Why Pet Health Insurance?

As pet parents, we all believe we'll be able to protect our pets from harm. If you really think about it, you'll realize that no matter how much love and care you provide, accidents and illness are still beyond your control.

Pet health insurance is a unique way to ensure that whenever you need to, you can provide your pet with the very best of care. So that when the unexpected happens, you're free to make the health care decisions that feel right for you, rather than basing them on what you can (or can't) afford.

Benefits of Pet Health Insurance

Ensures you can get the best possible veterinary care for your pet
Helps you control the costs associated with keeping your pet healthy
Removes financial restrictions to the cost of care
Prepares you for any health-related emergency
Protects your pets before problems and conditions can develop
Provides for responsible pet parenting

What's standing between me and the coverage I need?

These are the 5 most common misconceptions people have about pet health insurance. Are any of these yours?

"I've never bought pet health insurance before, so how much could I really need it?"

Reality: We introduced pet health insurance to Canada in 1989. Today tens of thousands of Canadian pet owners have realized the value of insuring their pet with us. A great many advances have been made in veterinary medicine since we began, and that will surely continue to evolve during the lifetime of your pet. Having pet health insurance provides you with the confidence that your finances won't restrict you from giving your pet the best care possible and will allow you to be in a position to make crucial life-saving decisions.

"I have an indoor pet, so I don't worry about them being at risk for illness or injury."

Reality: When we think of the unexpected, we instantly think of accidents and injuries that outdoor pets may be at higher risk of experiencing. However, over 75% of all pet insurance claims are for illnesses, not accidents. Research shows that indoor pets are no less susceptible to these illnesses.

"My pet is still a healthy puppy/kitten. We won't need insurance until years from now."

Reality: Dogs will be dogs. Cats will be cats. Like toddlers, young pets lack the full coordination and the perception that comes from experience - and at the same time, they possess a great deal of curiosity. A precarious combination! Puppies and kittens may be more likely to suffer injuries from jumping, falling or simply getting underfoot, or else finding trouble by snacking on something they shouldn't. Therefore, we recommend enrolling pets when they're still young, especially before pre-existing conditions develop or accidents and illnesses occur.

"My pet is too old. They can't get coverage at this age."

Reality: Your pet can always get coverage for any medical conditions they don't yet have! As our pets get older, they do become more susceptible to age-related illnesses or medical conditions associated with their breed - but that does not make them any less worthy of receiving the best possible veterinary care and life-saving treatments. Every year that goes by increases those risks, so it's always advisable to insure your pet before they develop health problems and often with older pets it makes even more financial sense to do so.

One of our licensed insurance professionals will be glad to explain your options and help you choose the most suitable coverage for your mature pet. By the way, no pet is ever "too old" for coverage and no pet owner will be refused simply for having a pet they have loved and nurtured over many years.

"Pet insurance is too expensive. I can't afford it."

Reality: The truth is that pet insurance is actually much less expensive than human health insurance. In Canada, because our federal and provincial governments subsidize much of our basic health care, and because employers typically pay 50-100% of employees' extended health insurance coverage, we rarely see the real price tag of human health care.

In contrast, veterinary care is not covered by the government, nor by your employer. The only person who pays your vet bill is you. That's why it's important to remember that pet insurance is an investment. For a relatively small monthly premium, you are helping to budget for the costs of some of your pet's preventive care - such as dental, as well as to prepare and protect you financially against expensive treatments for illnesses, accidents, surgery, prescriptions, and emergency fees, should the urgent need ever arise.