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That's so fetch! This insurance company's name might make you think of a wee pup, but Fetch is an old dog in the pet protection sphere. Launched in 2003 as Petplan, the insurance provider rebranded to "Fetch by The Dodo" after private equity company Warburg Pincus acquired a minority stake in the company in 2020.
Fetch stands out as a well-rounded pet insurance company amongst a slew of competitors, a fact the company boasts directly on its website.
Prospective cat and dog parents can scroll down to the competitor section on Fetch's main page and select a rival company from the dropdown menu for an individualized comparison. While the write-up is understandably biased, Fetch still manages to come out looking pretty great.
Pet Insurance Plans from Fetch Pet Insurance
Fetch only offers one insurance plan for cats and dogs. However, each policy under that plan covers services that many other pet insurance providers do not explicitly insure.
For example, Fetch includes coverage for dental care, exam fees for sick visits, and breed-specific issues that are often hereditary. Additionally, customers can see any licensed veterinarian in Canada or the United States and be reimbursed for eligible claims.
However, Fetch falls short if your dog or cat needs significant yearly medical treatments since the insurance policy caps out at an annual maximum of $15,000. If your pet has known or undiagnosed long-term health issues, consider another insurance provider, such as Prudent pet insurance, which offers unlimited payout ceilings.
Whichever company you choose, be sure that you either stick with one insurance provider or are well aware of your fur baby's existing health issues. If you switch carriers, health conditions that have previously been treated and reimbursed under your previous insurance provider may be deemed ineligible for coverage as preexisting issues. With preexisting conditions, the average cost of pet insurance remains about the same. But the medical expenses ineligible for coverage could go through the roof for some pet parents.
Additional Coverage Options from Fetch Pet Insurance
Fetch doesn't offer add-ons or optional policy riders. Instead, the company states that the following benefits are included in every plan:
- 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
Your Fetch policy even covers the following:
- Accidental injuries & illnesses
- TeleVet services
- Chronic & hereditary conditions
- Behavioral and alternative therapies
- Referral & specialist treatment
Of course, there are limits. For example, your Fetch insurance plan will not cover preexisting health conditions, routine wellness care, or cosmetic and elective procedures.
How Much Does Pet Insurance from Fetch Pet Insurance Cost?
While Fetch only offers one standard policy option for cats and dogs, there are 27 total price options depending on different tiers of financial protection.
Pricing factors in three variables:
- Reimbursement at 70%, 80%, or 90%;
- Annual deductible of $300, $500, or $700; and
- Maximum annual payout of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
Beyond these variables, pricing depends on your pet's breed, age, and health. According to Fetch's website, the average consumer pays monthly premiums of $35 for a dog and $20 for a cat.
Insider's hypothetical 3-year-old Golden Retriever Caboodle received quotes ranging from $38.59 per month for a bare-bones plan with a $700 annual deductible, 70% reimbursement, and $5,000 maximum annual payout to a $98.08/month for the most comprehensive coverage at $300 yearly deductible, 90% reimbursement and $15,000 maximum annual payout. To give you a basic idea of the range, see the comparison of plans with a $500 deductible below.
Coinsurance | Deductible | Payout | Monthly Premium |
70% | $500 | $5K | $43.25 |
70% | $500 | $10K | $53.23 |
70% | $500 | $15K | $60.21 |
80% | $500 | $5K | $48.30 |
80% | $500 | $10K | $59.54 |
80% | $500 | $15K | $67.40 |
90% | $500 | $5K | $58.33 |
90% | $500 | $10K | $72.10 |
90% | $500 | $15K | $81.72 |
Unlike some providers, Fetch does not offer discounted rates for fur parents with multiple pets.
How Do I File Claims with Fetch Pet Insurance?
Fetch makes the claim process very straightforward. The claims page is easy to find under the "pet insurance" tab in the top left corner of the website and includes all the information you'll need to get started.
You'll need two documents to file a claim: An itemized receipt or invoice for services and your pet's detailed medical records. If you aren't sure you have the proper documents, ask your vet for your fur baby's SOAP notes.
You can file your claim directly through the Fetch pet insurance app or by going online and logging in to your customer portal. If any required documents are missing, you'll receive an "ACTION REQUIRED: Documents Missing" email and can add additional documents to your existing claim.
Fetch states that claims require a turnaround time of approximately 15 days after receiving all documents. You'll then receive emailed updates throughout the process. So, for example, if you sign up for direct deposit and input your information, you can receive your reimbursement about five to ten days sooner than you would if you wait on a check in the mail.
What Preexisting Conditions are Excluded from Fetch Pet Insurance?
Every pet insurance company excludes preexisting conditions from coverage. With the low monthly premiums, insurance companies can't balance out costs if also covering preexisting conditions. However, pet insurance companies have unique definitions. Some provide coverage for "curable" conditions if it's symptom-free for 12 months. Others have waiting periods when a new condition could still be classified as preexisting.
At the time of this review, Fetch's website describes preexisting conditions as "anything that happens before you enroll or during the waiting period."
Compare Fetch Pet Insurance vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Consumers regard Fetch and Healthy Paws equally positively, based on Consumer Affairs reviews: Fetch has a rating of 4.2 out of five stars, while Healthy Paws is rated 4.2 out of five stars.
Fetch is a good option for pet parents with young, healthy animals who want the most affordable protection. However, older pets or those with extensive health issues may benefit from Healthy Paws' unlimited coverage options. The same may apply after a severe accident or any hospitalization.
On the other hand, Fetch stands out if you need telehealth visits for your pet, behavioral therapy, or prescription medications. Both health services are included under your Fetch coverage. With Healthy Paws, you would have to pay out of pocket. Both companies have strict definitions of preexisting conditions at the time of this review. Neither recognizes any differences between curable and non-curable conditions, and waiting periods apply. Healthy Paws also specifically includes accident-related injuries in its exclusions.
Compare Fetch Pet Insurance vs. Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Parents of multiple fur babies may want to consider Pumpkin pet insurance, which offers a 10% discount for each policy when you hold two or more plans. Pumpkin also provides a flat 90% reimbursement rate and an unlimited maximum annual payout option for dogs and cats, while Fetch has a coverage limit of $15,000 per year for its most expensive plans. While pet parents may not see a difference in routine costs, $15,000 can be spent quickly after a significant accident or for hereditary illnesses, accidents, and any emergency leading to surgery or hospitalizations.
However, you'll prefer Fetch if you want to file your claims on your phone via the proprietary app, need dental coverage for every tooth, or enjoy its 24/7 support. Pumpkin is among a short list of pet insurance companies that differentiates between curable and non-curable preexisting conditions. If your pet is treated for specific conditions and shows no other symptoms for 180 days, Pumpkin would cover treatment again. This flexibility pushes the needle for many pet parents to make Pumpkin a winner.
Compare Fetch Pet Insurance vs. Lemonade Pet Insurance
There are a few reasons to consider Lemonade over Fetch. If you detest paperwork, you can film a brief video statement summarizing what happened to your pet and submit it through the app. If you are impressed by speedy reimbursements, you can pull out a timer and see how quickly Lemonade pays you your money.
Customers may also like the different deductible tiers available with Lemonade: You can go as low as $100 for your annual deductible and up to $100,000 for your yearly limit, compared to Fetch's lowest deductible of $300 per year or up to $15,000 annual coverage limit. In addition, Lemonade may cover up to $100,000 in vet bills after an accident, which is nothing to scoff at.
However, Fetch is the one to choose if you want coverage for various ancillary costs, such as your exam fees at the vet or boarding fees for hospital stays of four days or longer. Unfortunately, you also won't be able to purchase Lemonade coverage if you live in Canada or more than a dozen states where Lemonade isn't available.
Methodology: our Fetch Pet Insuranc Review
One of the best things about pet insurance is the providers. Premiums are generally low, and pet lovers run companies. In addition, donations to homeless pets and other charitable efforts are expected. Many companies also offer unlimited coverage. We compare pet insurance companies side-by-side using factors like pricing, coverage, and how quickly the companies pay claims. You can read more about our pet insurance rating system here.
Fetch Pet Insurance FAQs
Fetch is a legitimate pet insurance company that has been around since 2003. The company continues to be one of the most popular providers in the pet insurance space, and claims processing times are generally quick, according to reviews.
Fetch covers several services that aren't standard on pet insurance plans, including dental care, sick visit exam fees, and breed-specific issues that are often excluded. However, it does not cover any preexisting conditions, which encompass any condition that has been treated before enrollment and conditions that appear during a preset waiting period.
Fetch originally sold plans under the name Petplan in 2003. The company was acquired by Warburg Pincus and rebranded as Fetch by The Dodo in a 2020 relaunch.
You can choose between 70%, 80%, and 90% reimbursement; a $300, $500, or $700 annual deductible; and a $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 yearly maximum payout.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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