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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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debi p

5/16/2017
We've been with Healthy Paws for 4 years now and they have been fantastic. They are very personal and when we've had to make a claim they've responded right away. Their reimbursement checks come fast! I've heard other people complain about their pet insurance companies and I tell them about Healthy Paws; I hope they've changed. I highly recommend Healthy Paws for your pets!


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Journey M

5/16/2017
I'm not one to spend time doing reviews but I felt that the customer service and support that we have received from Healthy Paws needed to be posted so that those who are looking for pet insurance know the caliber of exceptional service and dedication that they will receive from Healthy Paws. Our Beloved Boston Terrier, Peyton, was diagnosed with Cancer and in a matter of weeks we were confronted with the various chemo treatment options and most importantly, how much longer we had with her. My husband was skeptical at the 90% reimbursement with such a low deductible that he wanted to wait for treatment but we didn't have time. I contacted Healthy Paws and Shelby immediately sent a letter... Read More


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Melissa C

5/16/2017
I highly recommend this insurance to EVERYONE...it has let me take care of my Sully Monster who has had more than his share of complications and surgeries without having to think twice. The difference between this and others and this has no cap and although you pay up front and are then reimbursed in a timely manner you have the option of taking your pet to the vet of your choice and not only certain establishments. I preach to everyone about them and cannot say enough good things...please be careful of false promises from others. My dog has had three back surgeries, neck surgery, has his front arms done, cancer and is in therapy twice a week so believe me when I say I would not be able... Read More


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Beth K

5/16/2017
I have had the unfortunate experience of having a chronic sick dog since she was about 5 months old. I would not have been able to afford for her to live and thrive without Healthy Paws. They are very easy to work with, prompt in sending reimbursement and very caring about their clients. I would not hesitate to highly recommend them.


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Robert L

5/15/2017
I am very satisfied with Healthy Paws and the professionals employed by Healthy Paws. I'm very satisfied with your rates and speedy claim returns. I would recommend Healthy Paws to all pet owners that care about the wellbeing of their pets!


Lisa W

5/15/2017
HealthyPaws is the BEST!! I've had my Great Dane and American Bulldog Mix insured with Healthy Paws for over two years and I've needed to use them twice for the Great Dane (2 tumors) and most recently for the American Bulldog Mix (the dreaded CCL repair!). I can't say enough good things about them, from the ease of filing the claim to the speed at which they reimburse me. Bonus: A representative always e-mails me afterwards to check in on my pet and yes, they name my dogs by name. It's a very nice touch in a world where caring people are hard to come by.


Sanwal M

5/15/2017
Best insurance and decision hands down. Only insurance i ever got and now all pets have it. I have recommended this insurance to my family, friends, coworkers and even my own patients. I recommend this to literally everyone who mention the word pet. Everyone has switched to healthy paws and no one has one bad thing to say about this insurance. Even people who switched from other insurance to healthy paws are glad they did. All the negative reviews here are from people that have pets with pre existing conditions or did not read or understood the terms properly. Out of four of my pets, one was the unlucky one and had several procedures done and healthy paws not only reimbursed me on time... Read More


Rebecca M

5/15/2017
We got health insurance for our golden retriever puppy thinking it was a precaution for down the line. His plan started in February, and we pay $43 a month. In April, we notice he has a slight limp. Per vet's instructions, we have him take it easy (no long walks, rough play, stairs, etc.) to make sure it's just a sprain. Well, turns out it was more than just a strain. With our first $400 X-ray, we met our $250 deductible. I filed the claim (easy, just take a picture with your phone and upload to the app) and it was approved in under 3 days. We received a check in the mail soon after. THEN, though, the X-ray results came back and showed that our sweet 7-month-old puppy had elbow dysplasia... Read More


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karenajenson

5/13/2017
Heathy Paws, that is so nice of you to ask! Tula is doing amazing- has gained her weight back, is eating and drinking water like a mini Hungry-Hippo and keeping me on my toes! She is so much livlier and happier and we can't wait for the summer weather so we can be outside more. It was confusing, scary, very sad, and stressful to say the least...and I was and I am very grateful to the vet and to Healthy Paws. Tula is all I have on a day to day basis and so she is my immediate family... and so I sincerely hope this or anything like it ever happens again. Thanks so much for being an amazing company and making such a positive difference in people and their pets' lives- gives me... Read More


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Carey

5/13/2017
My mother recommended pet insurance to me while I was waiting for my pup to come home. She has Healthy Paws, but encouraged me to do my own research. I did. I settled on a final three, and ultimately chose Healthy Paws. My pup came home, and is and was the sweetest boy, but seems to now be plagued with health issues. He turned one in January, and first on the books is double knee surgery. He had one of two done, three and a half weeks ago. My claims have been processed and approved as of four days ago. This includes a couple day delay, but was due to me not providing all needed information from his doctors. The customer service representative that I dealt with during the process was... 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