Trupanion vs Progressive

When comparing trusted names like Trupanion and Progressive, it’s important to look closely at the details. While both companies cover dogs and cats for accidents and illnesses, they differ in important ways, such as coverage limits, how claims are processed, and the overall customer experience. By taking the time to investigate your options, you can find a plan that fits your pet’s needs and your budget, giving you confidence that you’re ready for whatever life brings.

How Trupanion and Progressive compare

Plan features

Trupanion

Progressive

No payout limits

yes. One simple plan with no yearly caps or limits on what is paid out for eligible pet medical costs

no. One unlimited option if higher premium is selected. Limited options for lower premiums

VetDirect Pay™

yes. Can pay participating hospitals directly at checkout

no. No automatic process to pay veterinarians directly at checkout without cumbersome pre-approvals

No birthday pricing

yes. No rate increases just because your pet has a birthday

no. May automatically increase rates every year as your pet ages

Flexible deductible

yes. Pick a per-condition, lifetime deductible that works best for your lifestyle and budget, anywhere between $0 and $1,000

no. Deductible options ($50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1000) that reset annually

Trupanion has robust coverage and plan simplicity. Progressive plans are complex and restrict coverage.

Trupanion keeps things simple with a single, straightforward plan that covers new injuries and illnesses, including hereditary and congenital issues, surgeries, medications, stem cell treatments, supplements, and even helps out with prescription food costs. There are no payout limits—your pet is covered for life, no matter how much care they need.

In contrast, Progressive offers a range of tiered plans, which vary in the coverage of exam fees, rehabilitation, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Not all plans cover prescription medications, and their coverage for prescription food or supplements is lacking. And some plans impose annual benefit caps unless you pay extra for unlimited coverage. With so many tiers and options, it can be difficult to know if you’ve selected the right plan for your pet.

Trupanion's deductible is smarter and can save you money over time. 

With Trupanion, you only need to meet your deductible once per condition over your pet’s lifetime, which can lead to significant savings if your pet develops a chronic or recurring issue. Progressive uses an annual deductible, so you’ll have to pay it every year your pet needs care for the same condition.

Trupanion offers true VetDirect Pay™. Progressive does not.

One of the most convenient features of Trupanion is our VetDirect Pay™, which pays your veterinarian directly at checkout, and 80% of these claims are paid within 5 minutes through our Vet Portal. This means no waiting for reimbursement and no paperwork for you to manage. Progressive, by comparison, requires you to pay your vet up front and then go through a cumbersome reimbursement process—filling out forms, getting signatures, and submitting through their customer portal, fax, or mail. Their “direct pay” option is limited, it requires your veterinarian's approval and your signed reimbursement release form to be submitted with the claim. The process involves completing the form, getting your vet's signature, and then submitting it with your claim; once the claim is processed, the reimbursement amount is sent to the vet's office .This can be stressful in emergency or urgent situations.

Your costs with Trupanion are more predictable and fair.

Trupanion is priced for the life of your pet, with no sudden “birthday pricing” increases or deductible changes just because your pet gets older. Progressive, on the other hand, raises premiums as your pet ages, which can punish loyal members and older pets.

Trupanion focuses on real insurance and big needs. Progressive distracts with wellness add-ons.

Trupanion believes veterinarians are best positioned to provide wellness care, so we focus on helping pet parents budget for unexpected, significant costs, not routine expenses. Progressive tries to cross-sell wellness add-ons, but these have strict limits and don’t solve the real purpose of insurance.

Why choose Trupanion over Progressive?

There are multiple reasons why Trupanion may be a better fit for you and your pet:

  • No Annual or Per-Incident Payout Limits: Enjoy simple, robust coverage without worrying about caps on claims.

  • Direct Payments to Veterinarians: Trupanion can pay your vet directly at checkout, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Stable Premiums: Your rate won’t increase just because your pet ages — offering long-term financial predictability.

  • Streamlined Claims Experience: Fast, hassle-free claims process designed for convenience and speed.

  • Veterinarian & Pet Health Focused: Trupanion prioritizes the well-being of pets and supports veterinarians, ensuring the best care for your furry family member.

  • Simplicity Over Complexity: Unlike Progressive’s many plan options, Trupanion offers straightforward, comprehensive coverage without the confusion.

Learn why veterinarians recommend Trupanion.

*Policy information gathered from progressive.com on 11/10/2025.

Explore more pet health insurance comparisons

puppy with veterinarian

#1 in America, chosen by veterinarians

Survey commissioned by dvm360, from 3/30-5/1/2023. Read more.