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.