Trupanion Pet Insurance Review

Yes, Trupanion provides comprehensive coverage for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and related breathing issues including surgical correction. There's a 30-day waiting period for illness coverage, so enroll before symptoms develop.

At participating Express clinics, Trupanion pays their portion to the veterinarian at checkout. You pay only your deductible (if not already met for that condition) plus your copay. Not all clinics participate, so verify availability with your veterinarian.

Once you meet the deductible for a specific condition like hip dysplasia, all future treatment for that condition is covered for your pet's lifetime. This is particularly valuable for chronic French Bulldog conditions requiring ongoing treatment.

No, Trupanion provides unlimited coverage with no annual or lifetime caps. This eliminates concerns about hitting coverage limits during expensive treatment years common with French Bulldogs.

Trupanion's premiums reflect their comprehensive coverage, Express checkout system, and extensive customer service including a 24/7 veterinary helpline. You're paying for premium features and maximum protection.

No, Trupanion offers one standardized plan. You can choose your deductible level ($0-$1,000 per condition), but you cannot adjust reimbursement rates or coverage caps like with other insurers.

Expect to pay $100-$300/month depending on your Frenchie's age and your location. A young puppy (under 2 years) typically starts around $125/month. Adult French Bulldogs (3-6 years) run closer to $175/month. Senior dogs (7+) can hit $250-$300/month. The only way to lower your premium is by choosing a higher per-condition deductible ($0-$1,000). There is no option to reduce the reimbursement rate or add an annual cap. Trupanion is consistently 2-3x more expensive than competitors like Healthy Paws or Lemonade.

It depends entirely on your financial situation and risk tolerance. A French Bulldog with BOAS surgery ($5,000), hip dysplasia treatment ($7,000), and chronic allergies ($2,000+/year) could generate $20,000+ in claims over several years. Trupanion's per-condition deductible means you pay each deductible once and then get 90% coverage for life on that condition. If your Frenchie develops multiple chronic issues -- which is common -- the math works in your favor. If your dog stays relatively healthy, you will have paid significantly more in premiums than a cheaper insurer would have cost. It is the ultimate peace-of-mind purchase.

Trupanion excludes pre-existing conditions with no exceptions (even curable ones), wellness and routine care (exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea prevention), breeding and pregnancy costs, cosmetic procedures, and elective surgeries. There is a 30-day illness waiting period, a 5-day accident waiting period, and a 6-month hip dysplasia waiting period for dogs enrolled after 12 months of age. Unlike ASPCA or Pets Best, there is no optional wellness add-on.

Both offer unlimited coverage and cover hereditary conditions. The key differences: Trupanion offers direct vet payment at Express clinics and per-condition lifetime deductibles, which are better for chronic conditions. Healthy Paws costs about half as much, offers reimbursement rates from 50-90%, and processes claims in 2-3 days. For most French Bulldog owners, Healthy Paws is the better value. Trupanion is worth the extra cost if direct vet pay matters to you or if your Frenchie already has (or you expect) multiple chronic conditions where the lifetime deductible saves money long-term.

Yes. Trupanion covers intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in full, including diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans), medical management, and surgical treatment ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Once you meet the per-condition deductible for IVDD, all future treatment for that condition is covered at 90% for the rest of your dog's life. The 30-day illness waiting period applies, so enroll before any symptoms of back pain, weakness, or mobility issues appear.