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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,335 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 Do We Rate Healthy Paws?

Breakdown

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

Our 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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3335 Customer Comments & Reviews

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M
Marc H

9/27/2021
Getting a pet dog is a big decision - unlike a human baby, a dog will be depending on you for food, water, and care for their whole lives! The biggest obstacle between a relationship between human and dog is most can't speak to animals and thus it's always a guessing game whenever our beloved pets don't feel well. Selecting an insurance carrier took a lot of research as we all want the perfect balance between a dependable policy and affordable premiums. I've never got pet insurance for one of my animals before so you really need to rely on other people to get a possible policy that you may never use. We decided on a policy to cover the expensive procedures, like surgery, not for... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Marc - Thanks for all of you kind words and for taking time out of your day to write this review. Glad we can play a part in making sure your baby has access to the best available medical care. We're sorry that your boy had to have that major back surgery and hope he continues to do well in his recovery. Give him a big hug from us.

S
Sandra T

9/26/2021
My 6-year-old dog has been insured with Healthy Paws for years and we've made very few claims. I was prepared for incremental increases in my monthly premium. However, I was shocked at how my Healthy Paws jacked up my rates over the past year. They skyrocketed from from $39.05 a month in May 2020 to $65.69 in June 2021. That's a 68% increase in the span of a year! According to their own website when I bought my insurance, the company stated: "Due to the increasing cost of new technology and advances in veterinary care, your rates will increase slightly each year. Our plan has factored the expected increase in the cost of veterinary care into your rates so that the annual premium increases... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sandra, Thank you for being a Healthy Paws member over the years. We realize that no one likes any form of premium increase. Our management team works hard to keep our premiums as low as possible while still providing comprehensive coverage. All premiums are based on the rates and rating rules filed and approved by each state’s Department of Insurance. These rates take into account the cost of treatment, advances in veterinary medicine (including specialty and emergency care), your individual pet’s breed, gender, age, and other factors, within the region your pet resides. As a result, we need to increase the premium level for all pets in your state so your babies can have continued access to the best veterinary care. All pet insurance companies, no matter how they market their benefits, will raise rates to keep up with the rapidly rising cost of veterinary care, including specialty and emergency care. We do our best to be transparent regarding annual premium increases by including this information on the "Frequently Asked Questions" page of our website.

S
Sherri

9/26/2021
Provides the BEST coverage at a very fair premium and has excellent customer service. My fur baby had thrombocytopenia then got esophagitis from the prednisone. It’s been almost a year of dealing with these issues. She required more advanced testing to verify there was no cancer or other issues due to the severity. HP even contacted me to check up on her! I tell everyone, if you want pet insurance get Healthy Paws!!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sheri - Thank you so much for all the kind words regarding Healthy Paws amazing customer service. We are so happy to hear you have been so pleased with your coverage. Please give your fur baby another big hug from us!

amkorabik

9/22/2021
I'm so glad I purchased a Healthy Paws policy! When my cat suddenly became very ill and needed emergency exploratory surgery, Healthy Paws stepped up and came through for me. My claims were processed quickly and efficiently with an easy to understand format. Their customer service advisors are very caring and yet professional. I cannot recommend this company enough. Every time I look at my lovely cat, I'm grateful for Healthy Paws!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
amkorakik- We are so sorry to hear that your cat was ill and needed emergency surgery. Hopefully, your fur baby is doing much better now. Thank you for all the kind words and for taking the time to post your review.

D
Dawn

9/22/2021
I have not had a good experience with you first claim and I have gotten the run around you kept asking for more papers I gave you papers now your closing claim saying I didn’t do it fast enough and you need more paperwork there is no more paperwork to give , 2 dogs I’ve insured through .You gave me the run around I will be looking for different insurance getting ahold of the BBB it wouldn’t have been much of a claim refund that is owed to me but apparently you needed it more than me. Your 5 star rating must be set up from friends and family.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Dawn - we're sorry your pet wasn't feeling well. Unfortunately, we cannot find you in our system using the limited information in your review. We do not want to speculate as to what is still needed regarding medical records to process your claim. If you would update you review with your Healthy Paws policy number, we can have a Customer Liaison Manager look at your account and help resolve the issue. Rest assured, providing your policy number in this manner will not compromise your account since it does not include any personal identifiable information.

S
Susanne C

9/19/2021
Our six year old wheaten terrier became suddenly ill. Within 24 hours he went from running around the front yard as usual to spending a week at Red Bank veterinary Hospital. They had to run a multitude of tests to figure out what was going on with him. At one point we didn’t even know if he would make it through. I couldn’t have been more appreciative to have pet insurance with healthy paws. We were able to give our pet the care he needed and fortunately he is home now and doing great!! Healthy paws has a very easy claim process. They covered what I anticipated according to our policy. Very easy to work with. Highly recommend!!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Susanne - We're sorry your Wheaten was so ill and had to spend all of that time in the hospital. Thanks for the kind words about our efficient claims process and policy coverage. Glad we can play a part in keeping your baby healthy and happy. Give your baby a big hug from us.

M
michaellewis196

9/18/2021
Healthy Paws has provided exceptional service ever sine our Standard Poodle was diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have been working with Healthy Paws for over a year. Dr. Brian Reister referred us to Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland OR. and we have submitted claims from both of these Vets. Healthy Paws has always provided prompt and caring service.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
michael - We're sorry your poodle has been ill. We appreciate your kind words regarding our customer service. Glad we can play a part in making sure your baby has access to the best available medical care. Give your buddy a big hug from us.

chico7078

9/17/2021
I joined healthy paws after I adopted a pet , He had an ear infection and after I submitted the claim i got an email saying they needed more records. Ok. I submitted them with the claim number. I got another email saying they need his records again. I called and told them i had already submitted. They looked it up and found them and they attached it to the claim. A few days later they sent another email saying they need his records. I called and told them I already dealt with this.. they wanted more that 5 years history. I have nothing except what I gave them. This is the reason I don't trust insurance companies. You have no problem taking money from my account but giving... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
chico7078 - We're sorry that your baby is dealing with an ear infection and appreciate you being a part of the Healthy Paws family. All claim decisions are based off of your pet’s medical records and the signs/symptoms that are noted in those records. Most pet insurance companies including Healthy Paws use a pet's medical records to determine if there are any pre-existing conditions which would keep us from approving a claim. Unfortunately, we cannot find you in our system using the limited information in your review. We don't want to speculate on what is missing in regards to your pet's medical records that is needed to process your claim. If you would, please update your review with your Healthy Paws policy number so that we can have one of our Customer Liaison Managers look into the issue and help get your claim processed. Rest assured, providing your policy number in this manner will not compromise your account since it does not include any personal identifiable information.

J
Janet

9/8/2021
Having good coverage is a blessing! We've carried Healthy Paws for about 4 years now on at least one dog. Now all 4 are covered. Recently, our beloved coonhound Maybellene got very sick. In the process of treating and trying to figure out what was going on, we spent almost $6000 on vet bills. After the claims were paid, which was EXTREMELY fast, we were hugely relieved to have a large portion of that back to return to savings. If you don't have pet insurance, you need it! Healthy Paws also helps shelter pets when someone uses your referral code, so how can you beat that? I will always have insurance on my babies, and they have been wonderful! They even followed up on Maybellene a... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Janet - We are very sorry to hear that Mabelene was not feeling well. Hopefully, she is doing much better now. Thank you for the kind words regarding Healthy Paws fast claims process and caring customer service. We are so happy to hear that Healthy Paws was there for you and your fur baby when you needed us the most. Please give your fur babies more hugs from us!

S
Sunie J

9/7/2021
I have been on hold for 30 minutes. My card was declined and I have a 0 Balance. Trying to apply for Dog Insurance. MUST SPEAK TO SOMEONE please Sunny



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