Informative guide · Quebec 2026
Dog and Cat Insurance in Quebec — Complete Guide
How does pet insurance work? What does it cover? How much does it cost? This guide explains everything you need to know before subscribing, without obligation or jargon.
A growing market
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a contract that reimburses part of the veterinary costs incurred for your dog or cat. It works like a health plan for your pet: you pay a monthly premium and the insurer covers eligible care under the terms of the contract.
In Quebec, about 60% of households have a pet, but only 4 to 5% of dogs and cats are insured (vs. 40% in the United Kingdom and 25% in Sweden). A veterinary emergency bill of $3,000 to $8,000 is not uncommon — that’s what insurance protects against.
2.4M
Dogs & cats in QC
$3–8K
Typical emergency bill
+7,5 %
Annual veterinary inflation
1/3
Animals — veterinary emergency /year
The 3 types of coverage
Insurers generally offer three formulas. The choice depends on your budget and the level of risk you want to cover.
Minimum Formula
Accident only
Covers only accidental injuries (fracture, swallowed foreign body, bite from another animal, motor vehicle accident). Diseases (cancer, diabetes, allergies) are not covered.
Typical premium: $12–25/month
Common formula
Accident + illness
Covers accidents and most diseases (cancer, arthritis, chronic allergies, ear infections, digestive problems). The most common choice in Quebec. Usually includes exams, x-rays, surgeries and medications.
Typical premium: $35–70/month
Complete package
Accident + illness + wellness
Adds coverage for preventive care: annual check-ups, vaccinations, scaling, parasite control, sterilization. Useful for smoothing out the veterinary budget throughout the year.
Typical premium: $55–120/month
What’s covered (and what’s not)
✅ Generally Covered
- Veterinary consultations related to an accident or illness
- X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests
- Surgeries (fractures, foreign bodies, tumors, etc.)
- Hospitalization and intensive care
- Treatment-related prescription drugs
- Cancers, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis
- Allergies, recurrent ear infections, skin problems
- Physiotherapy and acupuncture prescribed
- Dental expenses related to an illness (full plan)
❌ Generally excluded
- Pre-existing conditions (before the subscription or during the waiting period)
- Reproduction, gestation, childbirth
- Sterilization, castration (except wellness formula)
- Routine vaccinations and dewormers (except wellness)
- Behavior, training, education
- Beauty treatments (grooming, ear cutting)
- Special foods, supplements
- Daycare or board fees
- Injuries related to illegal use or neglect
How much does it cost: indicative prices by age and species
Premiums vary according to several factors: species (dog vs. cat), breed, age at purchase, place of residence and chosen formula. The ranges below are indicative for 2026 for an Accident+Illness formula (the most common).
| Species & Profile | Age at subscription | Indicative premium /month |
|---|---|---|
| 🐈 Healthy mix cat | 6 months – 3 years | $25–45 |
| 🐈 Purebred cat (Persian, Maine Coon) | 6 months – 3 years | $35–65 |
| 🐈 Senior Cat | 8 years old+ | $55–100 |
| 🐕 Small Dog (under 10 kg) | 6 months – 3 years $ | 35–60 |
| 🐕 Medium Dog (10–25 kg) | 6 months – 3 years | $45–80 |
| 🐕 Large Dog (25 kg+) | 6 months – 3 years | $60–110 |
| 🐕 Predisposed breeds (Bulldog, Labrador, Golden) | 6 months – 3 years | $70–$130 |
| 🐕 Senior Dog | 8 years + | $85–$160 |
*2026 indicative ranges, standard Accident+Illness formula. The exact premium depends on the profile of the animal, the insurer and the formula chosen.
How the reimbursement works: deductible, co-payment, ceiling
1. The annual deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer reimburses Often between $100 and $700/year. A higher deductible reduces the premium.
2. Co-insurance
The percentage reimbursed beyond the deductible. Typical: 70%, 80% or 90%. At 80%, on an eligible bill of $1,000, the insurer pays $800.
3. The annual ceiling
The maximum amount repayable per year. Ranges from $5,000 to unlimited depending on the plan. An unlimited cap costs more but protects against severe cases.
💡 Concrete example
$3,500 veterinary bill (stomach torsion surgery)
Formula: $500 deductible, 80% co-payment, $ 15,000 limit.
- Total bill: $3,500
- − Deductible: $500 (you pay)
- = Eligible amount: $3,000
- × 80% (co-payment) = $2,400 reimbursed by the insurer
- Total cost to you: $1,100 (instead of $3,500)
Waiting periods — post-application waiting period
A waiting period is the period of time after the application during which certain claims are not yet eligible. It is a protection against subscriptions made just after a diagnosis. Typical timelines:
- Accidents : 24 to 72 hours
- Common illnesses : 14 to 30 days
- Orthopedic problems (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligaments): 6 to 12 months
- Some hereditary conditions : sometimes 12 months depending on the insurer and breed
The main insurers present in Quebec
Several insurers offer dog and cat policies in Quebec. Everyone has their strengths: some excel in accident coverage, others in preventive care, others in direct payment to the veterinarian. Here are some of the players active in Quebec (non-exhaustive list):
Indicative list – the offer changes regularly. Terms, exclusions and rates vary depending on the insurer and the animal.
When does it make sense to take out?
The best time to purchase pet insurance is early in the pet’s life, ideally between 2 months and 4 years of age. At this age:
- No pre-existing conditions to report (so nothing excluded)
- Lowest premium (it goes up with age)
- No waiting period for chronic diseases diagnosed after
- Better coverage for hereditary conditions if your breed is predisposed to them
Applying late (7 years+) is still possible, but the premium is higher and many pre-existing conditions can be excluded.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and references
- Statistics Canada — Survey of Household Spending, Pets (latest data released 2022/2023)
- Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA) — Veterinary Cost Index
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) — 2024 Annual Report on Pet Insurance Penetration in Canada
- Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) — regulatory framework for damage insurance products in Québec
Content for informational purposes. The terms of the contracts vary depending on the insurer. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your policy.