Trupanion Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on Trupanion
Trupanion offers a specialty pet insurance policy focused on unexpected illnesses and injuries, designed to provide lifetime per-condition coverage with a 90% reimbursement rate and no stated annual payout limit.
Coverage is concentrated on veterinary diagnostics and treatments (surgery, imaging, labs, radiotherapy) with a per-condition deductible model (examples in the plan table range widely by breed, age, and deductible), optional riders for alternative medicine, boarding, cremation, and loss/theft, and no routine wellness or vaccination benefits included; compared with major competitors, Trupanion stands out for its 90% reimbursement, lifetime per-condition approach, direct vet pay capability, and a pricing strategy that trades higher monthly costs for lower deductibles and broader acute-care coverage.
Best suited for owners seeking high reimbursement and lifetime coverage for young or purebred pets, owners comfortable with per-condition deductibles, and those prioritizing fast claim payment over included preventive care.
Trupanion (American Pet Insurance Company) is an established national provider headquartered in Seattle; it holds a 4.3/5 Trustpilot score from 9,064 reviews and customer feedback commonly praises fast, straightforward claims handling, quick reimbursements including Direct Vet Pay to participating clinics, responsive support, alongside recurring mentions of premium increases, per-condition deductible drawbacks, and denials tied to pre-existing condition rules.
- ✅90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Lifetime per-condition coverage
- ✅Direct Vet Pay to participating veterinarians
- ✅Fast and straightforward claims processing
- ✅Multiple deductible options
- ✅Optional riders for extra services
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating and high review volume
- ❌Per-condition deductible can cause repeated out-of-pocket costs
- ❌Higher premiums for lower deductibles and certain breeds
- ❌No routine wellness or vaccination coverage
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded with an 18-month look-back
- ❌Some customers report premium increases and claim frustrations
Our expert's opinion on Trupanion
- ✅90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Lifetime per-condition coverage
- ✅Direct Vet Pay to participating veterinarians
- ✅Fast and straightforward claims processing
- ✅Multiple deductible options
- ✅Optional riders for extra services
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating and high review volume
- ❌Per-condition deductible can cause repeated out-of-pocket costs
- ❌Higher premiums for lower deductibles and certain breeds
- ❌No routine wellness or vaccination coverage
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded with an 18-month look-back
- ❌Some customers report premium increases and claim frustrations
Score- ✅90% reimbursement rate
- ✅Lifetime per-condition coverage
- ✅Direct Vet Pay to participating veterinarians
- ✅Fast and straightforward claims processing
- ✅Multiple deductible options
- ✅Optional riders for extra services
- ✅Strong Trustpilot rating and high review volume
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Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
The Trupanion Guarantees
Trupanion offers a single core policy focused on unexpected illnesses and injuries for companion animals. The policy is positioned as a comprehensive accident-and-illness plan with a high reimbursement level and lifetime coverage for ongoing conditions. Coverage centers on clinical veterinary treatments such as surgery, diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests, and hospitalization, with options to add specific rider benefits for certain non-standard services.
Reimbursement is set at 90% with a deductible that operates on a per-condition basis rather than an annual aggregate. Waiting periods apply for accidents and illnesses, and the policy provides lifetime coverage for conditions that become eligible under the plan’s terms. Several ancillary benefits—including alternative therapy coverage, cremation, boarding, and lost-pet assistance—are available through optional rider packages.
The policy includes direct payment functionality for participating veterinarians, enabling the insurer to remit its share directly to the provider at checkout. Some routine and elective services (preventive care, dental prophylaxis, elective surgeries, and certain hygiene procedures) are excluded from base coverage, while other exclusions relate to pre-existing conditions, breeding, and parasite prevention. Strengths include a straightforward reimbursement percentage, lifetime per-condition coverage, and VetDirect Pay; main limitations include the per-condition deductible structure and reliance on optional riders for some commonly desired benefits.
The policy is issued for U.S. policyholders through a regulated insurance entity and is structured so that certain benefits are available only via additional rider packages rather than as part of the base plan.
| The Trupanion Policy | |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Comprehensive accident & illness policy |
| Type of coverage | Unexpected illnesses and injuries (accident & illness) |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate | 90% |
| Annual reimbursement limit | No annual limit (lifetime coverage for eligible conditions) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Per-condition deductible |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 5 days / 30 days |
| Lifetime coverage | Yes (lifetime per-condition coverage) |
| Consultations | No |
| Medications | Covered when related to covered conditions |
| Hospitalization | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, lab) | Yes |
| Dental care | Dental prophylaxis/cleaning: No; treatment limits/exclusions apply |
| Preventive care (vaccinations, wellness) | No |
| Alternative medicine | Optional Rider |
| Travel coverage | NC |
| Civil liability (third-party liability) | NC |
| Euthanasia | Covered when medically necessary (subject to terms) |
| Death & cremation coverage | Cremation: Optional Rider; Death benefit: NC |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Optional Rider |
| Boarding fees | Optional Rider |
Exclusions include pre-existing conditions (conditions with signs within the specified lookback period prior to enrollment), congenital or hereditary conditions unless addressed by applicable riders, and conditions arising from intentional or reckless acts by the owner. Routine, elective, and preventive services—such as vaccinations, routine dental cleaning, spaying/neutering (unless medically necessary), grooming, and non-prescription diets—are excluded from the base policy. Treatments and items considered experimental, elective cosmetic procedures, and non-medical supplies are also excluded.
Key limitations and practical considerations include the per-condition deductible model, which can result in separate deductible payments for each new condition a pet develops. Several commonly desired benefits (cremation, boarding assistance, advertising/rewards for lost pets, and certain alternative therapies) are available only via optional rider packages rather than as standard inclusions. The reimbursement percentage is fixed at 90% under the policy structure, and the policy does not bundle a separate wellness/preventive option within the core plan.
Trupanion Exclusions
Trupanion’s exclusions center on a strict pre‑existing condition definition with an 18‑month look‑back and a bilateral rule—conditions with signs or treatment in the prior 18 months, including mirror‑image orthopedic or ocular issues, are excluded.
Routine examination and administrative fees, dental prophylaxis (cleanings), and treatment for parasite‑preventable conditions are excluded, which can increase out‑of‑pocket costs for initial diagnostics and routine care.
Elective, cosmetic, and many breeding‑related procedures are excluded, and several owner‑support items (cremation, boarding, lost‑pet advertising/rewards, certain complementary therapies) are not covered unless an optional rider is purchased—this rider‑based approach is a notable structural difference versus plans that bundle assistance benefits by default.
Experimental or investigational treatments, complications arising from excluded conditions, owner‑caused injuries, and injuries from disallowed activities (racing, fighting) are also explicitly excluded.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions with signs/treatment within 18 months; bilateral rule (other‑side conditions treated as pre‑existing); complications of excluded illnesses; experimental or investigational treatments. |
| Preventive & elective exclusions | Routine examinations/office visit fees; vaccinations; anal gland expression; elective or cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, microchipping when elective). |
| Dental & oral exclusions | Dental prophylaxis (cleanings) excluded; preventive dental products (pastes, chews) excluded; limits on dental illness treatment if signs existed prior to enrollment; coverage for non‑canine/carnassial teeth may be limited. |
| Parasites & preventable conditions | Infections from internal/external parasites for which preventive treatments exist (e.g., fleas, ticks, heartworm) excluded. |
| Breeding & reproductive exclusions | Conditions and costs related to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and queening excluded unless specific Breeding Rider purchased. |
| Owner & activity‑related exclusions | Injuries or illness resulting from intentional or reckless acts by the owner, organized racing, fighting, or commercial/occupational use excluded. |
| Financial & administrative exclusions | Administrative fees, taxes, shipping, and other non‑medical charges excluded. |
| Rider‑dependent exclusions | Cremation/burial, boarding assistance, lost‑pet advertising and rewards, and certain complementary therapies may be excluded unless the corresponding optional rider is purchased. |
| Specific items/services excluded | Transportation costs (non‑medical), cloning, non‑medical supplies (bedding, toys, grooming supplies), and spay/neuter unless medically necessary. |
| Geographic & catastrophic exclusions | Losses arising from war, nuclear events, civil commotion, and other major catastrophic events excluded. |
Trupanion Pricing
Trupanion sits in the mid-to-premium segment of the U.S. pet insurance market, driven by a high standard reimbursement (90%) and a distinctive per-condition deductible model that changes the short‑term out‑of‑pocket profile for owners compared with annual deductible structures. Its competitiveness is shaped by deductible choices (per‑condition amounts), the 90% reimbursement rate, and an effectively unlimited annual payout posture (Annual limit: N.C.), which together favor owners facing high-cost or ongoing conditions but can result in higher monthly premiums than entry-level products.
Key differentiators that justify Trupanion’s pricing include direct vet payment capabilities, a largely digital claims and payment flow that reduces friction and speeds reimbursements, and optional riders (e.g., boarding, loss/theft, cremation) that let owners tailor coverages; these features align the product more with value-focused, service‑rich insurers than with no-frills competitors.
Compared with more traditional carriers, Trupanion’s per‑condition deductible and absence of a stated annual cap change how and when owners pay, and its digital-first service model and VetDirect Pay can offset higher premiums through convenience and faster cash flow for veterinary providers.
To help you compare estimated monthly prices by profile, see the table below.
| Animal profile | Monthly price with $1,000 deductible | Monthly price with $500 deductible | Monthly price with $100 deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $127.16 | $219.94 | $393.51 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $152.46 | $264.77 | $474.89 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $107.47 | $185.06 | $330.20 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $97.27 | $166.97 | $297.39 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $116.28 | $200.68 | $368.53 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $169.51 | $294.98 | $529.72 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $188.65 | $328.90 | $591.29 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $226.90 | $396.67 | $714.30 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $334.00 | $586.44 | $1,058.74 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $57.41 | $96.35 | $169.19 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $68.26 | $115.57 | $204.08 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $99.22 | $171.31 | $305.25 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $64.25 | $108.47 | $191.21 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $76.57 | $130.30 | $230.83 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $112.30 | $193.61 | $345.73 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $61.63 | $103.82 | $182.61 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $73.39 | $124.65 | $220.57 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $107.47 | $184.06 | $330.20 |
Trupanion promo codes
| Trupanion Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with Trupanion?
✅ Example 1: Accidental laceration repair (stitches)
Total vet costs: $1,200
Deductible amount to subtract: $500 (per-condition deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Trupanion policy: $1,200 – $500 = $700
90% of that amount reimbursed: $700 × 90% = $630
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $630.
ℹ️ *Trupanion’s deductible is per condition: you pay it once when the condition first incurs covered expenses; subsequent treatment for the same condition is not subject to a new deductible.*
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO)
Total vet costs: $6,500
Deductible amount to subtract: $1,000 (per-condition deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Trupanion policy: $6,500 – $1,000 = $5,500
90% of that amount reimbursed: $5,500 × 90% = $4,950
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $4,950.
ℹ️ *You are responsible for the deductible plus the remaining 10% co-insurance; in this example the owner pays $1,000 + $550 = $1,550 out-of-pocket.*
✅ Example 3: Chemotherapy and diagnostic workup for cancer
Total vet costs: $12,000
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible for this condition already satisfied earlier)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Trupanion policy: $12,000 – $0 = $12,000
90% of that amount reimbursed: $12,000 × 90% = $10,800
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $10,800.
ℹ️ *Trupanion has no annual limit on covered medical expenses and the per-condition deductible only applies once per qualifying condition; certain exclusions and pre-existing condition rules may affect eligibility for specific treatments.*
Trupanion Assistance
Trupanion’s standout assistance is its VetDirect Pay capability, which lets participating clinics receive the insurer’s share at checkout and reduces the immediate financial coordination owners must manage.
Policyholders benefit from responsive, around-the-clock customer service for administrative support, but there is no dedicated 24/7 veterinary telehealth line for clinical advice.
Optional rider packages add practical help—lost-pet advertising and boarding assistance if an owner is hospitalized—making the policy more flexible for real-life emergencies.
Be aware the lifetime per-condition deductible model means owners may face upfront out-of-pocket costs until a new condition’s deductible is satisfied, even though claims and reimbursements are generally handled digitally and efficiently.
| Assistance Trupanion | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ✅ | Trupanion can pay its portion of the bill directly to participating veterinarians at checkout. Owners still pay deductibles and any non‑covered balance at time of service. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | N.C. | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted and tracked through the member portal. Reimbursements are handled electronically and often via direct deposit. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | No dedicated 24/7 veterinary telehealth line. 24/7 customer care exists for administrative and claims help. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ✅ | Participating veterinarians accept VetDirect Pay so Trupanion’s share is paid at checkout. Clinics must be enrolled to offer direct payment. |
| Coverage abroad | N.C. | N.C. |
Trupanion customer reviews
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 (9,064 reviews) |
Customers frequently praise Trupanion for a fast and straightforward claims experience, citing rapid reimbursements and the convenience of direct vet pay at participating clinics that reduces upfront financial burden. Many reviewers also emphasize responsive and compassionate customer service and the peace of mind provided by coverage for serious illnesses and ongoing treatments.
On the other hand, policyholders commonly raise concerns about rising premiums over time and the impact of the per‑condition deductible structure, which can lead to significant out‑of‑pocket costs when a new condition arises. There are also recurring complaints about claim denials related to exclusions or alleged pre‑existing conditions and occasional frustrations with accessing detailed claim information online.
Here are some examples of customer reviews:
- J. — 31/08/2025 — Our 2 yr old silky terrier had stomach surgery… multiple xrays… Trupanion insurance has given us peace of mind… Thank you Trupanion.
- R. — 30/08/2025 — One of the best things I did when my dog was a puppy was to sign up for Trupanion… She has severe allergies… Trupanion pays for most of her medication bills.
- N.R. — 29/08/2025 — Yesterday, my dog cut his paw… Trupanion refused to cover the cost because their deductible is per condition… I’m canceling my policy…
Contact Trupanion
| Trupanion Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit a claim via the Member Portal or by returning a completed claim form; claim forms can be downloaded from the Member Portal or requested by calling 855.266.2151. Include a completed claim form and the itemized veterinary invoice; additional medical documentation may be requested. Trupanion can pay its portion directly to participating veterinarians at checkout (VetDirect Pay). Deadlines for claim submission and detailed reimbursement methods for non‑participating providers: N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 888.733.2685. Email: Notice@Trupanion.com. Fax: 866.405.4536. Postal mail: Trupanion / American Pet Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108-3234. Member Portal: access for members to submit claims and download forms. For claims forms by phone: 855.266.2151. |
| To cancel my policy | N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Trupanion?
Trupanion offers Direct Vet Pay with participating veterinarians; when the clinic is enrolled Trupanion can pay its share directly at checkout. If the veterinarian does not participate you will typically pay the bill upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. Claims are processed after the deductible for that condition is applied and eligible expenses are approved. Confirm with your clinic whether they accept Trupanion Direct Vet Pay before services.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Trupanion?
To cancel contact Trupanion by phone at 888.733.2685, email Notice@Trupanion.com, or via the Member Portal and provide your policy number, pet name, and requested cancellation date. Request written confirmation of the cancellation and retain any reference number or email for your records. Ask about any prorated premium refund and the effective date of termination so you know if coverage remains in force. Follow the insurer’s instructions if additional signed forms or identity verification are required.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Trupanion applies a 5‑day waiting period for accidents and a 30‑day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date. Conditions that show signs during their respective waiting periods are typically excluded from coverage. Start date for each waiting period is the policy effective date, so enroll early if you want immediate accident protection. Check any policy endorsements or riders for differing waiting periods on specific conditions.
How does reimbursement work and what percentage will I receive?
Trupanion’s standard reimbursement is 90% of eligible veterinary costs after the policyholder’s per‑condition deductible has been met. If your veterinarian participates in Direct Vet Pay Trupanion can settle its portion directly with the clinic at checkout. When Direct Vet Pay is not used, submit your claim and Trupanion will reimburse approved amounts to you following claim adjudication. Deductibles apply per condition, so separate new conditions will start a new deductible applicable to that condition.
Are there annual limits or lifetime limits on Trupanion coverage?
Trupanion provides lifetime cover for eligible conditions, meaning covered conditions can be paid for the life of the pet once a condition is accepted and the deductible met. The policy structure relies on per‑condition deductibles rather than an annual aggregate deductible. There is no typical annual coverage cap in the core design; coverage limits are defined by policy terms and exclusions. Review your declarations page for specific details about limits, riders, and any optional benefits you purchased.
What is excluded from Trupanion coverage and how are pre‑existing conditions handled?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded; Trupanion defines these as illnesses or injuries with signs or evidence before enrollment or during waiting periods. Elective procedures, routine preventive care, and many examination fees are not covered under standard terms. Dental prophylaxis, spaying/neutering unless medically necessary, and conditions arising from intentional owner acts are also excluded. Optional riders may cover some services such as pet owner assistance packages or alternative therapies; check rider specifics.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Trupanion?
Trupanion offers Direct Vet Pay with participating veterinarians; when the clinic is enrolled Trupanion can pay its share directly at checkout. If the veterinarian does not participate you will typically pay the bill upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. Claims are processed after the deductible for that condition is applied and eligible expenses are approved. Confirm with your clinic whether they accept Trupanion Direct Vet Pay before services.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Trupanion?
To cancel contact Trupanion by phone at 888.733.2685, email Notice@Trupanion.com, or via the Member Portal and provide your policy number, pet name, and requested cancellation date. Request written confirmation of the cancellation and retain any reference number or email for your records. Ask about any prorated premium refund and the effective date of termination so you know if coverage remains in force. Follow the insurer’s instructions if additional signed forms or identity verification are required.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Trupanion applies a 5‑day waiting period for accidents and a 30‑day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date. Conditions that show signs during their respective waiting periods are typically excluded from coverage. Start date for each waiting period is the policy effective date, so enroll early if you want immediate accident protection. Check any policy endorsements or riders for differing waiting periods on specific conditions.
How does reimbursement work and what percentage will I receive?
Trupanion’s standard reimbursement is 90% of eligible veterinary costs after the policyholder’s per‑condition deductible has been met. If your veterinarian participates in Direct Vet Pay Trupanion can settle its portion directly with the clinic at checkout. When Direct Vet Pay is not used, submit your claim and Trupanion will reimburse approved amounts to you following claim adjudication. Deductibles apply per condition, so separate new conditions will start a new deductible applicable to that condition.
Are there annual limits or lifetime limits on Trupanion coverage?
Trupanion provides lifetime cover for eligible conditions, meaning covered conditions can be paid for the life of the pet once a condition is accepted and the deductible met. The policy structure relies on per‑condition deductibles rather than an annual aggregate deductible. There is no typical annual coverage cap in the core design; coverage limits are defined by policy terms and exclusions. Review your declarations page for specific details about limits, riders, and any optional benefits you purchased.
What is excluded from Trupanion coverage and how are pre‑existing conditions handled?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded; Trupanion defines these as illnesses or injuries with signs or evidence before enrollment or during waiting periods. Elective procedures, routine preventive care, and many examination fees are not covered under standard terms. Dental prophylaxis, spaying/neutering unless medically necessary, and conditions arising from intentional owner acts are also excluded. Optional riders may cover some services such as pet owner assistance packages or alternative therapies; check rider specifics.
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