Insurance
Pet insurance has been around for over 20 years and is now starting to see a rise in popularity. It is a great resource to have when your pet unexpectedly has an accident or falls ill.
With many providers, the cost of your monthly plan is determined by you. You can set your deductible and customize your plan based on your pets needs; that alone will impact your monthly cost. Know that pet insurance doesn't generally cover standard checkups or vaccines; however, some companies will. Insurance is mostly meant to help reduce cost if an injury or illness should arise.
Research
While it appears that the majority of providers offer similar coverage and conditions, this isn't actually the case, so heavily research any company you have interest in. Browse their website to learn exactly what is covered and what's not and be sure to get a quote from each provider so you can compare their product to the competition. Some insurers offer added perks and extra options that differ from others, so take that into account. Doing your research and figuring out what type of coverage your dog may need is beneficial. Factor in their breed and make yourself aware of any common issues that may arise over time.
Why Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance can be costly, yes, but you don't realize how important it is until you need it. Don't let the monthly cost hinder you from buying in because until you incur a vet bill at full price, you won't understand the real benefit of being insured.
For example, Rocky had a slipped disc a few years back, which is common in small breeds. I, of course, went ahead with the surgery, I didn't even consider another option. On the 30th day of his recovery, we went into the hospital for a routine checkup; they couldn't believe how well he was progressing. The very next day, another disc slipped. Due to this disc being further down his spine, they didn't catch it on the first MRI - It was a ticking time bomb. So within those 30 days, I had to, out of pocket, spend $14,000.00. This cost did not include medication or hospital stay. That was solely the cost of both hospital visits, MRI's, and surgery. I did not have insurance. And because Rocky was not insured, he will never be covered for anything disc related going forward.
So if you discover that your pet has an ailment prior to obtaining insurance, know that the pre-existing condition/diagnosis is exempt and will never be included in your coverage; this is the standard among all insurers. The earlier you get your dog insured, the better your coverage will be over the lifespan of your pet. If your dog does have pre-existing issues, all coverage is not lost! Any new issue that may arise over time will be covered based on the type of coverage you select.
How Pricing Is Calculated:
To determine the cost of your dog's insurance, you can quickly obtain a quote from any of the insurer's websites. If you are curious as to how they come up with pricing, dog insurance costs vary based on several factors unique to your dog, including:
- Your dog's age
- Breed (All breeds are covered but some are prone to certain illnesses, so it may cost more to insure them)
- Gender
- Whether your dog is spayed/neutered
- The cost of Veterinary care where you live
Each of the above details are analyzed and then matched to the average dog’s veterinary costs to determine your dog's premium.
Note that some providers request medical records upon approval for coverage of senior dogs (8+ years of age). Monthly cost is often higher due to age.
Below is a compiled list of the more common insurance providers in Canada and the USA. Rockysjournal.com has based the star ratings on personal research and opinion, quality of coverage, premium costs, added benefits, and user experience.
Canadian Insurance Providers
Insurance Provider | Star Rating | Monthly Cost (Starting At) | Coverage Information | Customizable Plans |
PetPlan | $32.56 per month | 70%, 80%, or 90% coverage for accidents, injuries, illness, non-routine exams, diagnostic treatments, cancer treatment, prescription medication, surgery/rehab, imaging, non-routine dental, alternative therapy, and more. Option to purchase additional coverages. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
Trupanion | Rates are based on your dog's age and breed. | Covers 90% of new conditions and illness as well as medication, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospital stay, congenital & hereditary illness, dental illness & injury, orthotic devices, prosthetic devices, supplements, herbal therapy, and more. Option to purchase additional coverages. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
Pets+Us | $19.95 per month | Choose between 70% - 90% coverage. Choose between $300-$500 deductible. Plans can cover illness, injury/accident, hospitalization, surgery, hereditary conditions, diagnosis, prescription medication, therapy, & more. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
Petsecure | $36.92 per month | Up to 80% coverage for diagnostics, x-rays, hospitalization, surgery, medication, dental treatments, dental cleanings, Medical devices, exam fees, therapy, & more. Will insure senior dogs. | No. | |
PC Pet Insurance | $11.50 per month | All PC® pet insurance plans reimburse up to 80% of covered veterinary costs minus any applicable deductible. PC also covers hospitalization, surgery, and x-rays, medication, nursing and prescription food, dentistry as a result of an accident, and more. You also have the ability to earn PC points for cash back grocery rewards. Multi-Pet Discount. Will insure senior dogs. | No. | |
Local SPCA Pet Insurance | Rates are based on your dog's age, breed, and location. | Unlimited coverage of accidents and illnesses, hereditary & congenital conditions, therapeutic diet, alternative treatments, medications, diagnostics, ambulance & paramedical, & more. Will insure senior dogs. | No. | |
CAA Pet Insurance | $14.28 per month | Accident and illness coverage, comprehensive dental care, alternative treatments, behavioural therapy, medical devices, prescription food, and more... Multi-pet discount. Will not insure senior dogs. | No. |
American Insurance Providers
Insurance Provider | Star Rating | Monthly Cost (Starting At) | Coverage Information | Customizable Plans |
Embrace Pet Insurance | $15.82 Standard $7.44 Custom | Offers three standard plans and one fully customizable option. 70%, 80%, and 90% coverage for accidents, illnesses, genetic and chronic conditions, dental trauma, cancer treatment, prescription drug coverage, doctor and nurse exam fees, lab tests and biopsies, hospitalization and surgery, Mri, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, general, specialist, and emergency care, acupuncture, chiropractor, holistic medicine, physical and hydrotherapy therapy, laparoscopies, laser surgery, and more. Will insure senior dogs with a fully customizable plan. Curious about pet health insurance? Check out Embrace Pet Insurance for a FREE quote and more information. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. 4 plan options. | |
Healthy Paws | $16.00 per month. | 60%, 70%, or 80% coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions. Cancer, diagnostic treatments, X-Rays, Blood Tests, Ultrasounds, Surgery, Hospitalization, Prescription Medications, Emergency and specialty care, alternative treatment, and more. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. One non-adjustable plan for dogs over 8 years of age. | |
Pet Premium | $14.95 per month. Rates are based on your dog's age, breed, and location. | Option to choose accidents only coverage or accidents and illness coverage. Both plans are customizable and have the option of 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement. Total coverage covers ongoing conditions, accidents, illnesses, hereditary & congenital conditions, alternative therapies, behavioral treatment, preventative care (optional), and more. Allows you to choose from 4 billing options. Multi-Pet discount. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
PetPlan | $19.66 per month. | 70%, 80%, or 90% coverage for accidents, injuries, illness, non-routine exams, diagnostic treatments, cancer treatment, prescription medication, surgery/rehab, imaging, non-routine dental, alternative therapy, and more. Option to purchase optional coverage add-on. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
Trupanion | $29.99 per month. | Covers 90% of new conditions and illness as well as medication, diagnostic tests, surgery, hospital stay, congenital & hereditary illness, dental illness & injury, orthotic devices, prosthetic devices, supplements, herbal therapy, and more. Option to purchase additional coverages. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible.
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Hartville Pet Insurance | $29.04 per month. Rates are based on your dog's age, breed, and location. | Covers 70% - 90% of accidents and illnesses. Choose between $300-$500 deductible and set your annual limit. Plans can cover illness, injury/accident, hospitalization, surgery, hereditary conditions, diagnosis, prescription medication, therapy, & more. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. | |
ASPCA Pet Insurance | $29.04 per month.
| Covers 70% - 90% of accidents and illnesses. Choose between $300-$500 deductible and set your annual limit. Plans can cover illness, injury/accident, hospitalization, surgery, hereditary conditions, diagnosis, prescription medication, therapy, & more. Will insure senior dogs. | Yes, with option to increase or decrease deductible. |