Trupanion Pet Insurance Canada Review (2023)

James James updated on 3 March 2023

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Whether you have a beloved but elderly dog or an accident-prone cat you probably understand the need to have a plan in place for when things go wrong with your pet's health. Veterinary fees can quickly run up into hundreds and even thousands of dollars so it is important to have an insurance policy in place with adequate coverage to protect you from the unexpected.

In this review we are going to take a deep dive into Trupanion's pet insurance offers, we will take a look at how far the coverage goes, how much it costs and how it compares. According to a recent HelloSafe study, pet health costs are going up every year so it's worth investigating the options and finding the right deal for you.

Our review of Trupanion pet insurance:

Trupanion is a well-rounded comprehensive insurance policy for your animal companions. Along with Fetch, it is one of Canada's leading pet insurers. Their insurance does not contain any tricks or hidden surprises and they are clear about where coverage starts and ends. However, there are a couple of disadvantages that mean this might not be the correct insurance provider for all owners.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons that we have identified:

  • Easy online sign-up
  • Allows you to choose your veterinary provider
  • Direct billing
  • Targeted add-ons for working animals
  • Unlimited claims
  • Behavioural and alternative therapies are not included in the basic package
  • Focus on cats and dogs to the exclusion of other pets

In conclusion, Trupanion's pet insurance is a solid all-rounder, focused tightly on the experience of cat and dog owners. The terms of their policy are clearly written with cats and dogs in mind so owners of more exotic pets should consider alternative pet insurance providers. Similarly, this policy would not suit cats or dogs with complicated pre-existing conditions.

Similarly, a dog with a higher risk outdoor life, regularly involved in hunting or sledding might benefit from a different policy. If you have a young, healthy puppy or kitten, Ontario Trupanion pet insurance would be a great choice of provider.

How do you get Trupanion pet insurance?

The easier way to purchase pet insurance from Trupanion is online, via their website. Here you can answer some quick questions about your pet and get a quick estimate. If you have more complex questions, you can also get in touch with an advisor who can give you advice specific to your situation.

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What does Trupanion's pet insurance offer?

Trupanion offers a basic package to which you can add additional riders. The basic version of the policy will cover the cost of veterinary treatment and has no annual payment claim limits. There is also no limit to claim payments over the whole course of your pet's life.

Trupanion covers the following:

  • Vitamins and nutraceuticals if prescribed by a vet
  • pet for that is recommended by the vet to treat sickness or injury, up to 50%
  • dental treatment for trauma or disease

If you make an eligible claim you will still have to pay the following:

  • Deductibles (optionable)
  • Taxes
  • Veterinary examinations

What are Trupanion's optional riders?

On top of the basic package, you can choose to add on Rider A or Rider B or both to have a more comprehensive policy protecting your pet, or to cater to specific requirements.

What does Rider A cover?

  • Acupuncture
  • Arthritis treatment
  • Behavioural training
  • Constipation
  • Chiropractic therapy
  • Colloidal silver treatment
  • Herbal therapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Lyme disease treatments
  • Naturopathy
  • Photothermal cancer therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Shock-wave therapy
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Transplants: bone marrow, kidney

What does Rider B cover?

  • Boarding costs
  • Burial
  • Rewards for lost pets
  • Third-party damages
  • Vacation cancellation costs

What does Trupanion not cover?

Trupanion has specific exclusions listed in its policy. It is important to always read a policy's exclusions carefully to avoid any nasty surprises down the line! Let's take a look at what those terms specifically exclude:

  • Anal gland expression
  • Cosmetic surgery or other procedures
  • Dog fighting
  • Radiation damage caused by nuclear material
  • Raw food diets
  • Sled racing
  • Transport and boarding costs
  • Travel outside of Canada, the US and Puerto Rico
  • War, invasion and revolution

You can compare Trupanion's coverage to other leading pet insurance providers here:

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If my pet gets sick will my premiums rise?

No, your premiums will not be affected by your pet aging or by claims made on their behalf. However, premium rates may go up in line with rising veterinary costs.

Adjustments will be made no more than once a year and will never go up by more than 20%. Policyholders will be notified by letter at least one month before changes in rates.

Does Trupanion insurance include working animals?

Trupanion covers some working animals, though it must be specified at the time of purchasing the policies and an additional premium may be added to monthly charges. The following types of working animals are covered:

  • Breeding dogs and cats
  • Guard dogs
  • Herding and hunting dogs
  • Police dogs
  • Search and rescue animals
  • Service dogs
  • Sled dogs
  • Therapy dogs and cats

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What responsibilities do you have?

There are certain things you have to do in order to keep your pet as healthy as possible. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to do the following:

  • Take your pet for regular dental exams
  • make sure your pet is vaccinated
  • take steps to protect them from lice, fleas and ticks

Watch out!

If Trupanion judges that you have acted in negligence with regard to any of these obligations they may judge that you have broken the terms of your policy.

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