Spot Pet Insurance vs. PHI Direct - Pet Insurance Plans Comparison
When exploring pet insurance options in Canada, Spot Pet Insurance and PHI Direct are two providers offering distinct approaches to coverage for dogs and cats. Spot Pet Insurance offers top-rated customizable plans that cover accidents, illnesses, and optional wellness care, with reimbursement options up to 90% and the flexibility to visit any licensed veterinarian in Canada and the U.S.
PHI Direct focuses on affordability, providing coverage for new accidents and illnesses each policy year, with premiums averaging 50.7% less for dogs and 46.3% less for cats compared to industry averages. However, it's important to note that under PHI Direct's "New-Condition Coverage," any condition experienced in one policy year will be considered pre-existing in future policy years, including any associated or bilateral conditions.
Preventive Care Add-On Options
No Waiting Periods for Accidents
Annual Deductible
Multiple Pet Discounts for 2+ Pets
Accident-Only Plan Option
Multiple Annual Limit Plan Options for Accident & Illness Plans
Prescription Food
Alternative Therapies
Behavioral Issues
Sick Exam Fees
14 Day Waiting Period for Illnesses
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Included
Not included/Some inclusionsPreventive Care Add-On Options
Add-ons to a pet insurance policy that can help cover routine veterinary services for your pet to help keep them healthy year-round.
No Waiting Periods for Accidents
The period of time that must pass before coverage can begin for new eligible accidents. Waiting periods begin on the policy's effective date.
Annual Deductible
"*Spot and PetsPlusUs plan deductibles are based on the age of the pet. **Trupanion and Petsecure plans have per-condition deductibles"
Multiple Pet Discounts for 2+ Pets
*PetsPlusUs, PetSecure, OVMA, Peppermint, Desjardins, and Sonnet Pet Insurance plans only offer multi-pet discount when 3+ pets are enrolled.
Accident-Only Plan Option
Plan designed only to help cover unexpected accidents.
Multiple Annual Limit Plan Options for Accident & Illness Plans
*Petsecure and Peppermint plans have per condition annual limits
Prescription Food
"*Spot, Trupanion plans reimburse 50% of the cost, up to $500 per year. *Furkin plans limit reimbursement to up to $100/year for cats and $250/year for dogs *Pets Plus Us plans limit reimbursement to $50 for cats and $200 for dogs up to 2 months per policy year. *Peppermint plans limit reimbursement to up to $75 per year. *PHI Direct plans only cover eligible conditions for 1 policy year for the life of the policy."
Alternative Therapies
"*Trupanion and Desjardins plans require additional monthly cost to cover. *PHI Direct plans only cover eligible conditions for 1 policy year for the life of the policy."
Behavioral Issues
"*Trupanion and Desjardins plans require additional monthly cost to cover *PHI Direct plans only cover eligible conditions for 1 policy year for the life of the policy."
Sick Exam Fees
Coverage for the vet exam fee that apply to most unexpected vet visits. This can include x-rays, diagnostics, MRIs, or any other exam the vet deems medically necessary to diagnose or treat a pet.
14 Day Waiting Period for Illnesses
The period of time that must pass before coverage can begin for new eligible illnesses. Waiting periods begin on the policy's effective date.
Comparison information provided using publicly available information as of 3/5/24 for the purpose of summarizing program features, not a specific plan. Questions regarding other provider’s plans should be answered by contacting an agent of that company. It is our intention to reflect accurate comparison information. We attempt to keep information up to date but it may change from time to time. If you are aware of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided, let us know by emailing customercare@spotpetinsurance.ca or by mailing PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. at 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, ON, L6K 3V7.
Spot Pet Insurance Plans vs. PHI Direct Pet Insurance Plans
No Waiting Periods for Accidents
With a Spot plan, your pet’s accident coverage begins the day after they are enrolled – there’s no waiting period before your coverage kicks in. Plans from PHI Direct don’t offer next-day accident coverage. Their plans have a 48-hour waiting period before your pet’s accident coverage kicks in.
Preventive Care Add-On Options
Spot Pet Insurance offers optional wellness riders. Add them to any Accident and Illness plan and get coverage for some essential preventative care benefits like wellness exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, and more. PHI Direct doesn't offer options to cover the eligible costs of routine preventive care services.
Accident-Only Plan Option
Spot Pet Insurance understands that every pet has different needs and every pet parent has different budgets. Our Accident-Only plans help provide coverage for unexpected accidents, at a more affordable price than our accident and illness plans– this plan can help you afford the cost of protection for your pet’s unexpected accidents or injuries. PHI Direct does not offer an accident-only plan option.
Coverage for Prescription Food
Spot Pet Insurance knows your pet's health is paramount. Our plans can help cover up to 50% of prescription food costs (up to $500 annually) to help you manage your pet’s covered health conditions and keep your furry friend feeling their best. Plans from PHI Direct don't offer this coverage.
Conclusion
Spot Pet Insurance is designed to help protect your pet and your wallet. Our next-day accident coverage, Accident-Only plan option, and optional wellness benefits offer pet parents flexibility in coverage. And with our prescription food coverage available to help treat covered conditions, Spot plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of both unexpected and ongoing care.
Comparison information provided using publicly available information as of 3/5/24 for the purpose of summarizing program features, not a specific plan. Questions regarding other provider’s plans should be answered by contacting an agent of that company. It is our intention to reflect accurate comparison information. We attempt to keep information up to date but it may change from time to time. If you are aware of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided, let us know by emailing customercare@spotpetinsurance.ca or by mailing PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. at 710 Dorval Drive, Suite 400, Oakville, ON, L6K 3V7.
Happy Pet Parents Trust Spot
The company is very responsive with an…
The company is very responsive with an easy to use on line claim submission process. They are quick to review claims and provided reimbursement in a timely manner.
They are fast
They are fast. They are easy to talk. What else do I need more than that:)
Quick and easy to submit my claim
Quick and easy to submit my claim. Coverage was as expected. Thank you
Peace of Mind for Pet Parents
I couldn’t be happier with my experience using Spot Pet Insurance. From the start, their sign-up process was simple, transparent, and user-friendly. I appreciated the ability to customize my coverage and deductible to fit both my pet’s needs and my budget. What truly sets Spot apart is their exceptional customer service. Whenever I had questions about coverage or claims, their support team was responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring—exactly what you want when you're stressed about your pet’s health. Submitting claims is straightforward through their website, and the turnaround time has been impressively fast. I’ve had a couple of unexpected vet visits, and Spot reimbursed me quickly and fairly. It’s such a relief knowing I can make healthcare decisions for my pet without financial panic looming in the background. If you’re on the fence about pet insurance, I highly recommend Spot. It’s been a game-changer for our family and given me real peace of mind that my pet will always get the care they deserve.
Seamless
Seamless, easy to navigate platform and so quick
Easy claim process
Easy claim process, fast reimbursement. I didn’t expect things to be reimbursed this fast so that was impressive. I wish the system let me upload more document after the claim has been initiated. A bit difficult to navigate the communication part as they say to call them but I just needed to email (sending additional invoices, notes from the vet). Hard to find email to send about the claim.
Best insurance absolutely no waiting…
Best insurance absolutely no waiting for them to finish your claim. Will recommend to everyone with pets
Claim process is simple and…
Claim process is simple and reimbursements are fast
Highly Recommend!
I’m so thankful that we obtained pet insurance through Spot Insurance for our puppy! We have submitted 3 claims, and have been reimbursed 90% within 3 days of submitting them. Great service, and very friendly representatives whenever I’ve had to contact them. Would 100% recommend Spot Insurance. Well worth the monthly fee.
Quick response and transparent and easy…
Quick response and transparent and easy claim processes