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Fetch Pet Insurance Review and Pricing (2024)

Fetch Pet Insurance
4.3
Cost: 3.5/5
Plan Options: 4/5
Custom Coverage Levels: 4.3/5
Covered Treatments: 6/5
Customer Experience: 4.7/5
idée Fetch is a top rated pet insurance company
  • Average Monthly Cost: $23-$122
  • Annual Limits: $5k-$15k
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • Deductible Options: $250-$500
  • Reimbursement Rates: 70%-90%
Accident and Illness Preventative Care Add-ons™
Broken Bones Bloodwork Optional Fetch Wellness package
Cancer Dental cleaning
Diagnostics Fecal or internal parasite tests
Emergency care flea, tick or heartworm medication
General sickness Heartworm testing
Heart Disease Microchipping
Hernias Spay or neuter procedures
Hip dysplasia Vaccines
Hospitalization Wellness Exams
Infections Behavioral conditions
Lab work Annual exam
MRIs and CT scans Vet visits
Poisonings
Prescription medication
Skin conditions
Sprains
Surgeries
Ultrasounds
X-rays
Dental illness
Sick-visit exam fees

 

Why Trust Us?

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best pet insurance companies
35
Companies Reviewed Our team reviewed over 35 pet insurance companies, collecting and comparing data on monthly premiums, customizable coverage selections and more.
1000
Quotes Collected We’ve collected more than 1,000 sample quotes from pet insurance companies for a variety of age ranges, species and breeds to give readers an accurate view of pricing and how competitors stack up in terms of rates. We update our pages regularly to reflect accurate cost information.
42
Rating Factors Our comprehensive rating system scores providers based on 42 data points in eight key rating factors: monthly pricing, plan options, covered treatments, coverage customizations, customer care, industry reputation, age limits and waiting periods.
5
Veterinary Professionals We’ve consulted several veterinary professionals to confirm the accuracy of our pet care information and pricing.

Our Take on Fetch Pet Insurance

Fetch is a solid option for pet owners who want broad coverage in one comprehensive plan. We gave Fetch 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our provider review methodology and named it our pick for comprehensive coverage. Its plans cover beyond standard care, with coverage for virtual veterinary visits, behavioral treatments, alternative and holistic medicine, emergency pet boarding and advanced dental treatments. Fetch is available in all 50 U.S. states and some parts of Canada.

Although Fetch offers comprehensive coverage, it comes at a cost. The biggest downside is a high monthly premium that customers report significantly increases each year. We reached out to the company for a comment on this claim but did not receive a response. Fetch also offers fewer plan customization options than other providers, which can make offsetting costs more challenging as your pet ages. On the other hand, online customer reviews mention helpful customer service representatives.

We think Fetch is a good choice for pet owners seeking coverage for a variety of treatments. However, budget-conscious buyers should note high monthly costs and the chance of future premium increases. You can cancel a Fetch plan if it becomes too expensive, but any conditions that occurred during your time with Fetch will be considered pre-existing when you switch to a new provider.

Pros and Cons

Pros
Provides all-inclusive pet insurance coverage
Includes exam fee coverage in its base plan
Offers reimbursements for non-veterinary perks, such as emergency vacation cancellation, which are not subject to the deductible
Makes charitable donations to shelters and rescues
Extends discounts to active and veteran military members
Cons
Increases premiums in response to a pet’s age and claims history
Requires the submission of multiple documents for claims processing
Offers fewer customization options and plan types than other providers

How Fetch Scored in Our Methodology

We gave Fetch 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our objective scoring system. The company’s rating is about average compared to competitors. Fetch scored well for coverage but lost points due to reputation, which we assess by reading online customer reviews, and pricing.

Flip Card Fetch Pet Insurance Rating
4.3 / out of 5 stars
Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines Your information is secure
Monthly Cost Fetch earned 3.0 points in this category for having average monthly premiums come in over the average. 3.5 / 5
Plans Fetch earned points in this category for offering an accident and illness plan options plus an optional wellness plan add-on. Fetch lost points for not offering an accident-only plan option. 4 / 5
Custom Coverage Levels Fetch full points in this category for offering 70%, 80% and 90% reimbursement options and 3 deductible options. Fetch lost points for not offering unlimited annual coverage. 4.3 / 5
Covered Treatments Fetch gained full points for covering alternative therapies, behavioral issues, congenital and hereditary conditions, cancers, spaying and neutering, diagnostics, dental work, end-of-life and remembrance, exam fees, microchipping, physical therapy, prescription food and medication, surgeries and hospitalization. 5 / 5
Customer Experience Embrace earned points for having a 30-day money-back guarantee, multiple communication platforms, a mobile app, and direct deposit and website chat. Fetch also earned points for being available in over 41 states. Fetch lost points for not having 24/7 customer service. 4.7 / 5
Waiting Periods Fetch earned points for having an illness waiting period shorter than 15 days and an orthopedic/ligament conditions waiting period shorter than 6 months. Fetch lost points for having an accident waiting period longer than 14 days. 4.5 / 5
Reputation Fetch gained points for having a Trustpilot score greater than 4.25. Fetch lost points for having a BBB score lower than 2.0. 3.5 / 5
Eligible Age Limit Fetch earned full points for not imposing a pet age limit for policy enrollment. 5 / 5

How Much Does Fetch Pet Insurance Cost?

Based on the sample quotes we requested for pets in all 50 states, the average cost of a Fetch pet insurance plan is $90 per month for dogs and $45 for cats. Exact pet insurance costs will vary depending on multiple factors, including where you live and your pet’s age. Although your pet’s medical history does not factor into an initial policy price, Fetch can use any claims you file and your pet’s age to raise rates over time.

In response to customer feedback asking for wellness benefits, Fetch added preventive care plans in 2023. The company offers three plan tiers with increasing wellness service reimbursement for an additional monthly fee. In addition to the base plan cost, wellness plan policyholders will pay an extra $11 to $32 per month.

Here is a breakdown of Fetch’s plan costs, including its wellness plans.

PlanAccident and IllnessWellness EssentialsWellness AdvantageWellness Prime
Average cost$67*$11$20$32
SummaryBase accident and illness planBasic wellness add-on planMid-level wellness add-on planHighest-level wellness add-on plan

*We determined average costs for accident and illness plans by obtaining sample quotes in each state Fetch operates for a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat and a 2-year-old Siamese cat.

MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP

Although Fetch pet insurance is one of the most expensive options of the providers we’ve reviewed, it provides comprehensive coverage and several extra benefits pet owners may find worth the price. 

Compare Fetch’s Cost to Other Companies

According to our analysis of 13 pet insurance providers, Fetch was the second most expensive company, with an average cost $44 more than the cheapest company, ManyPets. Although more expensive, Fetch has more comprehensive coverage than another other company we reviewed.

See How Fetch’s average cost lines up to competitors below:

What Does Fetch Pet Insurance Cover?

Fetch offers one plan and one coverage add-on, which makes for a quick sign-up process. You can request a quote by entering basic information about your pet directly on the Fetch website. 

When requesting a quote, you will see a price based on automatically set plan parameters. You can adjust the coverage and price by clicking on “Customize Price,” which brings up three options each for an annual limit, deductible and reimbursement percentage. However, the deductible choices offered may vary depending on your pet's species and age. A list of inclusions is also presented on this screen, but you will need to scroll down to find a “Terms and Conditions” link if you want to see technical exclusions.

Fetch claims to offer the most comprehensive accident and illness plan on the market, appealing to pet owners who do not want to worry about coverage exclusions. However, like all plans, Fetch does not cover pre-existing conditions or those that occur during the plan’s 15-day waiting period. 

Here are other major events and services Fetch excludes:

  • Breeding and whelping costs
  • Prescription foods
  • Elective procedures
  • Cosmetic surgeries
  • Hip dysplasia, cruciate tears and luxating patellas in the first six months of the policy (may waive the waiting period for knee injuries with an exam)
  • Costs beyond “reasonable” amounts for a specific condition
  • Therapies not administered by a veterinarian
  • Parasites

You can check out a sample plan or the Fetch website to learn more about exclusions, which the company does not list in full during the sign-up process.

Fetch’s Accident and Illness Plan

The accident and illness plan covers all the same treatments, diagnostics and conditions as other providers we’ve reviewed and then some. Fetch covers veterinary care related to accidents and illnesses, as long as the condition is not pre-existing, specifically excluded or first occurred during the waiting period. Examples of covered accidents and illnesses include:

  • Cuts
  • Broken bones
  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Toxin ingestion
  • Cruciate tears
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth fractures
  • Breed-specific issues

Examples of covered diagnostics and treatments include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Aromatherapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Homeopathy
  • Specialist care
  • Lab work
  • X-rays
  • Advanced imaging
  • Overnight hospitalization
  • Physical therapy
  • Behavioral treatments
  • Herbs and supplements

Fetch also offers some unique coverages that other companies do not, including:

  • Lost pet advertising and reward reimbursement
  • Emergency boarding fees if the pet owner is hospitalized
  • Virtual veterinary visits
  • Pet loss due to theft or straying

Routine and Preventative Care Add-on Plan

You can add Fetch preventive care plans to your base plan for an additional monthly fee. The care plans provide reimbursements for routine care, such as vaccines and dental cleanings, according to a set fee schedule. 

Here are the maximum reimbursement amounts for each plan tier, broken down by service:

ServiceEssentials PlanAdvantage PlanPrime Plan
Annual exam$30$50$50
Bordetella or FeLV vaccine$10$20$25
DHPP or FVRCP vaccine$10$20$25
Rabies vaccine$10$20$25
Lyme disease or FIP vaccine$10$20$25
Heartworm, flea and tick prevention$30$50$60
Heartworm test$10$25$30
Dental cleaning$75$100$125
Spaying or neutering$100$100$125
Blood test$10$25$30
Urinalysis$10$25$30
Fecal test$10$25$30
MicrochippingNot included$20$30
Anal gland expressionNot included$20$20
Behavioral examNot includedNot included$25
Health certificateNot includedNot included$30
Activity monitorNot includedNot included$50

Fetch's Deductible, Reimbursement and Annual Limit Options

Fetch allows customers to choose their deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit when they enroll a pet in coverage. Adjusting these parameters influences premium costs — for example, a higher deductible will lower your premium and vice versa. Compared to other providers, Fetch offers fewer customization options, with only three choices in each category.

Deductibles

When you sign up, you can choose from three deductible options, ranging from $250 to $700. Fetch will offer you specific options depending on your pet’s age and species and where you live. Choosing the highest deductible available to you will lower premium costs but increase the amount you must pay before you can receive reimbursements. 

Reimbursement Rates

With Fetch, you can choose between a 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement rate. After your deductible is applied to covered services, the company will reimburse you at your selected rate for each claim. You will be responsible for covering the remainder.

Annual Limits

An annual limit is the total amount your plan will pay out in a given year. Fetch offers three fixed annual limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. Choosing a lower annual limit will decrease monthly premium costs but increase the chances of exceeding your coverage maximum in a given year.


Compare Fetch To Other Pet Insurance Companies

Check out our comparison tool to see how Fetch stacks up against other popular pet insurance providers.

Company Monthly Cost Star Rating Accident Waiting Period BBB Rating Visit Site
$45-$90
4.3
up to 15 days A+ EXPLORE PLANS
$15-$30
4.8
2 days* B- EXPLORE PLANS
$34-$75
4.5
14 days A- EXPLORE PLANS
$39-$73
4.7
2 days A+ EXPLORE PLANS
$18-$44
4.8
14 days N/R EXPLORE PLANS
$24-$54
4.0
15 days A+ EXPLORE PLANS
$25-$54
4.7
1 days B EXPLORE PLANS
$39-$72
4.3
14 days B+ EXPLORE PLANS
$16-$65
3.4
14 days A+ EXPLORE PLANS
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost Star Rating Accident Waiting Period Visit Site
A+ $45-$90
4.3
up to 15 days EXPLORE PLANS
B- $15-$30
4.8
2 days* EXPLORE PLANS
A- $34-$75
4.5
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
A+ $39-$73
4.7
2 days EXPLORE PLANS
N/R $18-$44
4.8
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
A+ $24-$54
4.0
15 days EXPLORE PLANS
B $25-$54
4.7
1 days EXPLORE PLANS
B+ $39-$72
4.3
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
A+ $16-$65
3.4
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
No results were found.

*Lemonade may offer shorter waiting periods depending on where you live.

Fetch Pet Insurance vs. Spot Pet Insurance

Fetch and Spot offer similarly priced plans with comparable coverage. However, Spot offers multiple customization options, which translates to more flexibility and ways to save. Spot also has a shorter orthopedic waiting period than Fetch and an unlimited annual coverage option. On the other hand, Fetch offers comprehensive coverage and extra perks.

Here’s how Fetch and Spot plans compare, side by side:

Fetch Pet InsuranceSpot Pet Insurance
Reimbursement rates70%, 80% or 90%70%, 80% or 90%
Deductibles$250–$700$100–$1,000
Annual limits$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000$2,500–unlimited
Average cost for dogs$90 per month$75 per month
Average cost for cats$45 per month$34 per month

Read our Spot Pet Insurance review to learn more.

Fetch vs. Lemonade

Where Fetch provides comprehensive coverage and limited add-ons, Lemonade’s base plan allows customers to choose add-ons and create a custom plan. In effect, Lemonade is more customizable but does not have as many perks or coverages available as Fetch. In general, Lemonade is more affordable, thanks in part to its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) to process claims efficiently, an area where Fetch struggles to compete. Note that Lemonade is not available in all 50 states, whereas Fetch is.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Fetch and Lemonade plans:

Fetch Pet Insurance Lemonade Pet Insurance
Reimbursement rates70%, 80% or 90%70%, 80% or 90%
Deductibles$250–$700$100–$750
Annual limits$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000$5,000 to $100,000
Average cost for dogs$90 per month$30 per month
Average cost for cats$45 per month$16 per month

Read our Lemonade Pet Insurance review to learn more.


Fetch's Sign-up, Claims Filing and Payout Processes

You can sign up for a Fetch plan through its website. Based on our experience, the online quote tool is intuitive and fast and allows you to see how adjusting parameters can change the overall cost. The company clearly displays links to covered services on this page, allowing you to get a better idea of how the plan works. However, we noticed that exclusions were not fully disclosed unless you look for a sample plan elsewhere on the site.

How To File a Claim

Once you enroll with Fetch, you can download its mobile app to manage your account and file claims. Through the app, you can take a picture of your pet’s veterinary invoice and answer a few questions to submit your claim. However, Fetch requires notes from your pet’s medical record to complete the process. Some reviewers on Trustpilot expressed frustration with the claims process for this reason and because of problems with communication.

The company says it pays most claims in two to 14 days — however, some customers reported experiencing prolonged delays because of paperwork issues. Fetch also calculates reimbursements differently than other providers by first applying the reimbursement rate, then the deductible. In effect, it may take longer to reach your deductible and you may initially see smaller reimbursements than expected.

We found that most customers liked the mobile app and found it easy to submit claims. Some noted fast reimbursements for the expected amount, but a few felt that requests for additional paperwork caused delayed payments. When customers called to resolve the issue, they felt customer service was helpful and cared about finding a solution.

We reached out to the company for comment on its claims process but did not receive a response. 


Fetch’s Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions

Companies enforce waiting periods to prevent fraud relating to pre-existing conditions, which no pet insurance provider covers. Fetch’s standard waiting period for accidents and illnesses is 15 days, which means the company will deny any claim filed during this time and note any conditions or symptoms that arise as pre-existing. The company does not enforce waiting periods for preventive care reimbursements, which operate differently than standard coverage.

Fetch has a separate waiting period of six months for orthopedic injuries and conditions, specifically those relating to knees and hips. The company may waive this waiting period if your pet undergoes a physical exam and your veterinarian specifically notes no knee abnormalities within 30 days of policy enrollment. However, you cannot reduce or waive the hip dysplasia waiting period.

Pets must be a minimum of 6 weeks old to enroll in coverage. Fetch does not place upper-age restrictions on enrollment. However, it stipulates you must follow your veterinarian's advice for wellness testing when your pet reaches senior status, or 10 years old for cats and 8 years for dogs. Additionally, Fetch will increase premiums for senior pets but will not cancel your policy due to age. 


Fetch Pet Insurance Reviews

We searched reviews on the third-party website Trustpilot to get an idea of customer experiences with Fetch. While the majority of feedback was positive, we noted that 17% of the reviewers left three or fewer stars and negative feedback. We reached out to Fetch for comment on the negative customer reviews included in this article but did not receive a response.

What Customers Like

  • Customer service: Most 5-star reviews mentioned friendly and helpful customer service agents.
  • Easy claims submission: Customers seem to appreciate how the app makes submitting claims easy and fast. Customers also like that they can easily see the status of their claims using the app.
  • Direct deposit: Reimbursements come quickly through direct deposit once Fetch approves claims, according to customers.
  • Extensive coverage: Fetch’s comprehensive coverage provided some customers with peace of mind.

What Customers Don’t Like

  • Poor communication: Some customers felt the status of their claims was not communicated well during processing delays.
  • Slow claims processing: When claims are missing documents, customers suggest that Fetch can take weeks or months to process the payment.
  • Premium increases: Some customers were shocked by how much their premiums increased from one year to the next.
  • Reimbursement calculations: Customers voiced dismay about receiving smaller reimbursements than expected because of how Fetch calculates payouts.
  • Hidden terms: Some customers felt Fetch has coverage terms not clearly explained in policy documents or during sign-up.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fetch

Fetch does not offer a vet direct-pay option. You must pay your veterinarian upfront at the time of service and file a claim for reimbursement after.

Fetch does not offer an unlimited coverage option. Instead, customers can choose from the following limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.

Fetch policyholders must file claims within 90 days of the veterinary service date.

Fetch covers ear infections without restrictions only if your pet first experienced the issue prior to enrollment and the 15-day waiting period. Otherwise, the company will not cover ear infections until at least 365 days after the condition is resolved. If your pet gets frequent ear infections, Fetch may consider it a pre-existing condition and exclude coverage in the future.

Fetch premiums can increase as pets get older because senior pets are more likely to need veterinary care. 


Methodology: Our System For Rating Pet Insurance Companies

We review each pet insurance company based on factors most important to pet parents like you. To inform our reviews, we surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. Our process includes in-depth industry research about each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading reviews to assess customer service. 

We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and divide the final score by 20 to calculate an overall rating out of 5.0 stars. Here are more details about the factors we consider when reviewing pet insurance providers:

  • Monthly pricing (25%): To assess pricing, we collect sample quotes for medium-mixed breed and purebred dogs and cats, ranging from four years old to one year old. Providers earn the most points in this category for offering affordable coverage and a multi-pet discount. 
  • Plans (15%): The best pet insurance companies offer a range of plans to give customers the option to choose the coverage that is best for their pet. Companies offering accident and illness plans, accident-only plans, and wellness or preventive care add-ons earn full points in this category. We also look at coverage limits and award the most points for policies with unlimited coverage. 
  • Covered treatments (15%): According to our survey of pet owners, coverage is one of the most important factors when shopping for pet insurance. Companies with a breadth of included treatments and unique coverages receive more points in this category than providers with more standard or general policies.
  • Customization options (10%): Customizing your pet insurance policy can help lower your cost. Providers that offer more annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate options earn the highest scores in this category.
  • Customer care (10%): Respondents to our survey also valued customer service when comparing pet insurance providers. We score each company based on its website accessibility and overall usability, customer service availability, mobile apps, money-back guarantees and veterinarian telehealth options, awarding points to insurers with more customer experience offerings.
  • Industry reputation (10%): We review up-to-date ratings and accreditation information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and score companies based on years of industry experience and state availability.
  • Waiting periods (10%): Companies with shorter accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods between the time you sign up for coverage and your policy starts score higher in this category.
  • Eligible age (5%): Some companies do not offer policies for pets over a certain age. For this category, we deduct points from providers that have age limits for covered pets.

We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers. 


Elizabeth Kowalski, CVT Certified Veterinary Technician

Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. She has been featured in industry publications such as Today’s Veterinary Business. Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.

Ryan Lasker Editor

Ryan Lasker is a financial writer and editor with bylines in Morning Brew, The Motley Fool, and several more. As a certified public accountant, he leverages his technical expertise in personal finance and tax to fuel his passion for teaching financial literacy. When he’s not writing, editing or working in a spreadsheet, he’s biking the D.C. trails or reading.

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