Pet Insurance in Calgary
Nobody plans for their cat or dog to get sick or injured, but it happens to most pets at some point in their lives. Pet insurance helps you say yes to the care your veterinarian recommends, from diagnostic tests toemergency care and surgery, without the cost being the deciding factor.
At Silverado Veterinary Hospital, we want every pet to get the treatment they need. The providers listed below all offer coverage for cats and dogs in Canada. Each one has different plans, prices, and conditions, so we encourage you to compare them and pick the one that suits your family.
What Pet Insurance Typically Covers
Coverage varies between providers and plans, but most accident and illness policies help with:
- Accidents: Injuries such as broken bones, wounds, swallowed objects, and poisoning.
- Illnesses: Conditions ranging from ear and skin infections to diabetes, cancer, and other long-term diseases.
- Surgery and hospitalization: Procedures, anesthesia, and overnight care when your pet needs more than an office visit.
- Diagnostics: Bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, and other tests used to find out what is wrong.
- Medications: Prescription drugs needed to treat a covered accident or illness.
- Optional extras: Some plans offer add-ons for routine care such as wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings.
How to Compare Pet Insurance Plans
The cheapest monthly premium is not always the best value. When you request quotes, look closely at:
- Deductible: The amount you pay before coverage starts. It may apply per year or per condition.
- Reimbursement rate: The percentage of an eligible bill the insurer pays back, commonly between 70% and 90%.
- Coverage limits: Some plans cap payouts per year, per condition, or over a lifetime, while others have no limit.
- Waiting periods: Most policies have a short wait after enrolment before accident and illness coverage begins.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered, and some plans exclude specific hereditary or dental conditions.
- Premium changes: Ask how premiums are set and whether they increase as your pet ages or after a claim.
Always confirm the details with the insurance provider before you enrol, as policy terms change and differ from plan to plan.
How Claims Work
Most pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis. You pay for your pet's visit, submit the invoice to your insurer, and they pay back the eligible portion according to your plan. Our team can provide the itemized invoices and medical records your provider asks for to process a claim.
If you need help covering a bill while you wait for reimbursement, or your pet is not insured, take a look at our financial support options.
Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to insure my pet?
As early as possible. Enrolling a puppy or kitten while they are healthy means fewer conditions are likely to be excluded as pre-existing, and premiums are generally lower for younger pets. Older pets can still be insured, but coverage options may be more limited.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
In most cases, no. A condition that showed signs or was diagnosed before the policy started, or during its waiting period, is usually excluded. Each insurer defines pre-existing conditions differently, so read the policy wording carefully.
Does pet insurance cover routine care like vaccines and check-ups?
Standard accident and illness plans generally do not. Some providers offer wellness or preventive care add-ons that contribute toward exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings for an additional premium.
Which pet insurance provider should I choose?
The right plan depends on your pet's age, breed, and health, and on your budget. We are not insurance brokers and cannot choose a policy for you, but we are happy to explain the kinds of care your pet is likely to need so you can compare plans with confidence.
To schedule an appointment, call us today.