When you think of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the first thing that comes to your mind is probably not pet insurance — but if you have a furry family member, CAA actually has a lot to offer. For starters, you can bundle your insurance and usually, get a lower price cumulatively. CAA is a fairly well-rounded insurance brand, with a portfolio extending to the pet insurance industry. Of course, there is no shortage of competition in the insurance industry, with every company working on offering the best product at the lowest price. To figure out if CAA pet insurance is right for you, it’s important to learn about what they offer.
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Who Is CAA Pet Insurance?
Available to residents of Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, and British Columbia, CAA pet insurance offers three types of pet insurance plans. Its plans are comprehensive and have the proven backing of CAA. This well-reputed business has an A-plus rating on the Better Business Bureau, despite not being directly accredited. Though it was originally a roadside emergency resource, it evolved into a strong financial foundation. Now, an offered product is pet insurance, offering coverage exclusively to cats and dogs.
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CAA Pet Insurance Coverage
Depending on how much coverage you want, and how much you are willing to spend, there are three different plans you can choose from, each with its own perks and parameters. To find the best option, it’s best to understand each tier and identify the top option for your needs.
Compact Plan
The most affordable plan, it covers the full cost of vet fees in the event of accidents. With reasonable premiums paid monthly, this extends exclusively to accidents. Illness is not covered within this tier. It covers up to $2,000 per accident, renewing after each separate incident. Under the special coverage section, it offers $350 every year for medical devices and a separate $350 for alternative treatments. In terms of extra benefits, this plan is the most basic with $500 per incident for holiday cancellation, $75 for prescription food and $250 for lost pet advertising and rewards, re-upping after each incident.
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Intermediate Plan
Designed to be the middle ground between the budget and premium option, this insurance is for both accidents and illnesses. It covers up to $2,500 annually, though it also offers special coverage benefits. For each category: alternative treatments, behavioural treatment, and medical devices, the plan offers $350 annually. It covers 80 percent of vet fees for both illness and injury, though these treatments are subject to the above-noted cap. In terms of the extra perks, the added benefits include all the perks from the compact plan, plus $250 for boarding kennel costs.
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Luxury Plan
This is easily the most comprehensive plan, covering 80 percent of vet fees for illness and accidents, up to an annual cap of $4,500. It also offers $200 for dental coverage. While that may not be enough to address an existing concern, it is sufficient for preventative treatment. The special coverage under this plan is identical to the intermediate plan, with extra available funds for alternative and behavioural treatments, as well as medical devices. The extra benefits of this plan cover the same issues as the intermediate plans, though for holiday cancellation, the coverage is set at $1,000, $300 for lost pet advertising and $500 for boarding kennel fees.
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CAA Pet Insurance Coverage Overview
The pet insurance tiers are all fairly similar, though the specs are unique to each option. Broken down as follows, picking the right coverage means identifying your most likely needs and picking a plan that will buffer those costs.
| Feature | Compact | Intermediate | Luxury |
| Accident | 100% up to $2,000 per incident | Up to $2,500 yearly combined with illness protection, 80% coverage | Up to $4,500 yearly combined with illness protection, 80% coverage |
| Illness | No coverage | Up to $2,500 yearly combined with accident protection, 80% coverage | Up to $4,500 yearly combined with accident protection, 80% coverage |
| Dental | No coverage | No coverage | $200 per year |
| Alternative treatments | $350 per year | $350 per year | $350 per year |
| Behavioural therapy | No coverage | $350 per year | $350 per year |
| Medical devices | $350 per year | $350 per year | $350 per year |
| Holiday cancellation | $500 per incident | $500 per incident | $1,000 per incident |
| Prescription food | $75 per year | $75 per year | $75 per year |
| Lost pet ads and reward funding | $250 per incident | $250 per incident | $300 per incident |
| Boarding kennel costs | No coverage | $250 per incident | $500 per incident |
Will Your Premiums Go Up As Your Pet Gets Older?
Yes, as your pets age, the cost increases. Because it is more expensive to care for pets as they get older, the company accounts for the difference. Using a fixed chart and well-established underwriting, the plans get more expensive as pets get older. The chart is straightforward, though, differing based on whether your pet is a canine or feline.
Canine Deductible Chart
| Age (in years) | Cost per incident on Compact Plan | Cost per incident on Intermediate and Luxury Plans |
| Under 5 | $50 | $100 |
| 5 – 7 | $50 | $200 |
| 7 – 10 | $50 | $400 |
| Over 10 | $50 | $500 |
Feline Deductible Chart
| Age | Cost per incident on Compact Plan | Intermediate and Luxury Plans |
| Up to 7 | $50 | $100 |
| 7 – 10 | $50 | $150 |
| Over 10 | $50 | $250 |
Benefits of CAA Pet Insurance
Depending on your pet’s breed, it may be more vulnerable to certain genetic conditions. Certain dogs have respiratory issues due to snout concerns while others are predisposed to hip dysplasia. Particularly if your pet is vulnerable to issues, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the insurance underwriting that addresses this.
Through CAA, the issue will be covered, provided the problem did not manifest prior to your coverage kicking in. It’s worth noting that, if you expect your pet to have issues of this nature, it is wise to optimize the illness insurance. The $4,500 annual illness coverage of the luxury plan is likely best. Paying only 20 percent out of pocket, it’s a good way to care for pets getting up there in age.
How To Make A Claim With CAA Pet Insurance?
The claims process is pretty straightforward through this company, though it helps to familiarize yourself before an actual incident takes place. Though it doesn’t directly pay the vet, it does have a prompt turnaround.
- Get a claim form either online or from the vet treating your pet. You can access these online or call ahead to ensure that the vet has one.
- Bring your pet to a licensed vet to get diagnosed and treated.
- Pay the veterinary bill in full, complete sections one and four of the claim form, getting the vet to complete sections two and three. Be sure to sign the form before moving to the next step.
- Compile your receipts or an invoice for treatment and attach it to the claim form.
- Finally, you can either mail or fax the paperwork to the Petline Insurance Company claims office, located in Winnipeg.
Now, while the process is simple, using traditional means of communication to mitigate security risks of completing the process online, it does have some drawbacks. If you aren’t using a fax machine, it can be time consuming. Plus, without a fax, you risk losing these original documents. Two key pieces of advice: keep copies and ask your vet to fax the claim. They are likely to have the tech required to do so and it will save you in terms of waiting period and postage. Be sure to use an appropriate cover sheet, directing it to the attention of the claims department and citing your file number for reference.
Depending on your preference, you can get reimbursed by cheque or direct deposit. The company touts its rapid turnaround rate, taking roughly five business days to process a claim after receipt. By getting the funds transferred right into your bank and faxing your claim, you can help the process move more efficiently.
CAA Pet Insurance FAQs
Who is CAA Pet Insurance available to?
Does CCA Pet Insurance cover hereditary or congenital conditions?
Is there an age eligibility limit?
Does CAA have coinsurance?
Final Thoughts On CAA Pet Insurance
If you live in one of the covered locations, then CAA pet insurance has a lot to offer. Though it sticks to traditional approaches, using an out-of-pocket reimbursement structure, it does have a proven track record. The underwriting is clear-cut and the business leaves no questions about what is or is not covered. While each plan has benefits, the luxury package stands out as a clear winner. It provides reasonable coverage that extends across the board, even to dental issues. The cost is warranted if you want to avoid the risk of unexpected vet expenses, these plans are definitely worthy of consideration.
