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9 minute read Published on Dec 27, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
According to Fairstone, a single emergency vet bill can cost between $1,000 and $10,000. But with one in four Canadians unable to handle an unexpected $500 expense, pet insurance coverage is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity for many pet owners. Whether it's a broken bone, sudden illness, or urgent surgery, these unforeseen costs can hit your wallet hard and fast.
Pet insurance offers a financial safety net, helping you manage unexpected vet expenses, which are more common than you think. According to Fetch, one out of three pets will need unexpected veterinary care each year.
Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to help Canadian pet owners handle unexpected vet bills. It’s not meant for regular day-to-day care or covering pre-existing conditions, but when the unexpected happens, like a sudden injury or illness, what pet insurance does cover can save you both money and stress. Most pet insurance policies in Canada fall into one of three main categories:
Accident-only plans cover emergencies like a car accident or a broken leg. Imagine your dog darts into the street and needs surgery. This plan helps with that, but it won’t cover something like cancer treatment.
Accident and illness plans are more comprehensive. They include everything that accident-only covers, plus illnesses like infections, digestive issues, cancer, or other chronic conditions.
Wellness plans (or riders) are optional add-ons. These include routine expenses such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams. While not insurance per se, they help manage preventive care and can be bundled into your policy, for an extra cost (typically around $10 to $30 a month).
You pay your annual or monthly premiums and select your pet insurance deductible and reimbursement rate. When your pet needs veterinary care, you pay the vet upfront, then submit an insurance claim. Once approved, you’re reimbursed based on your plan, typically 70–90%, minus your deductible.
Fetch, a Canadian provider and BrokerLink partner, reimburses up to 90% of unexpected vet bills for both dogs and cats under their accident and illness plan.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average pet insurance premium in Canada for 2024 was:
Plan type
Dogs (annual)
Cats (annual)
Dog (monthly)
Cat (monthly)
Accident-only
$270
$220
$22.50
$18.50
Accident and illness
$1,070
$550
$89
$45.85
Keep in mind that these are just averages. Your actual pet insurance premium will vary depending on several factors.
For example, the average monthly premiums for a pet insurance plan from Fletch are:
$50 for dog insurance
$30 for cat insurance
While overall provincial data is limited for average monthly costs of pet insurance, Fletch provides average monthly premiums for its pet insurance plans in several provinces, including:
Province
Dogs (monthly)
Cats (monthly)
Alberta
$49
$27
British Columbia
$58
$34
Ontario
$55
$30
Northwest Territories
$17
Nova Scotia
$46
$24
Manitoba
$40
$20
Newfoundland and Labrador
$36
Prince Edward Island
$18
*Data was pulled from Fetch's website on June 24, 2025.
If you're wondering how pet insurance companies come up with these numbers, here are some of the factors that influence your pet insurance premiums:
Just like certain breeds come with special food or grooming needs, they also come with medical tendencies. Big dogs like Great Danes or German Shepherds often face GDV (a serious stomach twist), and breeds like Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, or Boxers might be more prone to kidney problems, so insurance providers may charge more for them.
According to Dogster, the most expensive dog breeds to insure in Canada include the Dogue de Bordeaux and Great Dane, with other high-cost breeds such as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bullmastiff, and Newfoundland also making the list.
Puppies and kittens are generally cheaper to insure. However, as your pet ages, so does the risk of illness or injury. That means your premiums naturally increase with age.
If you're in a large city like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, vet visits tend to cost more, and so do your premiums to make sure they cover the higher costs. For example, Fetch reports average monthly dog premiums at about $52 in Calgary, $50 in Toronto, and $59 in Vancouver, versus $36 in Winnipeg.
Accident-only policies are typically the cheapest because they cover the least. Once you add illness, your policy increases because it offers significantly more coverage. Then, if you add on any extra wellness coverage, that'll increase your premiums further.
Generally, you choose how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in, and how much the insurance company will reimburse you for (usually 70% to 90%). A higher deductible and lower reimbursement will typically equal a lower premium because that's less money the insurance company will have to pay out when you file a claim.
According to Global News, vet expenses in Canada have been rising by 6% to 8% annually, thanks to factors such as inflation and veterinary staffing shortages. Currently, an average emergency visit can cost $1,000–$6,000, with the potential to reach $10,000 or more for complex procedures.
As mentioned earlier, an emergency vet bill can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Yet, one in four Canadians can’t afford an unexpected $500 expense. When you add in that one in three pets will need emergency care each year, it’s easy to see why pet insurance can be valuable.
Let’s say you’re paying for Fletch's pet insurance at $50 per month for a dog. That’s $600 per year, or $6,000 over 10 years.
Now, imagine your dog faces an emergency with a $4,500 vet bill. With a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement, here’s how it would play out:
You pay the first $500 (your deductible)
Of the remaining $4,000, Fletch covers 90% = $3,600 reimbursed
Your total out-of-pocket = $900 ($500 deductible + $400 remaining)
Savings compared to being uninsured = $3,600
Without insurance
With insurance
Total cost
$4,500
$900
Even if this happens just once over your pet’s 10-year lifetime, pet insurance could save you from having to make difficult decisions based on cost.
A Reddit user from Vancouver shared their experience insuring their dog.
"My dog was chronically sick (adopted from a shelter) and she cost me over $8000 her first year. Luckily insurance paid 80% of that."
This means that her pet insurance likely saved her over $6,400 that she would have otherwise had to pay for out of her own pocket. Another Canadian pet owner commented, saying they currently use Fetch pet insurance (but have used others in the past) and having pet insurance has saved them thousands of dollars.
They also shared a past experience before getting pet insurance, when their cat became seriously ill and they had to cover a $10,000 vet bill out of pocket. They put the entire amount on credit cards, which only added to their financial debt. They added that had they had pet insurance, they believe they would have only had to pay around $800 out of pocket.
According to the Angus Reid Institute, 22% of Canadian pet owners with insurance described it as a “total life-saver,” highlighting just how crucial coverage can be during unexpected emergencies. Although insurance premiums are an ongoing expense, these stories show how pet insurance can protect your pet’s health while also giving you valuable peace of mind.
Having pet insurance isn't mandatory in Canada, so no pet owner is required to have it. That said, many pet owners find that having a policy in place offers valuable financial protection and peace of mind. Without insurance, you’re responsible for covering 100% of your pet’s medical expenses, which can add up quickly when it comes to surgeries, diagnostics, or prescription medications.
But while not every pet owner will need or choose pet insurance, most can benefit from having it, especially if you're concerned about unexpected vet bills.
However, it's important to know that not all pets qualify for coverage. Most insurers in Canada focus on cats and dogs, while animals like reptiles, birds, or fish may not be eligible under standard policies. Some providers also have age restrictions, so it's best to look into insurance while your pet is still young and healthy.
Choosing the right pet insurance plan in Canada doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with knowing the right questions to ask and understanding how different policies work so you can match a plan to your pet’s needs and budget. How to proceed:
To start, it’s important to ask the right questions when reviewing policies. Be sure to ask about the deductible and reimbursement options, as these directly affect how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket when your pet needs care.
You should also find out whether the plan covers hereditary, congenital, or breed-specific conditions, especially if your pet is prone to certain health issues. For example, Fetch pet insurance includes coverage for hereditary conditions linked to breeds, but it’s still a good idea to confirm those details upfront. A couple more common questions to ask are:
Whether exam fees are covered (some plans include them, while others don’t)
If there are any waiting periods before coverage begins
How long you have to file a claim after a vet visit
While most providers offer basic accident-only plans, others offer broader accident and illness coverage with optional wellness add-ons.
Also, don't forget about your annual coverage limits. Some insurers, like Fetch, let you choose anywhere from $2,500 up to unlimited annual coverage. If your pet has a higher risk profile, it may be worth paying a bit more for that added protection. Some plans even allow you to adjust your deductible each year, which can come in handy as your pet gets older.
While knowing what is covered is essential, it's just as important to know what isn’t covered. Pre-existing conditions are almost always excluded, and elective or cosmetic procedures like tail docking or ear cropping aren’t typically eligible.
Also, routine care, like dental cleanings, vaccinations, and parasite prevention, isn’t included in standard policies, unless you add optional wellness coverage, but not all providers may offer this.
In addition to comparing policy details, it’s essential to compare insurance providers by checking online reviews and third-party ratings. Fetch, for instance, holds a 4.4/5 rating on Trustpilot and is well-reviewed by independent sources like ConsumersAdvocate.org. Positive experiences often highlight quick reimbursements and easy digital claims, typically processed in two to seven days.
Also, when comparing providers, it’s a good idea to check their financial stability and backing. BrokerLink, for example, partners with Fetch to provide added confidence and access to licensed brokers.
Finally, to make your search easier, consider working with a local insurance broker, such as BrokerLink. Brokers can help you compare policies from trusted providers, like Fetch, explain the fine print, and guide you through the process so you feel confident in your choice.
Local brokers also understand regional pricing differences and can help tailor your plan to find you the cheapest pet insurance price that fits you and your pet’s unique needs.
We get it. Pet insurance isn’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, Dogster reports that only about 3% of Canadian pet owners actually carry pet insurance.
If you decide to go without a policy, there are still practical ways to prepare for unexpected vet expenses without putting your finances at risk. Here's what you can do:
One option is to set up a dedicated pet emergency fund. Just like you'd save for car repairs or home maintenance, setting aside money specifically for your pet’s healthcare can go a long way. Depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle, a savings target of $1,000 to $5,000 is a good place to start.
You can also explore membership discount programs or wellness plans offered directly by many veterinary clinics. These plans typically charge a flat monthly or annual fee and cover routine care like checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. While they don’t cover emergencies or illnesses, they can make everyday costs more manageable and may include discounts on additional services.
Finally, if you’re ever hit with a major bill and need help covering it, financing options like credit cards, lines of credit, or services like Scratchpay and PayBright are available. Just be cautious, as interest can pile up quickly if you’re not able to pay off the balance in full.
Ready to learn more about how much pet insurance costs in Canada? BrokerLink can help. Our brokers can answer any questions you have, like what pet insurance covers and whether pet insurance is worth it. Plus, we've partnered with Fetch (a leading pet insurance provider in Canada) to offer 10% off your pet policy per month for life. Get in touch with Fetch today or contact BrokerLink to get a free personalized pet insurance quote.
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