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What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance can be a safeguard for your pet’s health and your wallet. Veterinary expenses for unexpected accidents or illnesses can quickly add up, but with a plan from Spot Pet Insurance, pet parents can get up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills,* helping pet parents to get the best care for their pets.
Why is pet insurance important in Nova Scotia?
Parasitic Infection
Pets in Nova Scotia can face the risk of parasitic infection throughout the year. While flea season typically runs from May to September, ticks pose a year-round threat with the potential for Lyme disease transmission. The American Dog Tick and Lone Star Tick carry diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Rabbit Fever. Additionally, heartworm season extends from July through November, necessitating preventive measures for pet parents in the province.¹
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Extreme Temperature - Heatstroke & Hypothermia
Nova Scotia's diverse climate can present a unique challenge for dog owners, as their canine companions can be susceptible to both heatstroke and hypothermia. The summer months can bring high temperatures, putting dogs at risk of heatstroke. On the other hand, the province's cold winters and drastic temperature changes can lead to hypothermia, especially in small or short-haired dogs. Pet parents need to be vigilant about monitoring their dogs' comfort levels during both extremes, providing shade and water in the heat, and ensuring adequate warmth and shelter during the cold.
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Seasonal Allergies
Nova Scotia's varied landscapes and distinct seasons comes with a potential downside for pets: seasonal allergies. Pollen, grasses, and pesky flea bites can trigger allergic reactions in pets. While we might experience sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes, pets often show their discomfort through skin-related issues. Keep an eye out for excessive licking or chewing, especially around the paws, belly, or groin. Red, itchy ears, hot spots, irritated paws, and redness around the eyes, chin, or snout can also be signs of allergies. While less common, some pets might even experience sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, or coughing.²
Read moreWhy Get a Spot Plan?
Vet bills can add up quickly, but Spot plans can help you manage the eligible costs of your pet's care. Our plan options offer 4 tiers of coverage ranging from accident-only to accident and illness, helping cover the eligible costs of unexpected vet bills. Spot’s optional wellness riders can also be added to any accident and illness plan, helping cover the eligible costs of certain routine care services.
Spot’s Wellness Riders
Spaying or Neutering: This procedure can be have coverage for an extra cost as part of Spot’s optional wellness add-ons.
Core Vaccines: Help protect your pet and your wallet with coverage for essential routine vaccinations.
Wellness Exams: Early detection can help save you money in the long run. Spot’s optional wellness add-ons can help cover routine exams and screenings.
*Reimbursement is based on your pet’s age at enrollment and renewal.
Sources:
1. “Canadian Parasites,” Alouette Animal Hospital, https://www.alouetteanimalhospital.ca/canadian-parasites-find-treat/, n.d.
2. “Seasonal, Environmental Allergies in Pets,” Pet Friendly, https://www.petfriendly.ca/articles/pet-allergies.php, n.d.
Nova Scotia Pet Insurance Information by City
Find city-specific information about Pet Insurance in the state of Nova Scotia.
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.