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Trupanion Pet Insurance Review

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Trupanion is a Seattle-based pet insurance company that sells medical insurance for dogs and cats. Trupanion policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company. Founded in Canada, the company expanded into the US and Puerto Rico in 2005. Trupanion offers policies that cover your pets if they get sick or injured, and also cover prescription pet foods, orthotic devices, and carts.
 
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How is Trupanion rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
4.5/5
Cost
4.5/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5 (Excellent)

Trupanion has comprehensive coverage and a great reputation, scoring an excellent rating on Trust Pilot. However, although unlimited per-condition lifetime coverage is a great perk, it can be far more coverage--and consequently far more expensive--than some pet owners need. And that highlights the main issue with Trupanion: inflexibility. They have only one plan*, one benefit limit, and one high reimbursement percentage. This does not give consumers the opportunity to "adjust the knobs" and change the cost of their monthly premium. They are, however, the only company that can pay your veterinarian directly at the time of checkout.

Trupanion Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Trupanion offers comprehensive coverage that covers prescriptions and prescription foods. As with most plans, the company will not cover preventative care, taxes, exam fees, or pre-existing conditions. Trupanion also offers additional "owner assistance" coverage. This package includes third-party damage, trip cancellation, advertising and reward, alternative therapies, and breeding dog protection. While other pet insurance companies, for example, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance or Petplan Insurance, provide these services in their standard plans, they are only available through Trupanion at an extra cost.

With Trupanion, you have the option to get a recovery and complementary care rider that pays for non-clinical procedures such as behavior modification therapy, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, and chiropractic care for an additional cost.*
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Coverage Types
Medical
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Prosthetics & Mobility Aids

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Trupanion offers no limits on benefits of any kind, per-incident, annual, or lifetime. While this is indeed a great feature for peace of mind, again, it might suit a particular customer's situation to not have unlimited coverage. For example, someone might know from past experience or the vets in their area that there will be a rock solid limit to what they will possibly spend in a year. Other companies might offer a benefit limit in line with this, and as a result a much lower monthly premium. Having the option is always a good thing.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Unlike other companies, Trupanion does not allow you to choose a reimbursement percentage. They only offer 90%*. While this is a generous reimbursement, it limits the client's flexibility in customizing their premium. For some pet owners, a lower reimbursement percentage and lower monthly premium might be preferable to Trupanion's single reimbursement model.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Trupanion sets itself apart from the pack by offering a per-incident lifetime deductible*. This means that your deductible will not reset annually. For a given condition, once you pay your deductible, you can receive unlimited benefits for the rest of the pet's life. Among Trupanion's deductible choices is a $0 deductible, which most plans do not offer.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$0
Maximum Deductible Offered
$0

Pricing: How much does Trupanion cost?

Cost - 4.5 / 5

Trupanion's premiums are definitely on the high end of the spectrum. Although the coverage is quite comprehensive, similar coverages are available for up to $20 less a month.

Trupanion earns 4.3 out of 5 stars from Trust Pilot. It's extremely important to read any policy you're considering carefully and to pay particular attention to the limits placed around pre-existing conditions.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$59.21
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$32.41
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $700, Benefit Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: 90% of Actual Cost

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 4.5 / 5

Pets are eligible to enroll from birth to 13.9 years old. Trupanion has a 5-day waiting period for accidents and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. As opposed to other plans, Trupanion does not have any malady-specific waiting periods for things like dysplasia and cruciate ligaments.
Min Enrollment Age
0 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
5 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
30 days
Free Look Period
30 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4.5 / 5

Trupanion says claims will be fulfilled within 60 days. Although this is twice as long as the period offered by other carriers, you must keep in mind that Trupanion is one of the few pet insurance providers that have the capacity and technology to pay your vet or hospital directly. This is a huge deal because, unlike with many other plans, with Trupanion you can limit out-of-pocket expenses. They also claim to process about 60% of claims in just 24 hours. If you do file your own claims, the company requires you to download the claim form via online portal, then submit it by email, mail, or fax.
Advertised Response Time
7 days
Claim Form
Online Portal

Company Disclaimers

State Farm and the State Farm logo are registered trademarks of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, neither offer nor are financially responsible for pet insurance products. State Farm is a separate entity and is not affiliated with Trupanion or American Pet Insurance. Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company or ZPIC Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Sold and administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions, waiting periods, does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
http://trupanion.com/
Headquarters Address
6100 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98108
Mailing Address
6100 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98108
Year Founded
2000
What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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Kranz K

1/5/2017
I am not sure what I would have done without Trupanion. They are very professional and a comfort to pet owners who want to provide optimal healthcare for their companions.
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Cheryl C

1/4/2017
Historically, I've not viewed insurance companies very favorably, succumbing to ever rising premiums, mediocre customer care and shrinking benefits. That was BEFORE becoming a customer of Trupanion five years ago, when I adopted my toy poodle, Ginger. Trupanion has consistently wowed me with attentive customer service, lightning-fast response time, very fair reimbursement for vet procedures and reasonable premiums for top-notch insurance care. There is absolutely NO reason why a pet owner should not purchase insurance through Trupanion. If you care about the long-term health and well-being of your pet and are committed to its loving care for a lifetime, Trupanion is the company that... Read More
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Chris B

1/3/2017
Trupanion handled the claim process for my cat's emergency procedure fast with a very easy claim form. The payment came in the mail very quickly. I cannot say enough good things about their service.
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Candace G

1/3/2017
Although Trupanion doesn't cover routine exams and preexisting conditions when there is a catastrophic illness they were there. My 8 month old kitten was extremely ill. Without my having trupanion covering the expenses I would not have been financial able to cover her medical costs. She most surely would have died or I would have had to make the decision to put her down. The only down side to Trupanion is that I had to pay the hospital before she was treated and then wait for reimbursement. It would be nice if they would pay the hospital directly. They paid in a reasonable time and i was relieved and pleased. This was my first claim with them. Snooks is here because I took out this... Read More
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Christie C

1/2/2017
Quick, professional response. Received payment for my claim very promptly. Unfortunately, this was my second claim. However, I'm extremely pleased with Trupanion's service!!
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Shaine

1/2/2017
Love them, and filing claims is easy and fast. Thank you for being there when we need you the most
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Jennifer

1/2/2017
I could not be happier with Trupanion pet insurance! Our puppy needed x-rays, MRI and surgery on his spine. These were very expensive but absolutely needed procedures for the healthy of our little guy. Trupanion answered all my questions quickly and always had excellent customer service. They helped cover all cost without any issue and reimbursed us the upfront cost we had to pay within a very timely manner. We would not have our now healthy and happy puppy without them. I can not recommend Trupanion insurance enough, they have really came through for our family!
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Bobby W

1/2/2017
I adopted a 9 year old female Lab and questioned whether I should get health insurance for her. I called around and my Vet suggested Trupanion. I selected the plan where Trupanion pays 90% and I pay 10%. People had told me that the pet insurance policies are all alike in they don't pay much of anything. I had also been told by friends about the health issues that affect older dogs. Yes, Trupanion is more expensive than other pet insurances but they deliver great services.. My lab developed a Mast Cell Tumor and had to have surgery... it is an expensive procedure. They paid my vet directly and promptly... how good is that? I can't say enough about the prompt and professional... Read More
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Jacqueline M

1/1/2017
If it weren't for Trupanion I wouldn't be able to afford the very best care for my baby. When her knees went, I went to Angell in Boston, the very best animal hospital anywhere and was confident that whatever needed to be done would be done to help Sugar and the bill wouldn't kill me!
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Loiscadwallader

1/1/2017
The new system delivers an immediate discount upon checking out at the Vet's office. Now that's fast!
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