What pet insurance covers: Treatments, illness & more

Have you ever had your heart race when a pet emergency hits, and then again when your wallet takes the hit, too? Imagine your dog swallows something she shouldn’t, leading to emergency surgery that costs $4,500 or more. This is a scenario more common than many realize.

In fact, one in three pets needs unexpected veterinary care each year, according to Fetch, a leading Canadian pet insurance provider. But with vet care in Canada increasing 6% to 8% annually post-pandemic, as reported by Global News, many Canadians are finding unexpected vet bills more difficult than ever to afford.

At BrokerLink, we've partnered with Fetch to bring you comprehensive pet insurance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s actually covered by Fetch’s policy in Canada, as well as highlight common exclusions and explain how the claim process works, so you’ll be fully informed before making a decision.

What are the common types of pet insurance coverage in Canada?

When picking a pet insurance policy, it helps to understand the three main coverage tiers available in Canada: accident‑only, accident and illness, and comprehensive (which adds wellness). Here's how they differ:

Accident‑only coverage

Accident‑only coverage protects against injuries, such as:

• Broken bones

• Ingestion of foreign objects

• Bite wounds

If your dog jumps the fence and fractures a leg, this type of plan would cover the repair surgery and X‑rays, but it won’t cover an unexpected illness like cancer or diabetes. If your pet is young and healthy, accident coverage may be enough. Premiums for this level are the most affordable.

Accident and illness coverage

This is the most popular choice among pet owners. It includes everything in accident coverage, plus treatment for illnesses, such as:

• Gastrointestinal infections

• Allergies

• Chronic conditions

• Diabetes

For instance, if your cat develops gum disease, causing tooth loss, illness coverage would step in. If you prefer protection against both accidents and sickness, accident and illness coverage would be the ideal option.

Comprehensive coverage (accident and illness + wellness)

A comprehensive plan combines accident and illness coverage with wellness add‑ons. Routine and preventive care are covered under the wellness rider, such as:

• Annual exams

• Vaccinations

• Dental cleanings

• Spaying/neutering

• Flea/heartworm prevention

• Microchipping

• Blood tests

• Urinalysis

Fetch offers this wellness rider, starting at $17 a month, for those who want an all‑in‑one solution with no separate deductible.

What does pet insurance typically cover in Canada?

Did you know that feline upper respiratory infections cause between 10% and 20% of all cat deaths in Canada? According to Dogster, this is often preventable with timely veterinary care, something pet insurance can help make more accessible.

In Canada, most pet insurance plans offer protection for a wide range of health-related expenses, but coverage can vary widely between pet insurance companies and what tier level you choose. From emergency surgeries and prescription medications to more advanced treatments like dental care or chronic illness management, knowing what’s included (and what’s not) helps you avoid surprises when your pet needs care the most.

Depending on what level of coverage you choose for your pet, your pet insurance plan may include some variation of the following:

Why Fetch stands out in North America for pet insurance coverage

On top of what's listed above, Fetch goes above and beyond what many pet insurance companies cover by including even more coverage, such as:

• Exam-fee coverage, saving you that initial $50 to $250 charged per visit

• Full dental coverage under Fetch's “every tooth covered” policy for adult teeth

• Hereditary and congenital protection for breed-specific conditions, such as breathing problems in French Bulldogs or kidney stones in Burmese

• Behaviour coverage for conditions like separation anxiety and aggression

• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care

• Routine and preventive coverage (when you add Fetch Wellness)

With Fetch’s comprehensive coverage, which includes up to 90% reimbursement on eligible vet bills, dogs and cats across Canada get access to more advanced medical care instead of leaving pet parents with painful financial decisions. Fetch works with any licensed veterinarian in Canada and the U.S., reimbursing claims in as little as 2-15 days. If you are looking for pet insurance coverage that is not included above, contact Fetch to learn more.

Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

Vaccines are usually not covered under standard pet insurance plans, as they fall under routine or preventive care. However, some insurers, like Fetch, offer optional wellness add-ons that can help cover the cost of vaccinations.

Does pet insurance cover dental care?

Most basic pet insurance plans do not cover routine dental cleanings or preventive care. However, Fetch covers dental illnesses and injuries, including gum disease and treatment for every adult tooth, which is something most pet insurance companies exclude.

Does pet insurance cover dog bites?

If your dog is bitten by another animal and requires veterinary care, pet insurance can help. However, if your dog bites your neighbour, or even another dog, pet insurance won't help you if you are sued. Pet insurance is meant to cover costs associated with your pet's safety and overall health. For pet liability protection against third-party injuries or damage, you'll need some form of personal liability coverage. If you have home insurance, you may already be covered.

What does pet insurance usually not cover?

While pet insurance in Canada can provide broad pet protection, it’s just as important to know what isn’t covered, so you’re not caught off guard when filing an insurance claim. Even with comprehensive coverage, certain exclusions still apply. These are standard across the pet insurance industry and typically found in the fine print of any policy. What pet insurance typically excludes:

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are health issues that your pet was diagnosed with before your policy started or during the 15-day waiting period. For example, if your dog was already being treated for arthritis before enrollment, any future claims related to that condition would be denied.

Fetch makes this clear in their terms and encourages new customers to enroll while pets are young and healthy to maximize what’s covered.

Elective or cosmetic procedures

These are treatments not deemed medically necessary for your pet’s health, such as ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing. Even if performed by a licensed vet, these procedures generally won’t be reimbursed unless directly tied to a treatable injury or illness.

Prescription food

While many insurance companies do reimburse for prescription medications and supplements that are used to treat a covered condition, dietary items like prescription kibble or therapeutic treats are considered out-of-pocket expenses.

Breeding and pregnancy-related expenses

Costs related to artificial insemination, prenatal care, whelping, or pregnancy complications typically fall outside standard pet insurance coverage.

Late claims

Every insurance company sets a deadline by which you must file an insurance claim in order for your provider to cover it. For example, Fetch requires all claims to be submitted within 90 days of your pet’s treatment date. Waiting too long to submit your paperwork, even if treatment is eligible, will result in a denied claim. To learn more about how to submit a pet insurance claim with Fetch and the terms and conditions that pet insurance claims are subject to, get in touch with them.

How does pet insurance work in Canada?

First, you need to sign up for pet insurance. You can either shop around or work with an insurance broker like BrokerLink to compare quotes on your behalf to find you the best pet insurance policy for your needs and budget. At BrokerLink, we partner with Fetch for pet insurance.

Once enrolled with Fetch, you’ll get a confirmation email with details about your waiting period. It's usually up to 15 days, with a special six‑month wait for orthopedic issues unless you do an early vet exam. After this period, your coverage kicks in.

Filing an insurance claim

When your pet needs care, whether it’s emergency surgery for breaking a leg or a specialist visit for diabetes, you:

• Pay the vet upfront and keep the invoice

• Submit your claim to your insurance provider

If your claim is approved, you'll be reimbursed for your chosen reimbursement rate (typically between 70% and 90%) minus your pet insurance deductible.

Fetch typically processes claims within 15 days, and if you opt for direct deposit, you can be reimbursed for up to 90% of eligible medical expenses in as little as two business days. With Fetch, you can submit your claim through its website or app.

Also, it's important to note that some pet insurance companies may be able to reimburse your vet directly. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they offer this.

What is the waiting period for pet insurance coverage?

Waiting periods are a standard feature of most pet insurance policies, but they can vary depending on the provider. Some companies may have different waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, or specific conditions. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print before assuming your coverage is active right away. For example, with Fetch, the waiting period is:

• 15 days for most illnesses and injuries

This means your pet’s coverage officially starts 15 days after you enroll. During that time, your policy is not active, so any vet visits, treatments, or diagnoses that happen within that window won’t be eligible for reimbursement. It’s also worth noting that if your pet develops a condition during the waiting period, it will be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage moving forward.

However, there is one exception with hip and knee injuries. These come with a longer six-month waiting period unless you take action early. If you bring your pet in for a vet exam during the first 30 days of your policy and the vet confirms there are no signs of hip or knee issues, you may be able to waive that extended wait. This is especially important for breeds prone to orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia or ACL tears. According to VCA Canada Animal Hospitals, while any dog can be affected, hip dysplasia is predominantly seen in larger dogs, including German shepherds, Saint Bernards, and Labrador and golden retrievers.

What happens after you enroll

Shortly after enrolling, Fetch will send you an email titled “PLEASE REVIEW: Waiting period in effect” with all the details. You can also reach out to BrokerLink or Fetch directly if you have questions about how the waiting period affects your specific coverage.

While waiting might feel like a bit of a delay, it’s there to help protect against last-minute sign-ups after a pet is already sick or injured. Once the waiting period ends, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your coverage is in place and ready to help if your pet needs care.

What to consider when choosing the right pet insurance plan

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Canadian pet insurance market was valued at USD 602 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% through 2030. It also states that the average annual growth rate for insured pets has been 17.6% since 2019.

Picking the right pet insurance, whether it's an accident-only policy or an accident and illness policy, means striking a balance between what you’re willing to spend each month and how much protection you want if something goes wrong. With so many options on the market, it helps to understand how pricing and coverage work together, and how your pet’s unique needs factor in. Tips for selecting the right pet insurance:

Monthly pet insurance premiums

Your monthly premium is the amount you’ll pay to keep your policy active. In Canada, the average annual pet insurance cost in 2024 was $1,070 for dogs and $550 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). That breaks down to roughly $89 per month for dogs and $46 per month for cats, though the actual cost of your pet insurance plan will vary based on your pet’s age, breed, and location. Fetch states that the average cost of their dog insurance is $50 per month, and $30 for cat insurance.

Annual deductible

This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. A higher deductible generally means a lower monthly premium, but more upfront cost when you need to file an insurance claim. According to Fetch, the most common deductible chosen by their customers in Canada is $300.

Coverage type

Your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle should also factor into your decision. For instance, a young, healthy indoor cat may not need as much coverage as an active dog that hikes, swims, and plays rough at the dog park. In this case, you may only want an accident-only plan for the cat, but choose a comprehensive plan for the dog.

Coverage limits

According to Dogster, most pet insurance plans in Canada have an annual coverage limit of $10,000. Others, like Fetch, offer unlimited options. If your pet is prone to accidents or has a breed-related condition, unlimited coverage might be worth the extra investment for your accident and illness plan.

Reimbursement percentages

Your reimbursement percentage for a pet insurance plan is typically 70%, 80%, or 90%. This determines how much of the vet bill you'll get back after paying your deductible. Choosing a higher reimbursement rate means higher monthly costs but smaller bills when emergencies happen. According to Fetch, while they offer up to 90% reimbursement, the most common percentage chosen by their customers is 80%.

Contact BrokerLink today

At BrokerLink, we've partnered with Fetch specifically because of their coverage. They go above and beyond, covering several health-related scenarios that other pet insurance providers simply refuse to cover. This makes Fetch's plans some of the best on the market today, and here at BrokerLink, we always want the best for our customers.

Contact BrokerLink today to learn more about Fetch's pet insurance coverage. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive pet insurance quote in minutes.

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FAQs on pet insurance coverage

Can I buy pet insurance coverage via an insurance brokerage?

Yes, pet insurance coverage can be purchased directly through a pet insurance provider or via a full-service insurance brokerage. Insurance brokers can help you determine your pet insurance needs and ensure you find a plan with coverage that meets them. They can also help you save money on pet insurance and provide you with a free pet insurance quote.

For related articles, check out our pet travel tips, and how to protect your pet in your car.