Pet Insurance

What you need to know about Fetch’s pet insurance plans

As insurance experts, BrokerLink won’t endorse just any insurer. In fact, for us to exclusively partner with a specific insurance provider, they have to offer a pretty fantastic product, and that’s exactly what Fetch does. Fetch is a pet insurance company serving customers in Canada and the U.S. Their goal is to offer comprehensive yet affordable coverage to pet parents across North America. Fetch's pet insurance plans are known to be some of the best around (they have even been endorsed by several no-kill animal shelters in the United States and Canada). Fetch Pet Insurance gives you unmatched coverage when your pet is sick or hurt, and when you add Fetch Wellness, you'll also be covered for the routine care that keeps them healthy. With both, you'll be better prepared for your pet's veterinary needs and you'll save big on vet bills. What makes Fetch stand out from the crowd is the simplicity of their pet insurance plans coupled with the extensive coverage they offer. In fact, customers will quickly discover that Fetch plans cover several expenses that other plans simply don’t. A few other perks that come with Fetch pet insurance are the ease of the claims process, how it is compatible with any vet in the U.S. or Canada (meaning you won’t need to change vets!), and you have the freedom to cancel your plan at any time. At the end of the day, if you want the best coverage for your dog or cat, Fetch's pet insurance policies are for you.

Fetch pet insurance defined

What is the purpose of pet insurance? Generally speaking, pet insurance is intended to cover the cost of vet bills, whether for an emergency vet visit or subsequent visits if your pet is injured or sick. Given that emergency vet visit costs in Canada can be extremely high, having pet insurance is important. A Fetch feline or canine policy can help mitigate the financial burden of having a sick or injured pet. Depending on which reimbursement level you select for your plan, your insurance company may compensate you for anywhere between 70% and 90% of your vet bill. This can make a huge difference to your wallet while also providing peace of mind knowing that if your pet is sick, you won’t also have to worry about the financial consequences. Instead, you can solely focus on giving your pet the support they need.

Comprehensive pet insurance coverage from Fetch

By now, you may be wondering, “what does pet insurance cover?” BrokerLink is pleased to inform you that Fetch specializes in comprehensive pet insurance for unexpected injuries and illnesses, and that BrokerLink customers get 10% off every month for life. When you purchase Fetch’s Injury & Illness plan, your pet will be covered against a wide range of illnesses and injuries, all of which are included in one simple policy:

• Prescription medications & supplements
• Emergency vet visits
• Virtual, in-home & office visits
• Hospital stays
• Physical therapy
• Allergies
• Surgeries
• X-rays & CT scans
• Ultrasounds
• Blood tests
• Breed-specific issues, including hip dysplasia
• Specialists
• Sick-visit exam fees
• Laboratory tests
• Vomiting & diarrhea
• Hereditary & congenital issues
• Swallowed objects & toxins
• Every tooth covered
• Gum disease
• Diabetes & insulin
• Cancer treatment
• Acupuncture & chiropractic care
• Treatment for aggression & separation anxiety

We also wish to note that among the illnesses and injuries listed above are a few that are not typically covered by other pet insurance plans. Fetch's policies are truly comprehensive in that they will cover expenses relating to a number of health-related situations that other pet insurance companies simply won’t. Namely, hereditary conditions related to a pet’s breed, injury and disease in every single one of your pet’s adult teeth, and the exam fees that come with sick visits, the latter of which can save you between $50 and $250 per trip to the vet.

BrokerLink customers get 10% off Injury & Illness plans for life, an exclusive offer you can’t get anywhere else.

Further, if you are looking for pet insurance coverage that is not included above, contact Fetch to learn more:

1-866-381-1946

What your Fetch pet insurance policy does not cover

Fetch's pet insurance policies are certainly among the best in North America. However, that doesn’t mean they cover everything. As with any insurance policy, your Fetch feline or canine pet insurance plan will be subject to certain terms, conditions, and limitations. For example, although Fetch covers many ailments that other pet insurers don’t, there are a few health risks that they, along with most other pet insurance providers, will not cover. Some of the exclusions that your Fetch pet insurance plan will be subject to include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, prescription food, and more. We dive deeper into each of these exclusions below so that you can have a firm grasp of exactly what will and will not be included in your Fetch policy:

Pre-existing conditions

If your pet has any pre-existing conditions at the time that you enrol in a Fetch pet insurance policy, or any are discovered during the 15-day waiting period before your policy becomes active, they will not be covered.

Elective cosmetic procedures

If you choose to schedule your pet for an elective cosmetic procedure (i.e a procedure that is not medically necessary), such as declawing, tail docking, or ear trimming, it will not be covered.

Prescription food

Fetch pet insurance plans do not include coverage for prescription food. However, they may cover supplements that are prescribed by your vet to treat a condition or illness covered by your policy.

Claims submitted more than 90 days after your pet received care

Lastly, Fetch pet insurance policies do not provide compensation for claims that are filed more than 90 days from the date that your pet received treatment. In other words, if you wait too long to submit a claim with Fetch, your claim will be invalid. You can find more information about the Fetch claims process in the terms and conditions of your policy.

How does pet insurance work with Fetch?

Before buying any type of insurance policy, it is critical that you understand how it works. So now, we are going to lay out exactly how Fetch pet insurance plans work. Thankfully, Fetch prides itself on the simplicity of their insurance plans. It truly couldn’t be easier to buy a plan, file a claim, or receive compensation after your claim has been processed. A brief explanation of how Fetch pet insurance works is as follows: First, you can purchase your plan online or over the phone. Either way, your plan can be purchased in as little as ten minutes. From there, you will be subject to a waiting period (15 days on average) before your insurance coverage becomes active. There is no waiting period associated with their wellness plan, only the illness & injury insurance plan. Once the waiting period expires and your insurance policy becomes active, your coverage begins. This means that whenever your pet is sick or injured and has to visit the vet next, you can save a copy of your vet bill and submit a claim to Fetch. Claims can be submitted online in minutes. After a claim has been filed, a Fetch representative will review it and as soon as it is approved, you will receive payment at your chosen reimbursement rate. If you elect to have your claims paid via direct deposit, you may receive your reimbursement via direct deposit in as little as two business days from the date your claim is approved.

How much does pet insurance cost in Canada?

Pet insurance plans vary in price in Canada, as several factors are used to determine premiums. However, with Fetch, dog insurance plans average $50 per month while cat insurance plans average $30 per month.

How much does adding wellness cost?

The optional wellness plans are an addition to your injury and illness policy and cost about $10, $20, or $30 a month, depending on the plan option you choose. Whatever plan you choose, you'll get second-to-none coverage and savings.

What factors are used to determine Fetch pet insurance premiums?

The cost of your Fetch pet insurance plan will depend on several factors relating to your pet and your policy choices. Although Fetch dog insurance plans cost an average of $50 per month and Fetch cat insurance plans cost an average of $30 per month, there are several factors that can cause these premiums to fluctuate in price. For example, the type of pet you have (dog or cat), the age of your pet, the specific breed of your pet, where you and your pet live, and the annual coverage, pet insurance deductible, and reimbursement rate you select for your policy will all influence how much it costs. A breakdown of the main factors impacting Fetch pet insurance rates are as follows:

• The species of your pet (dog or cat)
• The age of your pet
• The breed of your pet
• Your location
• Your annual coverage amount
• Your pet insurance deductible
• Your selected reimbursement rate

Generally speaking, dog pet insurance plans cost more than cat pet insurance plans. In addition, policies for older pets tend to cost more than policies for younger pets. Certain breeds of pets, if they are more susceptible to specific illnesses, may also cost more to insure. Further, where you live plays a role as vet costs vary between locations. Lastly, as mentioned above, your policy choices (i.e. which annual coverage amount, deductible, and reimbursement level you choose for your Fetch pet insurance plan) will also influence your rates. To help you understand each of these aspects of your pet insurance policy, we have provided the following explanations:

• Annual coverage amount: The annual coverage amount for your Fetch pet insurance policy is the maximum amount of money that you can be compensated through your plan each year. At Fetch, policyholders can choose the annual coverage amount they want for their pet insurance policies. Options start at $2,500 and go up to unlimited for the most protection. As you might have guessed, the higher your annual coverage amount, the more expensive your Fetch pet insurance plan is likely to cost.
• Annual deductible: Your annual pet insurance deductible is the amount of money that you, the policyholder, are required to pay in the event of a claim. If your claim is approved, anything over the deductible will be paid by your pet insurance company (up to your annual coverage limit). Annual deductibles for Fetch pet insurance plans range between $250 and $700, and it is up to each policyholder to decide which deductible they want. Keep in mind that higher deductibles usually result in cheaper plans than lower deductibles.
• Reimbursement rate: Reimbursement rate is a fancy term that denotes how much money you will be paid back in the event that your claim is approved. Reimbursement rates are listed as percentages. Fetch offers three reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, and 90%. If you purchased a Fetch dog insurance plan and selected an 80% reimbursement rate, you would be compensated for 80% of the total cost of your vet bill after your deductible had been accounted for. The higher your reimbursement rate, the costlier your Fetch pet insurance policy is likely to be.
• Fetch Forward technology: Before we end this section on how pet insurance premiums are calculated by Fetch, it is important to mention Fetch's Fetch Forward technology. This is an advanced technology that is used to calculate the fairest and most competitive pricing for your pet insurance policies. Fetch Forward technology considers important factors such as the breed and age of your pet, as well as the city you live in, when calculating your rates.

How to buy Fetch pet insurance from an insurance brokerage

Do you want to purchase Fetch pet insurance? If you are ready to take the plunge, then we recommend doing so through an insurance brokerage like BrokerLink. If you follow the steps below, you will have a great pet insurance policy in no time. Plus, you may qualify for a pet insurance discount of 10% off per month:

1. Get a complimentary Fetch pet insurance quote

Before you buy a policy, it’s a good idea to request a free quote. This way, you can have a better idea of exactly how much your policy will cost. Obtaining a complimentary pet insurance quote from Fetch is easier thanks to their free quote tool. However, if you would prefer to request a quote over the phone by calling a Fetch agent at:

1-866-381-1946

2. Enrol with Fetch and buy your pet insurance policy

Step two is when you enrol in a plan and officially purchase your Fetch policy. This can be done online or over the phone. If you have questions about the quote you received or how Fetch pet insurance works, a Fetch insurance agent will be happy to help. They can also offer invaluable advice on which average coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursements are best suited to you and your pet.

3. Schedule a vet visit for your pet

The next step is to schedule a vet visit for your pet. Not only will scheduling a check-up allow you to get the most out of your Fetch pet insurance policy, but it will also ensure you have the necessary medical records for your pet, which you will need when you file a claim. The records you should request from your vet are referred to as “SOAP notes.” They typically include any lab results, as well as relevant exam notes. If you do not currently have copies of any vet records, contact your local veterinarian’s office to obtain them. Without them, Fetch may not be able to process or approve future claims.

4. Hang tight during the waiting period

All Fetch pet insurance policies are subject to a waiting period. There is no waiting period associated with Fetch’s wellness plan, only the illness & injury insurance plan. Fetch waiting periods are typically 15 days in length. This means that after purchasing your policy, you must wait 15 days for it to become active. After enrolling in your Fetch plan, you will receive an email with the subject line “PLEASE REVIEW: Waiting period in effect.” This email will provide further detail into the waiting period process and explain that your policy will not be active until the waiting period is over. What this means is that any vet bills incurred or any claims submitted during the waiting period will not be covered by your Fetch plan, since it is not technically active. It is also worth noting that any injuries or illnesses uncovered prior to or during the waiting period will be considered pre-existing conditions, and will also not be covered by your Fetch policy. Finally, while the typical waiting period for Fetch pet insurance is 15 days, there is one exception to this. A six-month waiting period is in effect for hip or knee injuries, meaning such injuries will not become eligible for coverage until six months has passed.

5. Your coverage is active and you can start filing claims

The final step to buying Fetch pet insurance is when your coverage becomes active! Once the waiting period expires, your policy is officially in effect. From this point on, you can have peace of mind knowing you are financially protected in the event that your dog or cat falls ill or gets injured. The next time your pet requires an emergency visit to the vet, as long as your plan is still active, you can file a claim and be paid according to your deductible and reimbursement level!

Get in touch with Fetch to learn more about their comprehensive pet insurance plans

What are you waiting for? Get the protection your pet deserves with Fetch’s comprehensive dog and cat insurance plans. Contact BrokerLink or Fetch to learn more about what makes them one of the leading pet insurance providers in North America. You can also obtain a free quote online today by calling a Fetch agent at:

1-866-381-1946

Pet insurance FAQs

For related articles, check out our pet travel tips, and how to protect your pet in your car.