This content was reviewed by our licensed insurance agent, Michelle Schenker.
To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process.
Almost any kind of insurance is notorious for being difficult to decipher — from inclusions and exclusions to complicated deductibles and premiums. Trupanion claims to set itself apart from the pack in this arena. In fact, it’s one of the only pet insurance companies to offer a $0 deductible.
Does Trupanion live up to its promise to provide a straightforward and transparent pet insurance experience? Or is it just hype to win your business?
- Trupanion Overall Rating
- Pros & Cons Comparison Table
- Alternatives To Trupanion
- Key Features
- Waiting Periods
- What Does Trupanion Cover?
- Pricing Quotes
- Coupon Code
- How Does The Claim & Reimbursement Process Work?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Get Pet Insurance?
- Trupanion vs Other Companies
- Compare Trupanion To Other Leading Pet Insurance Providers
Trupanion Overall Rating
3.1/5.0
Our pet insurance experts read through each pet insurance companies’ policy to provide detailed comparisons and information regarding how a provider fares against others in the industry. We also speak with customers, read online feedback, and communicate one-on-one with the pet insurance companies to obtain a well-rounded, unbiased analysis of a company’s standings.
Our team rates pet insurance companies based on several factors, including A.M. Best ratings (an indicator of financial stability), claim processing reputations, contract coverage, customer service, pricing, plan customizations, and more.
Pros & Cons Comparison Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 90% reimbursement with no payout limits | Quotes tend to be among the most expensive compared to competitors |
| Offers optional benefits for additional expenses that cover acupuncture, physical therapy, hydrotherapy and behavioral modification training and therapy | One time $35 administration fee ($25 in WA and $0 in MD and MI) |
| Hip dysplasia has no age restrictions (but 30-day waiting period) | Policies have 30-day waiting period for illnesses (industry average is 14) |
| Offers enrollment from birth | Allows up to a 20% increase on premiums from year to year (based on the state you live in) |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | Pets aren’t eligible for enrollment after 14th birthday |
| Pet is covered in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico | No wellness plan |
| Claim processing averages 5 days | Doesn’t cover exam fees |
| No multi-pet discount |
Alternatives To Trupanion
While Trupanion has a lot to offer, it did not make it into our top picks for best pet insurance providers. Our experts have analyzed over a dozen pet insurance providers. Check out our pet insurance reviews to learn more about this year’s top-ranked companies.
Key Features
- Underwriter: American Pet Insurance Company
- A.M. Best rating (a measure of financial stability): Unrated
- Trupanion has a per-incident deductible instead of an annual deductible; this means you’ll have to meet the deductible multiple times for every new emergency your pet encounters instead of one annual deductible, which means all claims go toward one deductible (annual deductibles are usually less costly to the policyholder)
- No bilateral exclusions (a condition or disease that affects both sides of the body), which is why it’s our choice for best pet insurance for bilateral conditions
- Claims process:
- Must submit claims within 90 days of the treatment date via mail, email or fax
- Claim repayment is within 60 days but averages 5 days, with the majority being within 2 days
- Option for Trupanion to pay vet directly, so you don’t owe a hefty vet bill when you leave the office or wait for reimbursement (not available everywhere but ask your vet; they may be able to get set up with Trupanion Express)
- Continues coverage for a pet if its policy transfers to a new owner
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions if there are no signs or symptoms (standard waiting periods apply)
- State Farm offers pet insurance through Trupanion
Customer Service Options & Hours
- Email, phone, and live chat: 24/7
Waiting Periods
- Illnesses: 30 days
- Accidents: 5 days
- Cruciate Ligaments: 30 days
- Hip Dysplasia: 30 days
What Does Trupanion Cover?
Please know that none of the providers in our pet insurance comparison charts cover pre-existing conditions, cremation and burial costs, pregnancy and breeding, or unnecessary cosmetic procedures.
All of them cover the following items when deemed medically necessary: emergency care, surgery and hospitalization, specialized exams and specialty care, X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, cat scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, cancer, chronic conditions, euthanasia, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, non-routine dental treatment, and prescription medications. However, this coverage may have limitations, so please check your policy.
| Condition | Covered By Trupanion |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Therapies |  |
| Alternative/Holistic Therapies |  |
| Exam Fees | |
| Wellness Care | |
Pet Owner Assistance Add-On Package
The Pet Owner Assistance package costs $4.95/month in addition to the core plan premium.
- Boarding fees in the event you’re hospitalized
- Liability coverage for third-party property damage
- Holiday vacation cancellation costs
- Cremation or burial for deaths due to an accident
- Advertising and rewards for lost pets
Recovery & Complementary Care Rider
This plan’s price can vary from a couple of dollars up to $30 and is in addition to the core plan premium.
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Physical and rehabilitative therapy
- Behavioral modification
- Naturopathy
Pricing Quotes
We’ve gathered some sample prices from Trupanion for its accident and illness plan. You can choose your deductible, annual payout, and reimbursement amount from the options listed in the table below.
Trupanion is one of the only providers we’ve reviewed with a $0 deductible option. They also allow a vast range of deductible amounts, providing a helpful way to adjust your premium price to best suit your budget.
| Deductible Options | Payout Options | Reimbursement Options |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$1,000 (in $5 increments) | Unlimited | 90% |
The cost of each policy is unique to your pet and depends on many variables, including their age, breed, location, health conditions, and more. Below are sample prices for select breeds in various locations with different limitations for Trupanion. Quotes are from December 2021.
| Breed | Labrador Retriever | German Shepherd | Yorkshire Terrier | Mixed Breed Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 4 Months | 2 Years | 6 Months | 4 Years |
| Male/Female | Female | Male | Female | Male |
| Spayed/Neutered | | | | |
| Location | New York City (10005) | Los Angeles (90010) | Chicago (60604) | Austin (73301) |
| Reimbursement Level | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Annual Deductible | $200 | $200 | $200 | $500 |
| Price Per Month | $184.88 | $196.15 | $99.23 | $30.74 |
You can get personalized price quotes for your pet(s) from reputable companies when you fill out just one short form. You can also visit our pet insurance quotes page to see how the cost of Trupanion stacks up against the competition.
Coupon Code
Use this link to take advantage of the best possible price and get a quote for your pet from Trupanion. You can also visit our dedicated Trupanion promotions page to learn more.
How Does The Claim & Reimbursement Process Work?
Trupanion uses a “deductible then co-pay” reimbursement method. This is calculated in the following way:
- Actual vet bill amount – Remaining annual deductible – Co-pay = Reimbursement amount
Reimbursement Story
Here’s a reimbursement story to help you better understand how Trupanion processes claims.
- Dog: Chief, 3-year-old male Border Collie
- Condition: Emergency vet, ambulance, hospitalization, and rehab/physical therapy
- Trupanion Reimbursed: $40,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Trupanion pet insurance from our readers.
Can I Cancel Trupanion Online?
You may cancel your Trupanion policy at any time with written notice.
- Fax: 866-405-4536
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Trupanion USA, 6100 4th Ave South, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98108
If you’d like a replacement for your Trupanion insurance policy, take a look at our pet insurance reviews to see which pet insurance companies we recommend.
Why Get Pet Insurance?
Need a better understanding of why you should consider purchasing pet insurance for your pup? Check out our video below.
Trupanion vs Other Companies
Interested in seeing how Trupanion stacks up against other popular pet insurance companies? We’ve written comparison articles for you to see how Trupanion and other leading pet insurance companies compare in coverage, customer service and reputation, claim processing, plan customization, and price.
- Trupanion vs ASPCA
- Trupanion vs Embrace
- Trupanion vs Fetch by The Dodo
- Trupanion vs Figo
- Trupanion vs Healthy Paws
- Trupanion vs Lemonade
- Trupanion vs Nationwide
- Trupanion vs Pets Best
- Trupanion vs Pumpkin
Compare Trupanion To Other Leading Pet Insurance Providers
Trupanion’s policy choices are less complicated than many other pet insurance providers, which may appeal to some consumers. Of course, this also means fewer options for coverage and, thus, pricing. It’s also expensive compared to similar coverage from other companies, and its underwriter is unrated by A.M. Best.
Visit our best pet insurance guide to see our top pet insurance picks and choices for special needs, price, discounts, health conditions, and more. See if Trupanion wins any of our categories and if they’re the right pick of the litter for you.
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