Fetch Pet Insurance Review

Overview

Fetch offers accident and illness pet insurance for dogs and cats. Its coverage includes eligible veterinary expenses related to unexpected injuries and illnesses, including exam fees, diagnostics, treatments, medications, dental care, behavioral therapy, and hereditary and congenital conditions. Fetch also offers an optional Wellness plan for routine and preventative care. Pets can use any veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics.

Plans

Fetch’s main pet insurance product provides Accident and Illness coverage. Customers can customize their policy using an annual deductible, reimbursement rate and maximum annual payout. Fetch also offers an optional Wellness plan for preventative care. Wellness is separate from Accident and Illness coverage and uses set reimbursement amounts for eligible routine-care services rather than the standard insurance reimbursement percentage.

What to check: Confirm which plan types (accident only, accident and illness, wellness add-ons) are currently sold in your state.

Coverage

Fetch Accident and Illness coverage can include eligible exam fees, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, acupuncture, medications, dental treatment, behavioral therapy, and treatment for hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. Fetch also includes coverage for sick-visit exam fees. Its published materials state that eligible behavioral therapy can be reimbursed up to $1,000 per year, with no copay or deductible for that benefit. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although Fetch states that certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the applicable exclusionary period.

What to check: Read the sample policy’s lists of covered and excluded conditions, not only the marketing summary.

Deductibles

Fetch uses an annual deductible. Published Fetch materials show deductible choices that can vary by pet and purchase method. Examples include $250, $300, $500, $700 and higher options, with additional deductible choices potentially available by calling Fetch. Once the annual deductible has been met, it does not apply again until the next policy year.

What to check: Check whether the deductible is annual, per-condition or lifetime, and which amounts are offered.

Reimbursement

Fetch offers reimbursement rates of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible Accident and Illness expenses. The selected reimbursement rate works together with the annual deductible and maximum annual payout. Fetch reimburses based on eligible veterinary expenses rather than using a fixed benefit schedule.

What to check: Confirm the percentages offered and whether payouts are based on the actual invoice or a benefit schedule.

Annual limits

Fetch offers annual maximum payout options including $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and Unlimited (available in some cases when purchasing directly by phone). The maximum annual payout is the maximum amount Fetch will reimburse for eligible expenses during the policy year. Availability can vary based on the pet and location.

What to check: Look for annual, per-condition and lifetime limits, and whether an unlimited option exists.

Waiting periods

Fetch states: accidents no waiting period, illnesses up to 15 days, knee and hip conditions 6 months. Fetch also describes a six-month waiting period for certain knee, cartilage and ACL conditions, with an option to bypass the applicable orthopedic waiting period through a qualifying veterinary examination. Wellness coverage has no waiting period when added to a policy.

What to check: Compare waiting periods for accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions, and whether they vary by state.

Age restrictions

Fetch covers dogs and cats from 6 weeks of age. Fetch states that there is no upper age limit for enrollment.

What to check: Check the minimum enrollment age, any maximum age, and whether coverage renews for life.

Dental coverage

Fetch provides dental coverage for both dental injuries and dental disease. Its published coverage includes every adult tooth and the gums, including conditions such as periodontal disease, oral tumors, dental trauma, extractions, root canals and other eligible dental procedures. Routine dental cleanings are available through the optional Fetch Wellness coverage. Dental treatment remains subject to the policy’s annual maximum and other applicable terms.

What to check: Find out whether dental is limited to injury or illness or also includes routine cleanings.

Prescription coverage

Prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a new eligible accident or illness can be covered. Fetch also operates Fetch Pet Rx, through which eligible members can purchase prescriptions and submit claims for reimbursement. Fetch states that qualifying medications purchased through Fetch Pet Rx can receive 100% reimbursement under applicable terms.

What to check: Confirm whether prescription medication is covered by default or is optional.

Wellness

Fetch offers an optional Wellness plan for routine and preventative care. Depending on the selected Wellness plan, benefits can include annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, dental cleanings, spaying or neutering, blood, urine and fecal testing, and other eligible preventative services. Fetch states that its Wellness coverage can reimburse up to $1,200 per year. Wellness uses set dollar reimbursements rather than the 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement structure used for Accident and Illness coverage. There is no deductible, copay or waiting period for Wellness coverage.

What to check: Compare the add-on’s price with what you would likely spend on routine care.

Claims process

Fetch uses a reimbursement model. Pet owners pay the veterinarian first, then submit a claim through the Fetch Pet Insurance app or online account. Claims require a paid veterinary invoice and supporting medical records. Fetch states that claims are typically processed in less than 10 days. Once an eligible claim is approved and the deductible has been met, reimbursement can be deposited directly into the policyholder’s bank account. Claims generally must be submitted within 90 days of the veterinary visit.

What to check: Ask how claims are submitted, how long reviews typically take, and whether direct payment to the vet is offered.

Pros and limitations

Who may consider Fetch

Pet owners who want broad accident and illness coverage, flexible reimbursement options, extensive dental coverage, and no upper age limit for enrollment. It may also appeal to owners who want coverage for sick-visit exam fees, behavioral therapy, hereditary and congenital conditions, and optional preventative care through Fetch Wellness. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy documents available for your location before purchasing, because coverage, pricing, eligibility, waiting periods and available options can vary.