We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more
  1. Home
  2. Pet Insurance
  3. Trupanion Review

Trupanion Pet Insurance Review

315 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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.
 
View Top 10 List

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
Are you a customer of Trupanion Pet Insurance?
Submit a comment and tell other people about your experience!
Our Comment GuidelinesTips for Writing Effective Comments
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

Customer Comments

Loading Reviews ...
Renie Z

12/17/2016
I have nothing but good things to say about Trupanion. Their customer service is amazing! When my puppy broke his leg they were helpful and supportive, and I received my refund in the mail in less than two weeks. I am a very happy customer!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

A
Agnieszka

12/16/2016
Trupanion has stayed true to their coverage, and when we needed it most the process was immediate and dependable. Would recommend to all pet owners as a top choice.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

M
Mark M

12/16/2016
We have two dogs insured with Trupanion and we are very pleased with their coverage. Let's face it, nobody likes paying for insurance. But when you do, you expect it to be there when you need it. Trupanion has covered everything they said they would and, not surprisingly, none of the stuff that isn't covered. And I really like how they work seamlessly with our vet. I don't know if that's because of our vet, but no one at the vet's office has ever had anything negative to say about Trupanion. And the few times I've had to contact Trupanion, they responded quickly and thoroughly and were pleasant and professional. (Try saying the same thing about insurance companies for property or people.)
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Yasmin K

12/15/2016
I have had pet insurance with Trupanion for years, but have never had to make a claim until this year since my cat has been relatively healthy for the last 12 years. Now that she is older we have had to deal with some more serious health issues. Trupanion has been great. It is incredibly easy to submit a claim online. Further, although the website says that first time claims may take up to 2 weeks to process, mine was completed within days and I received a check within the week. True to my policy, Trupanion paid 90% of my costs after I met my deductible and they did so without question. Pet insurance is so important, especially when you have a senior pet. I am so glad I paid the premium... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Dan C

12/15/2016
My 5 yr. old male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease of unknown origin a week before Thanksgiving this year. He spent 6 days in the care of internal specialists and has had several follow up visits with our primary vet. Trupanion has covered the vast majority of the bills and paid the claims in a very timely basis. Not only that, when I call in with questions, their support staff couldn't be better. They are very compassionate, especially 'Carmen', who spent nearly 20 minutes with me on the phone sharing dog stories and offering compassionate thoughts. I highly recommend this insurance company for your best 'friends' My boy certainly is my best... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

T
Tayla M

12/15/2016
I was very unsure about getting pet insurance, but it has proven to be the best decision I have made yet. Trupanion has gone above and beyond for my pet and I on multiple occasions. They are extremely prompt to answer any and all questions, they are delightful to talk with whether it is via phone or email, and they seem to understand how stressful a pet situation can be and do everything in their power to make a situation much easier on owners. I often find myself not only insisting people check them out, but wishing every insurance company were more like them. All the thumbs in the world up, Trupanion! You guys rock! Thank you for all that you do!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

B
Bill J

12/14/2016
Trupanion has paid our claims in an efficient manner on our past pets and present pet and we highly recommend them over any other pet insurance.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Deborah P

12/14/2016
First time I had to file a claim and they were with me every step of the way. First class insurer!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Diana M

12/13/2016
The direct billing is wonderful!! Not having to wait for a reimbursement is a blessing. No fuss at all. The coverage for the medical costs at 90% is truly a money saver. Thank you Trupanion.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Jan A

12/11/2016
This is my second claim at Trupanion, and I couldn't be more pleased with their new claim form (which doesn't require the vet's signature) and online submission of claims. My claim was processed quite quickly and payment was on its way within a few days. Better yet, the claim check came with a complete breakdown of which charges were paid and which were outside of coverage, so I'll know what to expect next time.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Top Rated
Our Partner
  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days
READ FULL REVIEW >
VIEW RATES

Related to Pet Insurance

Top Articles
Suggested Comparisons