Policy Definitions
The definitions section will define key terms that are used throughout the pet insurance policy to help the reader identify and interpret policy wording. Trupanion's definitions section is shown below:
Throughout the pet health insurance policy, the following words with special meanings will be bolded when used:
Accident
An event causing injury to the pet, when such injury is neither
expected nor intended by you.
Clinical Examination
a thorough examination performed by a licensed and registered veterinarian
encompassing all body systems, also referred to as "full physical, physical consultation,
full examination or veterinary examination."
Clinical Symptoms
Any manifested anomaly in, or deviation from the regular healthy state or function
of a pet, including behavioral traits. Symptoms include any anomaly
that is readily detectible by a thorough and complete physical examination even
if not manifested in alteration of function, or if missed during the clinical
examination.
Coinsurance
Your portion of the cost of insured veterinarian treatment.
Your coinsurance amount is shown on the Declarations
Page.
Condition
Any manifestations of clinical symptoms consistent with a diagnosis
or diagnoses, regardless of the number of incidents or areas of the body affected.
Coverage
The pet healthcare coverage described in this policy form and on the Declarations
Page.
Deductible
The amount you must first pay with respect to any one loss, deducted
from the total sum paid or payable for the loss under the terms of the policy. The
deductible is to be paid first, before the policy pays any part
of the loss; however, we may affect settlement of a claim by paying
the total amount and then seek reimbursement from you for the
deductible amount.
Dental Health Care
The regular care required to maintain dental hygiene for the pet,
including brushing, scaling, polishing, extractions and reconstructions.
Diagnostic Tests
Tests used to determine the overall health of your pet. Diagnostic
tests can be used as a way to detect certain abnormalities, validate
the current health of your pet, or help to evaluate an older
pet more thoroughly before problems surface.
Hospital Boarding Fees
Charges for the boarding of your pet at a veterinary clinic, also
referred to as hospitalization.
Illness
Sickness, disease and any changes to your pet's normal healthy
state; any condition other than your pet's normal
healthy state.
Medication
Any veterinary recommended medications prescribed by your veterinarian
and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use.
Neutering
Orchidectomy, or surgical removal of the testicles.
Pet or Pets
A domestic cat or dog that is owned for companionship or as a help dog, not owned
for commercial reasons. Commercial reasons include, but are not limited to, a
racing dog.
Policy Inception Date
12:01 a.m. on the date the application is processed by Trupanion, subject to the
waiting periods as defined in EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS 6.a.(4)
and 6.a.(5).
Pre-existing conditions means:
- Illness or the recurrence of any illness or condition which first occurred or displayed any signs and/or symptoms consistent with the stated illness or condition prior to your pet's policy inception date.
- An injury or recurrence of an injury that occurred prior to the policy inception date.
- Any condition or complication resulting from pre-existing conditions(1) or (2).
Property Damage Liability
Your liability for damages which cause physical damage to, or destruction
of, tangible property, or loss of use of real property and for which you
are legally responsible as a result of the actions of your pet
named in the policy. This does not include tangible property, which belongs to
you or any person who lives with you.
Racing Dog
A dog, which is owned and maintained for the purpose of competing in organized races
or speed tests.
Spaying
Ovariohysterectomy, or resection of the ovaries and uterus.
Surgeries
Medical procedures that treat diseases or injuries by operative manual and instrumental
treatment.
Vaccination
The administration of an industry-recognized commercial vaccine by a registered
licensed veterinarian, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations,
following a complete clinical examination, for prevention of disease.
Veterinarian
A properly licensed and registered veterinarian in active practice
in the area where your pet is treated or examined.
Veterinary Treatment
X-rays, laboratory tests, medication, surgery, nursing and care
provided by a licensed veterinarian and their staff under direct
supervision.
Veterinary Examinations Fees
Fees charged for the professional opinion of a veterinarian, also
referred to as consultation, examination, referral, and recheck fees.
We, Us, and Our
American Pet Insurance Company is the insurance carrier. Trupanion handles many
of the administrative processes for this insurance on behalf of American Pet Insurance
Company, and the context of We, Us, and Our
should be construed accordingly.
Working Pets
Any pet involved in activities other than companionship or helping,
including, but not limited to, racing, breeding, hunting, and law enforcement or
guarding.
You and Your
The Insured/spouse/partner (Pet owner) named in the Declarations
Page.
Your Pet
The dog or cat named in the Declarations Page or in the schedule.

