Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5
Petsecure is Canada's oldest pet insurance provider, operating since 1989 — over 35 years of continuous Canadian coverage. It offers four clearly structured tiers from CAD $1,000 to unlimited annual benefits, with dental illness included on all plans and 80% reimbursement across the board. Petsecure is a dependable, Canadian-owned option for owners who want transparent tier-based pricing without complex deductible mechanics.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage breadth | 4/5 | Hereditary conditions, dental illness on all tiers |
| Price / value | 4/5 | Competitive for Canadian market, especially mid-tiers |
| Plan flexibility | 3.5/5 | 4 tiers, but annual deductible only |
| Claims experience | 3.5/5 | Standard reimbursement model, 5–10 business days |
| Canadian focus | 5/5 | Canadian-owned, 35+ years, understands Canadian vet costs |
Best for: Canadian pet owners who want a trusted local insurer, dental coverage included from the start, and straightforward tier-based plans without per-condition complexity.
Not ideal for: Owners whose pets have chronic conditions (annual deductible resets hurt long-term value), or those wanting direct vet payment at checkout.
Petsecure Plans: 4 Coverage Tiers
Petsecure offers four accident and illness plans. All plans include 80% reimbursement after the annual deductible, with dental illness coverage included:
| Plan | Annual Limit | Deductible | Reimbursement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure1 | CAD $1,000 | CAD $100 | 80% | Low-cost entry, minimal coverage |
| Secure2 | CAD $5,000 | CAD $100 | 80% | Budget-conscious with moderate coverage |
| Secure3 | CAD $10,000 | CAD $100 | 80% | Most popular — solid coverage for most pets |
| Secure4 | Unlimited | CAD $100 | 80% | Comprehensive — best for high-risk breeds |
Note on deductibles: The CAD $100 deductible is annual and resets each policy year. Petsecure also offers optional higher deductible amounts to lower monthly premiums. Unlike Trupanion, there is no per-condition deductible option.
CAD Pricing Estimates
Monthly premium estimates for a healthy 2-year-old pet in Ontario (mid-range province for pricing):
| Plan | Cat (domestic) | Dog (mixed, medium) | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure1 | ~CAD $15/mo | ~CAD $30/mo | ~CAD $45/mo |
| Secure2 | ~CAD $25/mo | ~CAD $50/mo | ~CAD $70/mo |
| Secure3 | ~CAD $35/mo | ~CAD $65/mo | ~CAD $90/mo |
| Secure4 | ~CAD $45/mo | ~CAD $80/mo | ~CAD $110/mo |
Premiums increase with pet age. Petsecure typically increases rates at age 6, 9, and 12+.
What Petsecure Covers
All Petsecure plans (Secure1–Secure4) include:
- Accidents and injuries
- Illnesses (from day 14 for most conditions)
- Hereditary and congenital conditions (if not pre-existing)
- Cancer — diagnostics and treatment
- Dental illness — tooth fractures, abscesses, gingivitis-related extractions (included on all tiers, not just top tier)
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostics: bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound
- Prescription medications
- Emergency boarding (if owner is hospitalized)
Not covered: Routine wellness, dental cleaning, vaccines, pre-existing conditions, grooming, breeding costs, elective procedures.
Petsecure vs Trupanion vs Pets Plus Us
| Feature | Petsecure | Trupanion | Pets Plus Us |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded / presence | 1989, Canadian-owned | US parent (Seattle), Canadian ops | Toronto-based |
| Deductible type | Annual | Per-condition, lifetime | Annual |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 90% | 70–90% |
| Annual limit (top plan) | Unlimited (Secure4) | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Dental illness | All plans | Yes | Accident & illness plan only |
| Direct vet pay | No | Yes (7,000+ clinics) | No |
| Wellness add-on | No | No | Yes (Flex Care) |
Claim Frequency Penalty — Important Note
Petsecure monitors claims frequency. If you file multiple claims in a policy year, Petsecure may increase your co-insurance rate at renewal — from 20% (standard 80% reimbursement) up to 30%, 40%, or 50%. This is disclosed in policy documents but catches some owners off guard.
In practice, this affects owners with pets requiring frequent vet visits. For pets with recurring chronic conditions, Trupanion's per-condition model may be more cost-effective long-term despite higher base premiums.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Canadian-owned, 35+ years of experience | Claims frequency can increase co-insurance rate |
| Dental illness on all tiers | No direct vet payment |
| Clear 4-tier structure — easy to compare | Annual deductible resets — less ideal for chronic conditions |
| Competitive pricing at Secure2 and Secure3 | No wellness add-on available |
| Hereditary conditions covered on all plans | No multi-pet discount |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petsecure a good pet insurance in Canada?
Yes — Petsecure is one of Canada's most established and trusted pet insurers with 35+ years of operation. Its Secure3 and Secure4 plans offer strong value for most Canadian pet owners. The main limitation is the claims frequency penalty, which can increase reimbursement co-insurance rates if you file many claims.
What does Petsecure pet insurance cover?
All Petsecure plans cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, cancer, dental illness, surgery, diagnostics, and prescription medications. Routine wellness and preventive care are not covered. Dental illness (not routine cleaning) is included on all four tiers — a meaningful advantage over some competitors.
How much does Petsecure cost in Canada?
Roughly CAD $25–$45/month for cats and CAD $50–$110/month for dogs at mid-to-upper tiers (Secure2–Secure4), depending on breed, age, and province. Petsecure is competitively priced relative to Trupanion for most breeds.
Does Petsecure cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Like all Canadian pet insurers, Petsecure excludes conditions that existed before coverage began or during the waiting period. A bilateral exclusion applies in some cases — if one knee has a CCL tear before enrollment, the opposite knee may also be excluded.