Paw Protect vs Fetch

Paw Protect vs Fetch: What do the plans cover?

Both Paw Protect and Fetch cover your pet for pretty much any accident or illness your that might befall them. It could be anything from a skin rash to an ACL injury to cancer. They cover any breed-specific, congenital or genetic condition, as well as chronic, preventable or orthopedic conditions.

Common conditions that are covered include: 

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Cataracts
• Dental disease
• Dermatitis
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Gastroenteritis
• Kidney disease
• Ligament injury
• Limping
• Liver disease
• Lymphoma
• Pancreatitis
• Seizure
• Vomiting

On top of all that, they both pay out for vet exam fees, alternative therapies like acupuncture, imaging and ultrasounds, hydrotherapy, chiropractic treatment and behavioral therapies. 

The two companies differ when it comes to travel. Paw Protect covers you anywhere in the world for up to six months, whereas Fetch covers you within the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico only.

Do Paw Protect and Fetch have a wellness plan?

For preventative and routine treatments like annual check-ups, grooming, training, neutering, vaccinations, and flea, tick and heartworm treatments, you’ll need a wellness plan. Fetch doesn’t offer one, but Paw Protect does. 

Annual limits are set at $250, $450 and $650. You pay an annual or monthly fee and can claim up to whichever limit you choose. It’s a great way to save money on regular costs. 

Wellness Rewards is offered as a supplementary, non-insurance benefit administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency in the United States. Wellness Rewards is not available in Rhode Island.

Paw Protect vs Fetch: What are the coverage limits?

The two companies offer a range of annual maximum coverage options. Fetch has three options ($5,000, $10,000 and $15,000), as does Paw Protect ($5,000, $10,000 or Unlimited).

The level you set will affect your premium but you can change it each year when you renew. The amount you choose to cover may increase as your pet ages and certain conditions, like cancer, become more likely.

Paw Protect vs Fetch: Deductibles

Fetch offers deductibles options from $300 to $700, while Paw Protect’s deductible options are $100, $250 and $500. The bigger your deductible, the less you’ll pay in premiums, but you also need to think how much you can afford to pay out of pocket each year. 

What are Paw Protect and Fetch’s reimbursement percentage options?

Fetch and Paw Protect both have 70%, 80% and 90% reimbursement options. This means if you spend $1000 on treatment, after your deductible is paid, the insurer will pay out 70%, 80% or 90% of the remaining amount. The lower the reimbursement amount you select, the cheaper your premium will be.

Do Paw Protect and Fetch have any exclusions?

All pet insurance policies have exclusions, just like any other legitimate insurance. 

Both Fetch and Paw Protect exclude pre-existing conditions, which is an industry norm. That said, with Paw Protect, any pre-existing condition may be covered if it is deemed curable and the pet does not require treatment or experience symptoms for 12 months.

Neither provider includes features such as medically unnecessary cosmetic procedures (e.g. tail or ear modification), vaccines, microchipping, training or neutering/spaying in their standard packages. However, Paw Protect’s optional wellness plan does cover some of these.

For certain orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries, Fetch has a six-month waiting period before they’re covered. 

How expensive are Paw Protect and Fetch?

The prices of these two insurers are pretty similar. Of course, no two situations are the same, so factors including your location and your pet’s type, condition and age will all affect the cost – as will your maximum annual payout, and the deductible and reimbursement percentage you select.

All quotes are based on a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement. Prices correct as of May 2023

Paw Protect vs Fetch: How quickly are claims paid?

With most pet insurance, the speed with which your insurer pays you is crucial, as you wouldn’t want thousands of dollars outstanding for weeks or months. 

Paw Protect claims are typically paid out within 10-15 days for accident and illness and just five days for wellness claims. At Fetch, the average claim is paid within 15 days of receiving all documentation, but this figure is not a guarantee.

With both companies, you’ll receive your reimbursement significantly quicker if you supply all the correct documentation when you submit your claim, and opt for the direct deposit model of reimbursement, rather than payment by check.

Do Paw Protect and Fetch offer any discounts?

Paw Protect offers a 10% multi-pet discount, and a 5% reduction for former and active military personnel. 

Fetch gives a 10% discount for veterans and military personnel, those insuring a rescue pet or therapy animal, and members of the AARP and veterinary profession. 

Paw Protect vs Fetch: Standard waiting periods

With Paw Protect there is a two-week illness waiting period which begins on your policies’ effective date. Orthopedic conditions have additional waiting or exclusion periods that vary by state.

Fetch coverage begins 15 days after the day of enrolment. Orthopedic issues are covered after six months. 

Do Paw Protect and Fetch’s plans include behavioral treatments?

To get maximum enjoyment from our pets, it’s important to do everything you can to ensure they’re calm, controllable and happy. 

Paw Protect covers behavioral therapy and training, when delivered by a veterinarian for a condition covered by the policy.

Fetch offers treatments for aggression and separation anxiety.

Paw Protect vs Fetch: Is there a maximum age for enrollment?

At Fetch there’s no maximum age for enrollment. With Paw Protect the limit is 5 years for accident and illness cover. 

Paw Protect vs Fetch: Customer reviews

Fetch offers a popular service that its customers appreciate. In 2020, it seamlessly incorporated another top-rated insurance product, Petplan. Fetch pet insurance consistently receives a lot of positive feedback.