When it comes to pets, cats and dogs are generally the most expensive because of the amount of food and commodities (toys, beds, etc.) that you have to buy to keep them happy. Not to mention, the healthcare costs of some cats and dogs can be through the roof, especially if you have to take them for frequent visits to the veterinary clinic.
When that happens, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance to protect you financially, which is why providers like Petplan Canada are now popping up across the country. Keep reading to find out why Petplan might be the right pet insurance for you.
Who Is Petplan?
Even most routine veterinary procedures can cost serious money. In fact, Chris and Natasha Ashton once had to use up all their credit and even downgrade apartments just to pay off their cat’s $5,000 emergency medical bill. That’s why they founded Petplan in 2003.
Although their company originated in the United States, they are now one of the most popular and affordable pet insurance services for dog and cat owners in Canada.
With Petplan Canada accident and illness insurance, you can get all types of coverage for your cat or dog for $250 – $1,000 per year, which is cheaper than many of their competitors and a relatively small price to pay if your pet needs regular treatment. After all, even a routine veterinary checkup or procedure can cost well over $100 – $200.
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Overview Of Petplan Insurance
| Types of Animals Covered | Dogs & Cats |
| Annual Deductible Cost | $250 – $1,000 |
| Types of Coverage | Accident & illness |
| Waiting Period | 15 days after date of enrollment |
| Annual Coverage Limit | $5,000, $15,000 or unlimited |
| Payout/Reimbursement | 70%, 80% or 90% |
What Does Petplan Insurance Cover?
At Petplan, a basic comprehensive pet insurance policy should cover the following medical treatments, procedures and ailments for both cats and dogs:
- Accidental injuries & illnesses
- Diagnostic tests
- Veterinary exam fees
- Prescription medications
- Imaging & ultrasound
- Cancer treatments
- Non-routine dental treatments
- Surgery & rehabilitation
- Holistic therapies
- Referral & specialist treatment
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What’s Not Covered By Petplan?
For both cats and dogs, a Petplan insurance policy does not provide coverage for many of the more common veterinary costs or pet health issues, including but not limited to:
- Pre-existing & incurable conditions
- Routine & wellness care
- Preventive Care
- Liability coverage
- Cosmetic procedures
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
Basically, Petplan accident and illness insurance is meant to help dog and cat owners cover the really expensive and unexpected pet costs. Many expenses that are standard for certain pets (like vaccinations and microchipping) or unnecessary (like cosmetic procedures) may not qualify for full comprehensive coverage.
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Pre-Existing & Incurable Conditions
Keep in mind that if your dog or cat has specific health problems before you apply for coverage, it may be ineligible for a full Petplan insurance policy. For instance:
- Any chronic medical condition that appeared prior to applying for a Petplan policy could be considered “pre-existing,” whether it’s been officially diagnosed or not.
- The same goes for “incurable” conditions that start showing clinical signs before your policy’s effective date or during your pet’s uninsured waiting period.
- Pets with “curable” conditions, such as medical issues or injuries that can be fixed without veterinary treatment, may be eligible for full Petplan coverage but only after a 365-day exclusionary period, if and when their symptoms return.
How Much Does Petplan Accident & Illness Pet Insurance Cost?
Before you purchase pet insurance from Petplan, make sure to do some research and think about what type of coverage your dog or cat will need over time. Currently, there are several factors that can affect the cost of your policy, including but not limited to:
- Breed – Different cat and dog breeds can develop various conditions that require all kinds of treatments. So, if your pet is rare, expensive, or is a breed that’s known for its health problems, you may need to pay extra for your policy.
- Age – Like humans, older cats and dogs often require more medical attention, so you may need a more expensive policy. Kittens and puppies also need many treatments, like basic vaccinations, which might not be covered by Petplan.
- Location – One of the best things about Petplan is that it covers your pet anywhere in North America. However, the location of your veterinarian may affect your policy’s price because veterinary costs vary between provinces/territories.
- Annual Coverage – Remember, different Petplan insurance policy levels come with different annual costs. If you want to pay a lower monthly premium, you’ll have to pick a policy that includes less coverage, which may not be ideal.
- Deductible – The lower your insurance deductible is, the higher your monthly premium will be. So, while a basic $250 Petplan policy may be more affordable, your payments will be larger and you might not get all the coverage you need.
- Reimbursement – With Petplan insurance, you can also select the level of reimbursement you want to receive when you file a claim (70% – 90%). Usually, lower reimbursement and higher deductible lead to a lower monthly premium.
With Petplan, the average dog costs around $35 a month to insure and cats are closer to $25 monthly. Even though pet insurance costs vary from pet to pet and policy to policy, $250 – $1,000 per year is pretty cheap compared to most veterinary procedures.
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Pros And Cons Of Petplan Canada Pet Insurance
Although Petplan is now one of the most popular pet insurance providers in North America, their policies may not be exactly what you need. Be sure to consider the following benefits and drawbacks before you buy pet insurance from Petplan Canada:
Pros
- Policies Are Customizable – As mentioned, Petplan allows you to choose your own coverage amount, annual deductible and reimbursement percentage.
- Good Coverage – With a higher deductible, you can get up to $15,000 or even unlimited pet insurance coverage for a decent price anywhere in North America.
- What’s Covered – Petplan insurance covers a wide range of pet-related costs, even unforeseen expenses like lost pet rewards, boarding fees, and theft.
- Customer Support – Petplan has plenty of online pet resources through their website, as well as a live chat and a customer service line.
- Shorter Wait Times – It takes about 5-15 days for Petplan to process a claim, whereas you may have to wait 30-60 days with other pet insurance providers.
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Cons
- Limited Pet Options – For now, Petplan only provides coverage for specific dogs and cats, so if you want to insure a fish, rodent or reptile, you may be out of luck.
- Age Rules – Petplan has no age limit but if your pet is at least 6, it must undergo a veterinary exam within the 30 days before and after your policy’s start date. Pets that are older or have preexisting conditions may not be eligible for as much coverage.
- Coverage Takes Time – Petplan has shorter wait times than other pet insurance companies but it can still take around two weeks for your policy to become effective. You also need an invoice from your vet, which can delay payment.
- Other Requirements – Petplan insurance is easy and affordable enough to purchase but can sometimes be difficult to qualify for. For example, you must bring your pet for regular veterinary and dental checkups to receive coverage.
- Limited Types of Coverage – Unlike other pet insurance providers, Petplan does not cover many standard costs, like preventive care, vaccinations for microchipping. They only offer one type of policy and no add-ons are available.
What Is The Petplan Claims Process Like?
To claim an item on your Petplan insurance, you have to follow 3 simple steps:
- Start a Claim – First, create and log into your account, fill out and sign a claims form, then send it by mail, fax or email to Petplan Canada. On it, you may see different required information, such as your personal details, your pet’s previous ailments and claims, as well as the location of your veterinarian.
- Explain What Happened – To determine your eligibility, a licensed Petplan adjuster will need to examine your veterinary receipts, which you must include with your claims form. If it’s your first claim, you also need to sign a Medical Release Form, then send it to every vet clinic you’ve gone to in the past 2 years.
- Process Your Claim & Get Reimbursed – To qualify for Petplan, you must see a veterinarian within 48 hours of your pet’s first symptoms. You’ll then have up to 90 days from your pet’s treatment date to file your claim. Remember that there’s a waiting period of around 15 days, during which your pet won’t be insured.
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Is Petplan Accident & Illness Insurance Right For Your Pet?
Petplan Canada is a convenient and affordable source of pet insurance for cats and dogs. Most pet owners will find that Petplan insurance is a great option. Just keep in mind that if you’re trying to insure another species or your pet has conditions that would make it ineligible for coverage, Petplan may not be the right choice for you.
