A Vet's Review of Trupanion Pet Insurance

by Frances Wilkerson, DVM

This review discusses coverage and payout structure

To get the most from this review, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
For a detailed look at Trupanion, see Trupanion's Comparison Sheet.



Overview

Trupanion has offered pet insurance since 2008 in the USA.



Coverage Overview

In general, Trupanion Pet Insurance covers diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization and prescription medications for accidents/injuries and illnesses.

Trupanion does not cover the exam fee for accidents/injuries and illnesses.



Coverage For Chronic Diseases & Continual Coverage For Chronic Diseases

Trupanion Pet Insurance offers chronic diseases coverage and continual coverage for chronic conditions as part of the base policy, as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your lifetime maximum payout.



Hereditary & Congenital Coverage

Trupanion does not cover hip dysplasia as part of the base policy. In order to get hip dysplasia coverage you must purchase the add-on before the pet's first birthday.

All other hereditary and congenital conditions are covered, as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your lifetime maximum payout.



Cancer Coverage

Trupanion covers cancer conditions as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your lifetime maximum payout per policy year.



Coverage For Breed Specific Conditions

Breed Specific Medical Conditions most often occur as hereditary and congenital conditions. In order to get hip dysplasia coverage, you must purchase the hip dysplasia add-on before the pet's first birthday. All other breed specific medical conditions are covered as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your lifetime maximum payout.

Because hip dysplasia coverage is not available to pet's over 1 year of age, Trupanion's coverage of breed specific conditions is moderate.



Maximum Payout Structure

Depending on the state you live in, Trupanion has either a $20,000 or Unlimited lifetime maximum payout structure. Either maximum payout structure will meet most people's calculated "Worst Case Scenario Costs". (See: Picking the Right Maximum Payout)



Summary of Coverage and Payout Structure

Gotchas

  • Newer company in the USA
  • While Trupanion owns it's own underwriter, it is not AM Best rated which makes it hard to get a handle on it's financial stability
  • Does not cover exam fee for accidents/injuries and illnesses
  • Hip dysplasia coverage only available (for an additional cost) to pets enrolled before 1 year of age
  • Non-routine dental coverage is limited



Good Points

  • Coverage when travel out of state or to Canada
  • Generous lifetime maximum payout structure
  • Trupanion owns its underwriter, which gives them more control
  • Provides comprehensive coverage for Hereditary & Congenital Diseases, Hip Dysplasia (if you meet the criteria and purchase the addon), Chronic Diseases, and Cancer
  • Provides continual coverage for chronic diseases



Additional Comments:

  • Pay attention to Trupanion's terms and conditions regarding pets that are not spayed/neutered.
  • Make sure you understand what the waiting periods are.
  • Make sure you understand their bilateral conditions policy.
  • Make sure you understand any requirements that you must adhere to to maintain coverage.
  • Make sure you read the terms and conditions to get a thorough understanding of all exclusions.
  • Make you call the company to understand how and when your premium can increase.
  • If you change plan levels, there is a possibility that all medical conditions present under the old plan will be considered pre-existing in the new plan. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • Pre-existing conditions can be based on symptoms alone, a diagnosis is not needed. For example, if your pet had a cough before you applied for pet insurance and this cough was discussed and written in the pet's medical record, there is the possibility that all future cough conditions, no matter what the cause, would be considered pre-existing - even if there was no treatment given. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • Pet insurance companies are businesses. The top priority of any business is to make a profit for their stakeholders. Pet insurance companies can and may change your rates and terms to meet that top priority. A change of business ownership or underwriters can also be a catalyst for changes in your rates and terms.

    When you purchase pet insurance make sure you have a realistic understanding of this and how it can affect you.


Additional Reviews:

AKC | ASPCA | Embrace | Healthy Paws | PetFirst | PetPlan | Pets Best | Purina | Trupanion | VPI | 24 Pet Watch


**Disclaimer:This review is meant to supplement not replace your own due diligence. Please read all terms and conditions of the pet insurance plan before you buy.

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