How Does Pet Insurance Work in Canada?

As veterinary costs continue to rise, more Canadian pet owners are turning to insurance as a way to manage unexpected expenses. Whether it is an emergency surgery or a chronic condition that needs long-term care, pet insurance helps you handle the financial impact while ensuring your pet gets the treatment they need.

This becomes especially important when you are planning your household budget or navigating the unpredictable early years, or later stages, of your pet’s life. Understanding how pet insurance works in Canada gives you the tools to make informed decisions about your pet’s care and your finances.

The Basics of Pet Insurance in Canada

Pet insurance in Canada functions as a reimbursement model. You pay for veterinary services upfront, then submit a claim to your insurance provider for eligible expenses. After applying your policy’s deductible, the insurer reimburses a percentage of the cost, usually between 70 and 90 percent.

Most providers allow you to:

Choose your veterinarian (as long as they are licensed in Canada)
Select a reimbursement level
Set your annual or per-condition deductible
Pick between accident-only, accident and illness, or comprehensive plans

Policies are offered by a range of insurers, including Trupanion, Pets Plus Us, Desjardins, Fetch by The Dodo, and Petsecure, among others.

What Does It Typically Cover?

Coverage varies by plan, but most pet insurance in Canada includes the following:

Coverage Type	Examples of Included Care
Accidents	Emergency surgery, broken bones, ingestion of foreign objects
Illness	Infections, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, skin disorders
Diagnostics	Bloodwork, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), biopsies
Medications	Prescription drugs, insulin, anti-inflammatories
Hospitalization	Overnight care, IV fluids, intensive monitoring
Surgery	Tumour removal, dental extractions under anesthesia

Optional wellness add-ons may include coverage for vaccinations, dental cleaning, annual exams, or flea and tick prevention.

Tip: If your pet is a breed prone to hereditary conditions, confirm whether the policy includes coverage for genetic issues. Not all policies treat congenital or breed-specific problems the same way.

What’s Not Covered?

Most pet insurance policies exclude:

Pre-existing conditions (any illness diagnosed before coverage begins)
Cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping)
Pregnancy or breeding-related expenses
Experimental treatments
Non-medical costs (e.g., grooming, licensing)

Note: A waiting period usually applies between enrollment and when coverage begins. This is typically 48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, but it may vary by insurer.

How Much Does It Cost?

Monthly premiums depend on several factors:

Your pet’s species, breed, and age
The coverage level and deductible you choose
Whether wellness add-ons are included
Your location within Canada

Younger, mixed-breed pets generally cost less to insure. Premiums typically range from $30 to $80 per month, with higher costs for older pets or more comprehensive coverage.

How to Make a Claim

The claims process is straightforward for most providers:

Pay the vet bill directly
Obtain an invoice with detailed medical information
Submit a claim online, by email, or through an app
Receive reimbursement by direct deposit or cheque

Some providers offer faster processing times or pre-approval for large procedures, depending on the insurer.

Why It Matters for Canadian Pet Owners

Pet insurance gives you financial flexibility and peace of mind when facing veterinary emergencies. It allows you to make decisions based on your pet’s medical needs, not your bank account.

You might consider it the next time you hear about a friend facing a multi-thousand-dollar vet bill, or when your own pet shows signs of a condition that could become chronic.

In a country where health insurance is standard for humans, pet insurance is increasingly seen as a practical way to care for our animal companions with the same level of responsibility. With the right plan, you can feel confident knowing your pet’s care is covered across every province.