PET INSURANCE GUIDE
Pet insurance, explained
We dig into the details, so you don’t have to.
Get your price
“It’s so easy a cat could do it.”
What is pet insurance, anyway?
Pet insurance can help make vet bills for your dog, cat, puppy or kitten more affordable. And that peace of mind is priceless. Like a friend who chips in to help cover the bill, your pet insurance provider is responsible for paying a certain portion of your pet’s bills for covered care – all based on the terms of your agreement, of course. This can include vet visits, medications, hospital stays and more. Fetch Pet Insurance pays back up to 90% of your vet bill if your dog or cat gets sick or hurt.
Get your priceSee Fetch Pet Insurance in action
Reuben
Veterinary bills: $27,019
Paid back by Fetch: $20,604
“After one of Reuben’s discs had burst, Fetch made it possible for him to get the surgery and ongoing care needed to live a happy life. There’s no other way we could have done it.”
— Jonathan and Shahar,
Reuben’s parents
See Fetch Pet Insurance in action
Diego
Veterinary bills: $21,436
Paid back by Fetch: $18,042
"Just like humans, insurance offers peace of mind that you are protected, at least financially, for your pets' needs. That's what's really important about having pet insurance."
— Clay and Michael,
Diego’s parents
See Fetch Pet Insurance in action
Dante
Veterinary bills: $18,453
Paid back by Fetch: $11,691
“Pet insurance is 100% a must-have. It's peace of mind. It's the thing you hope you never need. But when you do, it comes through for you like a lifesaver.”
— Vaish and Matangi,
Dante’s parents
Why do I need pet insurance?
1 out of 3 pets needs unexpected veterinary care each year according to Carroll Hospital Center. February 2022. Having a pet insurance plan is like having a safety net for the unexpected, and the sooner you enroll, the sooner your pet's covered. Most pet insurance providers don't cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s best to enroll in a plan as early as possible.
Fetch covers dogs and cats 6 weeks and older with the most comprehensive coverage in Canada and the U.S. Insuring your pet before health issues develop is recommended, so can make the cost of veterinary treatment more affordable now and down the road.
“No one wants to think about accidents or illnesses when it comes to their dog, but even the most loved pets aren't immune. Data shows that being proactive about your pet's health is key to giving your dog a longer, healthier life — and Fetch Pet Insurance is the best way to do just that.”
Dr. Audrey Ruple, DVM, MS, PhD, DipACVPM, MRCVS
Veterinarian, Dorothy A. & Richard G. Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics & Chair of the Fetch Veterinary Advisory Board
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance coverage varies by provider, but Fetch has the most comprehensive pet insurance coverage in Canada and the U.S., including (but not limited to):
We cover the complete sick visit – including the exam – which can save you between $50-$250 per visit.
We cover injury and disease in every adult tooth, not just the canines. Plus, you get full coverage for periodontal disease (the most common disease in dogs and cats), oral tumors, trauma and more.
We cover medical conditions linked to breed, like breathing problems in French Bulldogs or kidney stones in Burmese.
What doesn’t pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an injury or illness that occurred or your pet showed clinical signs of before you enrolled in pet insurance, during the waiting period or before your pet’s first exam. To maximize your pet's coverage, enroll them in pet insurance as early as possible. This way, conditions they develop later on won't be considered pre-existing (and therefore excluded from coverage).
Rated 4.7 in the App Store & Google Play. *Updated July 2023.
How does pet insurance work?
Every pet insurance provider is different, but you'll usually submit a claim (this can include your vet bill and your pet's medical records) to your pet insurance provider, and you’ll typically be paid back if the treatment your dog or cat received is covered under your plan.
With Fetch, submitting a claim is as easy as taking a picture of your vet documents and answering a few questions online or using our app. Once approved, Fetch pays back up to 90% of your pet’s care. To learn more, check out our claims page.
How do I find the best pet insurance company near me?
When looking for the best pet insurance in your area, it’s important to consider the overall cost of vet care in your area. Fetch works with any vet in Canada and the U.S. but the average cost of pet insurance varies from location to location.
Alberta
Plans average
$49/month for dogs
Plans average
$27/month for catsThe average monthly dog premium in AB, CAN is $49. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly cat premium in AB, CAN is $27. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly premium is based on Fetch data in Alberta from 3/10/22 to 4/13/22.
British Columbia
Plans average
$58/month for dogsPlans average
$34/month for catsThe average monthly dog premium in BC, CAN is $58. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly cat premium in BC, CAN is $34. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly premium is based on Fetch data in British Columbia from 3/10/22 to 4/13/22.
Ontario
Plans average
$55/month for dogsPlans average
$30/month for catsThe average monthly dog premium in ON, CAN is $55. The most common limit is $15,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly cat premium in ON, CAN is $30. The most common limit is $15,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly premium is based on Fetch data in Ontario from 3/10/22 to 4/13/22.
Nova Scotia
Plans average
$46/month for dogsPlans average
$24/month for catsThe average monthly dog premium in NS, CAN. is $46. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly cat premium in NS, CAN is $24. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly premium is based on Fetch data in Nova Scotia from 3/10/22 to 4/13/22.
Manitoba
Plans average
$40/month for dogsPlans average
$20/month for catsThe average monthly dog premium in MB, CAN is $40. The most common limit is $10,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly cat premium in MB, CAN is $20. The most common limit is $15,000, the most common deductible is $300, and the most common copay is 80%. The average monthly premium is based on Fetch data in Manitoba from 3/10/22 to 4/13/22.
How do I find the best pet insurance provider near me?
Fetch makes it easy to get a personalized plan that fits your pet and your budget. When you sign up for Fetch, the price of your insurance plan won’t be affected by sex, medical and behavioral history, spay or neuter status and indoor or outdoor status.
We look at three key factors: your pet’s age, breed and location. From there, you’ve got options to customize your price. Once you enroll, there is a waiting period of up to 15 days before coverage begins. We’ll email you as soon as it starts!
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of pet insurance varies by provider. With Fetch, the average cost of pet insurance for dogs is $50/month, and the average cost of pet insurance for cats is $30/month. When customizing your plan, you’ll be able to choose the deductible, max annual payout and reimbursement rate that’s right for your pet and your budget.
Choosing a higher deductible will make your price lower, but you’ll pay more out of pocket before your insurance begins paying you back.
Your max annual payout is the maximum amount you can be paid back by your insurance provider each year, so choosing a lower max annual payout means your price will also be lower.
Choosing a lower reimbursement rate will also make your price lower.
Want a custom quote for your dog or cat?
Get your price nowWhat are some of the most common pet insurance claims?
Pet insurance claims can span a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. Common claims for dogs and cats with Fetch Pet Insurance include stomach issues, gum disease, urinary tract infections and allergies. You can see how much Fetch pays back for common claims for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
1 out of 3 pets need unexpected veterinary care each year
Here’s a look at how much English Bulldogs, like Petey, rack up in vet bills in a year, on average.
English Bulldog's vet bills:
$2,404
Fetch pays back:
$1,913
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
If you’re looking for potential savings on future vet trips, the answer is yes. Pet insurance helps make vet bills more affordable, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll be covered if your pup or cat unexpectedly gets sick or hurt down the road. But if you’re at the vet with a sick pet right now, bear in mind that your current visit won’t be covered. Your pet will be covered for approved claims once they’re enrolled and the waiting period has passed. Just another reason to sign up today.
Get your quoteVet bill cost is based on the average vet bills for U.S. English Bulldogs' annual policy terms with effective date between 1.1.2021 - 12.31.2022 where the dogs are 8 years old. Fetch pays back is based on a policy configuration of a max annual payout of $5,000, an annual deductible of $250 and a reimbursement rate of 90%.
Common pet insurance terms – decoded
It can be tough to wrap your head (or tail) around how pet insurance works, especially with all of the lingo. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common words and phrases, so you can get back to belly rubs in no time.
Max annual payout
Your max annual payout is the maximum dollar amount you can be paid back each year. Choosing a lower max annual payout will make your price lower.
Deductible
Your deductible is the amount of veterinary care you need to pay for yourself each year before we can reimburse you for claims. So if your annual deductible is $300, you have to pay for $300 worth of approved veterinary care before we can start reimbursing you.
Exam fee
Every unexpected visit to the vet comes with an exam fee, which can cost around $50 – $250. That’s in addition to any tests and treatment your pet may need. Fetch covers the complete sick visit — exam fee included.
Invoice
An invoice is a document from your vet showing what kind of care your pet received and how much you were charged.
Medical record
Medical records show us your pet’s medical history and let us see what we can cover, which allows us to process claims quickly.
Pre-existing condition
A pre-existing condition is any injury or illness that occurred or showed clinical signs before you enrolled, during the waiting period of up to 15-days, or before your pet’s first exam.
Premium
Your premium is the amount you pay for your pet’s coverage. It’s just another way of saying how much pet insurance costs. You get to choose if you pay monthly, quarterly or annually.
Reimbursement rate
Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of an approved claim total that we can cover. For example, if your reimbursement rate is 80% and you submit a claim for $500, we can cover up to $400.
Your pet insurance questions – answered!
How do pre-existing conditions work with pet insurance?
A pre-existing condition is any injury or illness that occurred or showed clinical signs before you enrolled, during the waiting period or before your pet’s first exam. Fetch offers the most comprehensive coverage in the U.S. and Canada for new injuries and illnesses, but like most other providers, we don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Does pet insurance only cover cats and dogs?
Fetch provides pet insurance coverage for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. We do not cover birds, bunnies, lizards and other exotic pets.
At what age should I get pet insurance for my dog or cat?
Fetch recommends signing up your kitten or puppy so that future illnesses or injuries can be covered. Fetch Pet Insurance covers dogs and cats 6 weeks and older, but to make sure your pet gets as much pet insurance coverage as possible, it's best to sign up before they need it.
Can I use any vet with pet insurance?
Yes! With Fetch, you can see any vet in Canada or the U.S.
By Becky Kirsch
Becky Kirsch is a writer and digital content strategist. Since joining Fetch in 2023, Becky has been helping pet parents make sense of the pet insurance world and writing about the ins and outs of pet care. Prior to joining Fetch, Becky spent more than 10 years as an editor and reporter at lifestyle media brand POPSUGAR.
Reviewed By: Dr. Aliya McCullough
Dr. Aliya McCullough is the Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of Veterinary Affairs at Fetch. She serves on the Veterinary Advisory Board as an ex-officio member and liaison between the Advisory Board and Fetch. Dr. McCullough joined Fetch in 2019 and uses her veterinary expertise, passion for pet parent education and Fetch policy knowledge to serve as a trusted veterinary resource in the claims and creative departments. Prior to her time at Fetch, Dr. McCullough worked as a small animal veterinarian in private practices in the southeastern Pennsylvania region.
Cost of care is representative of claims from dogs across North America and are shown in U.S. dollars.