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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,291 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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Healthy Paws is a pet insurance company based in Washington state that provides coverage for cats and dogs. They are underwritten by Chubb Group, a consistently highly-rated insurer.

Healthy Paws offers an industry-leading suite of policies that include unlimited lifetime benefits, high reimbursement, affordable coverage, and top rated customer service.

How is Healthy Paws rated?

Breakdown

4.5/5
Coverage
4.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5 (Excellent)

Healthy Paws ranks highly among the pet insurance companies we've reviewed. The company offers a single pet insurance plan with multiple reimbursement options, comprehensive coverage for alternative therapy and no caps of any kind.

Reimbursement is based on the cost of your actual vet bill and there is no limit as to the type of or how many claims you can make for covered conditions. Healthy Paws provides all of this at the same or sometimes lower prices than less comprehensive plans.

Healthy Paws Coverage

Coverage - 4.5 / 5

Compared to other pet insurance providers, Healthy Paws offers the most comprehensive coverage and does so without any caps or limits. Policies cover all accidents and illnesses without restrictions for hereditary or congenital conditions.

The company also includes services like advanced testing, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications, as well as alternative therapies and emergency care.

Healthy Paws does not have a wellness plan, but they will treat canine hip dysplasia if it is not a pre-existing condition.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Coverage Types
Medical
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 4.5 / 5

Where Healthy Paws really asserts its dominance is in benefit limits. Regardless of the plan you choose, there are no caps on coverage, either annual, lifetime, or per incident.

Generally speaking, other companies offer unlimited benefits as an option available only for their highest level and most expensive plans. This is not the case with Healthy Paws; it is included in their standard price plan.

As long as the condition or treatment is covered under the plan (very few restrictions do apply) there is no limit to what the company will pay to make your animal well.

One Healthy Paws customer reported to us that the company recently paid out over $18,000 on a $20,000 vet bill in order to save the life of a dog suffering from cancer. More recently, another customer wrote, "I have a six-year-old German shepherd. Unfortunately, he already has had more than his share of problems, from herniated discs to cancer. Healthy Paws has not given me any hassle or trouble, even though his expenses to date are approaching $40,000. This was by far the best financial decision I have ever made."
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 4 / 5

As with deductibles, Healthy Paws is in line with the industry's best companies by allowing you the flexibility of customizing your reimbursement percentage as well.

You can select either 70%, 80%, or 90% at the outset of your policy. Healthy Paws reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill.

The company will compile all covered treatments for a given claim and pay your chosen percent after you've met the deductible. As with low deductibles, high percentage payouts are going to equal a more costly monthly premium.
In general, Healthy Paws pays on a reimbursement model. Policyholders pay the vet up front for treatment, submit their claims to Healthy Paws, and receive a reimbursement. However, in situations where pet owners can't pay their vet at the time of treatment, they have the option of contacting Healthy Paws and asking them to pay the vet directly. If the veterinary hospital is willing to accept payment from Healthy Paws, the insurer can work directly with it to expedite access to medical records and claim processing. This direct payment option is available on a case-by-case basis and applies to treatment by any licensed vet in the United States. It is not limited to any specific network of vets.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
70%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 4.5 / 5

Like all the best pet insurance companies, Healthy Paws allows you to customize your deductible to best suit your financial needs.

Values can be set at $100, $250, and $500. Lower deductibles do result in higher premiums. But many customers will appreciate the flexibility Healthy Paws offers.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$500

Pricing: How much does Healthy Paws cost?

Cost - 4 / 5

Considering the few benefit limits Healthy Paws imposes and the company's customizable payout percentages and deductibles, Healthy Paws plans are reasonably priced and even cheaper than less substantial plans.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$32.83
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$17.19
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $500, Benefit Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: 70% of Annual Cost
Available Discounts:

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 5 / 5

Healthy Paws enrolls pets 8 weeks and older. While some companies have no upper age enrollment restrictions, Healthy Paws limits coverage to pets 13.99 years old and younger.

Some companies offer accident coverage immediately upon premium payment. Healthy Paws imposes a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.

The waiting period for hip dysplasia is 12 months. Healthy Paws will not cover hip dysplasia if the pet was 6 years or older at the time of enrollment. Other companies we review have no such restrictions on hip dysplasia.

For pets younger than 6 you'll have to provide documentation of a complete physical within the last 12 months. Pets older than 6 must have had a complete examination within the last 30 days.
Min Enrollment Age
8 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
15 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
15 days
Free Look Period
30 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Healthy Paws has a proven track record of fulfilling claims fast and with as little fuss as possible compared to other pet insurance companies.

Customer support is efficient, courteous and available 7 days a week. With Healthy Paws, you have the ability to file a claim online or through their mobile app.

You simply submit the veterinarian invoice and the company will send you the reimbursement check. 99% of claims are processed in 2 days.
Advertised Response Time
3 days
Claim Form
Email
Fax
Online Portal
Mobile App

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
11120 NE 33rd Place, Bellevue, WA, 98004
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 50034, Bellevue, WA, 98105
Year Founded
2009

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3291 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Emily S

3/6/2017
Healthy Paws has easily saved us thousands of dollars since we adopted our Bronson boy. We've had quite a few regular vet visits, emergency vet visits, prescription meds, and even been to an opthomologist. It's so easy to submit a claim through the app, and we have never had an issue getting our reimbursement check. They are usually pretty quick too, so you aren't waiting weeks for your money. We are so thankful we have this insurance!


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Jessica

3/6/2017
After purchasing our policy a little over 3 years ago, we recently discovered that our Australian Shepherd (who is just over 6 years old) developed cataracts with a rapid onset. She was barely seeing and bumping into things within a couple of days. After being completely distraught with the situation we were so happy to learn that Healthy Paws covered this medical condition and they were unbelievably easy to deal with during the claims process. We ended up having our dog, Briggsy, go through with the cataract removal surgery. They answered any questions I had in a timely and clear manner and made forwarding both prior medical history and billing claims through email extremely easy! On top... Read More


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Jurgen G

3/6/2017
Our Portuguese Water Dog Marco decided to " dine" on large pieces of tennis ball rubber which made him very sick. We took him to the VCA Animal Hospital in Hollywood and he required extensive treatment which ultimately included surgical procedure on his tummy. I am happy to report that he is on the way to recovery and that on Friday the stitches will be removed. This was high quality veterinary care which unfortunately came with a high quality vet bill, almost $ 4,000. I can't say how relieved I was when Healthy Paws reviewed the charges and approved for payment in about a week. Not only that, they actually contacted me in a genuinely caring way to find out how Marco was doing and... Read More


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cindy j

3/6/2017
Here is my experience with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. I'm so glad I have chosen this Pet Insurance after my research with others and there is no comparison. They have variable options to pick from that suits your needs and cost. The Customer Service is phenomenal always there to answer any questions you have not to mention the turn a round time for your refund after meeting your annual deductible. Heatlhy Paws staff are not just there for your business but they are a company that truly cares about your pet. . Trust me without this Insurance my Rescue Pup would not be where she is today . Thank you Healthy Paws for your outstanding Customer Service.


Karen H

3/6/2017
My cat Nikki had FORL and many her teeth were deteriorating as a result and she was in a lot of pain. Nikki had to have 8 teeth removed as a result of her disease and it was a pretty extensive surgery. I had purchased Healthy Paws Insurance a few years back hoping that I'd never have to use it. Many will say that Pet Insurance will be a waste of time and will not cover anything when the time comes that you need it. I had submitted the bill for the surgery to Healthy Paws. There was information they requested to validate Nikki's health and condition prior to the surgery. After this information was submitted, I heard back quickly that most of the expense of the surgery would be covered.... Read More


Greg W

3/5/2017
From the first time we looked into the eyes of our new French bulldog puppy, I knew we needed pet insurance because we would do whatever our vet said she needed to keep her healthy. I researched several pet insurance companies and found Healthy Paws to be the best out there. Five years later, I am so glad that we signed up with Healthy Paws! We thought our little girl was having seizures a few weeks ago. After 3 visits to our local vet, they recommended that we travel to an animal neurologist for further evaluation. They did an MRI which revealed a herniated disc in her neck that we are treating with meds & limited activity. We racked up thousands in vet bills that Healthy Paws not... Read More


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Amy D

3/5/2017
We have used three different pet insurance companies and BY FAR Healthy Paws is the very best. They outdistance, by a wide margin, the other companies. They are extremely fast to process claims. They are very fair. And when claims are settled is it clear as to how the decision was made. In every case we have submitted there have never been any "gotcha" situations. They reimburse exactly as advertised. And what I find so charming and sweet of them is that after (for example) the most recent event with our dear 8-year old Golden, Healthy Paws followed up with a personal email asking how she was doing! Other than picking our vet clinic, going with Healthy Paws was the best decision we have... Read More


Matt M

3/4/2017
Below please find a note I recently sent to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. I think it sums up my experience with them very nicely: Hi Healthy Paws Team- I wanted to take the time to share a personal story with you and why I believe strongly in pet insurance offered by Healthy Paws - not just any company - Healthy Paws. After significant research, I decided to choose Healthy Paws to insure Wiggins, the puppy I found abandoned chained to a New York City park bench nearly 5 years ago. When I told family and friends about your service, some of them questioned the need, but I never waned: there is nothing I wouldn't do for him, and I give him the best of everything, from food, to... Read More


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LZ

3/4/2017
Great insurance, I took Healthy Paws for my little puppy a year ago, last month he suffered an accident and broke his legs, he needed to be hospitalized and in intensive care for days, and thanks to be insured I was able to treat him with the best veterinarians without worring about mones, as soon as I submitted the bills Healthy Paws reimbursed me in less than 10 days! I recommend it without thinking!


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Heidi

3/4/2017
I have been a Healthy Paws customer for four years now. I have a very athletic Australian Shepherd and bought insurance shortly AFTER she tore her left ACL and had her first ACL repair at six months of age. She had to have two more surgeries on that leg and I never submitted a claim because they were all related to the first injury. Three years later (one month ago) she tore her right rear ACL. I never expected it would be covered but submitted a claim anyway with hope. Much to my surprise Healthy Paws covered 90% of the cost of a $4000 surgery! I had hoped I would never need to use insurance for either of my dogs, but am so thankful I had it when I needed it most. Healthy Paws even... Read More



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  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days