Got a dog? You need dog insurance. But first, let’s break down what it is and how it protects you from unexpected vet bills.
Get your priceNo signup fee, no add-ons
Risk-free cancellation for up to 30 days
Visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
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It’s basically dog health insurance, except that what it’s really doing is protecting you from a financial standpoint.
Look at it this way. You’d do anything for your dog, right? Of course you would. Including, obviously, getting them the best veterinary care available if they ever got sick or hurt. But your dog can’t pay vet bills, you do — and as the loving, dedicated dog mom or dad you are, you’re going to pay for their care no matter how expensive it gets.
With dog insurance from Petplan, you’re covered for up to 90% of those bills.
Think of it as a safety net to fall back on: You have your dog’s back, we have yours.
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Not that your dog is a car — your dog is a four-legged friendship monster fueled by treats and love — but still, the general idea is similar: You pay the vet bill, we pay you back.
Here’s how Petplan dog insurance works:
Your coverage kicks in after a 15-day waiting period. At that point you can take your dog for treatment by any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics. (Yes, you can keep your current vet.)
As soon as you pay your vet bill, you can file for reimbursement. All you have to do is take a picture of the paid invoice and submit it through our app.
Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of the bill via direct deposit. For more info, read about pet insurance reimbursement.
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That said, there really is a range. Younger dogs cost less to insure than older ones, and certain breeds are predisposed to medical issues that affect your price as well (e.g., golden retrievers and cancer, Frenchies and breathing problems). Where you live also factors in, since the cost of veterinary care can vary from place to place.
So, how much is dog insurance with Petplan? The short answer: It depends. For an exact number, tell us a bit about your pup and get your price.
The quote you’ll get is just a starting point. Here are the levers you can pull to either pay less per month or get paid back more.
The maximum dollar amount you can be paid back per policy year. The higher your max annual payout, the more you’ll pay per month.
The fixed dollar amount you're responsible for paying before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductible plans have lower monthly premiums.
The percentage of each covered vet bill you’ll be paid back after you meet your deductible. The higher your reimbursement, the more you’ll pay per month.
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Are there exceptions? Sure. Hip dysplasia isn’t covered if it appears in the first 6 months of your policy, and knee issues like damage or rupture of cruciate ligaments aren’t covered for the first six months unless your vet verifies that your dog’s knees are healthy within the first 30 days. (For more on the specifics, see our policy terms and conditions.)
But for the most part, new injuries and illnessness are covered. Which is huge. It means that, when your dog is sick or hurt, the only thing you have to think about is helping them get better — because no matter what kind of treatment they need, we’re here to help you afford it.
Petplan is the most comprehensive coverage there is. Our one plan covers what other providers charge extra for or don’t cover at all.
Injuries & illnesses
Diagnostic tests
Veterinary exam fees
Virtual vet visits
Comprehensive dental
Breed-specific conditions
Cancer treatment
Surgery & rehabilitation
Holistic care
Emergency & specialist vets
Behavioral therapy
Chiropractic care
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Neither are pre-existing conditions. (They aren’t covered by other companies, either — go ahead and compare pet insurance providers.) Petplan dog insurance is for coverage in case of future accidents and illnesses — the stuff you can’t see coming. It’s not for either past issues or care you can schedule in advance. If you submit a claim for things like vaccinations, checkups, or teeth cleaning, you won’t be paid back.
Also not covered: cosmetic or elective procedures like tail docking and ear cropping, unless your vet decides they’re medically necessary. And while we love to see your pup looking fresh, grooming does not make the cut.
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Let’s say you bought a house. Would you wait to get insurance? No, you’d get it as soon as humanly possible, because you’d want to be protected in case anything happened.
Same thing with dog insurance. Things do happen — according to our 15+ years of claims data, a pet parent gets a vet bill for more than C$1,000 every six seconds — and the costs add up fast. Plus, the sooner you sign up, the more we can cover, because your dog will have fewer pre-existing conditions. (For example, if you enroll your puppy at six weeks old and they develop allergies at 11 weeks, we’ll cover it.)
One more thing on timing: Not to sound harsh, but if you’re at the vet’s office right now and you haven’t signed up yet, the visit and anything related to it won’t be covered when you do. We’ll be able to help in the future, but only after the 15-day waiting period.
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Think about it: Why are you here reading this page in the first place? You’re here because you’re the kind of dog parent who would do anything for your pup. (We see you there, looking up canine risotto recipes. Try the one with the peas.) Which is perfect, because Petplan is the most comprehensive pet insurance there is.*
Basically: If your dog needs it to get better, we want them to have it. Surgery and rehab? Covered. Specialist referrals? Check. Acupuncture? You got it. Even supplements are covered as long as your vet recommends them for a covered condition. And it’s all standard, no expensive add-ons required. (Plus, you pay month to month, so you’re not locked into anything.)
Sooner or later, something will happen, from a puppy swallowing a sock to an older dog hurting their knee. When it does, you won’t hesitate to pay for treatment, because of course you won’t. The only question is how you’ll pay for it. That’s where we come in.
Get the safety net you and your best friend deserve. Plans average around C$35/mo.
Get your priceNo signup fee, no add-ons
Risk-free cancellation for up to 30 days*
Visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
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