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If you just got a pet, you’re probably loving having a new furry best friend. And even though you spent the past couple of weeks (or months!) researching everything you need to know to take care of your new family member, you’re still finding new questions to ask every day.
One of the questions you’re probably wondering about is pet insurance and whether it’s worth it for you as a Manitoban.
Pets aren’t always the best listeners, so they tend to get themselves into trouble more often than we’d like. All it takes is them eating one thing they shouldn’t, playing a bit too hard with another animal, or, honestly, getting older, for them to cost you thousands at the vet’s office. So if you want to focus more on living with your pet and less on stressing about the expensive vet bills you may be faced with, then pet insurance can help.
Keep reading to learn more about what pet insurance covers, what it doesn’t, why we always recommend getting it, and some common considerations before taking the plunge.
Prefer to skip the reading and jump right to getting a free quote? Go ahead and submit a quote request today. You’ll thank us later.
Pet insurance is coverage designed to provide pet owners with financial protection to be used towards covered veterinary and medical expenses, such as surgeries, medication, and exams. By helping you deal with unexpected costs of care, pet insurance gives you the power to make decisions about your pet’s medical care without worrying about finances.
Pet insurance is not required but is almost always recommended. Unlike Canadian health care, where essential and emergency appointments and procedures are covered– you have no help with paying any pet medical bills except with pet insurance. So a quick check-up, blood work, or minor surgery could cost you a lot more than you had planned.
And when your pets truly feel like family members, thinking about not being able to afford a life-saving surgery is something no one should have to deal with.
According to Pets Plus Us®, 60% of people with pet insurance in Canada submit at least one claim under their pet insurance policy, and that number goes up to 80% if their four-legged friend is over the age of eight!
The coverage you’ll get through your insurance policy will depend on the type of policy you select and the options you choose. For example, an Accident & Illness policy will typically cover more than just an Accident policy will. However, exactly what is covered will change from company to company.
Accident and Illness coverage offers you financial protection for your pet if they get in an accident or get ill. Within this type of coverage, you can often choose from multiple options, including your maximum payout per year, your deductible, how much of your bill is covered, and potentially any additional benefits.
In general, though, this type of coverage covers:
You can also opt in for additional benefits, or some providers might include these with your plan. These can include coverage for items such as:
Plus, with some providers, you may be able to choose to have no deductible.
Accident-only coverage offers you another option to help protect your pet. Since these plans do not cover any costs associated with illnesses, they are usually a cheaper option for people looking for accident coverage for their four-legged friend.
This type of coverage normally covers veterinary care costs and treatment for any injuries arising from an accident. Accident-only coverage can help cover accidents such as:
You can also opt in for additional benefits, or some providers might include these with your plan. These can include coverage for items such as:
Plus, with some providers, you may be able to choose to have no deductible.
Once again, exactly what will be covered and how much your plan will cost will depend on the policy and insurance company you choose. This is why it’s always important to speak to an expert in order to choose a plan that is best for you and your pet’s needs.
At Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd., we are proud to partner with Pets Plus Us® to offer pet insurance for your cat or dog family members! Pet Plus Us is actually the first insurance company IN CANADA (we know, right!) to offer Flex Care** coverage.
What the heck is Flex Care? We are glad you asked!
Pets Plus Us’ Flex Care Policy is designed to help you feel confident and secure in planning your pet’s routine and seasonal care. It allows you to spread the cost of your pet’s routine and seasonal healthcare (including exams, vaccines, flea and tick prevention, nail trimming, dental and even pre-existing conditions) across 12 months in preset amounts. Meaning no more large bills all at once!
Please note that Flex Care is a one-year contract and can only be cancelled on your yearly anniversary.
What your policy does not cover will depend on many things, including the policy and insurance company you choose. We cannot speak for all policies, but generally speaking, some things that are usually not covered are:
*Some of these items could be eligible if you choose to add Flex Care to a Pets Plus Us Accident & Illness policy.
To learn more about specific exclusions for your policy, we recommend reviewing the fine print before choosing a specific policy and speaking with an expert.
This coverage is easily accessible from different pet insurance companies, or you can go to our website and buy it directly online through our partnership with Pets Plus Us!
There is no standard pricing for your pet’s insurance policy. That’s because your insurance policy, much like your pet, is unique! There are various coverage options for you to choose from that will affect the premium of your policy. This includes whether or not you want an accident-only or an accident & illness policy, the amount of annual coverage you want and the deductible amount you choose.
Although your house insurance policy may cover the contents in your house, that does not include the people–and pets!– that reside inside. So, if you want financial protection for your pet, you’ll need to take out a pet insurance policy.
Most pet insurance companies do not cover any expenses relating to neutering/ spaying your animal. Each pet insurance policy will be different, which is why we recommend familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of your policy so you know what is and is not covered.
If you have more than one pet, we definitely recommend making sure each pet is insured!
And if you’re wondering if you can have two policies on the same pet, we don’t recommend it. Each insurance provider will have specific rules about duplicate coverage on a single pet, which can complicate the claim process. So, choosing a single plan that best meets your needs is usually the better option.
Waiting periods for coverage are common amongst pet insurance companies. Some pet insurance companies have illness waiting periods of up to 30 days.
Most pet insurance companies use reimbursement to pay claims, so you don’t need to worry about what vet clinic to go to, or if they take your pet insurance. Your pet insurance should work at any licensed vet or animal hospital across Canada - however, double-check with your provider when taking out a new policy.
With Pets Plus Us, members can take their insured pet to any licensed veterinarian— even specialists and emergency care providers. Pets Plus Us pet insurance programs** also covers the cost of care from a licensed veterinarian in the USA should something happen while you are travelling.
When deciding what policy to get for your pet, there are many factors to consider. One thing that will impact your monthly premium is the deductible you choose.
You’ll also want to consider if your four-legged friend has any pre-existing medical conditions. Most insurance does not offer coverage for health conditions that began before your pet was insured.
Your pet insurance deductible is the amount you pay before your coverage kicks in.
Many providers allow you to choose a deductible when buying your pet insurance policy. Some insurance companies make you pay the deductible each time you submit a claim, while some insurance companies, such as Pets Plus Us, have an annual deductible. This means you only have to pay your deductible once per year if a claim needs to be made.
The deductible you choose for your policy will be specific to you and your financial situation, and the options presented by the provider. You should also consider your monthly budget for pet insurance premiums, and how much you think you can afford out-of-pocket should something unexpected happen to your pet. And remember, not every pet insurance provider allows for a choice of deductible.
Pet insurance helps you to pay for the cost of treating unforeseen medical conditions in your pet. Any problems that occur before your pet is insured may no longer be considered unforeseen. As a result, most insurance companies will not cover a pet’s pre-existing conditions.
A serious or chronic medical problem can occur at any age. To reduce the chance that your pet will have pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered, it’s best to enrol them in a pet insurance plan when they are young or when you first adopt them.
Here are the amazing benefits of covering your pet through Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd.’s partner, Pets Plus Us!
Whether you’re welcoming your first cat or dog or growing your four-legged family, we always recommend getting a policy to cover the what-ifs that can happen.
Pet insurance can help cover the oopsies, oh nos, and what on earths!, that you’re bound to experience with your new friend.
You should never have to decide between your pet’s health and your bank account.
If you’re ready to learn more about pet insurance and how it can help cover your furry friend’s unexpected costs– reach out today for a commitment-free quote. We’ll help answer any questions and get you set up so you can focus on the fun things that your furry best friend can offer.
**The information herein is summarized. All Pet Insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, coverage limits, rates, and discounts may vary by province, eligibility, and are subject to change. For all Pets Plus Us terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement.
© 2022 All rights reserved. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. & Société d’Assurances Collectives (Sodaco) Inc. in Quebec. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance is available in all provinces and territories. Pets Plus Us®, Pets Plus Us & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of PTZ Insurance Services Ltd.
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We are committed to the communities where we live and work, and we demonstrate our commitment by taking part in sponsorship and volunteer programs.
Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. Unit 106-2565 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0P4
Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. serves our clients and operates on Treaty One land; homeland of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Metis. Our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, in Treaty Three territory. We respect the treaties, the land, and the water that sustain us.