Questions to Ask About the Policy

Trupanion answers the questions provided in The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)’s checklist for choosing a pet health insurance policy within its pamphlet “Ensuring Your Pet’s Health – A Guide for Pet Owners.”

Question
Do I understand exactly what the policy covers?

Trupanion's Answer
If you have any further questions please contact us at 800.569.7913.


Question
Can I afford the monthly premium, deductible, and required co-pay?

Trupanion's Answer
You are reimbursed 90% of covered claims. You can lower your monthly premium by selecting a deductible; premium decreases as deductible increases.


Question
How much coverage does this policy provide for chronic, hereditary or pre-existing conditions?

Trupanion's Answer
Chronic, hereditary, and congenital disorders are covered 90%, pre-existing conditions are not covered.


Question
Does this policy cover preventive care?

Trupanion's Answer
No, we don't feel that preventive coverage is ever in the best interest of a pet owner, as it doubles premiums without adding additional value.


Question
Are there certain types of accidents or health problems that aren't covered?

Trupanion's Answer
Bilateral conditions presenting on one side of the body, if that condition was a pre-existing condition on the other side of the body (such as luxating patella or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) weakness); Conditions arising from a repetitive activity that leads to decontamination (ie, stomach pumping, induced vomiting); Abnormalities that are present at, or during the 18 months prior to, the policy enrollment date.


Question
How are claims submitted? How long do I have to submit a claim? Will my costs change based on the number of claims I submit?

Trupanion's Answer
Claims can be submitted via fax or mail. You have 90 days after date of treatment to submit. Costs will not change based off the number of claims you submit.


Question
How long does it take, on average, to be reimbursed?

Trupanion's Answer
Trupanion processes initial claims in up to 7 days; all claims average 24 hour processing time.


Question
Does this policy use a list of "usual and customary fees" to determine how much I will be reimbursed? Is that list up-to-date? Are the fees consistent with what my veterinarian expects to charge?

Trupanion's Answer
No, Trupanion reimburses based on your veterinarian's actual fees, and never based on any type of restrictive fee schedule.


Question
Is there any penalty if I cancel my policy?

Trupanion's Answer
No, you can cancel anytime.