How does Trupanion pet insurance work?
Trupanion’s single insurance plan is available for pets up to the age of 14. Customers can submit claims and policy details online via the website or download a paper form if they prefer more traditional methods. Your monthly payment amount will be calculated using the age, breed, sex, and location of your pet plus the level of deductible you selected.
The benefits of Trupanion pet insurance
Trupanion policies run month to month, so you don’t have to wait until your annual renewal to adjust your pet’s cover, although we don’t think you’ll need to thanks to unlimited lifetime coverage and no annual payout limits. You can also rest easy knowing your insurance premium won’t increase as your pet ages and older pets can still be covered for hip dysplasia. But an even bigger benefit is the possibility to have your vet paid directly through Trupanion’s unique software. This not only avoids you having to pay a large lump sum for treatment but also means you don’t have to wait for reimbursement.
Trupanion plans explained
Trupanion has tried to keep things as simple as possible with one plan and no routine care coverage. It’s not possible to customize your reimbursement level (90%) but you can choose a deductible amount to be anywhere between $0 and $1,000. Your premium will stay at a fixed rate as your pet ages and Trupanion have an unlimited coverage cap. The Recovery and Complementary Care package is an optional extra which covers your pet for alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and behavior therapy. Veterinarians can also put you forward for The Trupanion Offer Program which is a 30-day trial of Trupanion coverage without a waiting period or upfront payment – as long as you activate within 24 hours.
What does Trupanion pet insurance cover?
Trupanion covers everything from diagnosis and medication to surgery and hospitalization. Congenital conditions, hereditary issues, undiagnosed problems, prosthetics, and non-routine dental coverage are also covered. Our reviewers were happy with the comprehensive insurance.
Trupanion coverage vs. other insurers
How does Trupanion stack up against America’s other providers? Have a look in our handy table!
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|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|
| Annual coverage options | Unlimited | $5000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, Unlimited | $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 | $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited | $20,000 | $10,000 | $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 |
|---|
| Deductible options | $0-$1,000 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750 | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $300, $500, $700 | $100, $250, $500 | $250, $500, $1,000 | $250 | $50, $100, $250, $500 |
|---|
| Reimbursement options | 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70, 80, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 90% | 90%, 100% | 50%, 70% | 70%, 80%, 90% |
|---|
| When does coverage start? | 5-30 days | 2-14 days | 2 days accidents / 14 days illnesses | 15 days | 2-14 days | 1-14 days | 15 days | 3-14 days | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days | 14 days | 15 days | 14 days | 1-14 days |
|---|
| Maximum age at sign up | 14 years | 14 years | 14 years for illness (no max for accident) | 14 years | 14 years for illness, no max for accident | No maximum | 13 years | No maximum | 18 years | No maximum | No maximum | No maximum | 16 years | 20 years | No maximum |
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| Are vet exam fees included at no extra cost? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental accidents covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental illnesses covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a wellness plan offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a virtual vet/telehealth service? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| End of life coverage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a multi-pet discount offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a charge for paying monthly? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there an app to make claims? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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*Coverage is based on choosing unlimited coverage, 250 deductible and 90% reimbursement
Is Trupanion pet insurance good value for money?
With 90% of eligible healthcare being reimbursed and no annual or per-incident claim limit, we’d say you can definitely get your money’s worth. Premiums don’t increase with the age of your pet, either.
| 4-month-old Mixed Breed Medium | 2-year-old Golden Retriever | 6-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat |
|---|
| Los Angeles | New York | Florida |
|---|
| | | |
| Paw Protect | $32.79/month | $66.76/month | $29.13/month |
| Wagmo | $34.42/month | $58.95/month | $36.00/month |
| Pumpkin | $65.54/month | $87.30/month | $30.39/month |
How good is Trupanion’s customer service?
Most of our reviewers were satisfied with Trupanion’s customer service, mostly thanks to the 24/7 helpline and fast responses they received on live chat.
How do I contact Trupanion?
Call Trupanion on its 24/7 toll-free number (888-733-2685) or use the live chat function on the website. You can also submit a question on the contact us page or via Trupanion’s social media channels. The US mailing address is 6100 4th Avenue, South Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98108. Generic enquiries can be sent to
info@Trupanion.com.
What is Trupanion’s claims process?
Trupanion has an app where claims can be submitted and you can submit a claim form on the website, via fax or by email along with your invoice to
Claims@trupanion.com. Your claim will then be reviewed by Trupanion which may request your pet’s medical records from your vet. Check the status of your claim using your online portal and if unsatisfied, ask your vet to appeal the decision. Trupanion can pay the vet directly if they have the company's software, otherwise they will reimburse 90% of the costs minus any deductible.
How much will Trupanion pay for my claim?
You will receive 90% of your claim minus the deductible amount you selected when signing up.
| Average
Vet Bill |
Cash back w/ 50% |
Cash back w/ 90% |
Difference between 50% & 90% |
| Cancer
$8,137 |
$4,068.50 |
$7,323.30 |
$3,254.80 |
| Kidney Disease
$7,098 |
$3,549.00 |
$6,388.20 |
$2,839.20 |
| Swallowed Object
$3,262 |
$1,631.00 |
$2,935.80 |
$1,304.80 |
| Intestinal Obstruction
$3,036 |
$1,518.00 |
$2,732.40 |
$1,214.40 |
Are there any exclusions?
Trupanion doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or examination fees for injuries and illness. However, pre-existing conditions may be covered if they are symptom- and treatment-free for 18 months. Standard wellness and routine care are also not included in insurance plans, as well as cosmetic procedures.
What are the waiting periods for conditions?
Five days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses.
How quickly does Trupanion pay claims?
Within 30 days, but usually much quicker.
Can I customize my Trupanion plan?
To a certain degree, yes. You can select your deductible amount but not your reimbursement percentage. There’s also an optional Recovery and Complementary Care package or Pet Owner Assistance Package which you can add to your policy, helping you cover the costs of alternative therapy and other unexpected fees such as advertising and reward for lost pets, cremation and burial, and liability cover for damage to third-party property.
State availability for Trupanion
Trupanion cover is valid at any licensed veterinarian in the US, Puerto Rico, or Canada. This also includes specialty clinics and emergency hospitals. However, make sure you head to the Florida-specific website if you’re there as policies are slightly different in the Sunshine State.
Verdict: Is Trupanion pet insurance good?
Pet owners who want ultimate flexibility and endless choices are probably best looking elsewhere but the simplicity of Trupanion coverage is convenient and easy to understand. The lifetime cover offered to pets aged 14 and under is very comprehensive and it’s a huge plus that the premium won’t increase with the age of your pet. There is a $35 enrollment fee per pet in most states but this is minor compared to the uncapped claim amount per year and per incident – saving you money across a long period of time. Trupanion doesn’t offer multi-pet discounts or bundles but, generally, reviewers were pleased with the coverage.
