The Best Cat Insurance In Canada

#1 Overall Best: Trupanion

Trupanion is underwritten by Omega General Insurance Company. The brand was founded by Darryl Rawlings in 1998 under the name Vet Insurance Corp. In 2000, they opened their doors as Trupanion and covered its first pet – Darryl’s own dog Monty.

Something that makes Trupanion’s plan unique is that its standard plan covers things that many plans don’t, like veterinary supplements (including prescription diets) and prosthetic devices and carts. They also don’t have per-incident, annual, or lifetime limits.

According to the company, Trupanion prides itself on paying out more on the dollar than any other pet insurance company. While these things lead to their higher premiums, you have peace of mind knowing your cat has some of the best coverage for their care. To date, Trupanion has covered more than 750,000 pets and has paid out nearly $2 billion in claims.

How Much Does Trupanion Cost?

I gathered a Trupanion quote using my cat, Biscuit’s, information. Again, Biscuit is a 10-year-old spayed female moggy with no health issues. Remember that Biscuit is an older cat, so younger cats and kittens will have much lower premiums than those shown here.

Using Biscuit’s information, Trupanion offered me three standard plans and the option to customize my own plan.

The most expensive plan was $203.59 per month which includes a $0 deductible. The plan with a $200 deductible cost $119.13 per month and the $500 deductible plan cost $82.02. Customizable plans with deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000 cost anywhere from $164.29 to $49.33 per month.

Recovery and complementary care was available for $26.94 per month and I had the option to add pet owner assistance for $4.95 per month.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $0-$1,000, customizable in $5 increments
• Per-Incident Limit: Unlimited
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: Unlimited
• Reimbursement Level: 90%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

Trupanion offers a wide variety of coverage options. Choose from four different plans with a $0, $200, or $500 deductible. They also offer a custom plan option that allows you to choose your deductible.

Trupanion’s core policy coveres accidents and new, unexpected illnesses as well as breed-specific conditions. This coverage applies to costs for the following:

• Diagnostic tests
• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Veterinary supplements
• Herbal therapy
• Prosthetic devices and carts

In addition to accident and illness coverage, Trupanion offers add-ons for recovery and complementary care as well as pet owner assistance. Recovery and complementary care include alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic as well as behavioral care and physical therapy.

Pet owner assistance is designed to help owners find lost pets and covers things like cremation or burial, vacation cancellation costs, liability coverage for third-party property damage, and boarding fees in case of owner hospitalization.

Trupanion customers must complete a waiting period 5 days for injuries and 30 days for illnesses. The same waiting period applies to hip and knee injuries.

Importantly, Trupanion offers a per-condition deductible style. This means that the pet owner has to pay a new deductible each time their cat has a new condition. Once the deductible is met for that condition, it won’t have to be met again. While this is different than other pet insurers on the market, it can save the pet owner money in the long run, especially if their cat is prone to the same reoccurring condition, like an ear infection.

What Do Customers Think?

Trupanion seems to be well-liked by most customers. Out of 311 reviews on ConsumersAdvocate.org, Trupanion has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. On TrustPilot.com, Trupanion has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating with over 4,000 reviews.

Happy customers comment on quick processing of claims, generous reimbursement, and responsive customer service. One of the biggest complaints customers have about Trupanion is that the deductible applies to each condition – it doesn’t renew annually like most pet insurance companies.

This increases the potential cost of the plan significantly some years if their cat has multiple new conditions. But on the other hand, some years, these customers may not have to pay a deductible at all.

Like most providers, Trupanion receives its fair share of complaints about denied claims. Negative reviews also suggest a poor customer experience, describing hours spent on the phone, either waiting on hold or struggling to get results out of uncooperative staff.

Pros

• Extensive coverage for accidents and illnesses
• Additional coverage for complementary care and pet owner assistance available
• 90% reimbursement
• Unlimited payout limits – always
• Coverage for supplements and prosthetics included
• Customizable deductibles from $0-$1,000, in $5 increments
• Can pay your vet directly, within seconds, at the time of checkout
• Processes the majority of claims within 2 days, many within minutes
• Covers hereditary, chronic, and congenital conditions

Cons

• May be significantly more expensive than other providers
• Exam fees are not included in standard policies
• Reimbursement for supplements capped at 50%
• Deductible applies to each claim, not each year

*Policies differ in each province. Please review the policy in your province for its coverage.

#2 Best For Multiple Cats: Fetch

Most pet insurance companies offer coverage for multiple cats but Fetch by The Dodo allows you to customize coverage for each pet individually. They also differ from many insurance plans in that veterinary exam fees are covered, and they offer comprehensive dental coverage for disease and injury in all teeth, not just the canines.

How Much Does Fetch Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Fetch offered me one plan option as well as the option to customize my own price with three different deductibles, reimbursement levels, and annual payout limits to choose from.

The recommended plan cost $41.47 per month with a $300 annual deductible, an 80% reimbursement rate, and a $5,000 annual maximum payout.

The least expensive custom plan price was $35.29 which came with a $400 deductible, a 70% reimbursement rate, and the same $5,000 annual max payout. The most expensive plan option cost $81.71 per month which included a 90% reimbursement rate, a $250 annual deductible, and an annual payout limit of $15,000.

If I chose to add Bagel, an 11-year-old female cat, I would pay an additional $63.17 per month for the same level of coverage.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $250, $300, $450
• Per-Incident Limit: None
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: $5000, $10000, $15000
• Reimbursement Level: 70%, 80%, 90%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

Fetch pet insurance plans include coverage for accidents and illnesses which also includes veterinary exam fees. Cats are covered for both in-office and TeleVet services.

Other coverages include:

• Comprehensive dental
• Chronic and hereditary conditions
• Behavioral therapies
• Diagnostic tests
• Cancer treatments
• Prescription medication
• Surgery & rehabilitation
• Alternative therapies
• Referral and specialist treatment
• Imaging

Fetch plans also include advertising and reward for lost pets, boarding kennel fees if you become hospitalized, and vacation cancellation. Their plans do not include coverage for routine and wellness care, pre-existing conditions, or cosmetic and elective procedures.

Fetch customers must complete a waiting period of 15 days for accidents and illnesses. For hip and knee claims, there’s a 6-month waiting period.

What Do Customers Think?

On TrustPilot, Fetch has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating with 322 reviews. ConsumerAffairs.com has 32 ratings for Fetch and a lower average rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars.

Customers who like Fetch comment on the convenience of customizable options and quick processing of claims. One complaint dissatisfied customers make about Fetch is that their premiums tend to increase over time. Some customers also found Fetch’s customer service to be lacking.

Pros

• Veterinary exam fees are covered by standard plans
• Customizable plans with three options for deductible, reimbursement level, and max annual payout
• Deductible applies to every year, not each incident
• Discounts are available for veterinary professionals

Cons

• No optional coverage for routine and wellness care
• Premiums may increase over time

#3 Best Coverage: Desjardins

Headquartered in Quebec, Desjardins offers pet insurance as well as life and health insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance.

How Much Does Desjardins Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Desjardins offered me three standard plans and the option to add coverage for preventive care on the Gold Paw plan and dental care on the Bronze Paw plan. On the Silver Paw plan, I had the option to add coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, and medical devices.

The least expensive plan, the Bronze Paw plan, cost $28.86 per month with a $150 annual deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and a $2,000 limit per accident or illness per year. This plan includes $500 in optional dental coverage for an additional $6.53 per month.

The Silver Paw plan cost $47.61 per month with the same $150 annual deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and a $4,000 limit per accident or illness per year as well as $700 of dental care coverage. For an additional $24.70 per month, I could add $350 of coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, and medical devices.

The most expensive plan, the Gold Paw plan, cost $107.19 with a $150 annual deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and no limit for accidents or illnesses. This plan includes $1,000 of dental care coverage and $350 for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, and medical devices. Preventive care is also included with an annual limit that varies depending on the service.

While my cat Biscuit would have an annual deductible of $150 on any of the three plans, I discovered that cats 0 to 5 years have a $100 deductible and cats over 10 have a $200 deductible.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $150
• Per-Incident Limit: $2000, $4000, unlimited
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: None
• Reimbursement Level: 80%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

All three of Desjardins’ pet insurance policies have the same rate of reimbursement and the same annual deductible which varies depending on your pet’s age. Each plan includes accident and illness coverage with varying annual limits. Optional coverage is available for dental and alternative therapy, both of which are included in the most comprehensive plan which also covers preventive care.

Services covered under Desjardins’ standard policy include:

• Veterinary diagnostics and treatment
• X-rays and MRIs
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Prescription drugs
• Chemotherapy

Desjardins customers must complete a waiting period of 48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illnesses. For dental and cruciate ligament claims, there’s a 6-month waiting period.

What Do Customers Think?

Online reviews for Desjardins pet insurance are sparse. The only place I could find multiple reviews was on the Mitchell and Whale Insurance Brokers site. With 34 reviews on this site, Desjardins has a 1.3 out of 5-star rating. It’s worth noting, however, that the reviews for Desjardins on this site are not limited to reviews of their pet insurance coverage – most reviews are for auto insurance.

Pros

• Low deductible across all plans
• Optional coverage for dental and alternative treatment
• Preventive care is included in the Gold Paw plan
• 10% discount for 3+ pets, 15% for 6+ pets

Cons

• Limited number of customer reviews
• No customizable plan options
• Deductibles increase for older pets

#4 Best For Kittens/Young Cats: Pets Plus

Pets Plus is a pet insurance service offered by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Members of CAA receive a 12% discount on pet insurance plans while non-members receive 7% off. Pets Plus offers varying degrees of coverage, though there are pricing differences and limitations based on your cat’s age. Full coverage is only available for cats under 12 years of age.

How Much Does Pets Plus Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Pets Plus offered me two plan options: Accident-Only and Accident & Illness.

The accident-only plan cost $19.73 per month with a $5,000 annual limit. This plan comes with a $100 annual deductible and an 80% rate of reimbursement. It also provides $1,000 per incident for boarding fees resulting from owner hospitalization, trip cancellation coverage for pet emergencies, lost pet advertising and reward, and cremation or burial services.

The accident & illness plan cost $43.59 per month with two options for annual coverage: $7500 or $15000. Deductibles vary based on your pet’s age, ranging from $100 to $500 per year. Customers have the option to choose their reimbursement level of 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $100 (varies by age)
• Per-Incident Limit: None
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: $5000, $7500, $15000
• Reimbursement Level: 70%, 80%, 90%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

The accident-only plan includes emergency care and treatment for conditions arising from an accident. It includes exams, emergency care, hospitalization, medication, diagnostic testing, surgery, and specialist referrals. The accident & illness plan includes these same coverages but for both accidents and illnesses.

Routine and preventive care is not covered with either plan, but Pets Plus offers a Flex Care plan. This includes dental care, annual exams and vaccinations, treatment for conditions excluded from standard policies, blood profile collection, and anal gland expression. You’ll be reimbursed for 100% of covered expenses, though coverage varies depending on your pet’s age.

Both the accident-only and accident & illness plans have a 48-hour waiting period and do not cover wellness care or pre-existing conditions.

What Do Customers Think?

Again, online reviews for Pets Plus are limited. The company has just 20 reviews on TrustPilot with a 2.3 out of 5-star rating. Satisfied customers comment on strong customer service while dissatisfied customers complain about confusion with pre-existing conditions and the requirement of a vet exam for senior pets to rule out pre-existing conditions.

Pros

• Short waiting period for accidents and illnesses
• No per-incident limitations
• Customizable pricing for accident & illness plans
• Non-members receive 7% discount, CAA members 12%

Cons

• Pricing and coverage vary based on pet age
• Age limit of 12 years for cats
• Pets must be spayed/neutered for full coverage

#5 Best Value: Peppermint

Pet insurance can be expensive, but it also has the potential to save you a lot of money over the life of your pet. Prices tend to increase with your pet’s age, so if you’re going to invest in pet insurance it’s wise to start when your pet is young. Peppermint offers four levels of coverage with monthly premiums starting as low as $10.87.

How Much Does Peppermint Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Peppermint offered me four standard plans: Lite, Base, Plus, and Prime.

The Lite plan had a monthly cost of just $10.87 which comes with a $100 per-incident deductible and a $1,500 limit per accident. There is no illness coverage. The Base level cost $25.28 per month with a $150 annual deductible and $1,500 per-accident, per-illness, and per year limit. Plus coverage cost $39.58 with the same deductible but a $2,500 limit per accident, illness, and year.

The most expensive plan was the Prime level for $55.26 per month. Again, it has a $150 deductible but each of the three limits increase to $5,000.

All four plans have an 80% reimbursement rate. Peppermint does not offer additional coverage for preventive care or wellness exams.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $100 or $150
• Per-Incident Limit: $1500, $2500, $5000
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: $1500, $2500, $5000
• Reimbursement Level: 80%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

Peppermint offers one accident-only plan and three levels of accident & illness coverage. None of the plans include preventive care or provides coverage for congenital or pre-existing conditions.

All plans include the following accident coverage:

• Veterinary care consultation fees
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Diagnostic testing
• Medication
• Prescription food
• Specialist referral
• Medical devices
• Alternative and behavioral therapy

Illness coverage (Basic, Plus, or Prime) plans includes the same with the exclusion of prescription food, alternative therapies, medical devices, and dental problems. All of Peppermint’s plans include advertising and reward for lost pets, boarding kennel fees if you become hospitalized, and vacation cancellation.

All plans have a 48-hour waiting period for accident coverage and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and behavioral therapy. A 6-month waiting period applies to cruciate ligament injuries or intervertebral disc disease.

What Do Customers Think?

I wasn’t able to find any significant number of customer reviews for Peppermint pet insurance online. This is a little surprising given that the company was founded back in 2004.

Pros

• Much more affordable than many plans
• Low $100 or $150 deductible for all plans
• Quick and easy to get a quote and sign up

Cons

• Lower maximum payout limits than other plans
• No coverage for preventive/wellness care available
• Comprehensive exam required for cats over 10 years

#6 Best For Customization: Petsecure

While many insurance companies offer more than one plan option, or at least the ability to choose from different deductibles or annual limits, Petsecure has four standard plans to choose from, each with two deductible options.

How Much Does Petsecure Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Petsecure offered me four standard plans and the option to customize my own plan.

The lowest level of coverage cost $24.70 which included a $300 deductible, $200 of annual dental coverage, and a $1,000 limit per accident, per illness, and per year. Level 2 coverage has a $200 or $300 deductible with a monthly premium up to $41.61. The same deductibles apply but the applicable limits increase to $2,500 and dental coverage increases to $300 per year.

The third level of coverage has a $5,000 limit per accident, per illness, and per year with $400 dental coverage and a $200 or $300 deductible. The monthly cost for this plan is up to $58.06 for my cat.

The most expensive plan was level 4 which has no per-accident, per-illness, or annual limit. It includes $600 of annual dental coverage as well as a $350 allowance for wellness costs. Deductibles are a little higher at $250 or $350 and the monthly cost was either $83.95 or $93.45.

At the first three levels of coverage, deductibles range from $100 to $200 for cats up to 5 years, $200 to $300 for cats 5 to 10 years old, and $300 to $400 for cats 10 years and older. At level 4, deductibles range from $200 to $400 depending on the cat’s age.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $200, $250, $300, $350
• Per-Incident Limit: $1000, $2500, $5000, unlimited
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: $1000, $2500, $5000, unlimited
• Reimbursement Level: 80%,

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

Petsecure offers four levels of coverage numbered 1 through 4. The lowest level has the most limited degree of coverage. Level 1 has a $1,000 per-accident, per-illness, and per-year limit with $200 of dental coverage. Level 2 has a $2,500 per-accident, per-illness, and per-year limit with $300 of dental coverage. This is the most popular plan among Petsecure customers.

Level 3 coverage has a $5,000 per-accident, per-illness, and per-year limit with $400 of dental coverage per year. The top level of coverage has no limit for accidents, illnesses, or annual payouts. You also receive $600 of annual dental coverage and $350 annual wellness benefits.

Each of the four levels covers for the following:

• Hospitalization
• Dental care (dental treatments and cleanings)
• Surgery
• Diagnostics
• Medication
• Exam fees
• Taxes
• Medical devices
• Alternative therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Preventive care and routine exams (level 4 plan only)

All four levels include $350 of special coverage for alternative treatments, behavioral therapy, and medical devices. Customers also have up to $4,050 in annual coverage for boarding fees in the event of hospitalization, holiday cancellation due to pet illness, cremation or burial services, in memoriam donations, and lost pet advertising. Each of these has a separate limit.

There is a 48-hour waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and dental treatment. Level 4 customers do not have a waiting period for preventive care coverage.

What Do Customers Think?

There are a few places to find reviews of Petsecure insurance online, but the most are available on ProductReview.com.au. Here you’ll find 454 reviews which add up to an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers on this site say Petsecure offers good value and strong customer service. The most common complaint is about increases in monthly premiums.

Pros

• Four levels of coverage, each with 2 deductible options
• Wellness care is included in the level 4 plan
• Each plan includes some degree of dental coverage
• All plans include alternative treatment, behavioral therapy, and medical devices

Cons

• Comprehensive exam required for pets 10 years and older
• Per-incident and annual limits apply to levels 1-3
• Monthly premiums subject to increase at any time

#7 Best For Additional Coverage: Nova Scotia SPCA

Whether you’re adopting for the first time or adding a furry friend to your family, it’s understandable if you’re concerned about costs. Anyone who adopts from the Nova Scotia SPCA qualify for a free 8-week trial of the SPCA’s pet insurance which may help ease some of that concern. This pet insurance is underwritten by Petline Insurance Company.

How Much Does Nova Scotia SPCA Pet Insurance Cost?

Using Biscuit’s information, Nova Scotia SPCA offered me four standard plan options, all with both accident and illness coverage.

The first level has a $200 or $300 annual deductible with premiums of $32.47 or $24.70, respectively. There’s a $200 annual limit for dental coverage and $1,000 per-accident, per-illness, and per-year limit. The second and third levels have the same deductible options but the dental coverage and per-incident/annual limits increase to $2,500 or $5,000. The second level premiums were $33.21 or $41.61, and third level premiums were $50.21 or $58.06.

The most expensive plan was $83.95 or $93.45 per month. This level of coverage has no per-incident or per-year limits. It includes $600 of dental coverage and $350 of annual wellness care.

Limitations And Maximums

• Deductible: $200, $250, $300, $350
• Per-Incident Limit: $1000, $2500, $5000, unlimited
• Annual/Lifetime Limit: $1000, $2500, $5000, unlimited
• Reimbursement Level: 80%

What Kind Of Coverage Does It Provide?

The 8-week trial of pet insurance provided with each SPCA adoption includes two months of accident and illness coverage for pets over 8 weeks old. Adopters receive an 80% reimbursement rate and up to $500 of coverage with a $100 per-incident deductible. A 48-hour waiting period is required. If you continue your trial and maintain a full plan, a portion of your monthly premium will benefit the SPCA.

Full plans with Nova Scotia SPCA pet insurance are available with four levels of coverage. All four plans include $350 annual coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, and medical devices. Dental coverage ranges from $200 to $600 per year. All four plans also include $350 of preventive care costs per year.

All four Nova Scotia SPCA pet insurance plans include the following:

• Consultation fees
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Diagnostic testing
• Dental care
• Medication
• Specialist referral
• Medical devices
• Alternative and behavioral therapy

Preventive care is included in plan 4 up to $350 per year includes:

• Annual exam and vaccinations
• Annual routine blood
• Wellness profile
• Annual routine wellness urinalysis
• Fecal exam and deworming
• Flea control medication

Three of the four plans have a per-accident, per-illness, and per-year deductible ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The top-level plan has no maximum payout per illness, per injury, or per year.

There is a 48-hour waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and dental treatment. Treatment for deciduous teeth is only 14 days with prior approval. Level 4 customers do not have a waiting period for preventive care coverage.

What Do Customers Think?

While there are reviews online for the Nova Scotia SPCA, I couldn’t find any reviews specifically of their insurance plan.

Pros

• Adopters from Nova Scotia SPCA receive free trial
• All plans include dental, alternative/behavioral therapy, and medical devices
• A $350 preventive care benefit is included with level 4 plans

Cons

• Three of four plans have per-incident and per-year limits
• No add-on preventive coverage for levels 1-3