Review Summary
We give Fetch by The Dodo a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Treating a sick or injured pet is an agonizing experience that often results in a shocking veterinary bill. Although pet insurance was previously unavailable to pet owners, several insurers now provide policies at various premium, reimbursement, and deductible rates. Fetch by The Dodo, offers comprehensive coverage that other insurance companies lack. For instance, you can be reimbursed for non-routine veterinary exam fees, holistic treatments like acupuncture, chronic and hereditary conditions, periodontal disease, behavioral issues, and more.
Shopping for pet insurance can be as complicated as choosing an auto, life, or home policy, but we’ve researched Fetch’s services extensively so we can provide you with an honest, unbiased review. Read on for details about Fetch and how it differs from other top pet insurance providers.
What Is Fetch? How Does It Work?
In 2007, two concerned pet owners who were dismayed by their veterinary bill for their cat founded an insurance company. In 2022, the company was rebranded as Fetch by The Dodo. Unlike its competitors, Fetch does not include riders or add-ons to its policy. Instead, the company provides one comprehensive accident/illness policy that includes coverage for services that most insurers deny.
Unlike other pet insurance companies, Fetch offers reimbursements for behavioral treatments, dental disease, chronic and hereditary conditions, reward fees for lost pets, and vacation cancellation fees. Fetch is ideal for pet owners with adult pets who prefer comprehensive coverage without the hassle of selecting additional add-ons. You can insure any cat or dog at least 6 weeks old, but Fetch does not cover vaccinations, routine vet fees, or spay and neuter surgery. If you have a kitten or puppy and want to be reimbursed for standard veterinary services, you’re better off choosing another insurer that offers preventative plans for an additional charge.
Fetch Pet Insurance – A Quick Look
Fetch Pricing
Although Fetch only offers one plan, you can customize your reimbursement rate and deductible. Most customers select the 90% reimbursement rate, but you can also select 70% or 80%. The deductible options are: $250, $300, and $500. You’ll pay a lower monthly premium if you choose a higher annual deductible. Your premium cost is based on your pet’s breed, age, and location. On average, most customers pay around $25 monthly for cats and $35 monthly for dogs.
Fetch Benefits
Coverage
Many of the services Fetch covers are only available when you pay extra for add-ons and additional policies from other insurers. Most companies do not cover behavioral issues, but Fetch will reimburse you if your pet struggles with noise phobia, separation anxiety, and other stress-related conditions. The company does not have restrictions for congenital or hereditary conditions and covers all non-routine veterinary expenses, including examination fees, X-rays, and lab work.
Reimbursements and Deductibles
To submit a claim with Fetch, you need a copy of your veterinary invoice and medical records from your most recent veterinary visit. You can visit the Fetch website or use the company’s mobile app to submit your claim, and after answering a few questions, you’ll be reimbursed in approximately 15 days. However, most policyholders that submit claims for accidents and illnesses receive reimbursements in 5 to 7 business days if they choose the direct deposit option. You can select a 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement rate, and the deductible options are $250, $300, and $500 per year. Unlike many insurers with caps on the annual coverage limit for reimbursements, Fetch allows you to choose $5,000, $15,000, or unlimited coverage.
Discounts
AARP members, veterans, and active military personnel can receive up to 10% off their policy from Fetch. If you have a healthy pet, Fetch will reward you with 15% off if you do not submit a claim for 12 months.
Enrollment Waiting Period
The enrollment waiting period is the time you have to wait before your Fetch insurance takes effect. You have to wait 15 days for accidents and illnesses, but if you have a pet with hip dysplasia, patella issues, or cruciate ligament problems, you must wait 6 months for coverage. The company’s waiting period for accidents and illnesses is only slightly longer than the competition, and the 6-month period for congenital conditions is comparable to other insurers’ policies.
Is Fetch a Good Value?
Fetch by The Dodo is not inexpensive, but you receive incredible coverage with the accident/illness policy. It’s one of the only pet insurance companies that provides coverage for behavioral issues, hereditary conditions, non-routine examination fees, and dental treatments. Most insurers have restrictions on what they will reimburse regarding dental care, but Fetch covers all treatments involving your pet’s teeth, including periodontal disease. Because Fetch covers more services than other insurers with its sole policy, we believe it’s an excellent value for pet parents.
FAQ: Fetch By The Dodo
How long do you have to wait for reimbursement?
You’ll typically be reimbursed for veterinary care in 5 to 7 days if you have direct deposit. The maximum time you have to wait without direct deposit is 30 days. It’s vital to file claims as quickly as possible because you cannot get reimbursed if you wait to file after 90 days.
Does Fetch have age restrictions?
Pets must be at least 6 weeks old to enroll, but Fetch does not have age restrictions for older pets like its competitors.
Does Fetch cover virtual vet visits?
Yes, Fetch covers up to $1,000 for virtual veterinary examinations. It also covers holistic treatments that other companies deny, such as acupuncture.
Our Experience With Fetch
We examined several third-party websites for customers’ opinions on Fetch by The Dodo. The company is highly regarded by its clients, and most customers were impressed by the expansive coverage, discounts, and lack of age restrictions. The most positive reviews came from owners of pets with dental issues and hereditary conditions. Most insurers exclude animals with those medical problems, but Fetch customers were grateful they could save money on expensive veterinary services.
Although the company’s website portal and app make filing a claim relatively easy, several customers had issues with the customer service. Some were upset that their premiums unexpectedly increased over time without a customer service representative’s warning, and others struggled to get reimbursed when Fetch asked for additional documentation.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pet insurance company with few restrictions and comprehensive coverage, Fetch by The Dodo is the insurer for you. Some companies offer similar services but require you to pay extra for additional policies and riders. Reimbursements for hereditary issues and severe dental injuries are unheard of in the pet insurance industry, but Fetch covers the conditions and many more. Although it only offers one plan, Fetch by The Dodo provides more coverage and discounts than the competition.
