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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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M
Meghan

1/29/2019
I got healthy paws pet insurance when I got my puppy. He is only 5 and recently needed emergency back surgery - it was such a scary time and I was so thankful that I had coverage and price was not a consideration in getting him better as quickly as possible. After uploading the required paperwork (which I thought was straightforward), I had my claim processed within a few days and checks were in my mailbox a few days later. I am very thankful for the speedy service! Make sure you have copies of your pets medical records (especially the enrollment exam) so you don’t have to wait on your vet to send it to you. I am a happy and thankful customer!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Meghan - We're sorry that your boy had to have that major back surgery. We appreciate all of your kind words and glad we could play a part in making it possible for your boy to have access to the best available medical care. Give him a big hug from us!

Rachele J

1/29/2019
Kind, caring, fast with reimbursement, and easy to use. We had a wonderful experience with Healthy Paws despite the unfortunate circumstance surrounding our claim. Not only were they quick to respond, approve, and send payment for our claim, but they checked in to see how Jalapeño (our dog) was doing, and were always so kind and helpful on the phone. We recommend them to all of our friends, family, and dog training clients!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Rachele - Thanks for recommending Healthy Paws to your friends and family. We appreciate the kind words about our customer care team. We hope Jalapeño continues to do well - give your baby a big hug from us!

R
r b

1/29/2019
My GSD is recovering from emergency surgery to save his life from his stomach flipping 180 due to bloat/GVD. The emergency vet clinic quoted $5K-$9K for the surgery with no guarantee of the outcome. I was able to say "just do it ASAP" and I knew Healthy Paws would cover most of the cost. Having Healthy Paws insurance removed having to make a painful decision based on finances to save my dog's life. I submitted the claim to Healthy Paws on-line, and a check for ~87% of the cost (minus $250 annual deductible and exam fee) is on its way to me. I STRONGLY recommend Healthy Paws to any dog owner - even unexpected non life threating treatments can cost $100s or $1000s . I decided on... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
R B - We are so glad to hear that Mikey is back to his happy self after that major stomach surgery. Thanks for all of your kind words about our claims processing and customer care. We're happy that our coverage made it easier for you to pursue the best care possible for your boy. Give him a big hug from us!

Sarah S

1/28/2019
We adopted our dog from the pound and had little to no paperwork on her health. Turned out she needed surgery on her leg and we were so happy we had insurance for her. After paying around $5,000 for the surgery and aftercare, Healthypaws paid us back close to the full amount we paid. Was a life saver for our wallets and also our peace of mind. Now we can just focus on making sure our dog heals quickly and she is back on her feet soon.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sarah - Glad your policy with us provided financial relief and peace of mind. We hope your girl has an uneventful recovery from her leg surgery. Give her a big hug from us!

Des T

1/28/2019
Our dog blade has been battling a luxating patella since he was about 3 - he will be 6 on 3/9 - the last 7 months we found out he had a torn CCL. We tried the conservative treatment with therapy and brace after a few months he was getting worse. We started more intensive therapy (hydro and shock wave) along with more medication to help with the swelling, pain, and arthritis. Now 3 weeks ago we have his TPLO and grade 2 luxating patellar repaired $4450 dollars later... Hes doing great!! Healthy Paws has been covering EVERYTHING for us!! I couldnt be happier with them. We have the plan that is a $250 deductable and coverage at 90% - i would suggest anyone get pet insurance when the animal is... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Des T - We're glad Blade is doing so well after those major leg surgeries. We appreciate the positive comments regarding our comprehensive coverage. Give your babies great big hugs from us!

Norma Y

1/28/2019
Our puppy needed emergency stomach surgery, and it was expensive. Healthy Paws quickly processed our claim, and Toby is making a full recovery. I am now a strong advocate for pet insurance, and Healthy Paws has been excellent.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Norma - We're glad we could be there to help with Toby's major tummy surgery and glad he's on the way to a complete recovery. Thanks for being a pet insurance advocate! Give Toby a big hug from us!

Litian W

1/28/2019
I would be in a world of hurt without Healthy Paws. I have a 5 year old German Shepherd that is a certified human remains detection dog and active search and rescue K9 in Texas. She was unlucky and developed colonic torsion, only the 2nd case our emergency vet had seen in his 30 years of practice. Starbuck (my GSD) was not feeling well for a few days and despite efforts by my local vet (and $600), she was not recovering. After 2 days, my local vet recommended I take her to a specialty/emergency vet in the city. The specialty vet looked at Starbuck and recommended exploratory surgery as the Xrays were not clearly showing what the problem was, but the surgery would cost between... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Litian - Thanks for taking the time out of your day to write your review. We are so happy that we can play a part in making sure Starbuck has access to the best available medical. Thanks for all you and Starbuck do as a search/rescue team:) Give her a big hug from us!

Jan H

1/28/2019
We are so happy we chose Healthy Paws for our dog Mac. When got him as a puppy our vet suggested we get pet insurance. Since our of our previous dogs had extended medical issues, we agreed. He gave us several names of insurance companies and I did my research. Healthy Paws came on top!! They make it so easy and communication is swift and prompt! They even checked on Mac after he had surgery. Who does that?! Wish my insurance compony was this prompt and courteous!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Jan - Thank you for choosing us to cover Mac! We appreciate the kind words regarding our customer service. Give Mac a big hug from us.

T
Teresa M

1/25/2019
We are thankful for the great customer service and timely processing of our claims. Our little 6 month Labrador needed elbow surgery (not a pre-existing) and she then also had a trip to vet ER for toxic ingestion. Healthy Paws was helpful throughout the entire process.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Teresa - Sorry your baby needed elbow surgery and had serious toxicity issues. We appreciate all of your kind words and glad we could be there to help. Give your girl a big hug from us!

predatorbao

1/24/2019
My 5-month-old GSD puppy had a critically serious viral pneumonia, because of which my puppy almost died. My boy had to rely on the ventilator for nearly two weeks to survive, which cost over ten thousand dollars per day and I had to pay for the treatment daily. The policy of healthy paws insurance is the greatest, as, in my case, they were able to make the direct payment to the veterinary everyday so that I only had to pay the balance after the coverage. There were still a couple thousands to pay daily, but what healthy paws did truly meant a lot. Healthy paws helped me out of there and literally saved my GSD puppy. I'm sincerely grateful to healthy paws for the timely help!!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Predatorbao - We're sorry your pup had such serious pneumonia issues and had to be hospitalized for so long. We're glad he's doing better and happy to help by making those direct payments to the hospital giving him care. Give your boy big hugs from us!


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