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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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T
Terra

12/31/2016
I have a three year old bullmastiff and I am so happy I have tru-panion pet insurance. She has had surgery on her elbows and tru-panion covered the 90% of it like they said they would. The pet insurance can seem pricey for her breed but I find comfort in knowing that she is covered for emergency needs as vets are wat more costly. I am very happy with this company and if I ever have another dog I will be getting tru-panion again. Terra.B
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Jenny M

12/31/2016
I called Trupanion to ask a few questions about making a claim and the woman that answered was very helpful. The claim was processed extremely fast; we had checks within a week and it was over the holidays. Very impressed with their service
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Elaine W

12/30/2016
During my dog's recent critical illness they were available and quick to respond to questions. Their willingness to work directly with the hospital relieved me of a lot of stress and left me free to focus on helping my pet recover. I have no hesitation in recommending Truepanion to other pet owners seeking the peace of mind that insurance offers.
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K
Ken

12/29/2016
Our Doberman (Traveller) ate a roll of paper towel .He needed emergency surgery to have it removed.To add to the stress our family was away on holiday while it happened.The vet was able to process our claim without us in town or payment . Trupanion is a great insurance and it worked great for us
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Jenn_macfarlane

12/29/2016
When my healthy 2 and a half year old dog suddenly became ill a couple months ago, having Trupanion made ALL the difference! They responded to claims promptly and professionally and made the constant vet trips and stress of caring for a sick dog much less stressful. i recommend this pet insurance company to every pet owner!!!
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Edward K

12/29/2016
I have been with Trupanion for about 5 years. My plan I think is the best: 90% coverage, any Dr./Vet. Hospital, and they always pay immediately. I feel that the money I spend monthly is well worth the peace of mind of not having to worry about the expense associated with high-cost procedures
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B
Barbara

12/27/2016
I am more than happy with Trupanion insurance for my pet. I have never had a pet with health issues before and not only have they covered my dog's costs they have done so quickly. They respond to every email question I have and are very sympathetic and compassionate about my pet's health. I highly reccommend this insurance to anyone and will always get it in the future.
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B
Brandy

12/27/2016
We've been with Trupanion for 8 years, and they consistently deliver a top-notch product and excellent, fast, and highly competent customer service. I was leery of pet insurance when we were thinking about getting a puppy, given the constant hassle, poor value, and inefficiency of health insurance for people. Eight years later, two emergency vet visits, and dozens of claims for an eye condition our dog developed when she was two, I'm so glad we decided to give it a try, and that after researching the options, we went with Trupanion. I wish more companies took the route Trupanion has in providing a superior product and backing it with the kind of service they do.
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Lorrina B

12/27/2016
Trupanion has been excellent at providing service for our pet. They are very prompt and it is great that you can do it on-line.
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M
Mosby's

12/27/2016
Our little one and a half year old Frenchie was rushed in for surgery. Trupanion made it so easy we were able to focus on our pup and they took care of all the paperwork. If you don't use Trupanion, you need to. They give an invaluable peace of mind!
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