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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.
 
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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
https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/
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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tricia

1/3/2017
I bought Healthy Paw Pet insurance for my 2nd dog when I brought her home as a puppy. I did a lot of research and found their policy to have very fair rates, a reasonable process and excellent reviews. I was easily able to navigate which plan customization worked best for me. In my experience Healthy Paws has a very simple online process for submitting claims, a fast turnaround for reimbursements and their customer service has been helpful/caring at ever turn!

Robert C

1/3/2017
Here's a great experience with this insurance company I would like to share. I had this insurance plan since I got my English bulldog last April. My puppy was doing great until I noticed his been squinting and won't open his eyes after thanksgiving weekend. I took him to an eye specialist who diagnosed him with entropion on both eyes and recommended surgery. The repair for both eyes cost me around $1400 dollars inclusive of all visits and medications. I went ahead and had his surgery done and sent the receipt for Healthy Paws for reimbursement. After fullfilling their request for medical records and health exam forms from my vet, I received my refund for 90% of the cost less deductible... Read More

January A

1/3/2017
I recently adopted a nine year old Maltese rescue. Even though Rosie was healthy, I thought it was important to insure her as soon as possible. I chose Healthy Paws for a variety of reasons and am really glad that I did. My first interaction with the staff at Healthy Paws was positive and I was pleased with my choice of insurers. Very unexpectedly, Rosie became quite ill and after hospitalization and an endoscopic biopsy was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. She has responded well to treatment but the whole incident has been very, very expensive. Being new to Healthy Paws, I didn't know what to expect when I submitted her claims. To my surprise, the transactions were... Read More

Ursula E

1/2/2017
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is awesome. If your in the market for pet insurance consider signing up for healthy paws. My dog Cali whom is a Shepherd/Chow mix suffered a bad case of pyometra and then went septic and nearly died. Her medical expense was near $10,000.00 & with out the help of Healthy Paws Pet insurance cali would not be alive today. She was able to get the best Medical care money could buy to save her life. Cali was indeed our Christmas Miracle without the great work from the Vets and Healthy Paws my Cali would not be alive today. Thank you healthy paws for saving baby girls life..Just wanted to say one last thing all the presents and money in the world mean nothing to me... Read More

Daphne W

1/2/2017
Pet parents please be aware- stay away from healthy paws. Every claim we have filed has been denied due to pre-existing condition!! Do you know that allergy is a pre-existing condition? Think of us human-being, we all have some type of allergies but does our health insurance denies coverage because of allergy? Not to mention that they try to link every sickness my dog has had due to allergy!! Bleeding paws, bug bites, you name it!! NOTHING IS COVERED Because EVERYTHING IS DUE TO ALLERGY!!! Did your claims representative get trained as a vet?? If not, please DO NOT diagnose my puppy!! This company is a total SCAM! Stay away! I want my money back !!!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Daphne - Unfortunately, pet insurance does not work like human health insurance. We do our best to be transparent throughout our website, during the enrollment process and in the policy documents available to each client in their online Healthy Paws account regarding the limited exclusions of our policy. Those exclusions are pre-existing conditions, preventative/routine care and the office visit fee (veterinary exam fee). Anyone visiting our website can see this information on our “Benefits, Coverage and Exclusions” page. Our pet insurance protects you against future conditions, and unfortunately, the majority of pet insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. We’re never happy when we have to deny a claim for one of our clients. All claim decisions are based off of your pet’s medical records and the signs/symptoms that are noted by your veterinarian. We use a pet's medical records and notes written by your veterinarian to determine if there are any pre-existing conditions which would keep us from approving a claim. Based upon the information provided for your claim and since your pet had allergy issues noted by your veterinarian prior to enrollment, we could not provide coverage. Our customer care team has reached out to you via email in regards to getting more detailed information on your recent visit so we may potentially re-evaluate the claim determination. The Healthy Paws Team
A
Anna

1/1/2017
Our 2 year old Pitt/Mastiff had a bilateral TPLO surgery a few weeks back (basically a double knee replacement). I am so thankful I enrolled her in Healthy Paws as a puppy, because they really came through for us when we needed them the most. We were able to provide Winnie with the best care and surgeon without thinking twice about the cost. The surgery recovery is difficult enough without having to stress about bills as well! In the end, we've saved around $7,000 and we have a dog who is well on her way to running again this spring and will live a much better life thanks to the health decisions we were able to make. I used to work at a vet hospital and know how difficult claim... Read More

K
Kathryn T

1/1/2017
I am very pleased with Healthy Paws. In 11/2016 I purchased pet insurance from Healthy Paws for my two giant breed puppies. Little did I know just a year later I would need to use the plan I chose. I was not sure how to submit a claim and needed to phone them three times. Each person could not have been any more helpful or polite. I submitted my claim just a few days after my dog's ACL surgery (12/5/2016) and received my claim check 12/22/2016. My dog will need the same surgery on other leg when he heals from this one. After the surgery Healthy Paws e-mailed me and wanted to know the dog was doing. I am so pleased that I chose Healthy Paws as now I know that I do not have to worry about... Read More

R
Rachel

12/30/2016
A lifesaver. This company is wonderful. Healthy Paws is very affordable for the level of coverage you can get ($100 yearly deductible, 90% reimbursement). We just had $6,000 worth of emergency vet services after our furbaby ate something she wasn't supposed to, and Healthy Paws processed everything in a couple of business days. I usually receive any reimbursement checks within a week of submission. Very simple submissions using your app and no hoops to jump through. I want to say thank you to you, your team, and Healthy Paws...you guys have been actual lifesavers. There is no way I would be able to afford to make decisions based on what is best for my dog and her quality of life v. what is... Read More

Marilyn M

12/28/2016
At first Healthy Paws seemed great to me, but as time went on, they went down the toilet. I know people look for insurance that's cheap, I didn't care, I wanted a company that would stand by my pets, 2 german Shepherds. But they didn't cover something with my male because he was too young, then They don't cover doctor Exams, even if it is an emergency or an illness. So you take your pet to the Vets for an illness, of course, they charge you an office visit charge as well as what they have done for the pet...So you send an invoice to HP and you don't actually get the 90% that you paid high premiums for, you never get the full amount of the issue paid for. They have a great deal of small... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Marylyn - We are never happy when we have to deny a claim for one of our clients. Like other insurance companies, our policy excludes all conditions related to breeding, whelping, queening or any complications as a result of breeding, whether it is intentional or accidental. Healthy Paws makes every effort to be transparent throughout our website, during the enrollment process and in the policy documents available to each client in their online Healthy Paws account regarding the limited exclusions of our policy. Those exclusions are pre-existing conditions, preventative/routine care and the office visit fee (veterinary exam fee). Anyone visiting our website can see this information on our “Benefits, Coverage and Exclusions” page. In addition, anyone interested in Healthy Paws can review a sample policy in its entirety on our website.
S
Steve A

12/28/2016
People often say they “would give anything to have one more day” with a friend or loved one. Unfortunately, the realization of “anything” leads to financial disaster in addition to heartbreak. I took out Healthy Paws Pet Insurance the day I brought my puppy home five years ago. I thought he would most likely do something stupid such as swallowing a stick, eating gum, or some other “dog” activity that was not well thought out by him or his owner. For five years we paid on our Healthy Paws Insurance without a claim. I was tempted to cancel the policy since he was now five years old and no disasters had occurred. My “one more day” unfortunately came. Two weeks shy of his fifth... 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
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