Service Review:
It seems that as the pet insurance industry grows so do the number of complicated and often confusing plans. Luckily, Trupanion offers one low cost comprehensive insurance option for pet owners that goes a long way. Trupanion, a member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, has been in business for over ten years and has since been building its reputation for excellence and affordability. They figure reimbursements based off your actual veterinary bill so you don’t have to worry about a predetermined benefit schedule. Trupanion fits well into any budget by allowing members to choose their deductible, including an option for a zero deductible.
How it works:
Enrollment in Trupanion Insurance is easy. Your pet is eligible for insurance through Trupanion if you are a resident of the United States and they are between the ages of 8 weeks to 14 years. Trupanion will also insure your dog or cat if you reside in Canada or Puerto Rico.
Enrollment – To find a plan that works for you just enter in your pet’s information to get a quick quote online and select a deductible that will equate to the premium that you want. You can also enroll your pet over the phone. Once your pet’s application has been approved your pet becomes fully eligible for receipt of accident benefits 5 days after the approval. In thirty days they are eligible to receive illness benefits.
Claims – After your pet has cleared the waiting period you can take them to see any veterinarian, specialist, or urgent care provider in the country. Just bring the one page claim form, fill it out, pay the bill, save your invoices, and then submit it. You will also need to include your medical pet’s record/history when you submit your claim. Most claims are processed quickly, usually within 5 days of receipt.
No Limits – One of the best things about Trupanion is that they have no limits on claims, annual payout limits, or lifetime payout limits. This will be greatly appreciated by owners of pets that need a lot of care.
Payments – Trupanion accepts payment on premiums in the form of direct debit from your checking account or credit card, or by direct withdrawal from your bank account. You may select the option that you prefer at enrollment.
Renewal & Cancellation – The policy you select will continue, automatically renewing, until you cancel. Cancellations need to be submitted in writing through email, fax, or first class mail. You can also cancel your policy online through logging on to your account in the Member Portal. Trupanion offers a 90 day 100% money back guarantee if a claim has not yet been submitted.
Cost:
Costs vary based on pet breed, age, deductible and the region in which you reside. Rates may rise with inflation specifically related to the region you are living in, but Trupanion won’t raise premiums as your pet ages.
- Deductibles, how much you will pay before Trupanion chips in on the remainder, range from $50 to $1,000 to fit your personal budget.
- Payments coincide with the deductible amount that you have chosen. Payments average from $20 to $50 making coverage affordable.
- There is also an option for a zero deductible.
- Owners also have the option of adding hip dysplasia and alternative medicine coverage to their plan for around $10 a month and an Additional Benefits Package for an additional $5 a month.
- The Additional Benefits Package includes coverage for advertising and reward costs if your pet becomes lost, boarding fees during owner hospitalization, trip cancellation costs if your pet becomes injured or ill, and cremation or burial costs
Trupanion offers value in both the service that they provide and in the cost of repayment. Trupanion aims to ensure that pets get 70% of premiums paid out in claims, so they price accordingly, keeping costs on the lower side.
Coverage:
Head spinning from going over hundreds of different pet insurance plans? Just wanting a simple reasonable plan that will keep your pet healthy and you sane? Then Trupanion might be the plan for you. Trupanion offers one comprehensive plan that is simple to understand. Trupanion health insurance covers 90% of veterinary costs for tests, surgeries, medications, hospital stays, etc. Your cat or dog can also be covered for heredity and congenital conditions, conditions existing from birth as well. Trupanion will also cover some supplements, therapeutic dog food, and orthotic devices.
Optional Benefits – Optional benefits include physical and behavior therapies, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, medications, and training. Optional benefits also cover feline kidney transplants.
Additional Benefits – Want financial help for the other, unexpected costs of owning a pet? With the purchase of additional benefits you and your pet will be covered in the event that any of the following occur: a vacation cancellation due to the injury or illness of your pet, a missing pet that requires advertising or a reward, pet burial or cremation, or owner hospitalization where the pet may need temporary boarding. No one wants to experience the above events, but having a back-up plan for your pet in the form of additional benefits through Trupanion can save additional headache and hassle during an already stressful time.
Exclusions – Like most pet insurance providers Trupanion does not cover pre-existing conditions; conditions that developed after birth and before insurance. They will also not pay for vet exam fees, wellness and preventative care, such as heart worm medication, De-worming, flea control, etc. Trupanion will not cover hip dysplasia and alternative therapies unless optional benefits are purchased along with the plan.
Why We Rate Trupanion as #5 :
We at Top10PetInsurance.net like the simplicity of Trupanion because they offer no limit pay outs on per incident, annual costs, and lifetime costs. Trupanion also pays out at a good rate of 90% and you can choose your deductible, so you have the freedom to take their one plan and make it fit you and your budget. Trupanion offers a wide variety of accident and illness coverage built into their one plan, but they also offer additional add-ons if you want more. The optional and additional benefits allow you to further personalize your plan without getting confused by too many options.
