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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,280 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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3280 Customer Comments & Reviews

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M
Mark

8/12/2017
This company has to be one of the finest organizations we have ever dealt with in our life. They have met ever one of our needs and concerns. The process for filing a claim is easy, simple, and no hassle. They care not only for our pets but the owners themselves.


J
Jerry C

8/12/2017
Healthy paws is a very good insurance companey that realy cares about your pet.


Betty K

8/12/2017
After many years of having my dogs enrolled in another top rated pet insurance company and getting two new pets this year, I decided to look around for another carrier. I wasn't really happy with the insurance I had as the return on the claim wasn't which and was very disappointing. In February I enrolled my first dog and in April the second. It was unfortunate that a few weeks ago our Italian Greyhound puppy jumped off the couch and broke his leg playing. I felt confident that most of what I had to spend would be covered as it was over $6000. To my surprise after about a week and a half later my claim was completed and most of my money was being reimbursed. It gave me a feeling of relief... Read More


C
Catherine K

8/11/2017
I just had disappointing experience with Healthy Paws not covering surgery, anesthesia, x-rays and medications associated with my cat requiring dental extractions after a dental cleaning. My cat is very resistant when I try to brush his teeth at home. So, I scheduled a dental cleaning especially since he had bad breath. During the dental cleaning, the bad teeth along with gingivitis and bone reabsorption were discovered. You would think HealthyPaws would cover surgery costs - but they don't in all cases.So Beware! I already have a dental plan with my vet covering dental cleanings and wrongfully assumed HealthyPaws would cover surgery costs. Their underwriting could be better... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Catherine - We make 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. Our complete accident and illness plan covers injury to the teeth if it is caused by an accident, including extractions and reconstruction of damaged teeth. Like some other pet insurance companies, our plan does not cover the regular dental care required to maintain dental hygiene for the pet, including brushing, scaling, polishing, extractions and reconstructions due to dental disease. We hope your kitty is doing better!!

N
Nina

8/11/2017
Outstanding!!! I wish my health insurance is as good as the insurance my dog has through Healthy Paws. My Great Dane has had two surgeries after eating 1) socks and 2) corn on the cob with a cob holder prong in it - and both times the people at Healthy Paws have been amazing. They are quick to reimburse and also very caring. When I called customer service to see if they'd received a claim, the rep saw how huge the bill was ($8000) and offered to expedite it. Amazing!!! They also checked in to see how Zane is doing, post-surgery. I hope you never have to use pet insurance but if you want to make sure your pet is covered, Heathy Paws is the way to go. Thank you, Healthy Paws!


D
Debbie

8/11/2017
When your pet goes for a sick visit to the vet the office visit is not covered,but medication is covered. I am not happy with this insurance. I have $240 for sick visits not covered.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Debbie - 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. Anyone visiting our website can see this information on our “Benefits, Coverage and Exclusions” page. By making the office visit fee (vet exam, emergency exam, recheck or consultation) part of the pet parent's financial responsibility, it allows us to offer a complete accident and illness plan at an affordable monthly premium. Our policyholders value comprehensive accident/illness coverage and unlimited benefits at reasonable rates, which is why they choose to assume the responsibility of paying for those costs. We're sorry your pet was sick and hope your baby is feeling better!

Bastian B

8/10/2017
Lindsay, Jared here. Thank you for your follow up call and for checking in on Bailey. As you may or may not know, Bailey was diagnosed with cancer (Lymphoma) in June of 2016. Since then she's been going through chemotherapy (which she has completed) and has been given the lymphoma vaccine in an effort to help her body fight the cancer should it return. Currently, she is in remission. Her most recent visits to the vets were the result of blood being in her stool. The oncologist ran a series of tests on her to make sure it wasn't the cancer returning. Luckily, it was not lymphoma related. She is now feeling much better with no blood in her stools. On a side note, I wanted to thank you... Read More


K
kpbraver

8/10/2017
Healthy Paws covered my puppy's unexpected knee surgery when she wasn't even one year old. Took photo of Vet's invoice and submitted the claim. Received my check about two weeks later. Good to know my unexpected Vet expenses will be covered by Healthy Paws.


A
Amy

8/10/2017
Healthy Paws is the best pet insurance option in the market, hands down. I currently have two French Bulldogs and not only has insurance Proven to be well worth it, Healthy Paws in particular has been the best choice I've made. They have wonderful customer service, claims are processed and paid in a matter of days, and reimbursement is based on the invoice total and not on predetermined values for each veterinary service, as is the case with other companies. Those predetermined values were always far less than my vets were charging, so prior to having coverage with Healthy Paws, my reimbursement was always around 50%, sometimes even less, when I have had policies for 80% or higher. I am... Read More


R
Rona M

8/9/2017
I want to offer a testimonial to Healthy Paws (HP) pet insurance company. In February of 2016 I rescued Daphne, a 10-year-old toy poodle, from the local “kill shelter”. As a condition for enrollment I took Daphne to our local Veterinarian for a standard “nose-to-toes” physical evaluation. Fortunately, Daphne got a clean bill of health and I went ahead and enrolled her with HP. I had never purchased pet insurance since I am very skeptical of the industry. Statements of benefits that appear too good to be true usually are. But having had several uninsured pets I thought it might be the prudent thing to do so I did my due diligence and investigated several companies before ultimately... Read More



Top Rated
  • 25% discount on all in-office medical care 
  • Pet wellness plans available
  • No age restrictions
  • Covers pre-existing and hereditary conditions
  • Discounts available immediately on sign-up
  • A+ BBB accredited company