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What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a form of financial protection for your pet's health, designed to help cover the eligible costs of your pet’s unexpected accidents or illnesses. Pet insurance can often provide coverage for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes even routine wellness visits which may be included in an optional wellness add-on, helping ensure your pet can get the care they need without breaking the bank.
Why is pet insurance important in New Foundland and Labrador?
Antifreeze
Pet parents in Newfoundland & Labrador need to be particularly cautious about antifreeze exposure, as the harsh winters often necessitate its use in vehicles and around homes. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract pets, but it is highly toxic even in small amounts. Vigilance and preventative measures are crucial in safeguarding pets from this dangerous household hazard.¹
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Road Salts
Pet parents in Newfoundland & Labrador need to be aware of the potential hazards posed by road salt during the winter months. The salt used on roads and sidewalks can become lodged between a dog's toes, causing irritation and inflammation. This can help be prevented by carefully washing their paws after walks, using pet-safe de-icing products, or considering protective booties. Additionally, ice balls can form between the toes of dogs with longer fur, trapping moisture and leading to irritation. Soaking paws in warm water may be able to help melt these.¹
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Hypothermia
Harsh winters bring frigid temperatures and icy winds, posing a significant risk of hypothermia for pets. Even breeds with thick fur can quickly succumb to the cold if exposed for too long. Short walks and bathroom breaks are essential, but prolonged outdoor activity should be avoided. Pet parents should watch for signs of hypothermia, which may include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and confusion.²
Read moreWhy Spot Plans?
Spot offers plan options with four levels of coverage tiers with accident-only or accident and illness plans to best suit your pet's needs. In addition, Spot’s optional Wellness Riders for an extra cost can help provide extra support for eligible routine veterinary care. Explore our Wellness Riders below:
Spaying or Neutering:
Safeguard your pet's health and help prevent unwanted litters with coverage for this important procedure.
Core Vaccines:
Help protect your furry friend from prevalent diseases through coverage for essential routine vaccinations.
Wellness Exams:
Prioritize preventive care and early detection of potential health issues with coverage for routine exams and screenings.
Sources:
“Cold Weather and Pets,” Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/related-resources/cold-weather-and-pets/, Feb. 2, 2023.
“What Temperature is Too Cold for Dogs?” Home Alive Pets, https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/how-cold-is-too-cold-for-your-dog, Jan. 3, 2024.
New Foundland and Labrador Pet Insurance Information by City
Find city-specific information about Pet Insurance in the state of New Foundland and Labrador.
Pet Insurance FAQs
Have questions about pet insurance and how it works? Let’s dig up an answer.
Do All Vets Take Spot Pet Insurance?
You can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialty clinic, or emergency clinic in the US or Canada.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance can put money back in your pocket for veterinary costs needed to diagnose, treat, and manage an eligible condition. Exams and rechecks, x-rays, ultra-sounds, bloodwork, surgeries, stitches, medication, and prescriptions, and even prescription diets are all examples of costs that can be claimed for if they are used to treat or diagnose a covered condition.
What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pet’s illness or accident is considered pre-existing if the condition was onset before the policy coverage effective dates, or during a waiting period. This means if the first signs or symptoms of a condition showed up before coverage started, it would be considered pre-existing to coverage, even if it was not formally diagnosed. The most common reason why an illness or an accident is not covered by any pet insurance provider is if the condition was present before coverage started. For coverage to be available with almost all types of insurance, the problem must be new and unexpected.
For example, if typical symptoms of allergies (itchy skin, ear infections) were present before the coverage was effective or appeared within the waiting period of the policy, the allergies and related conditions, such as itchy paws and pyoderma, would be pre-existing to coverage.
How are My Premiums Calculated?
In general, your premium is based on your pet’s age, your pet’s breed, and where your pet lives. Some other factors that impact your premium are the plan you choose, if you have included preventative care coverage or not, and the discounts for which you are eligible.
What if I Miss a Payment?
When a premium payment does not go through successfully, we will send you an email letting you know. If you know you’ve missed a payment please give us a call at 1-888-501-7768, or log in to your account at https://members.spotpetinsurance.ca/ to update your payment details. Premiums must be kept up to date for your policy to remain active.