UPS Pet Insurance Review 2025: Pros, Cons, and Our Verdict
Our expert's opinion on UPS
UPS pet insurance is administered by DVM Insurance Agency and offers U.S. owners accident and illness protection with an optional preventive care tier, presented across three main plans to suit different needs.
The three plans are Major Medical (accident & illness), Major Medical with Wellness (adds preventive care such as vaccinations, dental cleaning, parasite treatment and neutering), and Whole Pet (accident & illness); covered services include emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests and specialist consultations, alternative medicine when veterinarian-prescribed, and a 12-month exclusion for cruciate ligament diagnoses, while sample monthly premiums range from roughly $24.59 for young cats to about $146.70 for older dogs, and reimbursement percentages, annual limits, deductibles and wellness budgets are plan-dependent; compared with major competitors, UPS positions itself as a mid-market option with a clear wellness add-on and competitive entry pricing for young pets, while premiums rise for older or higher-risk breeds.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged dogs and cats who want core accident-and-illness coverage with an optional preventive-care package and breed/age-based pricing.
Administered by DVM Insurance Agency (1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA; phone 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555), UPS carries a provider average rating of 3.3 across offers and provides direct contact points for policy inquiries.
- ✅Three plan tiers with wellness option
- ✅Emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab test coverage
- ✅Specialist consultations
- ✅Veterinarian-prescribed alternative medicine
- ✅Preventive services (vaccinations, dental cleaning) in wellness tier
- ✅Sample premiums by breed and age
- ✅Competitive entry-level pricing for young pets
- ❌Dental cleaning excluded from base plan
- ❌12-month exclusion for cruciate ligament and meniscal conditions
- ❌Boarding fees and non-medical costs not covered
- ❌Wellness benefits restricted to higher-tier plan
- ❌Premium increases significant with age and certain breeds
Score- ✅Three plan tiers with wellness option
- ✅Emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab test coverage
- ✅Specialist consultations
- ✅Veterinarian-prescribed alternative medicine
- ✅Preventive services (vaccinations, dental cleaning) in wellness tier
- ✅Sample premiums by breed and age
- ✅Competitive entry-level pricing for young pets
Our expert's opinion on UPS
- ✅Three plan tiers with wellness option
- ✅Emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab test coverage
- ✅Specialist consultations
- ✅Veterinarian-prescribed alternative medicine
- ✅Preventive services (vaccinations, dental cleaning) in wellness tier
- ✅Sample premiums by breed and age
- ✅Competitive entry-level pricing for young pets
- ❌Dental cleaning excluded from base plan
- ❌12-month exclusion for cruciate ligament and meniscal conditions
- ❌Boarding fees and non-medical costs not covered
- ❌Wellness benefits restricted to higher-tier plan
- ❌Premium increases significant with age and certain breeds
Score- ✅Three plan tiers with wellness option
- ✅Emergency, surgery, imaging, and lab test coverage
- ✅Specialist consultations
- ✅Veterinarian-prescribed alternative medicine
- ✅Preventive services (vaccinations, dental cleaning) in wellness tier
- ✅Sample premiums by breed and age
- ✅Competitive entry-level pricing for young pets
Why trust Hellosafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market each year, providing you with trustworthy and unbiased analysis.
Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
UPS Guarantees
UPS offers three distinct pet insurance plans that cover accidents and illnesses, with one tier that includes preventive care. The three plans are presented as: Major Medical (accident & illness core cover), Major Medical with Wellness (adds preventive and hygiene services), and Whole Pet (an alternative tier focused on accident & illness). Pricing samples provided for a range of dog and cat profiles show material variation by age and breed, reflecting age-related premium increases and plan-based differences in coverage scope.
Key clinical cover features across the plans include emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging and laboratory tests, and specialist consultations. Alternative medicine is eligible when prescribed for a covered condition. The Major Medical with Wellness plan explicitly includes preventive elements such as dental cleaning, vaccinations, parasite treatment and certain routine procedures, while the Major Medical plan excludes dental cleaning and routine preventive items; the Whole Pet tier follows an accident-and-illness positioning with selective preventive features in its product framing.
Reimbursement mechanics, deductibles and annual reimbursement limits are applied at the policy level and vary by plan and profile, as reflected in the differential premium levels by age and breed. Waiting-period rules include a specific 12-month provision related to cruciate ligament and meniscal damage; other waiting-period specifics and lifetime coverage features are defined per plan and underwriting rules. Main strengths of the product suite are the breadth of clinical coverage (including specialist care and diagnostics) and the availability of an integrated wellness option; principal weaknesses include limited coverage of non-medical fees and boarding costs, and exclusions applying to pre-existing and certain elective or non-standard treatments.
| Major Medical | Major Medical with Wellness | Whole Pet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Core accident & illness | Enhanced (accident & illness + wellness) | Alternative accident & illness tier |
| Type of coverage | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness + Wellness | Accident & Illness |
| Animals covered | Dogs, Cats | Dogs, Cats | Dogs, Cats |
| Reimbursement rate | NC | NC | NC |
| Annual reimbursement limit | NC | NC | NC |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | NC | NC | NC |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC | NC | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting period (accident) | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting period (illness) | 12 months for cruciate ligament/meniscal issues; general period NC | 12 months for cruciate ligament/meniscal issues; general period NC | 12 months for cruciate ligament/meniscal issues; general period NC |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, labs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | No | Yes (dental cleaning included) | NC |
| Preventive care (vaccinations, parasite treatment, neutering) | No | Yes (vaccinations, parasite treatment, neutering indicated) | NC |
| Alternative medicine | Yes (if prescribed for a covered condition) | Yes (if prescribed for a covered condition) | Yes (if prescribed for a covered condition) |
| Travel coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | NC | NC | NC |
| Death & cremation coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | NC | NC | NC |
| Boarding fees | No | No | No |
The policies exclude pre-existing conditions and apply specific waiting-period exclusions, notably a 12‑month provision for cruciate ligament and meniscal damage. Intentional acts and treatments not performed by licensed veterinarians are excluded, and behavioral training outside of veterinary clinical treatment is not covered. Experimental, investigational or illegal treatments are excluded, as are costs related to breeding, pregnancy and elective cosmetic procedures.
Preventive and wellness services are available only under the wellness-tier plan, while routine non-medical fees such as boarding, transportation, grooming and administrative charges are not covered under the standard medical tiers. Policyholders should note the presence of age- and profile-driven premium differences and that coverage limits, reimbursement rates and deductible arrangements are determined at the plan and underwriting level.
UPS Exclusions
The policy excludes standard medical exceptions such as pre-existing conditions and specific waiting-period exclusions, with a clear 12‑month exclusion applying to cruciate ligament and meniscal damage.
Behavioral treatments performed outside a licensed veterinary setting and non-prescribed dietary items are excluded, while prescribed therapeutic pet food remains permissible under medical coverage.
Non-medical fees—including boarding, transport, grooming, administrative charges and non-medical supplies—are not covered, and experimental, investigational or illegal treatments (including substances illegal under federal law) are explicitly excluded.
Breeding- and pregnancy-related costs, elective cosmetic procedures, intentional acts by the owner, and conditions resulting from major events such as war or nuclear release are also excluded.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing conditions: any condition manifested or contracted up to 12 months before the policy effective date or during a waiting period. |
| Waiting periods & specific exclusions | 12-month exclusion for cruciate ligament and meniscal damage; other waiting-period specifics N.C. |
| Behavioral & training exclusions | Behavioral treatment not performed by a licensed veterinarian; general obedience training excluded. |
| Nutrition & food exclusions | Any food other than prescribed therapeutic pet food; over-the-counter, raw, or custom diets not covered. |
| Non-medical fees & services | Boarding costs, transportation, grooming, administrative fees (e.g., record copying, taxes), and non-medical supplies (crates, toys) excluded. |
| Experimental & illegal treatments | Treatments considered experimental or investigational and treatments/substances illegal under federal law are excluded. |
| Breeding & cosmetic exclusions | Costs related to breeding, pregnancy, and cosmetic procedures (ear cropping, tail docking, declawing) excluded. |
| Intentional acts & major events | Conditions intentionally caused by the owner or household member excluded; conditions resulting from acts of war, rebellion, or nuclear radiation excluded. |
UPS Prices
UPS’s price positioning sits between entry-level and mid-range tiers, with a clear gradation across its three formulas that lets owners trade monthly cost for added services. Younger, common-breed animals show relatively competitive premiums, while older animals see marked increases that reflect age-related risk pricing; the availability of a dedicated wellness tier and a “Whole Pet” alternative tier helps the insurer span both cost-sensitive and more comprehensive segments.
Reimbursement rates, deductible structures and annual limits drive competitiveness by determining out-of-pocket exposure for claim events, and these elements vary by plan and animal profile. Key differentiators in UPS’s offering include a wellness-enhanced formula and acceptance of alternative medicine when prescribed for covered conditions, which can justify higher premiums versus more basic accident-and-illness products offered by traditional players.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Major Medical | Major Medical with Wellness | Whole Pet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $56.99 | $80.59 | $81.26 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $63.26 | $86.26 | $91.09 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $123.10 | $146.70 | N.C. |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $38.23 | $59.25 | $61.83 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $42.43 | $66.03 | $67.07 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $87.57 | $106.17 | N.C. |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $56.72 | $80.32 | $101.75 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $62.96 | $86.56 | $121.20 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $122.52 | $146.12 | N.C. |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $24.59 | $48.19 | $42.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $25.08 | $48.68 | $53.52 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $47.45 | $71.05 | $81.37 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $27.87 | $51.47 | $40.03 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $28.43 | $52.03 | $50.23 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $53.80 | $77.40 | $76.37 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $25.18 | $48.78 | $44.04 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $25.68 | $49.28 | $55.26 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $48.60 | $72.28 | $84.02 |
UPS Promo Codes
| UPS Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
The reimbursement amount with UPS
✅ Example 1: Emergency surgery for foreign body removal
Total vet costs: $2,500 (surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Premium plan: $2,500 – $100 = $2,400
85% of that amount reimbursed: $2,400 × 85% = $2,040
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $2,040.
ℹ️ The annual deductible applies once per policy year; the reimbursement percentage is applied to the remaining eligible amount after the deductible.
✅ Example 2: Specialist consultation and diagnostic imaging for chronic ear issue
Total vet costs: $450 (specialist consult, otoscopy, cytology, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable at 85% with the Premium plan: $450 × 85% = $382.50
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $382.50.
ℹ️ This reimbursement is taken from your annual coverage limit and reduces the remaining available benefit for the policy year.
✅ Example 3: Annual preventive care (vaccinations, parasite treatment, dental cleaning)
Total vet costs: $220 (wellness exam, vaccines, parasite meds, dental cleaning)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already covered earlier in the year)
Amount reimbursable at 85% with the Premium plan: $220 × 85% = $187.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $187.00.
ℹ️ Some wellness items may be subject to specific sub-limits or frequency limits under the wellness component of the plan.
UPS Assistance
UPS provides financial coverage for emergency veterinary treatment and specialist consultations within its medical plans, giving owners support for acute clinical events.
Advance payment arrangements at clinics, installment payment options, and a dedicated mobile app: N.C.
Paperless claims processing and a 24/7 tele‑veterinary hotline: N.C.
Boarding fees are explicitly not covered, which reduces assistance options for owners needing temporary care arrangements during prolonged treatment or owner absence.
| Assistance UPS | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | N.C. | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | N.C. | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | N.C. | N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | N.C. | Clinical emergency treatment is covered under the plans. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | N.C. | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | N.C. | N.C. |
Customer Reviews on UPS
Customers commonly praise UPS for covering emergency treatment and providing access to specialist consultations, with imaging and laboratory diagnostics repeatedly cited as meaningful benefits; owners who choose the wellness tier also value the inclusion of preventive care items that reduce routine out-of-pocket spend. At the same time, reviewers often raise concerns about opaque reimbursement mechanics and annual coverage limits, the effect of waiting periods—notably the 12-month exclusion for cruciate ligament issues—and exclusions for pre-existing conditions and non-medical costs such as boarding; increasing premiums for older pets are another frequent point of dissatisfaction.
Contact UPS
| UPS Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. Other online subscription channels: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Process: N.C. Required documents (receipts, medical records): N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. Reimbursement method (bank transfer, check): N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | You can request a certificate by phone or postal mail. Phone: 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555. Mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821. Email/online portal request options: N.C. Information required to issue certificate: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555. Postal mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821. Email: N.C. Online portal / live chat: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | To cancel: contact customer service by phone or postal mail using the phone numbers and address above. Required cancellation details (policy number, owner identity): N.C. Deadlines and refund conditions: N.C. |
Other online subscription channels: N.C.
Required documents (receipts, medical records): N.C.
Deadlines for submission: N.C.
Reimbursement method (bank transfer, check): N.C.
Phone: 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555.
Mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821.
Email/online portal request options: N.C.
Information required to issue certificate: N.C.
Postal mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821.
Email: N.C.
Online portal / live chat: N.C.
Required cancellation details (policy number, owner identity): N.C.
Deadlines and refund conditions: N.C.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with UPS?
Direct billing arrangements vary by plan; confirm with customer service whether your chosen UPS plan supports direct billing to the clinic.
If direct billing is available the clinic will bill the insurer and you won’t need to pay the full amount at checkout.
If not, you will pay the clinic at point of care and submit the itemized invoice for reimbursement.
Keep originals of invoices and medical records to speed claim processing.
Expect reimbursement after claim validation according to your plan’s procedures.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with UPS?
Contact customer service by phone or in writing to request cancellation and to confirm the effective date; phone numbers are 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555 and mailing address is DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821.
Provide your policy number, pet and owner details, and a signed cancellation request if required.
Ask for written confirmation showing the policy end date and any refund calculation.
Refunds, notice periods and retained premiums are applied according to your contract terms.
What waiting periods apply before illness or specific conditions are covered?
There is a 12‑month specific waiting period for cruciate ligament and meniscal damage; other waiting periods depend on the condition and the plan selected.
Accident cover may have a different or shorter waiting period; consult your policy schedule for exact timeframes.
If a condition appears before coverage is active it may be considered pre‑existing and excluded.
Preventive and wellness items can have separate waiting rules and frequency limits.
What reimbursement rates, deductibles and annual limits should I expect?
Reimbursement percentages, deductible amounts and annual limits vary by plan and chosen options, so the exact figures are listed in your policy schedule.
The deductible is typically applied per policy year before reimbursement percentages are calculated.
Higher reimbursement percentages or higher annual limits generally correspond to higher premiums.
Confirm your chosen reimbursement rate and annual cap before treatment to understand potential out‑of‑pocket costs.
What preventive care and exclusions are included under the wellness option?
The Major Medical with Wellness plan includes preventive services such as vaccinations, dental cleaning, parasite treatment and neutering under its wellness component.
Standard exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, experimental treatments, breeding and cosmetic procedures, and non‑medical fees.
Frequency limits or sub‑limits may apply to wellness items, so verify allowed services and intervals in your contract.
Alternative medicine can be covered when prescribed for a covered condition, but cosmetic or elective procedures are not.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with UPS?
Direct billing arrangements vary by plan; confirm with customer service whether your chosen UPS plan supports direct billing to the clinic.
If direct billing is available the clinic will bill the insurer and you won’t need to pay the full amount at checkout.
If not, you will pay the clinic at point of care and submit the itemized invoice for reimbursement.
Keep originals of invoices and medical records to speed claim processing.
Expect reimbursement after claim validation according to your plan’s procedures.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with UPS?
Contact customer service by phone or in writing to request cancellation and to confirm the effective date; phone numbers are 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555 and mailing address is DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821.
Provide your policy number, pet and owner details, and a signed cancellation request if required.
Ask for written confirmation showing the policy end date and any refund calculation.
Refunds, notice periods and retained premiums are applied according to your contract terms.
What waiting periods apply before illness or specific conditions are covered?
There is a 12‑month specific waiting period for cruciate ligament and meniscal damage; other waiting periods depend on the condition and the plan selected.
Accident cover may have a different or shorter waiting period; consult your policy schedule for exact timeframes.
If a condition appears before coverage is active it may be considered pre‑existing and excluded.
Preventive and wellness items can have separate waiting rules and frequency limits.
What reimbursement rates, deductibles and annual limits should I expect?
Reimbursement percentages, deductible amounts and annual limits vary by plan and chosen options, so the exact figures are listed in your policy schedule.
The deductible is typically applied per policy year before reimbursement percentages are calculated.
Higher reimbursement percentages or higher annual limits generally correspond to higher premiums.
Confirm your chosen reimbursement rate and annual cap before treatment to understand potential out‑of‑pocket costs.
What preventive care and exclusions are included under the wellness option?
The Major Medical with Wellness plan includes preventive services such as vaccinations, dental cleaning, parasite treatment and neutering under its wellness component.
Standard exclusions include pre‑existing conditions, experimental treatments, breeding and cosmetic procedures, and non‑medical fees.
Frequency limits or sub‑limits may apply to wellness items, so verify allowed services and intervals in your contract.
Alternative medicine can be covered when prescribed for a covered condition, but cosmetic or elective procedures are not.
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