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
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.
Fetch’s Plans and Pricing
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.
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.
Plan | Accident and Illness | Wellness Essentials | Wellness Advantage | Wellness Prime |
Average cost | $67* | $11 | $20 | $32 |
Summary | Base accident and illness plan | Basic wellness add-on plan | Mid-level wellness add-on plan | Highest-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.
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 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:
Service | Essentials Plan | Advantage Plan | Prime 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 |
Microchipping | Not included | $20 | $30 |
Anal gland expression | Not included | $20 | $20 |
Behavioral exam | Not included | Not included | $25 |
Health certificate | Not included | Not included | $30 |
Activity monitor | Not included | Not included | $50 |
Customizable Coverage Levels
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.
Deductible Options
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 Limit Options
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.
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.
What Customers Think About Fetch Pet Insurance
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 at the time of this writing 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.
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 | BBB Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$45-$90 | A+ | up to 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$15-$30 | B- | 2 days* | Compare Plans | ||
$34-$75 | A- | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$73 | A+ | 2 days | Compare Plans | ||
$18-$44 | N/R | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$24-$54 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$25-$54 | B | 1 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$72 | B+ | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$16-$65 | A+ | 14 days | Compare Plans |
Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$45-$90 | A+ | up to 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$15-$30 | B- | 2 days* | Compare Plans | ||
$34-$75 | A- | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$73 | A+ | 2 days | Compare Plans | ||
$18-$44 | N/R | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$24-$54 | A+ | 15 days | Compare Plans | ||
$25-$54 | B | 1 days | Compare Plans | ||
$39-$72 | B+ | 14 days | Compare Plans | ||
$16-$65 | A+ | 14 days | Compare Plans |
*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 Insurance | Spot Pet Insurance | |
Reimbursement rates | 70%, 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 rates | 70%, 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.
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.