For affordable monthly premiums, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet will be taken care of if it needs medical attention without having to come up with a large sum to cover the cost of the veterinary bill.
The tricky part comes in when it’s time to choose your pet insurance. What is the best pet insurance company in Canada? What does pet insurance cover? Is it worth the money? Does it really help you save money? What are the monthly pet insurance costs? How does pet insurance work? Well, let’s take a look at some of the best pet insurance providers and how pet insurance works.
The Average Cost of Pet Insurance
The cost of pet insurance in Canada will vary depending on the type of pet you have, where you live, the age of the pet, and what coverage you want a plan to have. That said, the average monthly cost in 2026 is quite low: $31 for a cat and $64 for a dog.
If you have an older animal, pet insurance
costs aremuch higher. Some plans even require you to have an exam done on your pet within a certain amount of time to qualify. The results of that exam could have an impact on your monthly pet insurance premiums or even your approval. There are so many to choose from, though, so you should be able to find pet insurance policies that meet your needs.
How many Canadians use Pet Insurance? Is it Required?
While pet insurance is widely available, less than 5% of Canadians actually use it. This is mostly because it isn’t required, and many people don’t even consider it until a medical emergency arises. By then, though, it’s far too late to get insurance at a reasonable rate.
Best Canadian Pet Insurance Options
When it comes to pet insurance in Canada, there are plenty of different options to choose from. As we mentioned earlier, some companies have certain requirements. However, not every insurance company requires these. Let’s take a look at some of the best pet insurance companies that offer coverage to Canadian pet owners.
Pet Secure
Pet Secure is one of the top pet insurance companies in Canada. They offer 4 different plans. Each plan covers the same things; they just have different yearly amount limits. With Pet Secure coverage, you are covered for:
- All Age Groups
- Dental Care
- Up to 80% reimbursement, including exam fees and taxes
- Emergency Care
- Medications
- Cremation/Burial
- Medical Devices
- X-rays
- Diagnostics
- Surgeries
- Boarding/Kennel Fees
- Behavioural Therapy
- Alternative Treatments
- Lost Pet Advertising
You can get multi-pet discounts when you insure three or more pets. For illnesses, there is a 14-day waiting period. There’s a 48-hour waiting period for accidents and 6 months for ligament and intervertebral disc injuries.While this insurance does cover many costs, there are also some things it won’t cover.
- Pre-existPreexistingns
- Pregnancy
- Diets
- Whelping
- Spaying
- Neutering
- Elective Treatments
- Medications without DIN or NHP numbers
While the cost of this is specific to you, the 4 comprehensive pet insurance plans have different limits, with the 1st plan covering up to $1,000 and the 4th having no limit.
Trupanion
Trupanion pet insurance is another really popular choice for Canadian pet owners. There are no yearly or visit limits on any Trupanion claims, and they cover up to 90% of your cost with vet direct pay. Included with their comprehensive coverage is:
- Illnesses and Injuries (new)
- Hereditary Conditions
- Breed Specific Conditions
- Diagnostic Checks
- Surgeries
- Medications You can also purchase additional coverage. Your premiums don’t automatically increase when your pet ages. The only thing they don’t cover is pre-existing conditions
Pets Plus Us
With Pet Plus Us, you have two different coverage options: Accident and Accident & Illness. Depending on the plan you choose, Pets Plus Us will cover 70%- 90% of the total cost, with annual coverage between $5,000 and $15,000.
If you choose this provider and have a Costco membership, you can get a 10% – 15% discount. Keep in mind that with any claim, there could be a waiting period. It’s usually 14 days for illnesses and 48 hours for accidents. Because they don’t direct bill,s though, in some cases it can take up to 6 months to receive a reimbursement.
For the Accident-only policy, included in the coverage are:
- Consultation
- Exams
- Emergency Care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Drugs
- Anesthesia
- Specialist Referrals
The deductible is only $100, and $1,000 in additional benefits for each incident is provided for:
- Boarding if you are hospitalized
- Holiday trip cancellations due to your pet’s accident
- Lost pet advertising and reward
- Cremation and burial
Accident and illness insurance includes all the same things; it just covers illness as well as accidents. Dental coverage and other standard veterinary care expenses aren’t included unless you opt-in for wellness coverage. Other than that, reproductive expenses and pre-existing conditions aren’t covered.
Fetch
Fetch pet insurance is compatible with any veterinarian in the US or Canada; they have no enrollment fees, and you can cancel your policy at any time. Unlike some other providers, they offer a single plan, and your individual needs and factors determine the price. The things a Fetch insurance plan covers are:
- Dental
- Specific Breed Issues
- Sick Visits
- Medications
- Hospital Stays
- Cancer Treatments
- Testing
- And so much more….
While most pet insurance companies don’t advertise their costs because they vary, Fetch advertises that the average monthly cost for dog insurance is $50 and for cat insurance is $30. They are one of the few, if not the only,y pet insurance companies in Canada to list this on their site.
Furkin
Furkin is one of the newest Canadian pet insurance companies. They have only been around since 2021 and offer flexible pet insurance. While coverage is the same for everyone, you can choose your deductible, which in turn affects your monthly payment.
While Furkin covers most illnesses and injuries, there are some stipulations you need to follow.
- Claims must be submitted within 90 days.
- Animals must be between 7 weeks and 14 years of age to enroll; if enrolled before then, they can stay enrolled.
- The maximum coverage limit is $20,000. It’s renewed yearly.
- Some eligible conditions have no lifetime limits.
- 48-hour waiting period for accidents
- 14-day waiting period for illnesses.
- 180-day waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions.
- There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions or elective procedures.
- Different deductibles are based on age.
With Furkin, you can get up to $20,000 in coverage per year, minus any deductible if it’s required.
Desjardins
If you choose to go with Desjardins pet insurance, you have a few different plans to choose from.
| Coverage | Bronze Paw Plan | Silver Paw Plan | Gold Paw Plan |
| Dental Care | Covers up to $500 per policy year (Optional) | Up to $700 per policy year | Up to $1,000 per policy year |
| Illness | Up to $2,000 per year (per illness) | Up to $4,000 per year (per illness) | No limit |
| Accident | Up to $2,000 per year (per accident) | Up to $4,000 per year (per accident) | No limit |
| Alternative Therapy | None | Up to $350 per category for each policy year (Optional) | Up to $350 per category for each policy year |
| Behavioural Therapy | None | Up to $350 per category for each policy year (Optional) | Up to $350 per category for each policy year |
| Medical Devices | None | Up to $350 per category for each policy year (Optional) | Up to $350 per category for each policy year |
| Preventative Care | None | None | Yes |
This particular provider covers way too much in each category for us to list it all. Still, it covers everything from everyday visits to emergencies, and the testing required to make the correct diagnosis.
With Desjardins, you can also qualify for discounts if you insure more than 2 pets. If you insure 3 or more, you can get a 10% discount. 6+ pets allow for a 15% discount.
Included with Desjardins pet insurance coverage are:
- Dental Care: This pet insurance covers annual dental cleanings as well as dental and gum problems.
- Accident Coverage: X-rays, hospitalization, diagnostic and treatment, prescriptions, surgeries, MRI’s,
- Illness Coverage: X-rays, hospitalization, chemotherapy, prescriptions, surgeries, MRI’s,
- Alternative Therapies: Homeopathy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic services, physiotherapy.
PHI Direct
With PHI Direct pet insurance, there are 2 different plans to choose from. Both of these plans offer low deductible rates. The great thing is that it’s available to all cats and dogs. They don’t discriminate against age and breed.
PHI will cover up to 80% of your eligible bills up to your yearly coverage limit. The coverage limit is based on the plan you sign up for.
The first plan option is the Direct 5. This includes:
- Annual benefits
- $5,000 policy limit
- 80% reimbursement
- $200 deductible
The Direct 10 plan includes:
- Annual benefits
- $10,000 policy limit
- 80% reimbursement
- $200 deductible
Both plans include 24/7 telehealth support for your pets. They also include coverage for:
- Accidents
- Alternative Therapies
- Anesthesia
- Surgeries
- Behavioural Therapy
- Coverage while traveling
- Tooth Fractures
- Diagnostics
- Emergency Care
- Exam Fees
- Hospitalizations
- New Illnesses
- Imaging
- Medical Devices
- Procedures
- Prescriptions
- Specialist Referral Fees
- Parasites
OVMA
Like most pet insurance companies, OVMA pet health insurance (Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) covers up to 80% of expenses for accidents and illnesses, including exam fees and taxes. Not only that, but they’re also known for having fast reimbursement times.
| Coverage | Unlimited Coverage | Extended Coverage | Comprehensive Coverage |
| Per Accident Coverage | No Limit | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Yearly Illness Coverage (Per Condition) | No Limit | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Yearly Dental | $600 | $400 | $300 |
| Yearly Wellness | Dogs $450; Cats $350 | None | None |
Here is a breakdown of what is covered in each category:
- Accident coverage includes X-rays, hospitalization, surgery and medications.
- Illness coverage includes many conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
- Dental includes any dental or gum work recommended by your vet.
- Additional benefits include exam fees, taxes, boarding fees, holiday cancellations and cremation/burial costs.
- Special coverage includes alternative and behavioural treatment.
Spot
Spot offers 3 types of pet insurance to choose from: Accident Only, Accident and Illness, and Extra Benefits. With any of these plans, you can get up to 90% reimbursed, and they cover a wide variety of conditions. What they don’t cover are:
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Elective Treatments
- Routine Treatments
- Dental
- Reproductive Treatments/Conditions
There are also some age requirements. For dogs, you can enroll between the ages of 8 weeks and 10 years. For cats, it’s 8 weeks and 12 years. If you don’t know your pet’s age, you can get an estimate by speaking to your vet or the adoption agency you got your pet through.
Sonnet
Sonnet pet insurance is another option for pet parents looking to purchase pet insurance. It covers:
- Accidents
- Dental
- Illness
- Exam Fees
- Alternative therapies
- Behavioural therapy
- X Rays
- Diagnostics
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Preventative Care
They also provide coverage for animals over 10, but additional information is required. There is only one plan option, and the cost depends on your individual situation.
Peppermint
Peppermint offers pet insurance coverage for all of your pet’s needs. There are 4 different coverages to choose from:
| Coverage | Lite | Base | Plus | Prime |
| Amount | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Per Accident/year | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Per Illness/year | none | $1,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Alternative therapy | $350/year | $350/year | $350/year | $350/year |
| Behavioural therapy | none | $350/year | $350/year | $350/year |
It’s important to note that if you choose to use peppermint, your animal’s age comes into play when determining the price. The older the animal, the more the cost.
Depending on the plan you choose, the coverages included are:
- Cremation and Burial Costs
- Medication
- Diagnostics
- X-rays
- Behavioural Therapy
- Medical Devices
- Boarding and Kennel Fees
- Lost Pet Advertising
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Hospital Stays
- Prescription Food
Petplan
Petplan is a flexible pet insurance policy. The deductibles range from $250 to $1,000, and coverage ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per year. They offer accident and illness coverage, with a waiting period of only 15 days after enrollment. They reimburse 70%, 80%, or 90% depending on your coverage.
Petplan insurance covers many different expenses. The ones that they don’t cover are:
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Incurable Conditions
- Preventative Care
- Liability Coverage
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Cosmetic Procedures
Even though they cover many different costs, there are restrictions on who/what they will cover. Animals over the age of 6 must have an exam before they can be approved for coverage. Also, not all of your pet’s breeds are currently covered by Petplan.
If you are eligible to be covered by Petplan, you will be covered for:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Exam Fees
- Prescriptions
- Imaging
- Ultrasound
- Cancer Treatments
- Holistic Treatments
- Specialist Visits
- Referrals
- Non- routine Dental Treatments
AMA
Another option that many Canadians use for pet insurance is AMA. One of the main reasons is that if you’re an AMA member, you can get a 13.5% discount. It also offers options with your Pet Plus Us insurance, letting you choose between accident and illness plans. You can also choose your annual limit.
With AMA, the accident plan provides $5,000 per year for unexpected injuries. Accident and illness coverage gives you between $7,500 and $15,000 every year. You can also add on the FLEX care policy. Under this policy, your pet insurance covers vaccines and other preventive treatments. However, they don’t, unlike most pet insurance plans, cover spaying and neutering.
Cheapest Pet Insurance Per Province
While where you live makes a difference in the price you pay for pet insurance in Canada, it’s difficult to determine which company is the cheapest and where. This is because it’s not the only factor that affects your cost. You also need to consider your pet’s breed, age, and the type of coverage you choose. Almost all companies offer plans you can choose from based on your pet’s needs.
How to Choose Pet Insurance
When it comes to choosing pet insurance, there are plenty of different options based on the type of coverage that you are looking for. Many pet insurance companies offer more specialized coverage, which, for you, may make more financial sense.
Others may not require the same amount of coverage. You also have to verify the insurance is available in Canada. Commonly mentioned pet insurance providers available only in the US are Manulife, Figo, and Embrace.
For most, a basic pet insurance plan will be enough to cover any unforeseen expenses, but that isn’t always the case. Other insurance companies offer wellness plans that cover basic yearly expenses. Depending on how much you intend to use your coverage, this could be a great option.
Either way, it’s important to remember that most pet insurance companies don’t pay upfront. You will need to cover the upfront costs and then receive reimbursement. While you could receive that payment promptly, it could also take months to receive reimbursements. It’s important to recognize this before you decide on your provider.
Comparing Pet Insurance in Canada
As you can see above, there are many pet insurance options in Canada. Let’s break them all down and compare them. The biggest factor to consider is the annual limits, since some pet insurance companies offer unlimited coverage while others have coverage limits.
| Insurance Provider | Monthly Costs | Annual Limits | Deductibles | Pets Covered Under Insurance |
| Pet Secure | Specific to animal | Unlimited | $100- $700 | Dogs and Cats |
| Trupanion | $95 – $130 | Unlimited | $0 – $1,000 | Dogs and Cats |
| Pets Plus Us | $35 – $75 | $5000 – $15,000 | $100 – $500 | Dogs and Cats |
| Pet Plan | $20 – $75 | $5,000, $15,000, Unlimited | $250 – $1,000 | Dogs and Cats |
| Peppermint | $10 – $100 | $10,000 | $100 | Dogs and Cats |
| Sonnet | $20 – $100 | $5,000 | $100 | Dogs and Cats |
| Spot | $50 – $70 | Unlimited | $100 – $1,000 | Dogs and Cats |
| OVMA | $80 – $200 | Unlimited | $100 – $400 | Dogs and Cats |
| PHI Direct | $30 – $50 | $5,000, $10,000 | $200 | Dogs and Cats |
| Furkin | $50 – $75 | $20,000 | $100 – $750 | Dogs and Cats |
| Desjardins | $20 – $100 | $500 – unlimited | $100 | Dogs and Cats |
| Fetch | $40- $50 | $5,000 – $15,000 | $25 – $500 | Dogs and Cats |
Best Pet Insurance for Cats
There are lots of options out there for the best pet insurance in Canada to ensure the health of your furry family members. They help with:
- preventative care coverage
- lifetime coverage
- blood tests
- respiratory infections
- dental problems
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
Pretty much, most of the top pet insurance providers cover common illnesses and other health issues. When it comes to coverage for cats, some of these insurance products are better than others. The top of the list is Trupanion.
Not only does Trupanion cover unexpected illnesses and other veterinary care, but they also offer affordable premiums to help with the financial burden. Not only do they offer fast approval, but they also pay the vet directly. Other plans will reimburse you only after the treatment is completed. In fact, Trupanion is considered to be Canada’s #1 pet insurnace.
Best Pet Insurance for Dogs
When it comes to coverage for veterinary services throughout your pet’s life, it’s no surprise that Trupanion is also considered to be the best for dogs. They cover all breeds, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, and offer everything from full insurance coverage to co-insurance coverage. They even have options for other factors, like multiple pets. You do have to pay attention to the fine print, though, especially if you have six or more pets.
Best Value Pet Insurance
The pet insurance with the best value really depends on what you’re looking for in a pet insurance. What is the best value to you may not be the best option for other pet owners. That said, you can’t really go wrong with any of the options listed above.
Conclusion
Pet ownership can be expensive, and veterinary costs are only part of that. This is where pet insurance comes in. That said, though, there are so many pet health insurance providers to choose from, so it can seem like a daunting process.
They all offer different coverages with different monthly premiums. That’s why it’s important to do your research. Figure out what expenses you want to be covered, how much you are willing to pay per month, and how much you can reasonably afford for an annual deductible or even a deductible per incident.
Before you decide on your provider, though, almost all of the pet insurance providers in Canada do offer free quotes online, along with a list of what they do and don’t cover.
This will give you an idea of the average costs and which will best fit your needs. No matter which provider you choose, pet insurance offers peace of mind and lets you get your pet the care they need when they need it.
