
Fetch
Affordable Plans Starting at Less than $1/Day
Fetch Pet Insurance is a heavyweight champion when it comes to coverage depth. It covers things many competitors exclude, such as sick visit exam fees, gum disease in every tooth, and virtual vet visits. However, this comprehensive protection comes with stricter rules: a longer 15-day waiting period for accidents and a requirement to maintain annual checkups to keep your policy valid. It is best for diligent pet owners who never miss a vet appointment.
At a Glance
- Policy Type: Accident & Illness
- Annual Coverage Limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 (Unlimited available in some markets)
- Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductibles: $250, $300, $500, or $700 (Annual)
- Waiting Periods: 15 days for Accidents & Illnesses; 6 months for Hips & Knees
- Age Limits: Minimum 6 weeks; No upper age limit for enrollment
- Underwriter: XL Specialty Insurance Company or Axis Insurance Company
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive Dental: Most insurers only cover dental accidents (like a broken tooth). Fetch covers dental disease (periodontal disease) in every adult tooth, provided you get annual dental checks. This is huge for breeds prone to bad teeth.
- Exam Fees Included: When your dog gets sick, the vet charges a $50–$100 "exam fee" just to look at them. Fetch covers this fee standard. Competitors like Lemonade and Spot often charge extra or exclude it.
- Holistic & Behavioral: Coverage for acupuncture, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, and behavioral therapy (for anxiety/aggression) is included in the base plan.
- Virtual Vet Visits: Fetch covers the cost of telehealth vet visits (up to $1,000/year) without a copay, allowing you to see a vet on Zoom without leaving home.
Cons
- 15-Day Accident Wait: Waiting 15 days for accident coverage is slow. Embrace (2 days) and MetLife (0 days) offer much faster protection for injuries.
- Strict "Void" Rules: To keep your policy active, you must take your pet for an annual checkup. If you miss a year, Fetch can deny your claims. You also must follow your vet's advice (e.g., if the vet says "clean the teeth" and you don't, dental claims may be denied).
- 6-Month Orthopedic Wait: Knee and hip injuries (cruciate ligament injuries) have a 6-month waiting period, though this can be waived if a vet examines the pet within the first 30 days and finds no issues.
Overview
Formerly known as Petplan, Fetch rebranded to modernize its image. Despite the name change, it retains the core strength of its predecessor: offering one of the most inclusive "standard" plans on the market. Unlike competitors who force you to buy "riders" for exam fees or holistic care, Fetch bundles almost everything into one robust policy.
Coverage Details
- The "Everything" Approach: Fetch prides itself on covering what others don't. This includes the exam fee for sick visits, boarding fees if you (the owner) are hospitalized, and advertising/reward money if your pet is lost.
- Dental Coverage: This is a standout. As long as your pet has an annual dental exam, Fetch covers treatment for periodontal disease, gingivitis, and oral tumors.
- Chronic Conditions: Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are covered for life, provided they weren't pre-existing.
Fees & Requirements
- Premiums: Fetch is generally mid- to high-tier in pricing. It is rarely the "budget" option, but the price reflects the broader coverage.
- Age-Based Pricing: Be aware that premiums can increase noticeably as your pet ages, especially for senior dogs.
- Medical Records: You must submit the last 2 years of medical records (or all records if the pet is young) when filing a claim.
Customer Experience
- Fetch Forward™: Their proprietary tech aims to predict your pet's future health needs based on breed and age, offering "Health Forecasts" in the app.
- Claims: Claims can be submitted digitally. Processing times are average (10–15 days), though some users report longer waits for complex cases.
Who It’s Best For
- Greyhounds & Yorkies: Owners of breeds notorious for bad teeth will find Fetch's comprehensive dental disease coverage invaluable.
- Diligent Owners: If you already take your dog to the vet every year like clockwork, Fetch’s strict annual checkup rule won't bother you.
- Anxious Pets: The inclusion of behavioral therapy in the base plan is great for rescue dogs with separation anxiety.
Who Should Skip It
- Forgetful Owners: If you tend to skip the annual checkup, you risk voiding your coverage. Choose Spot or MetLife, which are less strict about routine care.
- Those Needing Immediate Safety: If you want coverage for accidents starting tomorrow, the 15-day wait is a dealbreaker.
- Budget Shoppers: If you just want catastrophic coverage for a low price, Lemonade is almost always cheaper.
Bottom Line Verdict
Fetch Pet Insurance is the "complete package" insurer. It is perfect for the pet owner who wants to know that everything, from the exam fee to root canal treatment, is covered without having to buy five different add-ons. As long as you are disciplined about your pet's annual checkups, the depth of coverage is hard to beat.