Fetch (formerly Petplan, now partnered with The Dodo) is one of the most complete pet insurers around, and it is AARP’s chosen provider. It covers things most rivals do not: vet exam fees, the broadest dental coverage, virtual vet visits up to $1,000, and even boarding fees if you are in the hospital. The honest trade-off: it is premium-priced (often one of the costlier options), has no multi-pet discount and no accident-only plan, and has a 6-month wait for orthopedic issues. If you will use its broad coverage, Fetch is genuinely good value. If you want the cheapest plan, it is not it.

Fetch Pet Insurance Review (Ratings) at a Glance

Measure	Fetch Pet Insurance (2026)
Overall take	Very complete coverage; premium price
Underwriter	XL Specialty Insurance Company (AXA XL), S&P A+
Independent ratings	NerdWallet 4.1/5; high Trustpilot and BBB; MoneyGeek dings the price
Notable backers	Recommended by The Dodo; AARP’s pet insurance provider
Claims model	Reimbursement (any vet in the US or Canada)
Stand-out coverage	Exam fees, dental, telehealth, boarding, lost-pet costs
Best for	Owners who want maximum coverage and will use the extras
Worst for	Budget shoppers and multi-pet households

Fetch Pet Insurance Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Fetch Pet Insurance (2026)
Plan	One comprehensive Accident & Illness plan (no accident-only)
Annual limits	$5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited (custom by phone)
Reimbursement	70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductibles	$250–$2,500 (custom increments available)
Covers	Exam fees, dental, behavioral, telehealth, boarding, lost-pet costs
Doesn’t cover	Pre-existing, prescription food, routine care (wellness is add-on)
Waiting periods	15 days accident/illness; 6 months orthopedic (knee waiver available)
Availability	US and Canada (not Quebec or New Brunswick)
Age limit	None (enroll from 6 weeks)
Multi-pet discount	None

The Pet Insurance That Covers the Stuff You Didn’t Know to Ask About

Most pet insurance reviews focus on the obvious: accidents and illnesses. But the moment you are actually living through a pet emergency, the gaps in a cheaper policy show up in odd places. The exam fee that is not covered. The dental work that is excluded. The boarding bill when you end up in the hospital yourself. Fetch, the insurer recommended by The Dodo and chosen by AARP, built its reputation on closing exactly those gaps.

That breadth is Fetch’s whole story, and it cuts both ways. You get unusually complete coverage, including extras almost no competitor bundles in. You also pay for it, Fetch is consistently one of the pricier options, with no multi-pet discount. So the real question is not “is Fetch good?” (it is), but “is its complete coverage worth the higher price for your pet?” This review answers that, with the full coverage list, the real costs, the honest trade-offs, and who it suits. Let us dig in.

What Is Fetch Pet Insurance (Formerly Petplan)?

A bit of background, because the name has changed. Fetch was previously known as Petplan, one of the longest-running pet insurers. It rebranded as Fetch (by The Dodo) through a partnership with The Dodo, the popular animal media brand that recommends it. It is also the pet insurance provider chosen by AARP, a notable endorsement. Fetch is an administrator. Its policies are underwritten by XL Specialty Insurance Company (part of AXA XL), an international carrier with an S&P A+ rating, so the financial backing is strong. Fetch operates in both the United States and Canada (all Canadian provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick).

So Fetch is legitimate, established, and well-backed, with brand credibility from The Dodo and AARP. The thing to examine is its value: lots of coverage, at a premium price.

How Fetch’s Comprehensive Coverage Works

Here is the structure. Fetch offers one comprehensive Accident & Illness plan (there is no cheaper accident-only option). You customize three dials: your annual limit ($5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited by request), your reimbursement rate (70%, 80%, or 90%), and your deductible ($250 to $2,500, with custom increments available by phone). After you meet your deductible, Fetch pays back your chosen percentage of covered bills up to your limit. There is no upper age limit (enroll from 6 weeks old), and Fetch does not exclude any breeds.

The covered list is broad: accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, diagnostics and imaging, prescription medications, alternative therapies, and, importantly, vet exam/sick-visit fees (including at emergency and specialist hospitals), which several competitors exclude. You can take your pet to any licensed vet in the US or Canada, including ER and specialty clinics. Optional wellness add-ons (three tiers: Essentials, Advantage, Prime) cover routine care like vaccines and dental cleanings, with no waiting period.

The Extras That Set Fetch Apart

This is where Fetch earns its “most complete” reputation, and where the price goes. Beyond standard accident-and-illness care, Fetch’s plan includes several extras that come standard, not as add-ons:

• Comprehensive dental, covering injury and gum disease across all adult teeth, among the broadest dental coverage in the industry.
• Virtual vet visits (telehealth) up to $1,000 per year, included at no extra cost, with no copay, so you can call, text, or video-chat a vet anytime.
• Boarding fees up to $1,000 if you are in the hospital for more than 96 hours and can’t care for your pet.
• Behavioral therapy for covered behavioral conditions.
• Advertising and reward costs if your pet is lost or stolen, plus reimbursement if your pet dies or is stolen (within terms).
• Vacation cancellation costs if your pet has a covered emergency before a trip.

Most insurers cover none or only one or two of these. If you would actually use them, this breadth is real, tangible value. If you would not, you are partly paying for coverage you will not touch, which is the crux of the Fetch decision.

Do All Vets Accept Fetch Pet Insurance?

Yes, effectively all of them. Like most pet insurers, Fetch uses a reimbursement model with no networks, in fact, Fetch’s own line is that “all vets are in our network.” You can visit any licensed vet in the US or Canada, including emergency and specialty clinics, pay the bill, and submit a claim to get paid back. There is no in-network or out-of-network to check. The only practical thing to know is the reimbursement timing: you pay upfront and get paid back after the claim is processed (more on the direct-pay question below).

What Fetch Covers and Doesn’t (Heart Murmurs, Diabetes)

Let us be precise about the limits. Fetch covers new accidents and illnesses with no restrictions on hereditary or congenital conditions, so things like heart murmurs and diabetes are generally covered, as long as they are not pre-existing, meaning they first appear and are diagnosed after your coverage starts and any waiting period ends. If your pet showed symptoms or was diagnosed before sign-up (or during the waiting period), that condition is excluded as pre-existing, which is standard across the industry.

What Fetch does not cover: pre-existing conditions, prescription food (a notable exclusion), cosmetic procedures, routine/wellness care unless you add a wellness plan, and anything during the waiting periods. There is also no accident-only plan, so you can’t buy a cheaper injuries-only policy. The takeaway on conditions like heart murmurs, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or cancer is the same as with any insurer: sign up while your pet is young and healthy, before anything becomes “pre-existing.”

How Much Does Fetch Cost? Is It Inexpensive?

Let us be straight, because “good inexpensive pet insurance” is a common search and Fetch is not quite that. Fetch is complete but premium-priced. Independent data puts its averages around $77/month for dogs and $36/month for cats, above the market average, and there is no multi-pet discount to soften the cost for multi-animal homes. Reviewers consistently rate Fetch’s coverage highly while flagging its price as its main weakness (MoneyGeek scores it lower largely because of cost; NerdWallet still rates it 4.1/5 for its strong coverage).

So is it worth it? Here is the math that decides it. Suppose your dog needs $5,000 of treatment after an accident, including a $90 exam fee and some dental work, with a $300 deductible and 80% reimbursement:

• You pay the vet $5,000.
• Fetch subtracts your $300 deductible, leaving $4,700.
• Fetch pays back 80%, about $3,760 to you.
• Crucially, because Fetch covers exam fees and broad dental, parts of that bill a cheaper policy would have excluded are included here, adding real dollars back.

That is the value. On a complex bill that touches exam fees, dental, or the other extras, Fetch’s breadth can pay back more than a cheaper plan would, narrowing or erasing the price gap. But if your pet only ever has simple, straightforward claims, you may be paying a premium for coverage you do not use. Fetch is “worth it” when you would use its breadth; it is overkill when you would not. If your priority is the lowest possible premium, cheaper insurers exist, just check what they exclude.

Does Fetch Pay the Vet Directly?

A common and important question. No, Fetch uses the reimbursement model, you pay the vet, then Fetch pays you back. It does not pay the vet directly at checkout. If direct-to-vet payment is a priority (so you do not have to pay a large bill upfront), Trupanion is the best-known insurer that pays participating vets directly. Fetch’s strength is breadth of coverage, not payment mechanics. So if cash flow during an emergency is your main concern, weigh that difference. For most owners who can pay upfront and get paid back within a few days, the reimbursement model is fine.

Fetch Pet Insurance Pros and Cons

A balanced summary.

Pros:

• Very complete coverage, including exam fees, broad dental, behavioral therapy, and telehealth.
• Unique standard extras: boarding fees if you are hospitalized, lost/stolen-pet advertising and rewards, vacation cancellation.
• Strong backing and credibility: XL Specialty (S&P A+), recommended by The Dodo, AARP’s provider.
• Any vet in the US or Canada; no upper age limit; no breed exclusions.
• Optional wellness plans with no waiting period; customizable limits up to unlimited.

Cons:

• Premium pricing, often one of the costlier insurers.
• No multi-pet discount, a real drawback for multi-animal homes.
• No accident-only plan for budget buyers.
• 6-month orthopedic waiting period (knee waiver available with a vet exam in 30 days).
• Does not cover prescription food; may charge a one-time enrollment fee.

Who Fetch Is Right For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)

This decides it.

Fetch is a great fit if you want the most complete coverage and will use the extras, exam fees, comprehensive dental, telehealth, boarding, lost-pet costs, and you value the credibility of The Dodo and AARP behind it. For owners who want a single, do-it-all policy and do not mind paying for breadth, Fetch delivers.

You should look elsewhere if price is your priority (cheaper, more basic insurers exist), if you have multiple pets (the lack of a multi-pet discount stings), if you want an accident-only budget option, or if direct-to-vet payment matters (consider Trupanion). The honest move: quote Fetch against two competitors for the same deductible, limit, and reimbursement, then weigh Fetch’s broader coverage against its higher price. If you would use the extras, Fetch often justifies the cost; if not, a leaner plan may serve you better.

Is Fetch Good? Reviews, BBB, Reddit, and Complaints

Let us look at the real record. Outside reviewers generally rate Fetch well for coverage: NerdWallet gives it 4.1 out of 5, and it keeps high Trustpilot and BBB ratings while ranking around sixth nationally for customer experience in one analysis. Customers often praise the breadth of coverage and the telehealth benefit.

That said, the reviews are not all glowing, and honesty matters here. On Reddit, Google, and consumer review sites, the recurring complaints are about the high cost and premium increases at renewal, occasional claim or deductible confusion (some customers were surprised by how deductibles applied to separate conditions or procedures), and, in some cases, customer-service frustration, with a share of strongly negative reviews, particularly noted in Canada. None of this is unusual for a premium, comprehensive insurer, and it does not indicate Fetch fails to pay valid claims; its coverage and claims reputation are genuinely strong. But go in knowing you are buying a higher-priced product, and read exactly how your deductible applies. Judge Fetch on that balance: excellent coverage and credibility, at a premium price with the usual pet-insurance frictions.

Fetch in Canada and Australia

Quick clarity, since people search both. Fetch operates in the United States and Canada (Canadian coverage is available in all provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick), underwritten appropriately in each country. For Australia, this Fetch (the North American insurer) is not the provider, Australian pet owners should compare insurers licensed in Australia, as it is a separate market with different companies. If you are in the US or Canada (outside Quebec/New Brunswick), Fetch is available to you.

Fetch vs Pets Best and the Wider Field

Since “which pet insurance is best” and “Pets Best” both show up in searches, here is the quick comparison. Pets Best is generally cheaper than Fetch, with a shorter accident waiting period and a multi-pet discount, but less complete (fewer bundled extras). Fetch wins on breadth, exam fees, dental, telehealth, and the unique extras, but costs more. Against the broader field: Spot and Pumpkin also cover exam fees and tend to price lower than Fetch; Trupanion pays vets directly; Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage but excludes exam fees. There is no single #1 pet insurance, the best depends on whether you weight price (Pets Best, Lemonade), breadth (Fetch), payout (Pumpkin), or direct pay (Trupanion). Quote a few for your specific pet.

Sharing My Experience: Pay for the Coverage You’ll Actually Use

After 16 years working with insurance, the mistake I saw most with comprehensive products like Fetch was not buying too little. It was buying breadth people never used, or skipping breadth they desperately needed, without knowing which they were doing. Owners would either grab the cheapest plan and get blindsided when the exam fee and dental were not covered, or pay top dollar for extras (boarding, lost-pet advertising) that did not fit their life at all. Both were avoidable with five minutes of honest thinking.

Here is the insight I would give anyone weighing Fetch. Map your real risks before you map the price. Do you travel and worry about boarding if you are in the hospital? Does your breed have dental or hereditary issues? Would you actually use telehealth? If yes, Fetch’s breadth is worth paying for, those extras quietly pay you back on real claims, and exam-fee coverage alone adds up over a pet’s life. If your pet is young, healthy, and your needs are simple, a leaner, cheaper policy may serve you just as well. Do not buy the most coverage or the least. Buy the coverage that matches how you and your pet actually live. That match, not the brand or the headline price, is what makes a policy “worth it.”

Fetch Pet Insurance Review: The Bottom Line

Fetch is a genuinely excellent, complete pet insurer, arguably the most complete coverage on the market, with exam fees, broad dental, telehealth, and extras (boarding, lost-pet costs) that competitors simply do not bundle, all backed by a strong underwriter and the credibility of The Dodo and AARP. Its honest weaknesses are price and the lack of a multi-pet discount. Fetch is premium, and it will not be the cheapest quote you get. The smart approach is to decide based on fit, not headline cost. If you would use Fetch’s breadth, it frequently justifies the higher premium and can even out-pay a cheaper plan on complex bills. If your needs are simple or you have several pets, a leaner option may win. Quote it against Spot, Pumpkin, and Pets Best on the same terms, sign up while your pet is healthy, and choose the coverage that matches your real life.

Conclusion

Fetch pet insurance is legitimate, highly complete, and well-backed, the insurer recommended by The Dodo and chosen by AARP, covering exam fees, broad dental, telehealth, and unique extras most rivals exclude. Its trade-offs are real: premium pricing, no multi-pet discount, no accident-only plan, and a 6-month orthopedic wait. For owners who will use its breadth, Fetch is very good value; for budget shoppers or multi-pet homes, cheaper options may fit better. Compare it on the same terms, sign up early, and judge it by how well its coverage matches your pet’s actual needs.

FAQs

Is Fetch Pet Insurance good? 

Yes. Fetch offers some of the most complete coverage available, including exam fees, broad dental, telehealth, and unique extras like boarding fees, backed by a strong underwriter (XL Specialty, S&P A+) and recommended by The Dodo. NerdWallet rates it 4.1/5. Its main drawback is premium pricing.

Do all vets accept Fetch insurance? 

In effect, yes. Fetch uses a reimbursement model with no networks, so you can visit any licensed vet in the US or Canada, including emergency and specialty clinics. You pay the bill and submit a claim to get paid back, there is no in-network or out-of-network.

Does Fetch pay the vet directly? 

No. Fetch pays you back after you pay the vet; it does not pay vets directly at checkout. If direct-to-vet payment is a priority, Trupanion is the best-known insurer that pays participating vets directly. Most owners who can pay upfront find Fetch’s reimbursement model works fine.

Will Fetch cover heart murmurs? 

Generally yes, if the heart murmur first appears after your coverage starts (and any waiting period ends). If it was diagnosed or showed symptoms before sign-up, it is pre-existing and excluded. Fetch does not restrict hereditary or congenital conditions that arise after coverage begins.

Is diabetes covered by pet insurance? 

Yes, by Fetch and most insurers, as long as it is not pre-existing. If diabetes is diagnosed after your coverage starts and the waiting period ends, treatment is typically covered. If it pre-dates sign-up, it is excluded. Sign up early so future conditions are covered.

What does Fetch cover that others don’t? 

Standard extras like vet exam fees, comprehensive dental (injury and gum disease), telehealth up to $1,000/year, boarding fees if you are hospitalized 96+ hours, lost/stolen-pet advertising and rewards, and vacation cancellation. Few competitors bundle these in.

What does Fetch not cover? 

Pre-existing conditions, prescription food, cosmetic procedures, routine/wellness care (unless you add a wellness plan), and anything during waiting periods. There is also no accident-only plan. Breeding/pregnancy and orthopedic issues have specific rules and waiting periods.

How much does Fetch pet insurance cost? 

On average around $77/month for dogs and $36/month for cats, above the market average, and there is no multi-pet discount. Your price depends on your pet’s breed, age, location, and your chosen deductible, limit, and reimbursement rate. It is premium-priced for its complete coverage.

Is Fetch good, inexpensive pet insurance? 

Fetch is good but not inexpensive, it is one of the pricier insurers, reflecting its broad coverage. If your priority is the lowest premium, insurers like Pets Best or Lemonade are typically cheaper, though less complete. Fetch is better framed as high-value than low-cost.

Is Fetch available in Canada and Australia? 

Fetch operates in the US and Canada (all provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick). It is not the provider in Australia, that is a separate market with different insurers. If you are in the US or Canada (outside Quebec/New Brunswick), Fetch is available.

Does Fetch have a waiting period? 

Yes, up to 15 days for accidents and illnesses, and 6 months for orthopedic issues (cruciate, patella, hip dysplasia). The orthopedic/knee waiting period can be waived if a vet examines your pet within 30 days of sign-up. Wellness add-ons have no waiting period.

Is Fetch better than Pets Best? 

They serve different priorities. Pets Best is cheaper with a multi-pet discount and shorter accident waiting period but is less complete. Fetch covers more (exam fees, broad dental, telehealth, extras) but costs more. Choose Pets Best for value, Fetch for breadth.

What is the most highly rated pet insurance? 

There is no single answer, ratings vary by source and by what you value. Fetch rates well for coverage (NerdWallet 4.1/5, high Trustpilot/BBB), while Spot, Pumpkin, and ASPCA also rate highly. Compare a few insurers for your specific pet and priorities.

What is the #1 pet insurance? 

There is no universal #1. The best depends on whether you weight breadth (Fetch), payout (Pumpkin), price (Pets Best, Lemonade), or direct vet pay (Trupanion). Fetch is a top pick specifically for complete coverage. Get quotes from several for your pet.

Is there any pet insurance actually worth it? 

Yes, for unexpected, expensive vet bills, insurance usually pays off if you sign up early (before pre-existing conditions) and pick meaningful coverage. Fetch is “worth it” when you would use its broad coverage; for simple needs, a cheaper plan may suffice. It is less valuable purely for routine care.

Why did my Fetch premium go up? 

Like most pet insurers, Fetch raises premiums over time as pets age and vet costs rise, and Fetch starts above average. Some customers also report surprise at how deductibles apply. Read your renewal and deductible terms, and compare alternatives if the increase is steep.

About the Author

Md Shahinuzzaman is an insurance and out-of-pocket healthcare cost specialist with 16 years in banking and insurance. He covers pet, life, auto, and home coverage for everyday people. He ties every rating and number to a named source, matches coverage to real-life needs rather than marketing, explains exclusions and extras in plain words, and helps owners choose the right plan before they need it.

Reviewed June 2026 · 

Sources

1. Pet Insurance Review — Fetch (reimbursement 70/80/90%, limits $5k/$10k/unlimited, no upper age limit, 15-day and 6-month orthopedic waiting periods, exclusions, The Dodo recommendation): https://www.petinsurancereview.com/insurers/fetch
2. U.S. News — Fetch Pet Insurance Review 2026 (three wellness tiers, unique standard coverages: advertising/rewards, straying/theft, vacation cancellation; customizable deductible/reimbursement/limit; death-claim conditions): https://www.usnews.com/insurance/pet-insurance/fetch
3. NerdWallet — Fetch Pet Insurance Review (4.1/5, boarding fees if hospitalized 4+ days, exam fees, dental, behavioral therapy, telehealth $1,000, no accident-only, no prescription food, $250–$2,500 deductible): https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/pet/fetch-pet-insurance-review
4. MoneyGeek — Fetch Pet Insurance Review 2026 (scores 2.95 cats/2.70 dogs, premiums above average, $77/mo dogs and $36/mo cats, 6th for customer experience, high Trustpilot/BBB, 15-day accident wait): https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/pet/fetch-review/
5. Yahoo Finance — Fetch Pet Insurance Review (limits $5k/$10k/$15k, deductibles by species, no multi-pet discount, 6-month orthopedic wait, boarding if hospitalized 96+ hours, wellness tiers Essentials/Advantage/Prime): https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/insurance/review/fetch-pet-insurance-review-222104305.html
6. FindInsurance — Fetch Pet Insurance Review 2026 (90% reimbursement, 6-month hip/knee wait with 30-day waiver, boarding $1,000, no breed exclusions, any vet US/Canada): https://findinsurance.com/pet-insurance/reviews/fetch-by-dodo
7. Fetch (official) — coverage and telehealth (all vets in network, US/Canada, online vet visits up to $1,000 no copay, common config $10k/$300/80%): https://www.fetchpet.com/
8. ConsumersAdvocate — Fetch Canada Review (underwritten by XL Specialty S&P A+, licensed all provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick, non-routine exam fees covered, comprehensive dental, AARP provider, mixed customer reviews): https://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance-canada/c/fetch-canada
9. AM Best / S&P — XL Specialty Insurance Company (AXA XL) financial-strength rating: https://www.ambest.com/
10. Consumer Reports — Best Pet Insurance Companies 2026 (independent satisfaction context including Fetch): https://www.consumerreports.org/money/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance-companies-a4738423520/