Trupanion Pet Insurance Review
Trupanion is a growing pet insurance company that offers a variety of pet insurance plans to dog and cat owners within the U.S. The company provides a customizable pet insurance experience for both young and old pets, and they provide the option to select a policy that fits the pet owner’s budget needs based on several cost factors. Trupanion holds itself out to be a company of dog and cat lovers, and it proves its mission by giving high-quality customer care and pet medical insurance at affordable rates. This Trupanion pet insurance review will cover the benefits and the drawbacks behind this insurance option.
What is Trupanion Pet Insurance?
Founded in 2000, Trupanion, originally Vetinsurance, is a large pet medical insurance company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Since its start, Trupanion has been a leading provider of pet coverage in North America by making comprehensive coverage available to pet owners for a variety of health conditions. Trupanion is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company and offers dog and cat medical insurance to pet owners in all 50 states. As a publicly traded company, Trupanion works hard to not only give its customers value but also gives back to the community and pet organizations throughout the country.
The Benefits of Trupanion
Trupanion is unique in the pet insurance space given its simple plan design coupled with the ability to personalize each policy based on financial needs and capabilities. Under a Trupanion pet insurance policy, pet owners have access to coverage of up to 90% of veterinary bills for eligible claims, after the selected deductible is met. Trupanion covers the following common health issues experienced by dogs and cats:
- Illnesses and injuries caused by accidents
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Prescribed medications
- Supplements provided by a vet
- Prosthetic devices and mobility carts
These conditions are covered up to 90% of the eligible expense, so long as the deductible is met first. Pet owners have the option to select a deductible ranging from $0 up to $1,000, helping bring the monthly premium down when a higher amount is selected. Additionally, Trupanion offers a service where pet owners can opt to have the veterinarian paid directly. This means less hassle with claim forms, reimbursement checks, and wait-times after care has already been received.
Trupanion policyholders also have the benefit of selecting any vet to provide care for their dog or cat, without limitations. Pet owners who are concerned about covering veterinary costs not related to illness or injuries may opt-in to enhanced coverage through Trupanion. Enhanced coverage may provide reimbursement for alternative and rehabilitative therapies, extra protection for breeding dogs, and unforeseen events or circumstances that require veterinary care. Trupanion also does not have payout limits per condition, nor does the company impose an annual payout limit for as long as the policy is in force. The company makes the claims process simple by allowing pet owners to request reimbursement after paying the vet, or having Trupanion pay the provider directly. In 65% of reimbursement claims, policyholder requests are settled on the same day the request is received.
The Costs and Drawbacks
Trupanion pet insurance ranges in cost depending on the deductible selected by the policyholder, and the enhanced coverage options chosen at the time a policy is established. When a lower deductible is selected, policyholders pay higher monthly or annual premiums than those who opt for a higher deductible. Trupanion also takes into consideration the average cost of veterinary care in the policyholder’s state/region, the age of the dog or cat, the gender of the pet, and the breed. On average, a comprehensive pet insurance policy that does not include any enhanced coverage options costs a pet owner between $22 and $62 per month.
While Trupanion does not impose payout limits either per condition or each year, pet owners do have some restrictions as to what conditions and fees are covered. Veterinary exam fees, sales tax, wellness and preventative care, and pre-existing conditions are not reimbursed or paid directly to the vet for any Trupanion policy. Additionally, a waiting period of five days for injuries and 30 days for illness must be met before policy benefits can be used. Trupanion policyholders may experience an increase in premium at the policy’s yearly anniversary, depending on the health history of the covered pet.