, pure player with self-service claims and account management, Spot manages to keep administrative overhead lower than many traditional insurers, passing some savings to customers while maintaining robust support.
Compared to competitors, Spot is neither the most budget-friendly nor the most expensive—it offers solid value for the scope of cover, especially for those seeking digital convenience and customizable plans.
Spot is thus well-suited for pet owners wanting reliable coverage and efficient service without entering the highest premium range.
Compare Spot’s plans below to find the coverage and price that best suits your needs:
| Accident Only | Accident & Illness (Standard) | Accident & Illness (Premium) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $17/month | $28/month | $42/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $25/month | $39/month | $58/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $21/month | $36/month | $54/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $31/month | $52/month | $78/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $47/month | $78/month | $119/month |
Spot promo codes
| Spot Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
How much will I be reimbursed with Spot?
Spot reimburses much of your eligible veterinary bill after you pay your annual deductible, according to the reimbursement percentage of your chosen plan—helping protect your budget from high vet costs and giving you peace of mind.
Example 1: Emergency surgery for a swallowed object
- Total vet costs: $3,400 (ER exam, X-rays, surgery, hospitalization, medications)
- Annual deductible to subtract: $100 (pet under 2 years old; deductible paid first claim of the year)
- Amount eligible for reimbursement: $3,400 – $100 = $3,300
- 90% of that amount reimbursed (highest-tier plan): $3,300 × 90% = $2,970
- 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,970.
- Your out-of-pocket cost: $430 ($100 deductible + $330 co-pay)
ℹ️ Once your deductible has been paid on the first claim, only the co-pay applies on future claims until your annual coverage limit is reached.
Example 2: Chronic allergy diagnosis and treatment
- Total vet costs: $600 (specialty visit, diagnostics, prescription meds)
- Annual deductible already used for the year
- Amount eligible for reimbursement: $600
- Reimbursement at 90%: $600 × 90% = $540
- 👉 You receive $540 back from Spot.
- Your out-of-pocket cost: $60 (10% co-pay)
ℹ️ With the deductible already met, only your coinsurance (10%) applies to further eligible claims through the year.
Example 3: Preventive care wellness add-on—annual checkup & vaccines
- Total vet costs: $350 (exam, core vaccines, parasite prevention)
- Preventive care reimbursed up to a scheduled annual maximum (e.g., $250 per year on the wellness add-on)
- Reimbursement: $250 (wellness allowance maxed for this year; $100 remains at your expense)
- 👉 You receive $250 reimbursement for preventive care.
- Your out-of-pocket cost: $100 (cost above the annual wellness coverage)
ℹ️ Preventive/wellness care is covered only if you add this option when you enroll—helping offset the cost of annual exams, dental cleaning, vaccines, and more.
Spot Assistance
Spot does not offer advance payment at the clinic; claims are always processed as reimbursements after policyholders pay veterinary fees upfront.
There is no interest-free instalment facility for eligible veterinary bills, but policy premiums can be paid monthly or annually.
A dedicated online portal allows policyholders to submit and track claims, but Spot does not provide a proprietary mobile app in Canada.
The digital reimbursement process is fully paperless and offers prompt payouts (EFT or cheque), with claims accepted up to 180 days after treatment.
Spot does not offer a 24/7 emergency vet helpline, teleconsultations, or a partner network, but coverage applies to any licensed vet in Canada and for up to 182 days per year in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska) under defined conditions.
| Assistance Spot | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No veterinarian direct payment or Payvet/Petcard equivalent; claims always via client advance. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No payment plan or instalment available for vet fees; premiums can be paid monthly/annually. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app is offered in Canada; all management is via the online customer portal. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims filed online or by email; digital processing; reimbursements by EFT or cheque. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No 24/7 emergency helpline or teleconsultation provided. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No designated network; policy valid at any licensed veterinarian in Canada and eligible U.S. areas. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Covered in Canada and for up to 182 days/year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska. |
Customer feedback on Spot
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 (8,301 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above.
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Spot Pet Insurance for their pets often mention:
- A fast and straightforward claims process: submissions are easily completed online or through an app, and many users report reimbursements within one week.
- An efficient and responsive customer service: policyholders consistently highlight positive, supportive, and helpful interactions with the support team.
- A high degree of transparency and communication: customers appreciate being kept informed throughout the claim process.
- The flexibility and usefulness of wellness and preventive care add-ons: options for routine care and multi-pet discounts are valued by those seeking broader coverage.
- A reliable sense of financial reassurance and peace of mind during unexpected veterinary situations.
On the negative side:
- A reimbursement limit per claim or annually is sometimes seen as too low in cases of large or repeated medical bills.
- A portion of policyholders would like more of the bill covered, as not all expenses are always reimbursed in full after deductibles and co-payment.
- Occasional delays in check delivery or reissuance are noted, though generally less common.
- The cost of the policy can add up over the years, leading to some users questioning the value for routine care claims.
How to contact Spot?
| Spot Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim by logging into the Spot member portal (members.spotpetinsurance.ca), or send documents by email or fax. Required documents: detailed (“closed”) vet invoice, medical history, and any related prescriptions. Claims must be submitted within 180 days of the date of treatment. Claims are generally processed within a maximum of 60 days once complete; reimbursements are paid via direct deposit (EFT) or cheque. Support available by phone at 1-888-501-7768. Postal address for sending documents: 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3V7. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Log in to your Spot member portal (members.spotpetinsurance.ca) to download your certificate of insurance. You can also request it by contacting customer service at 1-888-501-7768 or by email (you will need your policy number and personal identification). Postal address: 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3V7. |
| To contact assistance | Customer service can be reached by phone at 1-888-501-7768 for any questions or help related to your insurance, claims, or emergencies. You may also use the member portal for support or email as indicated in your policy documents. Postal address: 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3V7. |
| To cancel my policy | Policy cancellation is possible at any time by contacting Customer Success by phone at 1-888-501-7768. Only the primary policyholder can request cancellation. You may be asked for your policy number and proof of identification. The remaining unused portion of the premium will be refunded on a prorated basis. No minimum notice period is required, but cancellation must be done by phone. After cancellation, you have up to 90 days to submit claims for incidents occurring prior to cancellation. Postal address for written requests: 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3V7. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Spot?
With Spot pet insurance, you must pay your veterinary bill upfront at any licensed clinic. After the visit, you submit your claim online, by fax, or by email, and Spot will reimburse you directly for eligible expenses according to your plan. Spot does not offer an advance payment or direct-to-vet billing service.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Spot?
You can cancel your Spot pet insurance policy at any time by calling customer service. There is no minimum notice period, and you may need to provide your policy details and a cancellation request. Any unused premium will be refunded on a prorated basis.
What does Spot pet insurance cover and not cover?
Spot covers a wide range of vet care, including accidents, illnesses, exams, surgeries, medications, diagnostic tests, and some alternative therapies. Routine and preventive care is only covered if you add a wellness plan. Pre-existing conditions and most routine treatments are excluded.
How do deductibles and reimbursements work with Spot?
You choose your annual deductible and reimbursement percentage when enrolling. After your deductible is met, Spot reimburses you for a percentage (typically 70%–90%) of eligible expenses, with a co-pay that may increase as your pet ages. Annual limits and sub-limits may also apply.
Are there age limits or restrictions for enrolling my pet?
Pets can be enrolled from 8 weeks of age. Dogs must be signed up before their 10th birthday, and cats before their 12th. Older pets are not eligible for new coverage, although Spot does not cancel coverage due to age once enrolled.
How quickly are claims processed and how do I get paid?
Spot aims to process complete claims quickly, often within a few days to a maximum of 60 days. Reimbursements are paid directly to you by cheque or electronic funds transfer (EFT), depending on your chosen method. You can track claim status online via the member portal.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Spot?
With Spot pet insurance, you must pay your veterinary bill upfront at any licensed clinic. After the visit, you submit your claim online, by fax, or by email, and Spot will reimburse you directly for eligible expenses according to your plan. Spot does not offer an advance payment or direct-to-vet billing service.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Spot?
You can cancel your Spot pet insurance policy at any time by calling customer service. There is no minimum notice period, and you may need to provide your policy details and a cancellation request. Any unused premium will be refunded on a prorated basis.
What does Spot pet insurance cover and not cover?
Spot covers a wide range of vet care, including accidents, illnesses, exams, surgeries, medications, diagnostic tests, and some alternative therapies. Routine and preventive care is only covered if you add a wellness plan. Pre-existing conditions and most routine treatments are excluded.
How do deductibles and reimbursements work with Spot?
You choose your annual deductible and reimbursement percentage when enrolling. After your deductible is met, Spot reimburses you for a percentage (typically 70%–90%) of eligible expenses, with a co-pay that may increase as your pet ages. Annual limits and sub-limits may also apply.
Are there age limits or restrictions for enrolling my pet?
Pets can be enrolled from 8 weeks of age. Dogs must be signed up before their 10th birthday, and cats before their 12th. Older pets are not eligible for new coverage, although Spot does not cancel coverage due to age once enrolled.
How quickly are claims processed and how do I get paid?
Spot aims to process complete claims quickly, often within a few days to a maximum of 60 days. Reimbursements are paid directly to you by cheque or electronic funds transfer (EFT), depending on your chosen method. You can track claim status online via the member portal.
