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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,292 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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3292 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Lexi A

7/12/2019
We've had nothing but positive experiences with Healthy Paws. Our oldest kitty recently had a mass in her abdomen that was pushing all of her organs to one side and making it difficult for her to breathe. We wouldn't have been able to pay for all her treatments and surgery without insurance, so we are very grateful. Filing a claim and navigating the site is SUPER easy, and the customer service reps are very kind—they even sent me a message to check up on my kitty and see how she was doing. I'm so glad we made the choice to go with Healthy Paws.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Lexi - We are so happy that all of your Healthy Paws experiences have been so positive. We pride ourselves on having amazing customer service, an easy claims process, and an easy to follow policy with limited exclusions. Thank you for all the kind words. Please give your sweet kitties another hug from us.

mwhitneyla

7/11/2019
We were told by friends to get insurance for our new puppy because later in life she could have health issues. We weren't expecting her to need surgery at 1 year old! Thankfully we already had Healthy Paws. They have been AMAZING, I'm so glad we signed up. They make it so easy to submit a claim on their app, and sent emails to see how our dog was doing after the surgery. I can't recommend them enough!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
mwhitneyla - We are sorry to hear that your sweet pup needed a major surgery recently. Hopefully, she is feeling much better now. Thank you so much for the kind words regarding our simple claims process and friendly customer service. Please give your pup one more big hug from us!

vcvancleave

7/11/2019
My 10 year old Beagle, Boomer (and his sister, Daisy) are very special to my family and I, and we learned of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance several years ago after they were already adults, but were fortunate enough to get them on the $200 deductible/90% plan and keep it now. It's turned out to be great use of money as well as ensuring the well-being of Boomer and Daisy. Just like people, dogs have medical issues pop up as they age--and some of them have been very expensive--even thousands of dollars per year. Just in the past year, Boomer has had a major Knee surgury to repair a luxated patellar tendon (almost $3K), and has had several expensive diagnostic tests (over $1500) plus medications... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
vcvancleave - Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful and comprehensive review. We are so happy that all of your Healthy Paws experiences have been so positive. As you know medical expenses can and do arise unexpectedly and at any time with our furry friends so being able to provide them with the best available medical care without worrying about the cost is what having pet insurance is all about! Please give Boomer and Daisy another big hug from us!

niculaecristina6

7/9/2019
First, I never write reviews..... but I will for this amazing pet insurance company called Healthy Paws :) My cat - Mono - had to unexpectedly undergo emergency abdominal surgery due to blockage in the GI tract about 5 weeks ago. My little man is finally feeling much better after a long, hard and stressful 4 weeks of post surgery recovery time. Having Healthy Paws on my side throughout this process had been amazing. Submitting all my receipts through the phone app and opening the claim could not had bee easier. The process is very convenient and staff are professional. I definitely made the best choice by choosing this pet insurance for both of my babies back in 2015. I will never ever... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. We're sorry to hear that your sweet kitty needed an emergency surgery recently. It is so good to hear that he is doing much better now because we understand how stressful and scary those situations can be for us pet parents. We are so happy that you were able to provide the best medical care for your kitty when he needed it the most. Please give both of your babies another big hug from us.

Gary M

7/9/2019
I have had other plans in the past and have found Healthy Paws Insurance to be a pet owners dream come true. I have been with them over 7+ years and doing business with them has been simple, easy and no surprises. Whether its online or by phone your experience is pleasurable. Your claims are handled in a timely fashion and reimbursement is quick and the amount as expected. Lastly, the monthly premiums are competitive with other providers...I would never consider changing to another company. Gary N. Vallejo, CA

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Gary - We are so happy that all of your experiences with Healthy Paws have been so positive. We pride ourselves on having a simple to follow policy with exceptional customer service, competitive premiums and a straight forward claims process. Thank you so much for all the kind words.

Laura L

7/9/2019
Horrible...Horrible....Horrible My pet started out at $42 per month....now we are up to $122. Ridiculous and they don't pay for so many things...Never again Healthy Paws...

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Laura - Thank you for being a long time policyholder with Healthy Paws and we’re glad we’ve been able to provide coverage for your claims. After looking at your account we do not see a new premium that matches what is in your review. If you are seeing a new premium of $122, please contact us and ask to speak with one of our Customer Liaison Managers so we can resolve the issue. We understand that no one likes any form of a price increase. Our management team works hard to keep our premiums as low as possible while still providing comprehensive coverage. New technology, advancements in veterinary treatments, and overall claim costs are taken into consideration when assessing our rates. Your monthly premium is going up because the increase in claim payments has been faster than the premium increases in your state. As a result, we need to increase the premium level for all pets in your state so you and your pet can have continued access to the best veterinary care. Rest assured, we will never penalize you with higher rates for making claims. 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. We do our best to be transparent regarding annual premium increases by including this information on the "Frequently Asked Questions" page of our website.

C
Carol

7/9/2019
This company is absolutely wonderful! I have my two german shepherds insured and they both recently had serious illnesses two weeks apart. One required major emergency surgery. I was reimbursed by Healthy Paws for over $7,000.00. There is a huge peace of mind knowing that we can treat our dogs' medical conditions without the worry of severe financial strain.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Carol - Thank you so much for the kind words regarding Healthy Paws. We are sorry to hear that both of your sweet shepherds were very ill recently and that one of them needed major surgery. Hopefully, they are both doing much better now. Please give both of your furbabies a big hug from us!

G
Gary N

7/8/2019
Submitted bills totalling $3450 for emergency surgery performed June 25th for a torn ACL. I had to pay the VET out of my own pocket. I submitted the bills to Healthy Paws on June 27th and was notified today July 8th they want past medical VET records. I called them three times. Discussed everything with the Rep . Back on the 25th and sent a detailed VET report. I tried to reach a rep. 2 other times and was unable to reach anyone. Today I sent a followup medical history report . My dog has been covered by them for 3 years and no claims. Its been 2 weeks now and no answer on the reimbursment. So far I'm finding the service to be disappointing.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Gary - We’re sorry your buddy had to have that emergency leg surgery and we appreciate your efforts in getting us the invoices for the surgery. All claim decisions are based off of your pet’s medical records and the signs/symptoms that are noted in those records. Providing a pet’s medical records at the time of enrollment is not necessary for coverage and not required by insurance regulations. We only request a pet’s medical records at the time of their first claim instead of requiring them at the time of enrollment since most pet parents are aware of their pet’s pre-existing conditions. 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. Our team has reached out to your veterinarian on your behalf to obtain those medical records. Once we receive them, we’ll be able to process your claim. We hope your baby is doing well in her recovery.

Tess W

7/8/2019
Our Labrador was diagnosed with cruciate ligament ruptures in both hind legs. Because Our family vet said that she had arthritis in her hind legs (which was confirmed during the knee replacement operation) Healthy Paws said that the ligament rupture was a pre-existing condition since it was in the same area. Dr. Chaudry had no mention in the notes of a cruciate ligament rupture during his exam. We had to pay for both operations. Arthritis can be caused by trauma but it also exists as a freestanding condition. No one even bothered to call us, so they emailed me that the claim was turned down. Sadly, I can’t recommend Healthy Paws.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Tess - We are never happy when we have to deny a claim for a client and sorry your girl had to have that major leg surgery last year. 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. Healthy Paws policy has one bi-lateral exclusions in our policy and that is cruciate ligament (CL, CCL, ACL) injuries. Since the medical records that were provided to us show the signs/symptoms of the her cruciate injury to be pre-existing, we could not provide coverage for that claim. We hope she has made a full recovery. Give your babies big hugs from us!

malibusadventures

7/8/2019
Always have peace of mind when submitting a claim with Healthy Paws. They have been excellent in answering questions and discussing coverage concerns. Claim reimbursement is quick as well. We recommend Healthy Paws to all our friends. We definitely feel better knowing our pets are covered.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
malibusadventures - Thanks for all of your kind words and recommendation to your friends! Give your babies big hugs from us!


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  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
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