Fetch by The Dodo provides a number of discounts on their pet insurance coverage, however the insurer limits the maximum annual payouts. Soum Nath/Getty Photographs
How would you pay for a medical emergency if your pet required unexpected care? If something bad happens to your pet, a bit of preparation can help you cover unforeseen veterinary costs.
This is when pet insurance may be useful. Pet insurance is a coverage that reimburses a portion of your pet’s medical bills and reduces your overall veterinarian expenses. Even if you can afford the veterinary expenses, pet insurance could possibly save you thousands of dollars if your pet becomes ill or injured.
Popular pet insurer Fetch by The Dodo offers accident and illness plans for dogs and cats. This study will examine Fetch, its pricing and benefits, and how they compare to other pet insurance providers. For more information on Fetch, please click here for a quote.
Overview of Fetch by The Dodo pet insurance
Since 2007, Fetch by The Dodo, originally known as Petplan, has issued pet insurance products. Warburg Pincus acquired the company in 2019 and relaunched it in 2020 as Fetch by The Dodo. Since then, over 280,000 cats and dogs have been insured by Fetch by The Dodo.
According to Fetch, their insurance can be utilized at any veterinarian in the United States or Canada. One plan choice is available for dogs and cats. Similar to most pet insurance providers, Fetch reimburses you for the cost of treating accidents and diseases, such as:
Blood tests and laboratory exams
Prescription pharmaceuticals
Emergency vet visits
Animal hospitalization
Operations, X-rays, and CT scans
While Fetch covers unexpected injuries and illnesses, the insurer does not cover the following normal animal care:
Annual visits
Vaccinations
Sterilization Flea and heartworm treatments
Pre-existing ailments
Cosmetic surgical procedures
How much does pet insurance from Fetch by The Dodo cost?
According to Fetch by The Dodo, the company offers pet insurance with average monthly premiums of $35 for dog insurance and $25 for cat insurance, with potential discounts for pups and kittens.
Fetch provides several choices to tailor your premium to your budget:
You can reduce your monthly premium by increasing your deductible. Fetch offers deductibles of $300, $500, and $700.
You can cut your premium by decreasing your maximum benefit payout. Options for annual coverage limits include $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
You can save money by selecting a lesser reimbursement rate. Options include 70%, 80%, and 90%.
You may be eligible for a price reduction on pet insurance if you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue, if you are an AARP member, a veteran or active-duty military member, or if you are a veterinarian or vet employee. Additionally, licensed medical service pet owners receive a 10% lifetime discount.
If you can secure a reasonable premium, it may be prudent to purchase pet insurance to assist defray the cost of an unanticipated illness or accident for your pet.
The Dodo’s Fetch vs AKC and Odie
Here is a summary of Fetch’s costs compared to those of its competitors.
Retrieve the Dodo
AKC
Odie
Cost*
$121.46 monthly
$59.42 monthly
$30.39 monthly
Annual deductible
$300, $500, $700
$100 to $1,000
$50 to $1,000
Reimbursement percentage
70%, 80%, 90%
70%, 80%, 90%
70%, 80%, 90%
Coverage limits
$5,000, $10,000 and $15,000
$2,500 to unlimited
$5,000, $10,000, $40,000
Multi-pet discount
No
5%
5%
*Estimates are for a 5-year-old, medium-sized, healthy mixed breed dog in Boulder, Colorado. Options for coverage include a $300 deductible, an 80% reimbursement rate, and a maximum coverage amount per provider.
In this comparison, there is a broad variation of prices, with Fetch costing more than AKC Pet Insurance and Odie. The comparison of costs above suggests that Fetch’s prices for senior pets are significantly higher than those of its competitors. Consider that pricing might vary significantly depending on a pet’s age, breed, region, coverage options, and other variables.
It is also important to note that Fetch offers unique features not offered by other pet insurers, as we will discuss shortly. To obtain a free estimate, simply click here.
Pros and downsides of Fetch pet insurance by The Dodo
As with most insurance policies, pet insurance has both advantages and disadvantages. Consider the pros and cons of Fetch by The Dodo’s pet insurance coverage before making a decision.
Fetch pet insurance pros
By registering in direct deposit, you could receive compensation within two business days, which is much faster than other companies that may take 30 days or longer.
You may be eligible to receive a 30% discount on your premium if you do not file any claims. There are further discounts for AARP members, military personnel and veterans, veterinarians, and more.
Eligibility for younger and older pets: Fetch by The Dodo provides coverage for pets as young as six weeks and has no age limit, in contrast to some competitors that limit coverage depending on pet age.
Fetch pet insurance cons
No preventative care coverage: Some pet insurers offer wellness or preventive care plans that cover routine vaccinations and treatments. These plans are unavailable from Fetch.
Fetch does not offer an unlimited annual maximum benefit option, and the maximum benefit is capped at $15,000.
Unique features of this service provider
Fetch by The Dodo’s coverage covers a number of advantages that many other animal insurance providers do not offer without an additional premium or rider.
For instance, Fetch covers exam fees for sick visits to the veterinarian. Additionally, Fetch provides dental and gum coverage for injuries and illnesses. The company also covers the treatment of breed-specific conditions, such as breathing problems in pugs and Frenchies and hip dysplasia in bulldogs and labrador retrievers.
If you are hospitalized for at least four days and are required to board your pet, Fetch will reimburse you up to $1,000 for boarding costs.
The conclusion
As with other insurance policies, it is prudent to obtain tailored pet insurance estimates from at least a few businesses, such as Fetch, to assure the greatest deal. Include the same policy parameters, such as the deductible and yearly benefit, to ensure that you are comparing like policies