Is my dog or cat eligible for pet insurance?

If you're considering pet insurance for your furry family, you're taking a smart step toward protecting both your pet's health and your financial well-being. The good news is that most cats and dogs qualify for our robust pet insurance coverage, and the eligibility requirements are refreshingly straightforward.

Basic pet insurance eligibility requirements

At Trupanion, we've designed our enrollment process to be simple and accessible. There are just three fundamental requirements to qualify for our lifelong coverage:

1. Age

All cats and dogs under 14 years of age are eligible to enroll for lifelong coverage. This generous age limit means that whether you have a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a mature adult pet, there's an excellent chance they can still qualify for protection.

2. Geographic location

You must live in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico to be eligible for Trupanion coverage, or at any US military base worldwide. This extensive coverage area ensures that most North American pet parents can access our services.

3. Type of pet

While we love all kinds of animal companions, we only cover dogs and cats at this time at Trupanion. But unlike some other pet insurers, we have no breed restrictions! That’s right, we welcome dogs and cats of every size, shape, and breed. Many pet parents also wonder whether mixed breeds, rescue animals, or pets with minor health issues qualify for coverage. The answer is typically yes — most dogs and cats are eligible, regardless of their background.

Why these requirements exist

As frustrating as eligibility requirements for pet insurance can be, they exist in order to ensure that pets are treated fairly and can get the most out of their coverage. These limits are carefully decided based on research and may be reviewed in depth from time to time to ensure they are accurate.

The 14-year age limit isn't arbitrary — it's based on actuarial data and practical considerations. Younger pets typically have fewer pre-existing conditions and longer life expectancies, which allows us to offer more robust and affordable coverage. Pets enrolled at younger ages also benefit from lifelong protection against conditions that might develop as they age.

Geographic limitations likewise exist due to varying veterinary costs and regulations across different regions. By focusing on specific areas, we can maintain consistent service quality and pricing structures. As for only covering cats and dogs, that’s because they far exceed any other type of pet in our coverage areas. We have worked closely with veterinarians to design our coverage to be tailored to the kinds of pets they treat the most.

My pet is eligible. Now what?

If your pet is eligible, that’s great! You can go ahead and snag a pet insurance quote now, or feel free to keep learning more about how pet insurance works. You may also want to take other things into consideration before signing up for coverage. This will help you avoid unnecessary surprises and get the most out of your pet’s policy.

The best age to enroll your pet

You can sign up for pet insurance up until your dog or cat is 14 years old. However, there are benefits to getting coverage while your pet is still a puppy or kitten, or even a young adult pet. Enrolling your pet while they're young and healthy offers several advantages:

• Lower premiums — Younger pets typically qualify for better rates.
• Dynamic coverage — Fewer pre-existing conditions mean broader protection.
• Lifelong benefits — Early enrollment establishes coverage that can last your pet's entire life.
• Peace of mind — Protection before unexpected health issues arise.

If your pet is older though, don’t give up just yet. Older pets who are eligible for pet insurance may still benefit from having coverage in their golden years.

Other considerations

Feel free to reach out to our team at any time with questions. That said, here are a few things in the meantime that you may want to consider.

Pre-existing conditions

While age and location are the primary eligibility factors, it's important to understand that pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage. This makes early enrollment even more valuable — conditions that develop after your policy begins are generally covered, but anything diagnosed beforehand usually isn't.

Waiting periods

Most pet insurance policies include waiting periods before coverage begins. These can range from a few days for accidents to several weeks for illnesses. Understanding these timelines helps set proper expectations for when your coverage becomes active.

Breed-specific considerations

While we accept all breeds, some providers impose breed-specific restrictions or higher premiums for pets prone to certain hereditary conditions. Trupanion's inclusive approach means your pet's breed won't prevent enrollment, though understanding your pet's potential health risks can help you make informed coverage decisions.

Next steps for enrolling in pet insurance

If your pet meets our eligibility requirements, the enrollment process is straightforward and can often be completed online in just a few minutes. You'll typically need basic information about your pet, including their age, breed, and recent veterinary history.

Remember, pet insurance is most valuable when you don't yet need it. By enrolling a pet early, you're ensuring that when health challenges arise — and they often do — you'll have the financial support to provide the best possible care without compromise.

What if my pet doesn’t meet the requirements?

If your pet is over 14 years old or you live outside the covered geographic areas, we understand this can be disappointing. Unfortunately, we cannot offer coverage at this time for pets outside these parameters. However, we are constantly evolving, and coverage options may expand in the future.

For senior pets, some specialized providers offer limited coverage options, though these typically come with higher premiums and more restrictions. It's worth researching alternative providers who might cater specifically to older animals.