Is my pet covered while traveling?

Curious if your pet insurance coverage can be used if your pet gets sick or injured away from home? Yes, your pet is covered under your Trupanion policy while you travel throughout the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. Your coverage also extends to all US and Canadian territories and military bases around the world.

Do my coverage details change during travel?

No. Your Trupanion policy provides the same robust coverage during travel as it does at home. This includes:

• Emergency veterinary care
• Illness or injury treatment
• Diagnostic testing and imaging
• Medications prescribed for covered conditions
• Surgery and hospitalization costs
• Specialty care if needed

If your pet requires veterinary attention while you're traveling, simply visit any licensed veterinarian in the covered regions and submit your claim as you normally would.

Your policy benefits

Trupanion's coverage remains consistent regardless of where you are within covered countries and territories. Your pet’s policy includes:

• Up to 90% reimbursement on eligible expenses
• No payout limits on covered conditions
• Direct payment to many veterinary hospitals
• Coverage for new, unexpected injuries and illnesses
• Specialized treatments including emergency surgery, hospitalization, and critical care

Remember that your policy's specific terms, including your chosen deductible (if applicable), remain unchanged during travel. Pre-existing conditions that aren't covered at home will still not be covered while traveling.

International travel considerations

While Trupanion provides excellent coverage throughout North America, there are important considerations for international travel:

• Coverage outside of the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and military bases is not included in Trupanion policies.
• If traveling outside of Trupanion coverage areas, consider purchasing additional travel insurance that includes pet coverage.
• Some countries require specific health certifications or vaccinations before entry.
• Familiarize yourself with local veterinary care options at your international destination.

Filing claims while traveling with pets

With Trupanion, the claims process remains straightforward even when you're away from home:

1. Seek veterinary care from any licensed veterinarian
2. Pay the bill upfront if the facility doesn't offer direct payment with Trupanion
3. Submit your claim through your Trupanion online account or via email
4. Include all relevant documentation including itemized invoices and medical records
5. Receive reimbursement typically within 1-3 business days

Many veterinary facilities in the US and Canada are familiar with Trupanion and may offer direct payment, eliminating the need for you to pay upfront.

FAQs about using Trupanion coverage while traveling

You can’t predict when or where your pet will need surprise veterinary care. However, having Trupanion can help make things easier.

Do I need to notify Trupanion before traveling with my pet?

No, you don't need to notify Trupanion before traveling within covered territories.

Will my coverage limits change while traveling?

No, your coverage details remain the same as specified in your policy.

Are wellness visits covered while traveling?

Routine and wellness care follows the same coverage rules as at home. Trupanion policies focus on unexpected illness and injury rather than routine care.

What if my pet needs medication refills while traveling?

Medication refills for covered conditions are typically eligible for reimbursement. Keep all receipts and documentation.

How quickly can I expect reimbursement for emergency care while traveling?

If VetDirect Pay™ is unavailable, claims are typically processed within 1-3 business days, regardless of where the care was provided within covered countries and territories.

Remember: being prepared and understanding your coverage details before you travel can help ensure your pet receives prompt care if needed, giving you peace of mind throughout your travels together.

Travel safety tips for pet owners

To ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience with your pet:

• Schedule a pre-travel veterinary check-up to ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel
• Gradually acclimate your pet to travel carriers or vehicle rides before long journeys
• Secure your pet properly during transportation using appropriate carriers or restraints
• Maintain regular feeding schedules when possible to reduce digestive upset
• Allow for frequent breaks during road trips for exercise and bathroom needs
• Never leave pets unattended in vehicles, especially in warm weather
• Bring familiar items like beds or toys to help reduce travel anxiety

Prepare for pet emergencies wherever you go

Proper preparation can help ensure your pet remains healthy and safe while traveling:

1. Create a pet travel kit including:
• Copy of medical records and vaccination history
• Emergency contact information for your regular vet
• Trupanion policy information and contact details
• First aid supplies appropriate for pets
• Any regular medications plus a few extra days' supply
• Familiar food, treats, and comfort items
2. Research emergency veterinary clinics at your destination before departure.
3. Update microchip information with current contact details.
4. Consider a GPS pet tracker for added security while traveling.

Know the common travel-related health issues in pets

Being aware of potential travel-related health concerns can help you prevent problems and recognize when veterinary care is needed:

• Motion sickness — common in cars, boats, and planes
• Anxiety and stress — new environments can cause behavioral changes in both dogs and cats
• Dietary issues — changes in water or accidental ingestion of unfamiliar items
• Temperature-related conditions — heatstroke or hypothermia depending on your destination
• Infectious diseases — different regions may expose your pet to unfamiliar pathogens
• Injuries — unfamiliar surroundings may increase risk of accidents
• Allergic reactions — new environments may contain unfamiliar allergens

Trupanion covers treatment for these conditions if they occur unexpectedly during your travels.

Destination-specific considerations

Different travel destinations may present unique challenges for pet health:

• Beach locations — Be aware of saltwater ingestion, hot sand, and marine hazards
• Mountain regions — Consider altitude sickness and wildlife encounters
• Urban environments — Watch for hazards like traffic, toxic substances, or getting lost
• Rural areas — Be mindful of unfamiliar plants, insects, and limited veterinary access
• Camping — Prepare for wildlife encounters, temperature changes, and limited facilities

If you’re traveling soon and have questions about your coverage, feel free to reach out to our pet-passionate team. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year! It’s also worth noting that most travel insurance policies do not cover pets, so making sure you have a good pet health insurance policy in place beforehand is always beneficial.