Overall Rating: 3.7 / 5
Desjardins is Canada's largest co-operative financial group — founded in 1900 and headquartered in Lévis, Quebec. With over 7 million members and CAD $400 billion in assets, Desjardins is a financial institution of enormous scale and stability. Its pet insurance product is underwritten by Desjardins General Insurance Group and is particularly strong for Quebec residents and Ontario members who already hold home, auto, or life coverage with Desjardins and can bundle for discounts.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage breadth | 3.5/5 | Standard accident & illness — solid but not exceptional |
| Price / value | 4/5 | Bundling discount makes it competitive for existing members |
| Plan flexibility | 3/5 | Fewer customization options than Pets Plus Us |
| Financial strength | 5/5 | CAD $400B assets, 120+ years, co-op model |
| Quebec / Ontario presence | 5/5 | Best local support for Quebec and Ontario members |
Best for: Existing Desjardins home/auto members in Quebec or Ontario looking to bundle pet insurance and save. Bilingual (French/English) support is a significant advantage for Quebec households.
Not ideal for: Owners outside Quebec and Ontario, those needing maximum plan flexibility, or owners wanting wellness/preventive care coverage.
Desjardins Pet Insurance Plans
Desjardins offers pet insurance for dogs and cats with two main coverage tiers:
| Feature | Basic Plan | Comprehensive Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes | Yes |
| Hereditary conditions | Limited | Yes |
| Cancer | Partial | Full coverage |
| Dental illness | No | Yes |
| Specialist visits | No | Yes |
| Annual limit | CAD $5,000 | CAD $10,000–$15,000 |
| Reimbursement | 70–80% | 80–90% |
Bundling Discount — The Main Advantage
Desjardins's strongest selling point for existing members is its multi-product discount. Desjardins members who bundle pet insurance with home, auto, or life insurance typically save:
- 5–15% off pet insurance premiums when bundled with home insurance
- Additional loyalty discounts for long-standing Desjardins members
- Potential savings on home/auto premiums for insuring multiple products
For a Quebec or Ontario family already paying CAD $1,500–$3,000/year in Desjardins home and auto insurance, adding pet coverage at a discounted rate can be an efficient financial decision.
CAD Pricing Estimates
Monthly premiums for a 2-year-old healthy pet (no bundling discount applied):
| Pet | Basic Plan | Comprehensive Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Cat (domestic) | ~CAD $18–$28/mo | ~CAD $30–$45/mo |
| Dog (mixed, medium) | ~CAD $35–$55/mo | ~CAD $55–$80/mo |
| Golden Retriever | ~CAD $55–$75/mo | ~CAD $80–$115/mo |
Bundling discount reduces these by 5–15% for eligible members.
Waiting Periods
- Accidents: 48 hours
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Cruciate ligament: 6 months
- Dental illness (Comprehensive only): 6 months
Bilingual Support — French and English
Desjardins provides full bilingual service in both French and English — an important practical advantage for Quebec households where French is the primary language. All policy documents, claims processes, and customer service are available in French and English, making Desjardins the most accessible option for francophone Canadian pet owners.
What Desjardins Pet Insurance Covers (Comprehensive Plan)
- Accidents and injuries
- Illnesses including cancer and chronic disease
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Dental illness (tooth fractures, abscesses)
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostics: bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI
- Specialist referrals
- Prescription medications
Not covered: Routine wellness, dental cleaning, vaccines, pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, breeding, grooming.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Canada's largest co-op financial group — exceptional stability | Primarily strong in Quebec and Ontario |
| Bundling discount with home/auto | No wellness/preventive care add-on |
| Full bilingual (French/English) service | Fewer plan options than Pets Plus Us |
| 120+ years of Canadian financial history | No direct vet payment |
| Comprehensive plan covers hereditary + dental illness | Basic plan coverage limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desjardins pet insurance available outside Quebec?
Desjardins pet insurance is primarily available in Quebec and Ontario. Availability in other provinces may be limited. Check with Desjardins directly for your province.
Can I get a discount bundling Desjardins pet insurance with home insurance?
Yes. Desjardins members who add pet insurance to an existing home or auto policy typically receive a 5–15% multi-product discount on pet insurance premiums. This bundling advantage is the primary reason to choose Desjardins over competitors.
Does Desjardins pet insurance cover hereditary conditions?
The Comprehensive plan covers hereditary and congenital conditions that were not pre-existing at the time of enrollment. The Basic plan has limited hereditary condition coverage. For breeds prone to genetic conditions (Goldens, Bulldogs, Dachshunds), choose the Comprehensive plan.