Aug 5, 2023
9 min. read
Having a pet can be one of the greatest joys of your life. Cats and dogs bring so much energy, love and coziness into our homes and these little creatures are soon part of the family.
But along with all that fun and companionship comes great responsibility. Our pets are with us for life, which means that there will be times of illness, injury or just plain confusion – pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, after all. That’s why one of the first things you do when you bring a new cat or dog home is find a vet to support their health.
The second thing you should do is look into pet insurance. Veterinary bills, accidental emergencies, medications and illness can add increasing expenses to your budget, especially as your pet ages. Pet insurance offers peace of mind when you need it most, so you can focus on caring for your pet rather than on how to pay for its care.
Plans vary across companies, price points and life stages, so it can get overwhelming when considering your options. That’s why we’re breaking down pet insurance, so you can make the best choice for your fur baby.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance plans vary by company, and can be customized based on your pet’s age and needs.
Most pet insurance companies offer coverage for your pet’s accidents and illnesses. Coverage can be combined, or may be an accident-only plan. Most plans cover things like sick-exam fees, prescriptions, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics and more. Pet insurance plans are your financial plan for costs associated with unexpected illness or injuries that pop up in your pet’s life. Because, let’s face it, cats (especially outdoor cats) and dogs are active creatures and they can be accident prone. And, just like us, cats and dogs aren’t immune to illness.
You never know what’s going to happen to your pet’s health, and pet insurance means you don’t have to worry about the expense of veterinary visits, surgeries or other treatments.
Depending on your pet’s needs and your lifestyle, there are usually other add-ons and upgrades you can add to your basic plan, such as wellness coverage.
What doesn’t pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance is a fantastic tool for peace of mind when it comes to your cats or dogs. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover everything.
Common issues that aren’t covered include:
Dental care
Reproductive care
Experimental treatments
Pre-existing conditions
Routine and preventative treatment, unless a Wellness Plan is available as an add-on
It’s also worth noting that if your pet is older when you sign up for insurance, it’s likely that the premiums will be more costly. It’s also possible that an older pet will have pre-existing conditions that will be excluded from coverage. That’s why it’s usually advised to get pet insurance as soon as possible, when your dog or cat is young. However, insurance coverage is still available and viable for aging and even senior pets with some insurance providers.
How do I make a pet insurance claim?
Most pet insurance plans work via reimbursement. This means that once you’ve taken your pet for care and paid your bill, you’ll submit a claim and your pet insurance provider will send you a cheque or deposit any money you’re entitled to into your account.
You’ll be reimbursed for whatever portion of the eligible costs you’ve agreed to in your plan. This is often highly customizable, so speak to your pet insurance provider today.
Get a quote today.
We’ve partnered with Pets Plus Us to offer CAA Members a 13.5%* discount on pet insurance. Pets Plus Us offers a range of pet insurance options, including an Accident-only plan and an Accident & Illness plan with wellness options. Pets Plus Us offers a Flex Care Policy that is an optional add-on to an Accident & Illness plan. It provides flexibility to supplement the coverage offered in your policy including annual exams, vaccines, flea and tick prevention, nail trimming, dental and even pre-existing conditions.
Pets Plus Us does not exclude breeds, offers coverage for a range of treatment options and there is no upper age limit to enroll for senior pets. They have flexible plans that can easily adjust to suit your pet’s needs. Plans also include access to Blue Ribbon Benefits, which are a group of products and services that help make being a pet owner easier. This includes free access to PetHelpFone™, a Pet Poison Helpline®, a Compassionate Care Line and more!
Pets Plus Us offers free quotes, so why not check in and see how you can best protect your pet.
Learn more about Pets Plus Us or call 1-833-323-2452 to get started today.
Terms and Conditions
*CAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off. Non-members receive a preferred rate of 9% off when purchasing through the CAA online portal.
**Senior Requirements apply.
The information herein is summarized. All Pet Insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, coverage limits, rates, and discounts may vary by province, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. This advertisement is an outline only, the actual policy issued Terms and Conditions will prevail. For all terms and conditions, click here.
© 2024 All rights reserved. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Northbridge Insurance, distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd & Société d’Assurances Collectives (Sodaco) Inc. in Quebec. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance is available in all province and territories. Pets Plus Us®, Pets Plus Us & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of PTZ Insurance Services Ltd.
® CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.