Pet Insurance Reviews

Trupanion Pet Insurance Review 2024 (Official)

Pawlicy Advisor
Reviewed by Kari Steere, Licensed Insurance Producer
Updated Apr 17, 2024 | 14 min read
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4.2



6,819 Consumer Reviews

Trustpilot, March 2024

accident icon

Accidents

& Illness

Plans Offered

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Routine Care

Add-On

Unavailable

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Why You Can Trust Us


Unlike other platforms, Pawlicy Advisor provides objective, unbiased, data-driven advice. We also offer personalized plan recommendations based on breed-specific attributes and total cost predictions for the lifetime of your pet. See your recommended plan.

Pricing


Average Cost For Dogs

$63 / month


Average Cost For Cats

$29 / month


Enrollment Fee

$0, $25, or $35 depending on your state

Coverage Options


Annual Deductible

$0 to $1,000


Reimbursement Rate

90% (50-90% in FL, TX, AZ, and ME)


Annual Coverage Limit

Unlimited

Waiting Periods*


Accidents

5 days


Illnesses

14 days


Cruciate Ligament Injuries

30 days


Orthopedic Conditions

30 days


*Waiting periods may vary by location; refer to your policy documents for an exact coverage start date.

Filing a Claim


File Claims 

fax, mail, email, or Vet Direct Pay™ (where accepted)


Claim Expiration 

within 90 days of the date of service


Average Claim Reimbursement 

over 70% of claims are paid within 24 hours

Enrollment Requirements


Minimum Age at Enrollment 

none 


Medical Review 

required to process a claim; teeth must be checked within 60 days of the policy effective date and recommended treatment(s) must be carried out; dental examinations required annually


Residency Requirement 

coverage effective when traveling in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia

Trupanion reviews often rave about perks like unlimited annual coverage and the ability to pay vets directly. However, not all vets accept this form of payment, and there are a few trade-offs that come with the benefits of Trupanion insurance coverage. Keep reading to determine whether this provider is the best pet insurance solution for your needs.

Pros

  • Fast processing times on claims with the ability to pay veterinarians directly
  • Same-day coverage available with some in-office promotions
  • No minimum age limit for enrollment
  • Customizable deductible
  • No annual payout limit
  • Option to expand coverage through policy riders

Cons

  • Less flexible than other plans
  • Does not offer a Wellness Plan
  • Does not offer an Accident-Only plan
  • Lifetime per-incident deductible
  • Requires annual dental exams
  • Requires supplemental coverage for holistic care, alternative therapies, and behavioral conditions

JUMP TO:

Trupanion Pet Insurance was originally founded as “Vetinsurance” in Canada in 1999 by its CEO, Darryl Rawlings. In 2005, the company expanded into the United States and began operating out of Seattle, Washington. The innovative company became the first North American provider to underwrite its own policies through American Pet Insurance Company and the first to receive AAHA's Seal of Acceptance in 2008.


As a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the brand is well-recognized in both the pet insurance industry and the veterinary community. According to the Trupanion website, more than half of large multi-location veterinary hospital groups in North America now approve of Trupanion as a payment type.

What's Covered

  • Accidents and illnesses
  • Breed-specific conditions
  • Congenital conditions
  • Chronic conditions
  • Dental illnesses and tooth extractions
  • Prescription medications
  • Therapeutic diets (up to 2 months)*
  • Vet-recommended euthanasia

What's Not Covered

  • Preventable conditions
  • Routine care
  • Obedience training
  • Dental cleanings
  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Stem cell treatments
  • Pre-existing conditions

*50% of the cost of Prescription food is eligible when recommended by a licensed veterinarian for the treatment of illnesses or Injuries covered by this Trupanion policy for up to two months of normal feeding from the date of onset of the condition.

Optional Add-Ons

Although Trupanion does not offer a Wellness Plan for routine care coverage, you can expand your benefits with supplemental policy riders. These allow you to get reimbursed for other types of pet-related expenses that fall outside of the standard insurance umbrella. Here's a look at the benefits included with each rider, which you must choose and pay for in order to apply:


Pet Owner Assistance Package

  • Liability coverage for third-party property damage
  • Lost pet advertising and reward
  • Boarding fees
  • Holiday vacation cancellation costs
  • Cremation or burial fees

Recovery and Complementary Care Rider

  • Rehabilitative therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Behavioral modification therapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Naturopathy

Breeding Rider

For coverage of Injuries related to...

  • Breeding
  • Whelping
  • Queering

 Pawlicy Advisor Tip: We recommend adding routine care for pets under age two due to the high number of wellness visits at this age, which is not offered by Trupanion. Before choosing this provider, decide if Wellness Plans Are Worth It.

Waiting Periods

Like all pet insurance companies, Trupanion waiting periods vary depending on the type of incident you need coverage for:

  • Accidents: 5 days
  • Illnesses: 30 days
  • Orthopedic conditions (including hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and intervertebral disc disease): 30 days
  • Cruciate ligament injuries: 30 days


All pet insurance waiting periods may vary by location; refer to your policy documents for an exact coverage start date.

Find the pet insurance plan that fits YOUR needs

How it Works

Trupanion Pet Insurance works by reimbursing 90% of your eligible veterinary expenses (after the waiting period has passed and your lifetime deductible has been paid for the condition at hand). You are responsible for the remaining 10%, also known as co-insurance, along with the monthly or annual insurance premium.

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1. Find a vet that accepts Trupanion payments when your pet has an unexpected illness or injury to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

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2. Your vet submits the invoice directly to Trupanion. They pay for 90% of covered vet costs, and you cover the remaining balance.

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3. If your animal hospital doesn't accept Vet Direct Pay, download a Trupanion claim form and submit an itemized invoice via fax, mail, or email.

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4. Get reimbursed for a portion of your vet bill either by check or direct deposit, typically in as little as 24 hours.

How to File a Trupanion Pet Insurance Claim

  • Window to File: within 90 days of the date of treatment
  • Filing Requirements: itemized invoice, medical history review
  • Average Claim Reimbursement: 70% of claims are paid within 24 hours
  • Reimbursement Methods: check or direct deposit

Trupanion Pet Insurance Cost

On average, Trupanion Pet Insurance costs about $63 per month for dogs and $29 per month for cats with Accident & Illness coverage. The actual cost of pet insurance you can expect to pay will depend on your location, pet breed, and chosen deductible. Unfortunately, Trupanion does not offer an Accident-Only option or a reduced policy limit, which could otherwise lower your premium rate.

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Average price for dogs:

$63 / mo

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Average Price for cats:

$29 / mo

Sample Prices

To illustrate how the cost of pet insurance ranges, we generated sample quotes for a policy featuring a $500 deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate, and an unlimited annual coverage limit on behalf of pets living in Dallas, Texas.

Breed of Pet

6 Months Old

3 Years Old

10 Years Old

French Bulldog

$99

$99

$342

Labrador Retriever

$79

$79

$235

Domestic Shorthair Cat

$33

$33

$71

 Pawlicy Advisor Tip: All pet insurance policies are subject to price increases annually. Pawlicy Advisor crunches the numbers to calculate the lifetime price of a policy, then makes recommendations that will save you money over your pet's lifetime.

Trupanion Customer Service

Enter your Trupanion login information to access your account online or via the mobile app to view important policy details or check the status of a claim. A Trupanion member experience specialist is available to help you via live chat 24/7. You can also dial the Trupanion customer service phone number to speak to an agent directly.


 Chat Support: 24/7/365

 Phone Number: 888-733-2685

 Email: info@trupanion.com

Enrollment Requirements

  • Minimum age at enrollment: none
  • Maximum age for enrollment: 14 years old
  • Medical Review: required to process a claim; dental exam required within 60 days of the policy start date and recommended treatment(s) must be again annually
  • Valid United States address: Your pet must reside with you at the primary address you provide to the insurance provider

Cancellation Policy

Customers may cancel their policies at any time, for any reason, by notifying Trupanion in writing via mail, fax, or email. You can also cancel Trupanion insurance by calling (888)733-2685 to discuss your policy and learn about all your options.


For exact instructions on how to cancel Trupanion, refer to the sample policy provided for your state.

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Expert Insights

Is Trupanion worth it?


"If you’re looking for comprehensive Accident and Illness coverage that pays your veterinarian directly, Trupanion is a good option. Trupanion covers hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, and unexpected pet health issues. It also covers medical procedures like surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and even supplements.


Trupanion’s policy on hip dysplasia is more generous than many other providers, as is their higher-than-standard 90% reimbursement rate and unlimited payouts. For an additional fee, you can also get coverage for alternative pet care like acupuncture, which isn’t offered by every provider.


However, Trupanion lacks flexibility in terms of coverage, meaning you can get stuck paying for more than what you want or need. Without an option for Accident-Only coverage, Trupanion costs are on the higher side compared to other providers like Healthy Paws. Additionally, those with senior pets may have to look elsewhere since Trupanion won’t cover pets over 14. The same applies to pet parents who may be hoping to add


And if you’re interested in Trupanion paying your veterinarian directly, make sure your vet accepts Trupanion payments before signing up. You can call your veterinarian and ask, or you can use the Trupanion website to determine if your vet is enrolled.


Remember, you don’t have to waste valuable time collecting quotes to find the perfect pet insurance policy for your pet. Search for quotes on Pawlicy Advisor and compare policies from top providers, all in one place."

Kari Steere
Kari Steere Pawlicy Advisor Licensed Insurance Agent #19443293

Trupanion Pet Insurance Reviews

4.2



6,819 Consumer Reviews

Trupanion reviews on sites like Trustpilot are mostly positive. Several customers have said that Trupanion has been a lifesaver for them when their pets are diagnosed with serious conditions. Other customers note that Trupanion’s customer service representatives are helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Customers who have called in with questions have received prompt and helpful responses.


The biggest complaint customers have about Trupanion is its cost. Multiple customers have complained about their monthly premiums increasing unexpectedly. In response, Trupanion has said that its cost is matched by its value and that premium increases may occur due to the pet’s age and location.



What can I say- best decision ever

What can I say? Trupanion- you were there for me and my dog in and emergency- covered what was promised on a dog breed notorious for the emergent condition. Within 6 min, my estimate was approved. I could worry about my dog without worrying about finances. Invoice/estimate for spine surgery was 10k. I paid 1500 out the door. Choosing Trupanion for my pets insurance? Best. Decision. Ever.

Nikki J.
March 23, 2024



Overall Great Experience

My experience is based primarily on my experience treating a seriously ill pet.

My review is based primarily on my past experiences with the company. My wife and I have had Trupanion insurance for our dogs for a number of years. We recently lost our beloved female Lab to cancer and living in the Northeast the costs of medical care for animals is quite high. Our lab was treated over a period of nearly six months and without Trupanion we would not have been able to afford her treatments.

AceGilco
September 17, 2023



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Kari Steere is a licensed P&C insurance agent in all 50 states and has focused entirely on pet insurance since 2019. When she's not helping pet owners find the perfect plan on Pawlicy Advisor , she runs a ranch in Oregon and rehabilitates any animals that come across her path.

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