Trupanion vs. Fetch – Which One is Better for My 7-Year-Old Pup?

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    • #138200
      Beachgal
      Verified Participant

      I’m getting around to signing up for pet insurance, and I’m stuck between Trupanion and Fetch. My dog is 7 years old, mixed breed, medium-sized, and (knock on wood) pretty healthy so far. But she’s not getting any younger, and I want to make sure I have coverage in place before something expensive pops up.

      I like that Trupanion pays the vet directly (no waiting for reimbursement), and the per-condition deductible sounds like it could be useful for chronic issues. But it’s pricey, and I’ve read mixed things about how they split up claims into multiple conditions, which means paying multiple deductibles.

      On the other hand, Fetch seems more affordable, has a lot of coverage perks (like exam fees and alternative therapy), and they don’t have per-condition deductibles—just an annual one. But I’ve seen complaints about slow claim processing, and I don’t want to be waiting forever for a reimbursement if something big happens.

      For anyone who’s used either of these companies, how has your experience been? Some of my other questions:

      • Does Trupanion really not cover vet exam fees? That seems like a big gap in coverage—has that been an issue for anyone?
      • How easy is it to file a claim with Fetch? I’ve heard Trupanion’s claims process is quick if your vet takes direct pay, but what about Fetch?
      • Any issues with Fetch denying claims? I’ve seen complaints about slow claim processing—do they actually pay out fairly, or do they look for reasons to deny claims?
      • How does dental coverage compare? I know some pet insurance policies only cover dental accidents and not disease—what’s the coverage like for things like extractions or gum disease?
      • Any major exclusions or fine print I should know about?

      Trying to make the best decision for my girl before I enroll—any input is appreciated!

    • #138220
      Kimberly Alt
      Moderator

      Hey! I’ve looked into Trupanion and Fetch, so here’s what I found:

      Coverage Differences: Trupanion doesn’t cover vet exam fees at all, which can add up over time. Fetch does cover them as part of their standard plan. Fetch uses an annual deductible, while Trupanion has a per-condition deductible. Trupanion’s setup can be helpful for chronic conditions, but if your dog develops multiple issues, you could end up paying more in deductibles over time. Trupanion pays vets directly, which is a huge perk if your clinic accepts it. Fetch requires you to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
      Claims & Processing Times: Fetch’s claim filing is pretty straightforward, with many pet owners saying it’s easy. Processing averages about 15 days. Trupanion’s claims process is generally quicker, especially with Vet Direct Pay, but some owners report claims being split into multiple conditions, leading to extra deductibles.
      Dental Coverage: Fetch covers dental disease (like gum disease and extractions) as part of its base plan. Trupanion covers dental illness but only for canine and carnassial teeth. You can see my Pet Dental Insurance Comparison for more information.
      Any Major Fine Print?
      Trupanion doesn’t cover alternative therapies without an extra fee. Fetch has a 6-month waiting period for hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries, while Trupanion’s waiting period for these is 30 days.

      If you want more flexibility and coverage perks, Fetch might be the better fit. If you value Vet Direct Pay and don’t mind higher costs, Trupanion could be worth it. For a full comparison, check out this breakdown: Trupanion vs. Fetch.

      Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

    • #138640
      walter_white_rules
      Verified Participant

      I’ve been looking into Fetch as well and really like that they cover exam fees and dental illness—those seem to get excluded a lot with other companies. I’ve seen some mixed reviews about their claim processing time, though. @Beachgal, Have you gotten a quote yet? I’m curious how their pricing compares to other companies you’ve checked out.

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