How Much is Pet Insurance in Ontario?
Did you know that about 56% of Ontario households now have at least one pet? But with the increase in furry companions, veterinary costs have also soared – and many owners are feeling the pinch.
To tackle this issue, many Canadians are turning to pet insurance. It’s a smart choice that provides essential financial protection against unexpected medical expenses. Moreover, it ensures your pets get the care they need without pu0ng a strain on your wallet.
Now, you’re probably wondering about the average cost of pet insurance.
Since there are different providers, we’ll list their pet insurance rates one by one so you can choose the best fit:
Why pet insurance matters in Ontario?
Before we dive into the costs, let’s quickly explore why pet insurance is so important.
As mentioned earlier, pet ownership has grown significantly in Canada. According to research, veterinary prices increased by 7.9% between 2023 and 2024. In other words, owning a pet has become more expensive than ever.
Even more concerning, one in three pets requires emergency treatment every year, and these visits can easily exceed $1,500 (Not including meals or grooming).
With all these factors in mind, pet insurance is one of the wisest decisions a pet owner can make. It provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on your pet’s health rather than worrying about unexpected expenses.
What does pet insurance cover in Ontario?
Here are some common types of coverage. The cost of pet insurance in Canada also depends on which of these you choose.
- Accidents, illnesses, surgeries, emergency care, and hereditary conditions
- Dental care, such as treatment for gum disease
- Routine care, including vaccinations and check-ups
- Some plans even cover advertising costs if your pet gets lost or boarding fees if you’re hospitalized and unable to care for your pet
What’s the average cost of pet insurance in Ontario?
Since there are different providers, we’ll list their pet insurance rates one by one so you can choose the best fit:
1. Trupanion
This insurance provider offers unlimited yearly coverage with no caps per claim or lifetime. Also, Trupanion reimburses 90% of eligible vet bills, including costs for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and breed-specific conditions.
In Ontario, their average cost is CA$35 to CA$85 per month.
There are no age limits, and coverage doesn’t decrease as your pet gets older. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered. Another helpful feature is their direct-pay system for vets in Canada and the U.S.
2. Pets Plus Us
Generally, it offers two types of pet insurance plans:
- Accident-Only
- Accident & Illness
Depending on which plan you choose, they will reimburse between 70% and 90% of your eligible vet bills. The annual coverage limits range from $5,000 to $15,000.
The Accident-Only plan focuses on injuries and has a $100 deductible. It also includes extra benefits, like paying for pet boarding if you’re in the hospital and help with lost-pet advertising. On the other side, the Accident & Illness plan covers both accidents and illnesses. But if you want routine care like vaccinations, you need to buy a separate wellness add-on.
Remember, there is a waiting period of about 48 hours before accident coverage starts and 14 days before illness coverage begins.
3. Fetch Pet
Fetch Pet Insurance provides one flexible plan that you can customize based on your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual maximum coverage.
It covers many things like accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, diagnostics, cancer treatments, and dental care with an add-on. There is no vet network, so you can visit any veterinarian you choose.
The average dog insurance cost is $50 per month and $30 for cats. But these prices can change depending on your pet’s age, breed, and how much coverage you select.
Having so many services included in their plan makes them one of the most recommended pet insurance companies.
4. Desjardins
Desjardins offers three different plans
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
All plans cover accidents and illnesses, but the Gold plan stands out with unlimited yearly coverage for these issues. The Bronze plan covers up to $2,000 per condition or accident, while the Silver plan covers up to $4,000.
On top of that, preventive care like vaccines is included automatically in the Gold plan, but for Bronze and Silver, you can add it for an extra cost. Similarly, dental care is covered up to $500 to $1,000, depending on the plan.
Silver and Gold also cover some alternative therapies, like acupuncture, up to $350 per year. The best part? If you have three or more pets, you can get a 10–15% discount.
How to choose the best affordable pet insurance company?
With so many providers out there, choosing the one offering exceptional pet insurance in Canada can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, to make the process easier, consider the following points:
- Make sure the plan covers things like accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and regular check-ups so you’re not surprised by uncovered costs.
- Look at their reimbursement rate. Higher rates mean you get more money returned.
- Choose a plan with a monthly fee you can afford, but don’t sacrifice important coverage just to save a few dollars.
- Read online reviews and ratings to see if the company is trustworthy and treats customers fairly.
- Pick a company that offers fast support, easy claims, and helpful answers when you need them most.
FAQs
What is the average cost of cat and dog insurance in Canada?
On average, dog insurance in Canada costs about $50 per month, while cat insurance is around $30. These prices aren’t fixed, though. They can vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, and the level of coverage you choose
What is the average cost of cat and dog insurance in Canada?
On average, dog insurance in Canada costs about $50 per month, while cat insurance is around $30. These prices aren’t fixed, though. They can vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, and the level of coverage you choose.
