{"id":270,"date":"2016-09-16T11:32:49","date_gmt":"2016-09-16T18:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.moonlightdogcafe.com\/?p=270"},"modified":"2026-04-08T17:00:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T00:00:46","slug":"best-pet-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/dog-cat-health\/best-pet-insurance","title":{"rendered":"Best Pet Insurance in Canada: How to Minimize the Risk of Huge Vet Bills for Your Dog or Cat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should You Get Pet Insurance or Self-Fund?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A conversation with a customer recently spurred us to&nbsp;write on pet insurance. They had a pet insurance high <strong>monthly premium<\/strong>. Then their dog got sick. After paying the <strong>deductible (fixed amount you pay before you can get reimbursed)<\/strong>, they got reimbursed 80% of expenses. Soon after, the monthly premium for the pet went up by 30%. Typically, all pet insurance companies state there is no causation between your insurance claims and price hikes. However subsequently, the dog got sick again and the cost of their pet insurance jumped by another 23%. At the end, they were only covered for 10% and felt cheated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, should you get pet insurance or self-fund? <strong>The answer depends on your tolerance for risk, your pet\u2019s breed\/age, and whether you prefer predictable monthly bills or saving for a \u2018just-in-case\u2019 catastrophe.<\/strong>  y pet owners; self-funding keeps you in control but can leave you exposed to expensive bills for complex surgeries or cancer care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below we break down how pet insurers actually work in Canada, the fine print you must read, and how three common providers compare in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pet Insurance Basics: A Simple Guide to Minor Accident Coverage in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll use the example of our customer to explain how pet insurance works if you have rate increases and what the terminology is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><u>Beginning of Insurance:<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong><u>Middle of Insurance (30% increase):<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><u>Insurance (23% increase) and covered at 10% of costs:<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Yearly Premiums<\/strong><\/td><td><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">$1200<\/span> premium per year paid by dog owner.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">$1560<\/span> premium per year paid by dog owner. &nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">$1920<\/span> premium per year paid by dog owner.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Example of a Minor Accident\/ Illness cost<\/td><td>$3000<\/td><td>$3000<\/td><td>$3000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Co-insurance<\/strong> <\/span><br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(% not covered by insurance.)<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td>80% reimbursed for treatment costs. <br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">20% not covered by insurance = You pay&nbsp;$600<\/span><\/td><td>80% reimbursed for treatment costs.<br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">20% not covered by insurance = You pay&nbsp;$600<\/span><\/td><td>10% reimbursed for treatment costs.<br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">90% not covered by insurance = You pay&nbsp;$2700<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Subtotal<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$2,400<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$2,400<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$300<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Deductible <\/strong><\/span><br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(The fixed amount you pay yearly in addition to Co-insurance)<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">You pay additional&nbsp;$200<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">You pay additional&nbsp;$200<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">You pay additional&nbsp;$200<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Total Reimbursement by Insurance company<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">$2,200<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">$2,200<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">$100<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">What you pay out of pocket this year <\/span><br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(Yearly Premium + Co-insurance + Deductible)<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">1200+600+200 = $2,000<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">1560+600+200 = $2,360<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">1920+2700+200 = $4,870<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Better off\/ (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Worse off<\/span>) compared to paying for $3000 by yourself<\/strong><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>BETTER OFF by $1,000<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>BETTER OFF by $640<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>WORSE OFF by $1,870<\/strong><\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As <strong style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\">long as the treatment costs are high and co-insurance and deductibles are low, maybe pet insurance is a really good idea.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick Comparison of 3 of the Best Pet Insurance in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n  <table>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr>\n        <td><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2388 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-279x300.png\" alt=\"Moonlight Natural Pet Store Logo\" width=\"279\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-279x300.png 279w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-139x150.png 139w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/><\/td>\n        <td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>BCAA Pet Insurance<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Trupanion Pet Insurance<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Petsecure Pet Insurance<\/strong><\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Underwriter<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Northbridge Insurance Corporation (via PTZ \/ BCAA) <\/td>\n        <td>Trupanion (United States-based insurer, Canadian policies underwritten by its operating entity) \u2013 **no payout limit**. <\/td>\n        <td>Petline Insurance Company <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Premium &#038; Deductible<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>$50.79 \/ month (Intermediate plan), deductible $200 (check policy for your province)<\/td>\n        <td>$127.19 \/ month (popular plan), deductible $200 (varies) *<\/td>\n        <td>$63.50 \/ month (popular plan), deductible $300 *<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Reimbursement Rate<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>~80%<\/td>\n        <td>90%<\/td>\n        <td>80\u201390% (depends on plan level)<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>What\u2019s Covered<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Accidents &#038; illness<\/td>\n        <td>Accidents &#038; illness<\/td>\n        <td>Accidents, illness, diagnostics, surgery, medications, exam fees, some dental illness (plan dependent) <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Annual \/ Incident Limits<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Plan limit varies by level; check your policy<\/td>\n        <td><strong>No annual, per-incident, or lifetime payout cap (\u201cUnlimited benefit\u201d)<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Limit varies by plan; refer to your Schedule of Maximums<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Waiting Periods<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Varies \u2014 confirm in your BCAA policy<\/td>\n        <td>Standard waiting periods apply**<\/td>\n        <td>48 hr for accidents; 14-day illness; 6 months for dental, cruciate \/ IVDD. <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Pre-Existing \/ Exclusion Clause<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Pre-existing conditions excluded per \u201cclinical signs before coverage\u201d (see policy) <\/td>\n        <td>Pre-existing conditions are excluded; see policy for full definition<\/td>\n        <td>Pre-existing or \u201cforeseeable\u201d conditions excluded (clinical signs before coverage or in waiting period) <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Optional \/ Alternative Coverage<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Alternative therapies: $350\/year (varies by plan)<\/td>\n        <td>Offers optional benefits depending on plan selected<\/td>\n        <td>Alternative therapies covered (e.g. acupuncture, physiotherapy) when prescribed by vet <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Common Exclusions or Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>\n          \u2022 Pre-existing conditions exclusion is broad <br>\n          \u2022 + Other plan-specific limitations\n        <\/td>\n        <td>\n          \u2022 Premiums may increase significantly with age or high claim experience (some pet parents report large hikes) <br>\n          \u2022 Not all clinics participate in direct-pay (if applicable) <br>\n          \u2022 Deductible structure varies\n        <\/td>\n        <td>\n          \u2022 6-month waiting period for cruciate, IVDD, dental <br>\n          \u2022 Prescription or therapeutic diets *not covered* <br>\n          \u2022 Pre-existing condition clause uses \u201cclinical signs\u201d definition \n        <\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Advantages \/ Perks<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td>Boarding reimbursement if you\u2019re hospitalized; lost-pet advertising compensation<\/td>\n        <td>Unlimited payouts; peace of mind for chronic \/ serious illness<\/td>\n        <td>Preventive plan option; dental illness coverage; alternative therapies; 48-hour accident waiting period<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td><strong>Policy Paper \/ Sample<\/strong><\/td>\n        <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcaa.com\/insurance\/underwriters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BCAA Underwriters &#038; Policy Info<\/a><\/td>\n        <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trupanion.com\/en-ca\/pet-insurance-faq\/article\/no-payout-limits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trupanion No Limit Policy FAQ<\/a><\/td>\n        <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petsecure.com\/pdf\/PW_PS.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Petsecure Policy Wordings<\/a><\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Premiums &amp; Coverage Change Over Time \u2014 What Triggers Rate Hikes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite customers feeling like their premiums were jumping constantly due to their insurance claims, the truth may be a bit nuanced. Premiums can and do rise, but not usually because of your single claim. Insurers may change premiums due to portfolio experience, broader actuarial adjustments\u2014rising vet costs in your region, aging pets, and the insurance pool\u2019s claims history\u2014while complying with insurance regulations. As such, your claim might be contributing to portfolio increases and that may trigger the insurance rate hikes you may be facing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, if you file many claims, you may be moved to different underwriting categories or higher renewal bands. Insurers may also raise rates for pets entering higher-risk age bands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people would wonder why pet insurance is more expensive than their monthly BC MSP healthcare. In Canada, healthcare is subsidized by the government out of taxes making it cheaper than private healthcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are 2 questions to ask yourself before buying pet insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Much Am I Willing to Spend on Emergency Care for My Dog or Cat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a budget cap and are able to make difficult decisions during an emergency, then you may go with self-funding for your dog or cat. However, for some pet parents who would spend everything they have, insurance may be a preferable option of limiting your overall financial exposure. Pet insurance is about minimizing your financial risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is My Dog or Cat Likely to be Injured or Require Emergency Healthcare?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a harder question to answer. Typically, dogs get into injury situations because they tend to be outdoors or in same cases more rambunctious. Indoor cats do not have the same risk profile as there are less external factors (hopefully) to cause injury. So in those cases, dogs tend to be a better candidate for insurance compared to indoor cats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the answer gets more complicated depending<strong> on balancing the following factors: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em><em>Type of pet and breed<\/em><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Age of dog\/cat,&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Propensity for illness\/ injury e.g. hip dysplasia, <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Cost of the insurance, <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Discipline in depositing funds into a doggy\/kitty account regularly, and <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Probability of the insurance company to process claims promptly without denying them\/ increasing co-insurance or deductibles after claims. <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we define <strong>Pet Insurance as for Pet Accidents\/ Illnesses<\/strong>.  Note that<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong> <\/strong><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">routine checks and vet&#8217;s consultation fees are typically Not covered.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Policy Pitfalls: Pre-Existing Conditions, Breed Exclusions &amp; Warranty Clauses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest frustrations for pet parents shopping for insurance in Canada is how <strong>unclear<\/strong> policy exclusions can be. Most people sign up expecting peace of mind\u2014then discover during a claim that a condition wasn\u2019t covered after all. Here are the three areas where we see the most misunderstandings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pre-Existing Conditions (The #1 Claim Denial)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Canadian pet insurance company excludes pre-existing conditions\u2014<strong>but the definition varies widely.<\/strong> Some insurers only exclude conditions that were formally diagnosed before enrolment. Others use far broader language, excluding any \u201cclinical signs\u201d noted in vet records, even if there was no diagnosis at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For example:<\/strong><br>If your puppy had mild itchiness noted at 4 months, future allergies might be excluded\u2014even if the cause was environmental or temporary.<br>Limped once? Future knee or hip issues could fall under the umbrella of \u201cpre-existing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong><br>Many policies allow insurers to review <em>all<\/em> medical notes for the 12\u201318 months before enrolment. Anything written down\u2014\u201cintermittent cough,\u201d \u201coccasional vomiting,\u201d \u201cslight luxating patella\u201d\u2014can be grounds for exclusion later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why starting early, before any health issues appear, is often the only way to maximize coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Breed Exclusions &amp; Genetic Conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some breeds are more predisposed to hereditary issues like hip dysplasia, IVDD, heart disease, or brachycephalic airway syndrome.<br>Because of this, insurers may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exclude hereditary or congenital conditions entirely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclude certain conditions <em>for specific breeds only<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase your deductible as your dog ages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise premiums aggressively after a claim involving a hereditary condition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Commonly affected breeds:<\/strong><br>French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Retrievers, and any brachycephalic breed (Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even when a policy says it \u201ccovers hereditary issues,\u201d read the fine print. Many only cover these conditions if <strong>no symptoms whatsoever<\/strong> were present before enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Warranty Clauses (The Hidden Trap You Might Miss)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These clauses require you to meet ongoing health-care obligations\u2014otherwise, your coverage can be denied. Most pet parents have never heard of them, but they\u2019re extremely common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warranty clauses usually state that you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep vaccinations up to date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain parasite prevention seasonally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow recommended lab tests (e.g., bloodwork)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow treatment plans exactly as prescribed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attend scheduled rechecks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you skip any of these, your insurer can deny a claim on the grounds that you did not \u201cmaintain the health of the pet.\u201d This is one of the most common reasons claims are denied for ear infections, dental issues, tick-borne illness, and GI problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A surprising example:<br>If your dog develops worms or a tick-borne infection, and you skipped preventive medication, many insurers will deny the claim\u2014even for complications that require expensive treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bottom Line: Read Everything (Even the Boring Parts)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pet insurance in Canada is helpful for major accidents and life-threatening illnesses\u2014but it isn\u2019t simple.<br>Before you sign up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Request the full <strong>policy wording<\/strong> (not just the brochure)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review the pre-existing condition clause carefully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check whether your breed has additional exclusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for any warranty requirements you must follow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get written clarification from the insurer if something is unclear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always check waiting periods: typical accident waiting periods are 48\u201372 hours and illness waiting periods ~14 days. Pre-existing conditions are excluded \u2014 and the definition of pre-existing differs by insurer, so the timing of enrollment can make or break future claims<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pet insurance is valuable\u2014but only if you fully understand what\u2019s excluded <em>before<\/em> you need to make a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Comprehensive Review of the 4 Top Pet Insurance Plans in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We decided to <strong>compare four of the top pet insurance companies<\/strong> and choose the \u201cmost popular\/ regular\u201d plan to give you an idea of what they cost and cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dog:<\/strong> Cleo (actually a cat&#8217;s name),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type:<\/strong> Staffordshire Bull Terrier (she eats like one at least)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> 4 years (she thinks she&#8217;s a spring chicken)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the comparables including exclusion info. We put the CONS first because <strong>most of what we&#8217;d want covered are more important than &#8216;nice&#8217; little riders we don&#8217;t necessarily need. <\/strong>Note that most of the information for insurance is in their policy wording&nbsp;yet not everyone reads them before signing up. We tried to accurately capture them below based on our read:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2388 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-279x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-279x300.png 279w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB-139x150.png 139w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Moonlight-Logo-Yolk-less-than-1-MB.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/><\/td><td>\t \n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>BCAA Pet Insurance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t \n<\/td><td><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Trupanion Pet Insurance <\/strong><\/span><\/td><td>\t \n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Petsecure Pet Insurance <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t \n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Premiums and deductible<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$50.79 monthly on the Intermediate Plan Deductible based on dog&#8217;s age = $200.&nbsp; <\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$127.19 monthly on the most popular Plan. Deductible is $200. <\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$63.50 monthly on the most popular Plan.<\/strong><strong>Deductible is $300.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coverage by insurance<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>80% coverage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>90% coverage excluding examination fees and taxes.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>What&#8217;s covered<\/strong><\/td><td>Accidents, illnesses<\/td><td>Accidents, illnesses<\/td><td>\u201c Hospitalization, Dental care (dental treatments and cleanings), Surgery, Diagnostics, Medication, Exam fees, Taxes\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Accident Coverage<\/strong><\/td><td rowspan=\"2\">Up to $2,500 accident and illness coverage combined annually! Limit renews each year<\/td><td rowspan=\"2\">90% of expenses, No limit.Since no sales taxes are covered, it may work out to about 80% of expenses.<\/td><td>Up to $2,500 per accident<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Illness Coverage<\/strong><\/td><td>Up to $2,500 per illness, <strong>per year<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Alternative therapy coverage<\/strong><\/td><td>$350 per year<\/td><td>Additional alternative therapy costs $16.47 premium per month.<\/td><td>$350 per year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Disadvantages of the Pet Insurance Plans <\/strong><\/span><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>The Annual Limit is very small and may not be sufficient <\/strong>for common injuries e.g. a back injury, torn ligaments (CCL) may cost over $5,000 including tests<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Monthly premium price<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>The Limit per accident or illness may not be sufficient<\/strong> for common injuries e.g. a back injury, torn ligaments (CCL) may cost over $5,000 including tests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Pre-existing conditions are excluded and are <u>vague<\/u><\/strong> enough to include anything that with or without a confirmed diagnosis shows for your pet e.g. if your pet is itching a bit at 4 months for any reason and that is included in the vet&#8217;s notes, your pet may be excluded for allergies if that develops in the future. Cancer may fall under these conditions.<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Pre-existing conditions are excluded<\/strong> where there are signs or evidence of their potential<br>\t \nmanifestation existed within the <strong><u>18 months<\/u><\/strong> prior to the Policy Enrollment Date and even if there are no medical records about potential signs incl. CCL, see policy sample Section 9 IV for more examples.<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Pre-existing conditions are excluded and are <u>vague<\/u><\/strong> enough to include anything that with or without a confirmed diagnosis shows for your pet e.g. if your pet is itching a bit at 4 months for any reason and that is included in the vet&#8217;s notes, your pet may be excluded for allergies if that develops in the future. Cancer may fall under these conditions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Excludes expenses for cats showing clinical signs of FIP, FIV or FELV prior to the policy inception or during the waiting period<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; N\/A<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Excludes expenses for cats showing signs of FIP, FIV or FELV prior to the policy inception or during the waiting period<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Deductible rises as pet ages <\/strong>(which defeats the purpose of most of us getting insurance) i.e. for a dogo&nbsp;&nbsp; Up to 5 years is $100 annual,<p><\/p>\t \n<p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; 5- 7 years is $200 annual,<\/p>\t \n<p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; 7-10 years is $400 annual and<\/p>\t \n<p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; over 10 years is $500 annual<\/p><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not stated clearly in their documents but from personal experience as well as others we know using Trupanion, <strong>we&#8217;ve had rates and deductibles \u201ccoincidentally\u201d change when claims<\/strong> increased<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Deductible rises as pet ages <\/strong>(which defeats the purpose of most of us getting insurance) i.e. for a dogo&nbsp;&nbsp; Up to 5 years is $100 annual,<p><\/p>\t \n<p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; 5-10 years is $300 annual<\/p>\t \n<p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; and over 10 years is $500 annual<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Not stated clearly in their initial quotes but they can increase your co-insurance <\/strong>by 10% increments to a maximum of 50% if your pet falls into &#8220;risk management&#8221; category, which is a pet with ongoing claims.<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; N\/A<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Not stated clearly in their initial quotes but they can increase your co-insurance <\/strong>by 10% increments to a maximum of 50% if your pet falls into &#8220;risk management&#8221; category, which is a pet with ongoing claims.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don&#8217;t cover dental expenses under this plan<\/td><td>\u00b7<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any change in your coverage means you have to state any pre-existing medical conditions as of your new policy &#8211; meaning if your pet developed a condition recently, it would not be covered under the new plan although it was under the old plan.<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; N\/A<\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any change in your coverage means you have to state any pre-existing medical conditions as of your new policy &#8211; meaning if your pet developed a condition recently, it would not be covered under the new plan although it was under the old plan.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"\"><strong style=\"text-decoration-line: underline;\">Advantages of Pet Insurance Plans<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They pay for lost pet advertising (up to $250)\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are hospitalized for at least two days, they may pay for boarding for your dog. ($25 per day up to $500)<p><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you have to cancel or cut a holiday short because your pet suffered an &#8220;Accident or illness&#8221; they will pay for any travel and accommodation expense you can&#8217;t recover (up to $500)<\/p><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover congenital &amp; hereditary conditions as long as they were not pre-existing before coverage started (Remember, as per their policy it states that the conditions cannot exist 18 months prior to the Policy Enrollment Date.)\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hip dysplasia coverage is included in Trupanion&#8217;s core policy.<p><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover hospital stays, while <strong>herbal treatment <\/strong>is at an additional monthly premium to the pet owner<\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover dental illnesses &amp; injuries<\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clear that your dog&#8217;s age, breed, gender, spay\/neuter status and vet costs <strong>can change cost of insurance<\/strong><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Can pay your veterinarian directly so you don\u2019t have to pay out of pocket.<\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pretty quick turnaround on claims in our experience.<\/p><\/td><td>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They pay for lost pet advertising (up to $1000 per accident)\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are hospitalized, they may pay for boarding for your dog. (up to $1000 per accident)<p><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you have to cancel or cut a holiday short because your pet suffered an &#8220;Accident or illness&#8221; they will pay for any travel and accommodation expense (up to $1000 per accident)<\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover the cost of any Treatment for the teeth and gums for preventive care or as a result of an eligible dental Illness ($300 per year)<\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>More info- Policy papers and sample<\/strong><\/td><td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.caapets.com\/pdf\/pw_caa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.caapets.com\/pdf\/pw_caa.pdf<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"http:\/\/trupanion.com\/canada\/-\/media\/files\/trupanion\/pdfs\/trupanion-sample-policy-2016.pdf?la=en-CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/trupanion.com\/canada\/-\/media\/files\/trupanion\/pdfs\/trupanion-sample-policy-2016.pdf?la=en-CA<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.petsecure.com\/pdf\/PW_PS.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.petsecure.com\/pdf\/PW_PS.pdf<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ratings from petinsurancereview.com<\/strong>Note that they make money by having people get quotes through their website. (trust the reviews with a grain of salt)<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>\t \n<table width=\"100%\">\t \n<tbody>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td colspan=\"4\" width=\"62\"><strong>Customer&nbsp;Ratings<\/strong><\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"15\"><\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">60 days<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">1 year<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">Lifetime<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"15\">Rating<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">9.0<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">9.4<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">9.2<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"15\">Count<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">31<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">792<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"15\">4398<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td colspan=\"4\" width=\"62\"><\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<\/tbody>\t \n<\/table>\t \n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.petinsurancereview.com\/vetinsurance.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.petinsurancereview.com\/vetinsurance.asp<\/a><\/p><\/td><td>\t \n<table width=\"100%\">\t \n<tbody>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td colspan=\"4\" width=\"622\"><strong>Customer&nbsp;Ratings<\/strong><\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"141\"><\/td>\t \n<td width=\"168\">60 days<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"140\">1 year<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"171\">Lifetime<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"141\">Rating<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"168\">1.0<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"140\">3.4<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"171\">5.9<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td width=\"141\">Count<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"168\">1<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"140\">16<\/td>\t \n<td width=\"171\">115<\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<tr>\t \n<td colspan=\"4\" width=\"622\"><\/td>\t \n<\/tr>\t \n<\/tbody>\t \n<\/table>\t \n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>JUST IN CASE you are tempted by their Basic Plan because of the lower premiums, here are the Main Cons that you should consider-<\/td><td>Basic plan called COMPACT PLAN\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It won&#8217;t cover illnesses developed by drinking contaminated\/ stagnant water, which is a common accident that most dogs get into<p><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They don&#8217;t state clearly upfront in your quote that <strong>joint\/arthritis issues are not covered<\/strong><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>They also do not cover soft tissue or muscle inflammation<\/strong><\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do not cover any consequential damage as a result of any accident e.g. if your pet develops liver damage due to poisoning, future treatments of that liver damage will not be covered.<\/p>\t \n<p>\u00b7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vague on not paying for accidents due to your pet&#8217;s known <strong>behavioural problem.<\/strong><\/p><\/td><td><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our Experience: Did We Keep Pet Insurance? (Real-world example)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>We had pet insurance for Shinji&nbsp;but we did consider the option of banking that cash into an account for Shinji. Consequently, we used his bank account for his food, travel\/daycare, and supplies.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:media-text {\"mediaId\":14899,\"mediaLink\":\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/dog-cat-health\/best-pet-insurance-canada\/attachment\/best-pet-insurance-in-canada-2\",\"mediaType\":\"image\",\"mediaWidth\":27} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:27% auto\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"990\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Best-Pet-Insurance-in-Canada.webp\" alt=\"Reviews of the best pet insurance in Canada\" class=\"wp-image-14899 size-full\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Best-Pet-Insurance-in-Canada.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Best-Pet-Insurance-in-Canada-223x300.webp 223w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Best-Pet-Insurance-in-Canada-111x150.webp 111w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"placeholder\":\"Content\u2026\"} --><\/p>\n<p>There had been times that we had considered taking him off insurance because the deductible or the premium had risen. However, we\u2019ve opted to stay with the insurance as he aged. Honestly, we are glad we have because routine surgeries can cost at least $1500 excluding tests. Even minor issues like taking out lumps to ensure they are not cancerous are expenses that a lot of pet owners will have to decide about. You\u2019d have to pick and choose what would be considered serious enough to warrant a vet visit.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Therefore, whatever your decision, we\u2019d advise that you start early. This will give you time to grow decent savings by the time anything unfortunate happens. In the case of insurance, it will therefore ensure that you are covered for a wider range of issues. For adoptions, make sure to get the whole health history as this may probably impact the pre-existing clause.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:media-text --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick Checklist: How to Choose the Right Policy for Your Pet<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Choosing pet insurance in Canada shouldn\u2019t feel like decoding a legal document. Here\u2019s a simple checklist to help you compare plans confidently and avoid common traps that cost pet parents thousands later.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Start With the Real Coverage Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Look for <strong>accident + illness<\/strong> limits of at least <strong>$5,000 per year<\/strong><\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Avoid plans with <strong>$2,500 caps<\/strong>, which rarely cover common injuries like CCL tears or back issues<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Check whether limits reset annually or per incident<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Confirm What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Before you enroll, ask the insurer directly:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>\u201cWould <em>this<\/em> (itchiness, coughing, limping, anxiety, etc.) be considered pre-existing?\u201d<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>\u201cWhat medical notes from the last 18 months are reviewed?\u201d<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>\u201cCan I get pre-existing condition determinations in writing?\u201d<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If the answer is vague \u2014 assume it\u2019s excluded.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Understand the Co-Insurance &amp; Deductible Math<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The deductible and the percentage you pay out of pocket matter more than the premium:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Lower deductible = higher premium<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Higher deductible = lower premium<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Co-insurance changes (80% vs 90%) drastically affect real payouts<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Run the math on a $3,000 bill \u2014 you\u2019ll quickly see how different plans compare.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Check Mandatory \u201cWarranty\u201d Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Most people skip this. Don\u2019t.<br \/>You may need to:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Stay up to date on vaccines<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Use parasite prevention<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Follow all recommended tests and rechecks<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Follow treatment plans exactly<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Missing any of these can void your claim.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Look for Breed-Specific Exclusions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you have a:<br \/>Frenchie, Bulldog, Dachshund, Shepherd, Labrador, Golden, Pug, Boston, Shih Tzu, or any brachycephalic breed \u2014 read the fine print twice.<br \/>Many hereditary conditions may be excluded or only partially covered.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Review Dental Coverage Carefully<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Dental claims are one of the most commonly denied.<br \/>Check for:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Dental <strong>illness<\/strong> coverage (not just accidents)<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Annual caps<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Requirements for dental cleanings<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A lot of \u201ccomprehensive\u201d plans still exclude routine dental care.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Ask About Premium Increases After Claims<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Even though insurers say there\u2019s \u201cno causation,\u201d premiums often rise:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>After filing frequent claims<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>As your dog ages<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>For breeds with higher risk<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>When vet costs increase in your area<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Ask what factors influence your annual premium \u2014 and whether deductibles can also increase.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Make Sure They Pay Your Vet Directly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Not all insurers offer direct-to-vet payment.<br \/>If cash flow is a concern, choose a company that handles the invoice upfront so you\u2019re not waiting weeks for reimbursement.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Compare Real Customer Reviews (Not Just the Company Website)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Read reviews specifically about:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Claims being denied<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Slow processing<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Premium hikes<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>How the insurer handles chronic conditions<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Third-party sites help, but take overly positive reviews with caution.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Enroll Early \u2014 Before Any Symptoms Appear<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This is the easiest way to avoid pre-existing exclusions.<br \/>Waiting until after your pet gets sick almost always results in limited coverage.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Canada Pet Insurance FAQ \u2014 Fast Answers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:rank-math\/faq-block {\"questions\":[{\"id\":\"faq-question-1763678831092\",\"title\":\"Will a pet insurance claim make my premium go up?\",\"content\":\"Not directly \u2014 insurers adjust rates for groups and bands based on overall claims and costs. However, frequent claims can lead some pet insurers to alter your renewal band or underwriting status. Always check the insurer\u2019s policy on \u201crisk management\u201d or adjustments.\",\"visible\":true},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1763678873292\",\"title\":\"What does \u201cpre-existing\u201d mean?\",\"content\":\"Definitions vary. Generally, any condition that showed clinical signs, was diagnosed, or was treated before policy inception (or during waiting periods) is considered pre-existing. Read your definition carefully.\",\"visible\":true},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1763678902751\",\"title\":\"Which pet insurer pays vets directly?\",\"content\":\"Trupanion offers a Vet Direct Pay system in many clinics that reduces out-of-pocket on the spot. Other insurers typically reimburse you after you pay the vet. Confirm clinic participation in advance.\",\"visible\":true}]} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-faq-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Will a pet insurance claim make my premium go up?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">Not directly \u2014 insurers adjust rates for groups and bands based on overall claims and costs. However, frequent claims can lead some pet insurers to alter your renewal band or underwriting status. Always check the insurer\u2019s policy on \u201crisk management\u201d or adjustments.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What does \u201cpre-existing\u201d mean?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">Definitions vary. Generally, any condition that showed clinical signs, was diagnosed, or was treated before policy inception (or during waiting periods) is considered pre-existing. Read your definition carefully.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Which pet insurer pays vets directly?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">Trupanion offers a Vet Direct Pay system in many clinics that reduces out-of-pocket on the spot. Other insurers typically reimburse you after you pay the vet. Confirm clinic participation in advance.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:rank-math\/faq-block --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>References &amp; Policy PDFs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Trupanion Canada overview &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trupanion.com\/en-ca\/pet-insurance-faq\/article\/view-sample-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sample policy pdf<\/a>. <\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>Petsecure overview and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petsecure.com\/getattachment\/2497c20c-0865-4c88-b18a-ad57b032b0f7\/petsecure-policy-wordings2025-02.pdf?lang=en-CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sample policy pdf<\/a>. <\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>BCAA underwriters page (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.petsplusus.com\/service-claims\/brochures-guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PetPlus Us<\/a>)<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moonlight Natural Pet Store<\/a> is a holistic pet store in Vancouver, BC.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Should you get Pet Insurance or bank cash instead for your pet\u2019s health? We review the best pet insurance in Canada and explain the insurance terms so you are not suckered into paying extra for things you don&#8217;t need or pay for insurance that is not going to be there to help your dog or cat. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[649,648,650],"class_list":["post-270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-cat-health","tag-best-pet-insurance","tag-pet-insurance-canada","tag-review-of-pet-insurance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=270"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/270\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}