Explore Desjardins Pet Insurance Plans
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Protect your pet with coverage built for Canadian families
Ratesopedia’s Take: Desjardins pet insurance is powered by Petsecure, Canada’s oldest and largest pet insurance provider with over 30 years of experience. Distributed through Desjardins Insurance and The Personal Insurance, these plans offer comprehensive accident and illness coverage with optional wellness add-ons, flexible deductibles, and multi-pet discounts. While premiums fall in the mid-range for Canadian pet insurance, the coverage breadth and Canadian-owned stability make it a solid choice for pet owners across Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick.
Veterinary costs in Canada continue to rise, with emergency visits averaging $1,500 to $3,000 and major surgeries costing $5,000 or more. Desjardins pet insurance helps Canadian pet owners manage these unexpected expenses through plans underwritten by Petsecure, a Winnipeg-based insurer with deep roots in the Canadian market.
This review examines Desjardins pet insurance coverage options, deductible structures, multi-pet discounts, and how these plans compare to other insurance products available to Canadians.
What is Desjardins Pet Insurance?
Desjardins pet insurance is distributed through Desjardins Insurance and The Personal Insurance, with coverage underwritten by Petsecure (Western Financial Insurance Company). In 2016, Desjardins Group sold its pet insurance business to Economical Insurance, but continues to offer Petsecure products to its customer base across Canada.
Petsecure was founded over 30 years ago and remains Canada’s first and only licensed insurance company focused solely on pet health insurance. The company maintains its headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and serves pet owners nationwide.
Desjardins pet insurance is available to residents in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. Coverage extends to both dogs and cats, with no upper age limits for enrollment.
Coverage Options & Plans
Desjardins offers four main plan tiers through Petsecure: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, Gold Paw, and a comprehensive plan. Each tier provides different annual maximum coverage amounts and optional benefits.
| Plan Tier | Annual Maximum | Dental Coverage | Wellness Add-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Paw | Lower limit | Optional | No |
| Silver Paw | Mid-range limit | Included | Optional |
| Gold Paw | Higher limit | Included | Included |
| Comprehensive | Highest limit | Included | Included |
All plans cover accidents and illnesses that occur after the waiting periods. Standard coverage includes emergency care, diagnostics, hospitalisation, surgeries, prescription medications, and specialist referrals.
Accident & Illness Coverage
- Emergency Care: Coverage for urgent veterinary visits, hospitalisations, and emergency surgeries
- Diagnostic Testing: X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI scans, bloodwork, and urinalysis included in eligible claims
- Chronic Conditions: Ongoing treatment for diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, and other long-term illnesses
- Hereditary Conditions: Coverage for breed-specific conditions if not pre-existing at enrollment
- Prescription Medications: Reimbursement for medications prescribed by your veterinarian
- Alternative Treatments: Higher-tier plans cover acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and behavioural therapy when prescribed by a vet
Dental Coverage Options
Dental coverage through Desjardins pet insurance includes both routine care and dental illness treatment. Annual dental cleanings, problems with teeth or gums, and dental procedures required due to accidents are covered under higher-tier plans.
The Silver Paw, Gold Paw, and comprehensive plans include dental coverage with annual maximum amounts. Bronze Paw customers can add dental coverage for an additional premium.
Wellness & Special Benefits
Gold Paw and comprehensive plans include wellness coverage for routine preventive care. This covers annual exams, vaccinations, wellness profiles, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm testing.
Additional benefits available across all plan tiers include boarding and kennel fees if you are hospitalised, lost pet advertising costs, and holiday cancellation reimbursement when your pet requires emergency care.
What’s Not Covered
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Any condition where signs or symptoms appeared before policy start or before waiting periods ended
- Elective Procedures: Spay or neuter surgery, cosmetic treatments, tail docking, ear cropping, and declawing
- Breeding Costs: Pregnancy, whelping, and breeding-related expenses are excluded
- Food & Supplements: Special diets, prescription food, and nutritional supplements are not covered under standard plans
Deductibles & Reimbursement
Desjardins pet insurance operates on an annual deductible system. Once you meet your deductible each policy period, eligible expenses are reimbursed at 80% of the veterinary bill, including exam fees and applicable taxes.
The annual deductible resets at the start of each policy year. This structure works well for pets with multiple health events in a single year, as you only pay the deductible once rather than per incident or per condition.
How the Deductible Works
When your pet requires veterinary care, you pay the full cost upfront. You then submit a claim to Petsecure with supporting documents. Once your annual deductible is met, you receive 80% reimbursement on eligible expenses for the remainder of the policy period.
- Annual Deductible: A set amount you pay each policy year before reimbursement begins
- 80% Reimbursement: After the deductible, you receive 80% of eligible veterinary costs back
- Exam Fees Included: The reimbursement covers veterinary consultation fees, not just treatments
- Taxes Covered: Provincial and federal taxes on veterinary services are included in reimbursable amounts
Annual Maximum Amounts
Each plan tier includes schedule maximum amounts that cap total annual payouts. Refer to your policy documents for specific limits that apply to your Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, or Gold Paw plan.
These limits vary by plan level and the specific coverage options you select. Higher-tier plans provide increased annual maximums, offering greater protection for pets with significant health issues.
Pricing & Multi-Pet Discounts
Desjardins pet insurance premiums typically range from $30 to $80 CAD per month, depending on your pet’s species, age, breed, and your province of residence. Cats generally cost less to insure than dogs, with monthly premiums averaging $20 to $55 for felines versus $40 to $90 for canines.
Multi-Pet Discount Benefits
If you insure multiple pets under Desjardins pet insurance, you can qualify for multi-pet discounts. Each additional pet enrolled may reduce your overall premium costs, making coverage more affordable for households with several cats or dogs.
The exact discount percentage varies based on your plan level and the number of pets insured. Contact customer service for specific multi-pet discount rates that apply to your situation.
Factors Affecting Your Premium
- Pet Age: Older pets typically face higher premiums due to increased health risks
- Breed: Purebred dogs and cats prone to hereditary conditions may cost more to insure
- Province: Veterinary costs vary by region, affecting insurance rates across Canada
- Plan Tier: Gold Paw plans with wellness coverage cost more than basic Bronze Paw accident coverage
- Deductible Choice: Selecting a higher annual deductible can lower your monthly premium
Bundling Opportunities
Existing Desjardins customers may qualify for bundling discounts when adding pet insurance to their home, auto, or other insurance policies. Check with your Desjardins Insurance representative about available discounts for current policyholders.
Claim Process
Petsecure processes all claims for Desjardins pet insurance policies. The claims team includes licensed insurance advisors and animal health technologists who review submissions and approve eligible expenses.
You can submit claims online through the Petsecure website, by phone, or by mailing required documents to the Winnipeg office. Standard claim processing takes 5 to 10 business days once all documentation is received.
Required Claim Documents
- Completed Claim Form: Available online or by calling the toll-free phone number
- Itemised Invoice: Detailed veterinary bill showing all services, procedures, and medications
- Medical Records: Supporting documentation from your veterinarian describing the diagnosis and treatment
- Payment Proof: Receipt showing you paid the veterinary bill in full
Waiting Periods
All Desjardins pet insurance policies include waiting periods before coverage begins. These prevent owners from enrolling pets only after illness or injury symptoms appear.
| Condition Type | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Accidents | 48 hours |
| Illnesses | 14 to 30 days |
| Cruciate Ligament Injuries | 6 months |
| Hip Dysplasia | 12 months |
Waiting periods begin on your policy effective date. Claims for conditions that show symptoms during a waiting period are considered pre-existing and are not covered.
Customer Service Contact
Petsecure maintains bilingual customer service representatives available by toll-free phone. Customer service handles policy questions, claim status enquiries, coverage verification, and general assistance for Desjardins pet insurance policyholders.
For faster service, have your policy number ready when calling. You can also access your policy details and submit claims through the online customer portal or mobile app.
Pros & Cons
Understanding the strengths and limitations of Desjardins pet insurance helps you determine whether these plans meet your needs compared to other financial products and insurance options available to Canadians.
Advantages
- Canadian-Owned Stability: Petsecure has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian market with headquarters in Winnipeg
- No Age Limits: You can enrol pets of any age, unlike competitors who cap enrollment at 10 to 14 years
- Comprehensive Options: Four plan tiers allow you to choose coverage that fits your budget and pet’s needs
- Wellness Add-Ons: Higher-tier plans include preventive care coverage for vaccines, exams, and routine treatments
- Multi-Pet Discounts: Insuring multiple pets can reduce your overall premium costs
- Bundling Benefits: Existing Desjardins customers may qualify for additional discounts
Limitations
- No Direct Vet Payment: You must pay upfront and wait for reimbursement, unlike Trupanion’s direct payment system
- Annual Deductible Resets: Your deductible starts over each policy period, which can add up for chronic conditions
- Long Waiting Periods: Six-month waits for cruciate ligament injuries and 12 months for hip dysplasia exceed industry standards
- Provincial Limitations: Coverage only available in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec
- Premium Increases: Rates typically rise as your pet ages, potentially making coverage expensive for senior animals
Bottom Line
Desjardins pet insurance offers solid coverage through Petsecure’s established Canadian platform. The no-age-limit enrollment policy, multi-pet discounts, and comprehensive plan options make these policies attractive for families with multiple pets or older animals. The 80% reimbursement rate and inclusion of exam fees provide meaningful financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs.
However, the lack of direct vet payment, annual deductible resets, and extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions may push some pet owners toward competitors. If you value bundling with your existing Desjardins insurance policies or need coverage for a senior pet, these plans could save you money compared to alternatives with strict age limits.
Before enrolling, compare quotes from multiple Canadian pet insurers to ensure you receive the best value for your pet’s specific needs. Consider your pet’s breed-specific risks, your budget for monthly premiums versus deductibles, and whether you need wellness coverage or basic accident-and-illness protection. Stay informed about the latest offers by signing up for our newsletter to receive expert guidance on insurance and financial decisions.
Desjardins Pet Insurance – FAQ
Does Desjardins still offer pet insurance in Canada?
Yes, Desjardins continues to distribute pet insurance through Desjardins Insurance and The Personal Insurance brands. The coverage is underwritten by Petsecure (Western Financial Insurance Company), which Desjardins sold to Economical Insurance in 2016 but maintains as a distribution partner.
What is the typical annual deductible for Desjardins pet insurance?
Desjardins pet insurance uses an annual deductible that resets each policy period. The specific deductible amount varies by plan tier and can be customised when you enrol. Once you meet your annual deductible, eligible expenses are reimbursed at 80% for the remainder of that policy year.
Are multi-pet discounts available with Desjardins pet insurance?
Yes, Desjardins pet insurance offers multi-pet discounts when you insure more than one cat or dog. The discount reduces your overall premium costs, making coverage more affordable for households with multiple pets. Contact Petsecure or Desjardins directly for specific discount rates.
How long does it take to process a claim with Desjardins pet insurance?
Standard claim processing through Petsecure takes 5 to 10 business days once all required documents are received. You can submit claims online, by phone using the toll-free customer service number, or by mailing documents to the Winnipeg office. Claims are reviewed by licensed insurance advisors and animal health technologists.
Are there age limits for enrolling pets in Desjardins pet insurance?
No, Desjardins pet insurance through Petsecure has no upper age limits for enrollment. You can insure cats and dogs of any age, making it one of the few Canadian pet insurers that accepts senior pets. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered regardless of enrollment age.
What provinces is Desjardins pet insurance available in?
Desjardins pet insurance is available to residents in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. Coverage is not currently offered in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the territories.
Does Desjardins pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury where signs or symptoms appeared before your policy effective date or before the end of applicable waiting periods. This exclusion is standard across all Canadian pet insurance providers.
What percentage does Desjardins pet insurance reimburse?
Desjardins pet insurance reimburses 80% of eligible veterinary expenses after you meet your annual deductible. This reimbursement rate includes exam fees and applicable taxes, providing comprehensive coverage for accidents, illnesses, and other covered conditions subject to policy limits.
Can I bundle Desjardins pet insurance with other insurance policies?
Yes, existing Desjardins customers may qualify for bundling discounts when adding pet insurance to their home, auto, or other insurance policies. Contact your Desjardins Insurance representative to enquire about available discounts for current policyholders and potential savings on multiple coverage types.
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