Trupanion review

Trupanion works differently from every other insurer on this list. Instead of an annual deductible, you pay a deductible of $0 to $1,000 once per condition, and that condition stays covered for as long as you are a member, so a dog with diabetes or allergies does not restart the deductible every year. Trupanion pays 90% of covered costs with no payout limits, and it says it will not raise your rate just because your pet gets older. Its VetDirect Pay system lets more than 11,000 partner clinics in the US and Canada send claims and get paid at checkout, in about 5 minutes on average, so you only pay your 10% share. Hereditary and breed-specific conditions such as hip dysplasia and IVDD are covered. The trade-offs are cost and scope: Trupanion does not publish a starting price, there is only one 90% rate, and vet exam fees, taxes and wellness care are excluded.

Who it is for

owners of breeds prone to chronic conditions

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Pays 90% of covered costs with no payout limits
• Deductible of $0 to $1,000 per condition, paid once for the life of that condition
• VetDirect Pay at 11,000+ clinics in the US and Canada, about 5 minutes to pay vets at checkout
• Hereditary and breed-specific conditions such as hip dysplasia and IVDD covered
• Covers any licensed vet in the US, Puerto Rico or Canada, including specialists and ERs

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Per-condition deductible means chronic conditions do not reset each year
• Strength: No price increases just because a pet has a birthday, per Trupanion
• Strength: Trupanion reports $4B+ paid in vet claims and over 98% of members renewing
• Weakness: Vet exam fees and taxes are not covered
• Weakness: Wellness care is not included
• Weakness: Only one reimbursement rate, 90%, so you cannot lower it to cut the premium

Key facts

• Reimbursement: 90%
• Deductible: $0 to $1,000 per condition, once
• Payout limits: None
• Direct vet pay: 11,000+ partner clinics

Where it ranks

Trupanion is No. 8 in our Best Pet Insurance verdict.