Frequently Asked Questions

Illustrative monthly premium ranges in Canada:

• Dogs: $45 - $130 per month
• Cats: $30 - $80 per month

Factors that affect your premium:

• Pet's age (older pets cost more)
• Breed (some breeds have higher health risks)
• Location (vet costs vary by province/city)
• Coverage level (higher reimbursement = higher premium)
• Deductible amount (lower deductible = higher premium)
• Annual benefit limit

The best time is when your pet is young and healthy. Here's why:

• Lower premiums: Younger pets are cheaper to insure
• Avoid pre-existing conditions: Health issues that develop before coverage won't be covered
• More protection: Buying early can help reduce the risk of conditions becoming pre-existing, although waiting periods and exclusions still apply

Recommended timeline: Consider getting insurance while your pet is young and healthy. Some companies have upper age limits for new enrollment, so check each provider's eligibility rules.

Common exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions: Conditions, injuries, or symptoms that began or showed signs before coverage started or during a waiting period
• Routine wellness care: Annual exams, vaccinations, teeth cleaning (unless you buy a wellness add-on)
• Breeding costs: Pregnancy, whelping, or breeding-related expenses
• Elective procedures: Cosmetic surgery, tail docking, ear cropping
• Some preventable conditions: Certain policies may exclude conditions associated with missed preventive care or required vaccinations
• Behavioral issues: Training or behavioral therapy (some exceptions exist)
• Experimental treatments: Procedures not considered standard veterinary practice

Note: Coverage varies by provider. Always read the policy details carefully.

Deductible:

The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance reimburses eligible expenses. Many providers use annual deductibles, but some use other structures, such as a lifetime per-condition deductible.

Reimbursement Rate:

The percentage the insurance company pays after the deductible. Common rates include 70%, 80%, or 90%, although options vary by provider and plan. A higher reimbursement rate generally means a higher premium.

Annual Limit:

The maximum amount the insurance will pay for eligible expenses during a policy year. Some plans have annual limits, while some offer unlimited coverage.

• $5,000 per year (lower-limit plans)
• $10,000 - $15,000 per year (mid-range limits)
• $20,000+ per year (higher-limit plans)
• Unlimited (available from some providers)

Example: $5,000 vet bill, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement
You pay: $500 (deductible) + $900 (20% of remaining $4,500) = $1,400
Insurance pays: $3,600

Generally, yes. Many Canadian pet insurance providers allow you to use any licensed veterinarian, rather than restricting you to an in-network list. Check your policy for geographic and provider-specific requirements.

Some providers also cover emergency care at specialty clinics and animal hospitals. Check your policy for details on out-of-province coverage if you travel with your pet.

Some do. Multi-pet discounts are offered by certain providers, but they are not universal.

Discounts vary: The amount, eligibility, and whether the discount applies to each additional pet depend on the provider.

Check with individual providers for their specific multi-pet discount policies and eligibility requirements.

Processing times vary by provider:

• Some providers process straightforward claims within a few business days
• More complex claims can take longer, especially when medical records or additional information are required
• Some providers offer direct payment at participating veterinary hospitals

Processing time depends on claim complexity, documentation completeness, and the provider's workload. Simple claims with all required documents are processed fastest. Check customer reviews on our companies page to see which providers have the fastest claim processing.

Waiting periods are the time between when your policy starts and when coverage begins. This prevents people from buying insurance only after their pet gets sick.

Waiting periods vary by provider and policy:

• Accidents: Often a short waiting period, but the exact period varies by provider
• Illnesses: Often longer than accident waiting periods, but the exact period varies by provider
• Orthopedic conditions: Some policies have longer waiting periods or special requirements for certain orthopedic conditions

Example: If you enroll on January 1st, the actual coverage start dates depend on your insurer's waiting periods and policy terms.

Premiums can change over time. Providers may adjust rates for factors such as age, location, veterinary cost trends, or changes to the insurance program. The way rates are adjusted varies by provider.

Common reasons for premium increases:

• Age: Premiums increase at certain age milestones (e.g., age 5, 8, 10)
• Overall vet cost inflation: As vet costs rise, premiums adjust
• Claims history: Some (not all) providers increase rates if you file many claims
• Breed-specific risks: Higher claims for certain breeds may affect future rates

Note: Rate changes depend on the provider, policy terms, location, veterinary cost trends, and other pricing factors. Do not assume that premiums will increase solely because your pet has a birthday or because you filed a claim.

Cancellation and renewal rules depend on the provider and policy terms.

Exceptions where coverage may be denied or cancelled:

• Fraudulent claims or misrepresentation on your application
• Failure to pay premiums
• Abuse or neglect of your pet

Important: Whether coverage continues after a claim or renewal, and how long a covered condition remains eligible, depends on the specific policy terms. Review the renewal, cancellation, and coverage continuation provisions before enrolling.

Indoor cats can still get sick and injured.

Common health issues for indoor cats:

• Urinary blockages (emergency, $1,500-$3,000)
• Diabetes ($500-$2,000/year for treatment)
• Kidney disease (common in older cats, $1,000-$3,000+)
• Dental disease ($500-$1,500 for extractions)
• Cancer (treatment can exceed $5,000)
• Accidental injuries (falls, swallowing objects)

While indoor cats may avoid some outdoor risks (fights, cars), they're still susceptible to many expensive health conditions. Cat insurance is often less expensive than dog insurance, although actual premiums vary by age, breed, location, coverage, and provider.

You can generally request cancellation, but the effective date, refund rules, and any applicable fees depend on your policy. Before cancelling, consider:

What you lose:

• Future coverage: Eligible expenses incurred after the policy ends are generally not covered.
• Future enrollment: Conditions that develop before a later policy begins may be treated as pre-existing, subject to the new provider's rules.
• Future pricing: Re-enrolling later may result in different pricing because your pet's age and other rating factors have changed.
• Refunds: Whether you receive a refund for unused premium depends on the provider's cancellation terms.

Important: If your pet develops a chronic condition while insured, cancelling and applying for a new policy later may leave that condition excluded as pre-existing. Review the policy before cancelling.