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Trupanion Pet Insurance Review

313 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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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.

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. Although they are the only company that can pay you veterinarian directly at the time of checkout.

Trupanion Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Trupanion offers quite comprehensive coverage that even 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. Though some of our better featured pet insurance companies, for example, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance or Petplan Insurance, provide these services standard, they are only available through Trupanion at 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 some of our other carriers you must keep in mind 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 as, unlike with many other plans, with Trupanion you can limit out-of-pocket expenses. They also claim to processes 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

*Terms and conditions apply. This plan not available for new enrollments in Florida. See policy for details. Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
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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J
Jen H

3/1/2015
NEVER NEVER USE TRUPANION!! As previous reviews have stated, you pay your premiums and get absolutely no service whatsoever. They will never cover anything for your dog, and find EVERYTHING that points toward a 'pre-existing condition. READ THE FINE PRINT! They can use any OBSERVATION made by a pet owner even 18 months prior to any vet appointment or official diagnosis. I filed a complaint with the BBB and Trupanion hides behind their policies and gave this pathetic reponse (in part) to my stating they extorted money from us only to never pay anything for our dogs finally diagnosed condition... "We understand how heartbreaking it can be to receive an ineligible claim when your... Read More
1 People found this helpful.


L
Linda V

2/18/2015
I had Trupanion for a couple months, I was waiting for the Medical Review since my dog has preexisting conditions and wanted to know how they would handle them ( limited time exclusions or life time ). Trupanion never completed the Review but kept contacting my Vet for more information, even after the waiting period ended. They never would tell me how the exclusions would be handled. I decided to cancel instead of keep paying premiums, with no expectations being reimbursed. Might be OK for a pet with no preexisting conditions.
1 People found this helpful.


G
Gus X

2/12/2015
horrible, do not use them, I have a german shp pup, he had a small sprain in leg from playing with my husky, he is in perfect health yet they are trying to say that the sprain can be a cause hip displacia in the future. in other words they would like me to pay them and roll the dice that he is covered in the future. they also promised they would contact me about any pre existing injuries within the 1st month so i can canel for full refund, the contacted me literally 1 day over ther month grace period. HORRIBLE RIP OFF
1 People found this helpful.


P
Paul D

12/21/2023
We have used Trupanion for 12 years and have been very pleased with the ease of submitting claims, and the speed that they pay claims. Our dog was very ill from the time he was 2 years old and Trupanion paid out more than $40,000 over that period. Our new puppy is now 17 weeks old and he is also covered by Trupanion. The few times I had to call customer service, the folks were exceptionally nice and assisted in getting the claim paid. Great company to work with.
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shadowwolf62

3/11/2023
Been with them when my dog was 8 Weeks old ( she is now 14 month old). I was recommended by to get pet insurance by the breeder/vet office. Well all I can say is that my pup got sick after the 30 days of picking her up took to the vet and they examined her and gave her some meds. Filed a claim on their app and they denied when I called and spoke with. Representative they gave me some BS run around. Now they are increasing my monthly premiums I say fuck off.
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D
Dalene

5/21/2022
Well, we were with Trupanion for about ten years with our last dog and were more than happy with this service. Our costs were covered quickly through our vets which was especially important as we dealt with his cancer and subsequent death. We did not have to submit anything ourselves during our periods of worry and grief. Yes we did feel the rates went up quickly but we did have peace of mind and we did feel the large costs incurred when he was a puppy , the fact he needed life long treatment for lymes disease, and his cancer treatments at the end of his life were more than covered (and this was without us accessing the "accident" portion.) We now have a new pet three years later... Read More
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Jerry J

7/9/2020
I’ve had Trupanion for the past 10 years for two separate Westies. While my dogs have been healthy overall, our current Westie has atopic dermatitis, which is common with Westies. After paying the $500 deductible, which I chose, Trupanion has paid for all tests and all medications and medicated shampoos and other vet prescribed materials related to the condition. By submitting claims on line I generally am reimbursed by direct bank deposit within one week. Our previous Westie had to have expensive MRIs and Sonograms. Also reimbursed quickly for thousands of dollars in costs at 90%. I have been very happy with Trupanion.
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Kerri R

7/7/2020
Trupanion is a great company! I have been with them for 10 years! I have no complaints. Yes they are slightly more expensive but covers so much! Well worth it! My dog has a lifetime condition known as hypothyroidism and they have covered 90% of everything for the last 6 years. No questions asked! I love this company! Additionally, the payment is usually reimbursed with 3-5 days! Excellent!
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DAVID W

12/11/2018
I have had Trupanion since my GSD's were 8 weeks old. My female GSD came down with cancer and Trupanion has currently paid over $19,040 with absolutely no problem! The operation was $3,600, I had to pay 10%, the SRT radiation was $6,000, my cost $600, the Blood tests,X-rays, CAT Scans, and5 CHEMO treatments were over $9,000, my cost $900. My specialized vet has "TRUPAY", so Trupanion pay them 90% directly saving me the trouble of paying the vet and then getting reimbursed. They even cover 50% of specialized prescription food. Trupanion has be nothing less than perfect. Like all insurance, you just need to sign up before you have documented issues. I will always have Trupanion... Read More
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Cathie M

9/24/2017
They cover your dogs medication and emergency care I never problem with a claim very efficient and helpful
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options