Year Company Started: 1989

Underwriter: Western Financial Insurance Company

Website: Petsecure Pet Health Insurance

Phone: 1800-268-1169

Petsecure is a Canadian pet health insurance company that offers coverage for all cat and dog breeds.

The company offers pet insurance in every province and territory. The basic coverage that is provided includes cancer treatments, dental treatments and hip dyspepsia.

Petsecure Pet Insurance Review

Petsecure insurance has four levels of coverage. Secure4 is the highest level of coverage and includes unlimited accident and illness coverage, $600 of dental coverage every year, and all preventative care.

Rating: 9

Our review process starts with calling each of the insurance providers over the telephone.

I called Petsecure Pet Insurance and spoke with a customer service representative about 3 pets:

• A 2-year old male Yorkshire Terrier
• A 6-year old male Cocker Spaniel
• An 8-year old female mixed breed cat

The Plans/Quotes:

I have four options for both the dogs and the cat. All four plans cover dental coverage from $200 to $600 per year towards the cost of an annual cleaning or problems with the teeth. There is also $350 special coverage per year applies to all plans. This includes coverage in three categories: alternative treatments (acupuncture, massage, etc), behavioral therapy and medical devices.

Secure 1:

includes accident and illness coverage with a $1,000 annual maximum, $500 deductible for dogs and $300 deductible for cats, $200 dental/year, $350 special coverage/year, and 20% co-payments.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $28.65/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $37.16/mo

For the cat: $19.60/mo

Secure 2:

includes accident and illness coverage with a $2,500 annual maximum, a $500 deductible for dogs and a $300 deductible for cats, $300 dental/year, $350 special coverage/year, and 20% co-payments.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $38.53/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $48.87/mo

For the cat: $25.43/mo

Secure 3:

includes accident and illness coverage with a $5,000 annual maximum, a $500 deductible for dogs and a $300 deductible for cats, $400 dental/year, $350 special coverage/year, and 20% co-payments.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $52.45/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $67.03/mo

For the cat: $33.83/mo

Secure 4:

Petsecure’s most comprehensive plan, which include micro-chipping, heart-worm prevention, and all annual vaccinations.

includes preventive care, a $500 deductible for dogs and a $350 deductible for cats, $600 dental/year, $350 special coverage/year, and 20% co-payments. There is no limit on coverage for accidents and illness.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $84.09/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $102.25/mo

For the cat: $50.04/mo

Conclusions:

No matter why level of coverage you choose, you’ll be reimbursed for up to 80% of your vet fees, including pet hospitalization, surgery, x-rays, prescriptions, and dental procedures. You are only required to pay one deductible per year, no matter how many pet insurance claims you make.

Petsecure offers up to $350 per year for pet massage, hydrotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and homeopathy treatments.

In making my choice, I will consider the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• You can get 10% multi-pet discount if you enroll three or more pets. You will save 15% by enrolling six or more pets.
• Cover alternative therapies. From Secure 1 to Secure 4, you are covered for up to $350 per year for behavioural therapy, alternative therapy and medical devices.
• Pet parents can choose any licensed veterinarian in Canada. Coverage is valid only in Canada, or while travelling on vacation in the continental United States of America.
• Offer annual coverage amount towards dental care. note: there is a one year waiting period for dental coverage.
• Premiums don’t increase as a result of a pets age.

Cons:

• The rates are higher than competitors’ rates.
• The increase in premium and deductible if you are deemed to be in the top percentage of claims.

Your pet will be seriously pampered if you choose this policy!

Overview

Year Company Started: 1999

Underwriter: American Pet Insurance Company (APIC)

Website: Trupanion pet insurance

Phone: 1-800-930-1019

Trupanion is a pet insurance company that was founded in Canada in 1999 under the name Vetinsurance. For 10 years, Vetinsurance has been receiving the highest customer reviews in Canada, and they have also earned the industry’s highest retention rates. Today, Trupanion continues to offer the same high quality experience and service.

With Trupanion, you can get lifetime coverage for your dog or cat without having to be concerned about your premiums increasing because of your pet getting older or as a result of filing claims. Trupanion guarantees that policyholders will “never be penalized for the number of claims submitted” or for the increasing age of the covered pet.

The lifetime cap for Trupanion is set at $20,000. The lifetime cap may increase to reflect an increase in medical costs in your area. This coverage pays for diagnostic tests, medications, and surgeries that are recommended by your veterinarian.

Through Trupanion, you do not pay a deductible for veterinary medical costs. Instead, you are required to pay the veterinarian’s examination fee. In the end, Trupanion will pay for 90% of all approved claims.

Keep in mind that with this pet insurance policy, pre-existing conditions are not covered. According to Trupanion, neutering/spaying and hip-dysplasia are also not covered. Accident coverage begins five days after you start coverage, while illness coverage will not begin for thirty days.

Trupanion Pet Insurance Review (formerly Vetinsurance)

Rating: 8

Our review process starts with calling each of the insurance providers over the telephone and then, we gather quotes for these three pet profiles located in Vancouver, BC:

• A 2-year old male Yorkshire Terrier named Jax
• A 6-year old male Cocker Spaniel named Max
• An 8-year old female mixed breed cat named Fluffy

The Plans/Quotes

You can choose your deductible—anywhere between $0 and $1,000—to fit your premiums within your budget. Each pet gets $20,000 over his lifetime for accidents and illnesses with no limits per year, claim, illness, procedure, or condition. Trupanion reimburses 90% of every approved claim.

Monthly premiums for each pet:

The 2-year old male Yorkshire Terrier: $40.13 with a $500 deductible, $49.50 with a $250 deductible

A 6-year old male Cocker Spaniel: $51.45 with a $500 deductible, $64.23 with a $250 deductible

An 8-year old female mixed breed cat: $36.02 with a $500 deductible, $45.06 with a $250 deductible

*note: Quote total does not include applicable taxes, one-time $35 administration fee, or optional charity donation.

The Details

Your pet is covered for all hereditary and breed related conditions except for hip dysplasia which is not covered. Once you submit a claim, you can expect an approval or denial within 7 days—and as soon as 24 hours if it’s a repeat claim. Your rates will never increase due to increased claim activity, and premiums won’t increase due to aging. There is a 5-day waiting period for accidents, and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses.

Trupanion will only deny coverage for hereditary and congenital disorders if symptoms were present before you enrolled your pet, or during the waiting period.

You have the choice of going to any licensed veterinarian in Canada. You can also use your coverage while visiting in the United States. The insurer follows an indemnity insurance model. With this model, you pay the veterinarian up front, submit your claim to Trupanion, and then you will be reimbursed later.

No routine visits are covered for your pet at any age because these checkups are considered to be routine or preventative. Sickness and medication will continue to be covered even when your pet grows older.

Coverage

If your pet becomes sick or is injured, you are covered for:

• Hereditary disorders
• Congenital disorders
• Diagnostic tests
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Chronic or recurring conditions

What is not covered?

• Routine care
• Veterinary exam fees
• Pre-existing conditions

Important Exclusions:

1. Pre-existing conditions
2. Hip dysplasia – optional coverage for dogs and cats enrolled before 1st birthday

You can cancel your policy at any time without any penalty.

Conclusions

There is one plan that covers all accidents and illnesses without the disadvantage of a deductible. The only requirement is that you pay the veterinarian for the examination fees.

Trupanion will then pay 90% of the approved claim, leaving you with the final 10%.  Your premium may be lowered by choosing a per condition deductible amount that works for you. If you do not spay or neuter your pet or do not maintain routine preventive care, the amount of coverage you receive will be quite restricted.

In making my choice, I will consider the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• You only have one limit: $20,000 over your pet’s lifetime.
• The deductibles and premiums are highly flexible, meaning you can fit the plan within your budget.
• There is no benefits schedule.
• Premiums will not increase due to aging.
• You may get coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions if symptoms occurred after your plan took effect.
• Customer reviews indicate excellent customer service.

Cons:

• Routine coverage is not included.
• Cover pets that are not spayed or neutered. However the coverage is limited in that pets who are not spayed or neutered will not be covered for illnesses relating to spay/neuter such as ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, etc.
• Hip dysplasia is not covered unless your dog is under one year at the time of enrollment.
• Monthly premium is slightly more expensive than others.

Year Company Started: 2007

Underwriter: SecuriCan General Insurance Company. SecuriCan is a division of HED Insurance and Risk Services, one of the largest independently owned insurance brokers in Canada.

Website: www.purinacare.ca

Phone: 1800-661-3199

PurinaCare is a Canadian pet health insurance company that offers one simple plan with comprehensive coverage. Annual checkups are required to keep this policy active on a year to year basis.

Pricing for this pet insurance plan depends on several factors, including the breed of your pet and your current city. If your dog’s breed has a tendency toward certain diseases, you may find yourself paying a higher premium for PurinaCare’s plan. When your pet turns five and then ten years old, the price of your premium goes up to reflect your older pet’s rising health care costs.

This policy covers lifetime preventative care, such as microchipping, spaying/neutering, and vaccinating. You will find that each of these have an individual limit (for example, microchipping is only covered up to $83).

Dental coverage also comes with this plan, with limits ranging from $200 (without preventative care) to $600 (with preventative care).

After you purchase your PurinaCare pet health insurance plan, you don’t have to wait for routine or preventative care for your pet. You have to wait for up to 48 hours for accident claims and fourteen days for illnesses.

PurinaCare does not cover pre-existing conditions. There is a ten percent discount for insuring three or more pets.

Year Company Started: 1996

Underwriter: SecuriCan General Insurance Company

Website: PC Financial

Phone: 1877-723-7387

President’s Choice Financial is one of Canada’s leading pet health insurance companies. PCF offers four cost-effective plans to meet all of your pet health care needs.

For pet owners who want something quick and easy, PFC offers an accident plan. This plan does not cover illnesses, but does offer up to $1500 in coverage per accident. For less than ten dollars a month, this is a great starting point for new pet owners.

The three other plans offered by PFC do offer illness coverage, with accident benefits ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per incident. With each of PFC’s plans, 80% of all claims are covered. The age of your pet does not affect the price of your premium and there is coverage available for every breed of dog and cat.

Regardless of your choice of plan, you receive several important extras. For example, the plan covers emergency boarding fees up to $500 should you find yourself hospitalized. If your pet becomes ill right before your planned vacation, your expenses can be reimbursed for up to $1,000.

PC Financial Pet Insurance Review

Rating: 6

Our review process starts with calling each of the insurance providers over the telephone and then, we gather quotes for these three pet profiles located in Vancouver, BC:

• A 2-year old male Yorkshire Terrier named Jax
• A 6-year old male Cocker Spaniel named Max
• An 8-year old female mixed breed cat named Fluffy

The Plans/Quotes

I have four options for both the dogs and the cat. All four plans include $350 for alternative therapy, behavioural therapy and medical devices per year, per category.

Accident Plan:

includes accident only coverage with a $1,500 per incident. This plan does not cover illness.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $10.95/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $10.95/mo

For the cat: $9.95/mo

Value plan:

includes accident coverage with a $2,000 per incident and $2,000 on common illness over the pet’s entire lifetime.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $25.97/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $30.08/mo

For the cat: $20.57/mo

Choice plan:

includes accident coverage with a $2,500 per incident and $2,500 per illness, per year.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $42.95/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $49.73/mo

For the cat: $30.39/mo

Ultra plan:

includes accident coverage with a $5,000 per incident and $5,000 per illness, per year.

For the Yorkshire Terrier: $54.25/mo

For the Cocker Spaniel: $62.81/mo

For the cat: $39.44/mo

The Details

The rate for accident plans start at $9.95 per month for cats and with starting rates of $10.95 per month for dogs. With every plan, you can receive as much as 80% of the covered vet fees, minus any deductible that applies. You may receive $25 daily up to $500 max for your pet’s boarding in an emergency situation in a licensed kennel. The coverage does not kick in until you have been hospitalized for at least two days.

If your pet is hurt or gets sick while travelling with you anywhere in Canada and the continental U.S., PC Financial pet insurance covers emergency veterinary treatment according to the plan you’ve chosen.

The Insurance Premium

The premium is the price of the insurance policy for your pet. The premium isn’t affected by the age of your pet but on two factors:

• Your pet’s breed. All breeds are covered but some are susceptible to specific illnesses, which means insuring them may be more expensive.
• Your location. Veterinary fees vary by location.

Extra Benefits:

• If your pet is lost to a covered accident or illness, you may receive $600 of the purchase amount used for your pet and $100 to help with the cost of your pet’s burial or cremation.
• You may receive $25 daily up to $500 max for your pet’s boarding in an emergency situation in a licensed kennel. The coverage does not kick in until you have been hospitalized for at least two days.
• If your pet becomes ill or gets injured when you have a trip planned, you can receive $1,000 of the accommodation and travel expenses if your plans have to be cancelled or cut short.
• If your pet becomes missing or lost, up to three hundred dollars will be given for rewards and advertising.

Conclusions

PC Financial doesn’t require you to pay set-up fees and provides several extras for free, such as the cost of emergency boarding if you are in the hospital, reward or advertising costs for a lost pet, compensation when you have to cancel a holiday because of a pet’s serious illness, and compensation for losing a pet to an eligible illness or accident.

In making my choice, I will consider the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Coverage for all breeds and ages of dogs and cats.
• No set -up fee to start your policy.
• Offer 10% multi-pet discount when you insure 3 or more pets.
• Emergency boarding fees for your pet if you are hospitalized for more than 2 days.

Cons:

• Leaves you responsible for most of a large expense.
• Negative customer reviews on other sites.

Overview

Year Company Started: 1999

Also known under the brand names: PetCare, 24PetWatch, and ShelterCare.

Underwriter: Lombard Insurance Company

Website: QuickCare Pet Insurance

Phone: 1-866-368-PETS

QuickCare has offered pet insurance since 1999. Also known under the brand names PetCare, 24PetWatch, and ShelterCare. QuickCare is the Canadian insurance arm of Pethealth, Inc.

QuickCare offers four separate plans for both cats and dogs. The plans range from QuickCare Senior, a program for older dogs and cats to MasterCare, a comprehensive “head to tail” coverage plan.

Coverage for the MasterCare plan includes everything from accidental death coverage to boarding and kennel fees in the case of a hospitalization. Cats and dogs may be enrolled in this plan anytime between the ages of eight weeks and eight years. Once your cat or dog is enrolled, the coverage is for life.

The QuickCare Senior plan is a great choice for dogs and cats that are older than eight years. Since frequent accidents and illnesses happen more often to older pets, this plan offers coverage of $2000 per incident.

The QuickCare for Indoor Cats plan is one of the most unique pet insurance plans in the industry. This plan has payable claims of 100% and has a very low accident deductible. Next day accident and illness coverage is also available immediately, something that is a rare find in the pet health insurance industry.

QuickCare Pet Insurance Review

Rating: 6

Our review process starts with calling each of the insurance providers over the telephone.

I called QuickCare Pet Insurance and spoke with a customer service representative about 3 pets:

• A 2-year old male Yorkshire Terrier
• A 6-year old male Cocker Spaniel
• An 8-year old female mixed breed cat

The Plans/Quotes:

Dog Programs

QuickCare Optimum for Dogs: $36.15/mo

• $2,000 per incident accident coverage for 7 accident categories.
• Covers first time illnesses up to $1,500 per year.
• $100 per incident deductible and 10% co-payments.

MasterCare 80% Coverage for Dogs: $46.95/mo

• 80% coverage up to $2,500 per incident on all accidents.
• 80% coverage on all illnesses up to $36,000 over the life of your pet. ($3000 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years

MasterCare Complete for Dogs: $65.95/mo

• Covers all accidents up to $5,000 per incident.
• Covers all illnesses up to $60,000 over the life of your pet. ($5,000 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years
• 30% co-payment.

MasterCare Premiere 80% for Dogs:  $86.35/mo

• 80% coverage up to $6,500 per incident on all accidents
• 80% coverage on all illnesses up to $84,000 over the life of your pet. ($7,000 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years

Cat Programs:

QuickCare for Indoor Cats: $13.95/mo

• 100% coverage up to $2,000 per incident for foreign body ingestion, bone fractures, poison ingestion, and feline high-rise syndrome.
• 100% coverage up to $2,000 for feline lower urinary tract disease, cancer, infectious disease, feline asthma, and diabetes mellitus.
• Deductible: $200 per illness and $50 per accident.

MasterCare 80% Coverage for Cats: $25.35/mo

• 80% coverage up to $2,000 per incident on all accidents.
• 80% coverage on all illnesses up to $30,000 over the life of your pet. ($2,500 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years

MasterCare Complete for Cats: $39.95/mo

• Covers all accidents up to $5,000 per incident.
• Covers all illnesses up to $60,000 over the life of your pet. ($5,000 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years
• 30% co-payment.

MasterCare Premiere 80% for Cats:  $43.15/mo

• 80% coverage up to $6,000 per incident on all accidents
• 80% coverage on all illnesses up to $78,000 over the life of your pet. ($6,500 per illness category)
• Deductible: up to $250 for pets 10+ years

The Details

The monthly payments of your coverage are determined by the animal’s location, breed, and plans . These plans will cover most major diseases such as cancer and unforeseen accidents. They also cover accidental deaths, boarding, euthanasia and recovery costs that are linked to sickness or accidents; however, expenses associated with veterinarian check-ups are not covered.

One other perk offered through QuickCare is a 5% discount if you have your microchipped pets registered in the 24petwatch database. You are also allowed to see the vet of your choice and do not have to participate in a particular network of animal doctors.

Conclusions

In making a choice for a pet insurance provider, I will consider the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• 5% for microchipped pets and 5% for multi pet discount.
• Premiums do not increase as your dog ages, but it may increase due to inflation or other reasons.
• Hip dysplasia is covered as long as your pet is not showing signs and the disease has not been diagnosed or suspected prior to enrollment or during the waiting period.

Cons:

• The basic plan is highly limiting and covering only first-time illnesses.
• The QuickCare Plus plan limits you within specific categories. If your dog has a heart problem, it would be advantageous to have the full range of coverage available for heart-related incidents.
• Customer reviews are overwhelmingly negative.