Dog insurance coverage

Dog insurance is health insurance for your pet. It helps you afford veterinary care when your pup is sick or hurt. Unlike human health insurance, you're usually responsible for paying the bill at the appointment, and then, you get reimbursed for approved claims.

Dog insurance typically covers unexpected accidents and illnesses — the things you can’t see coming. Accident coverage includes vet visits for issues like broken bones, swallowed objects and other emergency care. Illness coverage can range from common issues like vomiting to more serious conditions like gum disease and cancer. Treatment for issues your dog already has when you enroll are not covered (these are known as “pre-existing conditions” in insurance-speak). Fetch has the most complete insurance for accidents and illnesses.

Preventive care (think: vaccinations and annual exams) is not a part of most standard dog insurance plans, but can often be added on for an extra cost.

Whether dog insurance is worth it depends on your dog’s health and age. Dog insurance is a great investment for puppies and younger dogs because they're less likely to have pre-existing conditions.

Pet insurance is typically not the best choice for older dogs. Senior dogs are more likely to have existing health issues. This means they'll cost more for you to insure and their pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

No. In general, no dog insurance covers pre-existing conditions.

A pre-existing condition is defined as any injury, illness or condition that you or your veterinarian notice either before you enroll in insurance or during the waiting period of up to 15 days.

It depends on which dog insurance you have and which veterinary practice or clinic you visit. With Fetch dog insurance, there are no networks — you can use any vet in Canada or the U.S., including emergency and specialty clinics.

MRI scans are usually covered by dog insurance, but the exact answer depends on your insurance provider, policy type and whether the MRI is being performed for a pre-existing condition.

With Fetch, MRI scans are covered when recommended by a veterinarian to diagnose a new injury or illness.

Fetch’s complete dog insurance coverage includes hereditary conditions linked to breed.

The best dog insurance for you depends on the specific needs of your pet. If you have a younger dog, Fetch has the best insurance for puppies at the best price. If you're adopting, Fetch is the #1 pet insurance for shelter and rescue pets.

But if you're looking to enroll a senior dog, for example, then Fetch is probably not the best choice for you. Senior dogs are more likely to have existing health issues. This means they'll cost more for you to insure and their pre-existing conditions will not be covered. Fetch also doesn't offer accident-only plans because we firmly believe that every pet deserves complete coverage. So if you're looking for a more bare-bones plan, we're not the right choice.

Dog insurance works differently than human health insurance. In most cases, you’ll pay the vet and then file a claim so your insurer can reimburse you for covered services.

With Fetch, filing a claim is as easy as snapping a picture of your paid invoice and submitting it in our app — it just takes a minute.

The waiting period is the span of time between when you enroll your dog in insurance and when coverage actually kicks in. It typically begins on your policy effective date.

‍Here's an example:‍

‍Enrollment date: January 1
‍Policy effective date: January 3
‍Waiting period ends: January 17

This means that if you enroll in insurance on January 1, you will begin getting reimbursed for vet visits starting on January 17. Any vet visits that take place during the waiting period will not be covered.

With Fetch, there’s a waiting period of up to 15 days before illness coverage begins. There is no waiting period for accident coverage and, if added, Fetch Wellness.

The best time to sign up for dog insurance is when your pet is young. Puppies (6 weeks to 2 years) are the ideal candidates because they’re more likely to be in good health with no pre-existing conditions — and, in general, no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions. Younger dogs also usually cost less to insure.

Fetch is the best insurance for puppies at the best price.

Most dog insurers will cover some dental — but the exact amount varies widely. Some only cover the 4 canine teeth.

With Fetch, you get coverage for injury and disease in every adult tooth, as well as full coverage for periodontal disease, oral tumors, broken teeth and more.

If you get pet insurance right before your dog has surgery, that surgery won't be covered — it will be considered treatment for a pre-existing condition. In general, no pet insurance covers costs related to injuries, illnesses or conditions your pet has before they sign up or during the waiting period of up to 15 days.

So while you can sign up for pet insurance right before a surgery, it's best to sign up when your dog is healthy, so you have protection for your pup and your wallet when you need it.

Spaying or neutering is typically covered with dog insurance if your plan includes preventive care. Preventive care is not a part of most standard dog insurance plans, but can be added on for an additional cost.