Being a pet owner in Canada entails caring for your pet’s daily needs and ensuring veterinary care through the best pet insurance in Canada.
With pet insurance, you can minimize veterinary costs and medical expenses for treating specific conditions, illnesses or injuries.
If you are an Ontarian, this article will guide you on where you can get the best pet insurance in Ontario.
Pet Insurance Overview
Pet insurance is a health insurance policy for your pet that covers the costs of treating unexpected illnesses or injuries and specific health conditions.
There are several pet insurance companies with varying premiums, but they generally offer comparable coverage for pets.
A pet insurance policy can cover accidents, emergency illnesses, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.
In Canada, pet insurance companies like Trupanion, Fetch, and Pets Plus Us offer various insurance packages with different levels of coverage.
Best Pet Insurance in Ontario
Below are the 11 best pet insurance companies in Ontario.
Trupanion
Trupanion is a provider of medical insurance for pets. Since its founding, it has paid almost $2 billion in claims.
It offers illness and accident policies, offers unlimited coverage at 90% reimbursement and does not require payout limits.
Trupanion pet insurance in Ontario covers the medical costs of new illnesses and injuries, hereditary conditions, breed-specific conditions, and surgeries.
Pros:
- Unlimited coverage with no payout limits
- Coverage available from birth
- Customizable deduction options from $0 to $1,000
- Lifetime per-condition deductible
- Payments made directly to the veterinarian
Cons:
- No coverage for preventative or routine care
- The plan does not offer wellness plans
- No exam fees coverage
- More expensive than other pet insurers
Fetch
Fetch By The Dodo, formerly Petplan, offers an unlimited annual coverage cap option. The average monthly plan for a dog is $50, and $30 per month for a cat.
The basic features and options of a Fetch insurance policy are as follows:
- Maximum annual limit options: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000
- Deductible options: $300, $500, or $700
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Fetch offers one plan that covers complete sick visits (including exam fees of up to $250), up to $1,000 per policy year in virtual vet visits, dental injuries and diseases, breed-specific issues, and others.
The program is not available in New Brunswick and Quebec.
Pros:
- No enrollment fee
- Can cancel anytime
- Covers a range of therapies, including laser, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and others
- Pays back vet bills in as little as 2 days via direct deposit
Cons:
- No coverage for routine and preventive care, pre-existing conditions, prescription food, and grooming/cosmetic procedures
- Higher plan prices for older animals
- Waiting periods of up to 6 months before the start of coverage for certain conditions
Pets Plus Us
Pets Plus Us is another well-known pet insurance provider in Canada that provides Accident and Accident Illness plans for dogs and cats.
The Accident Plan offers $5,000 annually and covers unexpected injuries. It reimburses 80% of the vet fees, including the tax.
The Accident and Illness Plan offers coverage of $7,500 or $15,000 annually for treating illnesses. Reimbursement options are 70%, 80% or 90% of the vet bill plus tax.
The cost of a Pets Plus Us policy can cost up to $150 per month, depending on the plan you choose, the type of pet, its age, and your location.
Pros:
- Customizable deductible and reimbursement rates
- Multi-pet discount of up to 15% off
- Option to pay vet directly for more costly procedures
- All plans include ample pet ownership assistance
- Affiiliate program for Costco members offers up to 15% discount and complimentary first month
Cons:
- Does not cover dental care, reproductive health, experimental treatments, wellness or preventative care
- Does not cover all pre-existing conditions
- Age-based deductibles as pets get older
Desjardins
Desjardins is a credit union offering pet insurance for dogs and cats that reimburses 80% of eligible expenses.
A pet insurance policy from Desjardins covers dental care, accident, illness, alternative therapy, behavioural therapy, medical devices, and preventive care coverage.
It has three plans you can choose from. The Bronze Paw covers up to $2,000 for each accident and illness cost and optional dental care for up to $500 per year.
The Silver Paw plan offers up to $4,000 per year for each accident and illness and up to $700 in coverage for dental care.
The Gold Paw plan offers unlimited coverage for accidents and illness, up to $1,000 for dental care, and preventative care coverage.
Pros:
- All plans have a low deductible
- Dental coverage is included in the Silver and Gold Paw plans
- Discounts for three or more pets
- Option for vet direct pay for complex cases
Cons:
- Cannot customize deductible or reimbursement rate
- No dental care coverage for the Bronze Paw plan
- Age-based deductibles as pets get older
Related: Best Pet Sitting Apps in Canada.
Spot
Spot is a Canadian pet insurer that offers insurance plans for dogs and cats of all breeds to help deal with unexpected pet care costs.
The insurer offers up to 90% reimbursement, with coverage for eligible diseases, examinations, X-rays, surgeries, medications, prescription diets, cancer treatments, and behavioural issues.
Spot offers the Accident Plan for common accidents like falls or getting hit by a car. It does not provide coverage for illnesses.
The other plan, Accident and Illness, covers accident-related injuries, chronic conditions, and treatment for illnesses like cancer and urinary tract infections.
Spot is not available in Quebec.
Pros:
- Deductibles as low as $100
- Covers prescription food and behavioural modification
- Option for unlimited annual coverage
- 10% multi-pet discount
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions, elective and routine treatments, dental, and reproductive treatments
- Routine and preventative care treatments are available for a fee (as optional wellness riders)
OVMA
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) provides pet health insurance for dogs and cats in Canada.
The agency offers plans that cover accidents, alternative and behavioural treatments, dental, and illnesses.
It features three pet health insurance plans in Ontario:
- The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited per-accident coverage, unlimited yearly illness coverage (per condition), yearly dental coverage of $600, and yearly wellness coverage.
- The Extended Plan offers $5,000 per-accident coverage, $5,000 yearly illness coverage (per condition), and $400 annual dental coverage.
- The Comprehensive Plan features $2,500 per-accident coverage, $2,500 yearly illness coverage (per condition), and $300 annual dental coverage.
Pros:
- Fast claims payout
- Backed by Ontario’s biggest veterinary association
- Loyalty discounts of up to 5% after your second year
- Covers exam fees and taxes, boarding/kennel fees, holiday cancellation and cremation/burial costs
- Includes coverage of certain alternative and behavioural treatments
Cons:
- Some covered services are subject to a waiting period
- No vet direct pay
- Maximum is per-illness or accident, which can be restricting for costly claims
- Only the Unlimited+ plan offers wellness coverage
CAA
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has partnered with Pets Plus Us to provide pet insurance programs in Ontario, British Columbia, and the Atlantic provinces.
It offers Accident and Illness Plan, Accident Plan, and Flex Care, an Accident and Illness Plan add-on that covers annual exams, vaccines, dental conditions, flea and tick prevention, etc.
CAA Pet Insurance also features three programs:
- Compact Plan. This plan extends solely to accidents, with a coverage of up to $2,000 per accident.
- Intermediate Plan. This covers accidents and illnesses, covering up to $2,500 yearly.
- Luxury Plan. This plan is the most comprehensive CAA pet insurance plan and covers 80% of vet fees for accidents and illnesses, with an annual cap of up to $4,500.
Pros:
- Various Blue Ribbon benefits, such as professional in-house counselling, pet poison helpline, and emergency medical coverage of $1,000
- 12% savings for CAA members
- Customizable Flex Care program to lessen routine, wellness and dental care costs
- No breed-specific exclusions
Cons:
- More expensive as your pet ages
- Only covers cats and dogs after they have reached eight weeks of age
- Not available in all Canadian provinces and territories
Furkin
Furkin pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage for illnesses, accidents, and emergencies for pets in Canada, except for Quebec.
With Furkin, your pet gets coverage of up to $20,000 yearly, which you can use from one condition toward accidents or other illnesses.
A Furkin insurance policy reimburses up to 80% of eligible expenses. Its coverage includes exam fees, hereditary/congenital conditions, hospitalization, prescription medications, medical procedures, dental injuries, and emergency care.
Pros:
- No per-condition limits
- Flexible deductibles
- Coverage and benefits renew automatically each year
- Available in most of Canada
Cons:
- Lifetime coverage is available only to pets enrolled before 14 years of age
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- No coverage for routine/preventive care, behavioural devices, or cosmetic/elective procedures
Peppermint
Peppermint is a pet insurance provider that offers diverse coverage options for dogs and cats. The options are basic, accident-only, and comprehensive coverage.
The plans are as follows:
- Lite. This plan offers 80% coverage (including exam fees and taxes. It covers $1,500 per accident and $350 for alternative therapy and medical devices per year.
- Base. The plan features 80% reimbursement (including exam fees and taxes), $1,500 per accident, $1,500 per illness per year, and $350 coverage for alternative and behavioural therapy, etc.
- Plus. This coverage includes reimbursement of up to 80%, $2,500 per accident, $2,500 per illness (per year), and $350 for medical devices and behavioural therapy.
The coverage may include medication, diagnostics, x-rays, medical devices, boarding/kennel fees, hospital stays, prescription food, and behavioural therapy.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage
- No limits on how much you can claim for the treatment of your pet
- Availability of mobile app
- Pet age does not affect premiums
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Does not offer coverage for pets over 14 years of age
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Sonnet
Sonnet is a fully-online home and auto insurance company offering one of the cheapest pet insurance in Ontario, reimbursing up to 80% of your bill.
Sonnet offers a maximum coverage of $5,000 ($2,500 per accident and $2,500 per illness condition per year). The choices of deductibles are $100 and $300.
The basic accident and illness coverage from Sonnet includes exam fees, surgery, x-rays and diagnostics, dental work, prescription medication, and alternative and behavioural therapies.
Medical devices, lost pet advertising, and cremation or burial expenses due to death caused by covered conditions are also included in the coverage.
Sonnet pet insurance is available in AB, ON, QC, NB, NS, BC, and PE.
Pros:
- One simple insurance plan
- Dental coverage includes teeth cleanings
- Existing Sonnet home or auto insurance customers get a 5% discount
Cons:
- Does not offer any wellness options
- Not available in all of Canada
Petsecure
Petsecure offers coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries for dogs and cats, covering up to 80% of your vet bills, including exam fees and taxes.
Depending on your plan, coverage ranges from $1,000 to unlimited for accidents and illnesses, up to $600 for dental care, and $450 for wellness coverage.
Benefit limits are $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and unlimited. Deductibles range from $100 to $700, depending on your pet’s age and the policy.
Monthly premiums for dogs and cats can be as low as $41 and $23, respectively. Petsecure coverage includes diagnostics, x-rays, hospitalization, surgery, medication, etc.
Pros:
- Easy to apply and get a quote
- Good dental coverage that includes cleanings
- No maximum age restriction
- Different options to help you choose a cost-effective plan
Cons:
- Wellness coverage is only available for the most expensive plan.
- Limited choices in deductibles
- Petcare only reimburses pet owners once they pay the vet bill.
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How Pet Insurance Works
When you have chosen a pet insurance company, you pay them a monthly or annual insurance premium.
The insurance premium is based on the animal, age, breed, gender, location and the amount of coverage you choose.
Apart from the premium, you must also pay a deductible or the amount you pay for covered services before your insurance pays.
With pet insurance plans, you pay upfront for veterinary bills and then file a claim for reimbursement.
In the typical process, you perform these steps:
- Take your pet to a licensed veterinarian for a checkup or treatment of an injury.
- Pay the vet bill.
- File and submit a claim (including copies of your pet’s medical records and your veterinarian’s invoice) to your pet insurance company.
- Wait for your pet insurance company to finish evaluating your claim based on your policy.
- Receive reimbursement from your pet insurer if your claim is covered.
Pet insurers, such as Trupanion, pay veterinarians directly, so you do not need to make payments yourself.
Other pet insurance companies, like Desjardins, have special direct pay arrangements with vets for complicated cases.
Related: Estate Planning For Pets.
What Pet Insurance Covers
Depending on the pet insurance company, a typical coverage may include any or all of the following:
- Injuries and accidents
- Common and chronic illnesses
- Serious health conditions
- Hereditary conditions
- Testing and diagnostics
- Prescription medications
- Prescription food and supplements
- Holistic and alternative procedures
- Wellness procedures
- Behavioural therapy
How Much Does Pet Insurance in Ontario Cost?
Pet insurance in Ontario costs depend on the type of pet, breed, the type of services offered and requested, and your location.
Insurers estimate the average premium for pet insurance in Canada is around $40 a month for a dog, and about $30 a month for a cat.
In comparison, the cost of vaccinations and wellness checks ranges from $50 to $200 per year.
Forbes Advisor Canada reveals that the average yearly cost of pet insurance for a five-year-old Labrador Retriever in Toronto is approximately $876.
This is based on an annual coverage of $5,000 with a $100 deductible and an 80% reimbursement level.
Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance in Ontario
Find out the pros and cons of pet insurance in Ontario to determine if the extra expense is worthwhile.
Pros:
- Sometimes covers thousands of dollars that otherwise would come from your savings
- Peace of mind due to lower pet care costs
- Option to choose your veterinarian
- Pet insurance plans provide help with advertising and reward costs if your pet is lost or stolen.
Cons:
- Premiums can be costly
- Not all health issues are covered
- Some plans do not cover pre-existing conditions and routine wellness exams
- Limited options for pets other than dogs and cats
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance Plan
Any responsible pet parent would want the best for their furry family member, so choosing the best pet insurance plan is vital.
Here are tips to make the selection process easier:
- Know your pet’s medical background. Determine what types of accidents or illnesses you want your insurer to cover and what you can pay.
- Obtain quotes from different pet insurance companies. Compare the types of coverage they offer to get an idea of the options suitable for your budget.
- Consider policies with annual benefits, at least 70% reimbursement, and flexible deductibles.
- Pick the type of reimbursement that works for you. Choose a higher deductible, if possible, so you get lower annual premiums.
- Enroll your pet in an insurance plan at a young age to enjoy maximum protective benefits.
