What happens if a Trupanion-insured pet changes owners?

Life is full of surprises, and sometimes that means a much-loved dog or cat must begin a new chapter with a different family. Whether it’s due to a job relocation, changes in living circumstances, or the heartwarming decision to rescue or rehome a pet in need, transferring pet parentship is often emotional and comes with a host of concerns. At Trupanion, we understand how important it is for your pet’s well-being and health to remain the top priority during these transitions. That’s why we’ve created a streamlined process for transferring an existing Trupanion insurance policy to a new parent, making sure your furry companion stays covered and cared for, no matter where life takes them.

Ensuring continuity of care with Trupanion

Pets thrive when their care is uninterrupted, especially during times of change. Trupanion insurance policies are designed with flexibility in mind, following the pet rather than the person. This means if your insured pet needs to move to a new home, their coverage can move with them, ensuring they’re protected under the same policy without any unnecessary interruptions or lapses in care.

This continuity is not only convenient but vital for your pet’s health. By transferring the policy, you help maintain coverage for issues that would otherwise be considered pre-existing conditions for a new policy and ongoing treatments, preventing the complications or waiting periods that can arise if a new policy needs to be started from scratch.

How to transfer a Trupanion policy

Transferring a Trupanion policy is simple and designed for your convenience. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth transition for your pet’s insurance coverage:

Contact Trupanion

If you’re the current policyholder and would like to transfer your pet’s insurance policy to the new parent, simply give Trupanion a call. Our customer care team is available around the clock and will guide you through every step of the process.

Gather both parties

For security and accuracy, we require both the existing and new pet parent to participate in the transfer. This helps us verify the transfer, update account and billing information, and make sure the new parent is fully informed about the policy’s features.

Confirm the transfer

If you’re the new pet parent and know that your new companion is already protected by a Trupanion policy, please reach out to us promptly. Once we’ve confirmed details with both parents, we’ll finalize the transfer and ensure coverage continues without interruption.

Expedite the process

We highly encourage both the previous and new parent to communicate beforehand. Completing the transfer together on the same day can help expedite the process and minimize any potential confusion or delays. This proactive approach is especially helpful for pets with ongoing medical needs or scheduled veterinary appointments.

Why transfer a Trupanion policy?

Transferring your pet’s Trupanion policy is more than just paperwork. It’s a way to help safeguard your pet’s health during a potentially stressful time. Here are just a few key benefits:

• Continuous protection: There’s no need to worry about waiting periods, coverage gaps, or pre-existing condition exclusions when you transfer an existing policy instead of starting a new one.
• Financial security: Veterinary care can be expensive, especially during emergencies or for pets with chronic conditions. Keeping coverage intact means you’re better prepared for the unexpected.
• Transparency: Both previous and new parents can access the pet’s insurance history, providing clarity on what’s covered and ensuring there are no surprises if your pet needs care.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your pet is protected allows both old and new parents to focus on helping them adjust to their new home, rather than worrying about insurance details.

Our commitment to pet parents

We know that whether you’re saying farewell to a cherished companion or welcoming a new furry friend into your home, you want what’s best for your pet. Our mission is to support pet parents through every stage of their journey, especially during transitions. That’s why our support team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to answer your questions, guide you through the transfer, and address any concerns you may have.

Frequently asked questions about policy transfers

Is there a fee to transfer a Trupanion policy?

No, there is absolutely no cost to transfer your pet’s existing policy to a new parent.

Will the policy terms change when the parent changes?

All core policy terms—including coverage limits, deductibles, and waiting periods—remain the same. The only updates are to account and billing information.

What if the new parent doesn’t want the policy?

If the new parent chooses not to maintain coverage, the policy can be canceled at any time. However, we strongly recommend keeping it active to avoid lapses in coverage and what would be considered potential exclusions for pre-existing conditions on a new policy.

Can multiple pets be covered under one policy be transferred?

Yes. If you have more than one pet insured with Trupanion and they’re all being rehomed, we can transfer their policies together or separately as needed.

We’re here for you every step of the way

Transferring a pet’s insurance policy shouldn’t add stress to an already emotional time. Our team is here to ensure the process is as easy and compassionate as possible. If you’re considering, or already in the process of, rehoming a pet with a Trupanion policy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available at any time—day or night—to guide you, answer your questions, and help keep your pet safe, healthy, and protected, wherever life’s journey takes them.

For more information or to start your policy transfer, give us a call today. We’re committed to supporting you and your pet through every change life brings.