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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.
 
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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
https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/
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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Ivan A

1/9/2017
I am relatively new to Healthy Paws, since October last year (2016), and I was skeptical about the coverage since I had had many bad experiences with other pet insurance companies. This last January 1st my dog fell very ill with a gastrointestinal infection that dehydrated her and had to be rushed to the hospital and stayed there overnight. For it being a holiday and also an emergency the bill was substantially high and with my dog being sick the last thing I needed was to worry about the insurance not covering the treatment. But as soon as I sent the invoice and the medical history (since it was my very first claim) the people at Healthy Paws were absolutely great. They helped me... Read More

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Anthony

1/8/2017
Healthypaws has been amazing in every way when it comes to pet insurance. I am hoping someday healthcare insurance for people becomes this good. I have experienced two major events with my cats including a broken leg with lots of related complications and expenses, and an emergency visit with my 2nd cat for dehydration. Both claims were paid out quickly and consistent with the agreement with only 10% copay. This has been an absolute life saver financially since one of the events was nearly $10,000. Not only that, they have always followed up with us to see how our cats are doing showing their true compassion and commitment to the customer. I recommend Healthypaws to anyone who has a... Read More

M
Marilyn

1/7/2017
I was looking for a link on your site called "sing our praises" because I cannot say enough good things about Healthy Paws Pet Insurance! My two dogs have been with you for years (collectively about 9 years) and I cannot think of one negative comment I could make. I have referred you so many times I cannot count. I've also explained to many pet owners the differences between you and others, such as "actual" and "usual and customary" payments. You would be very surprised how many people don't understand the difference. Also how many other companies have an annual and/or lifetime cap. My Charlie "almost" needed ACL surgery but my wonderful surgeon suggested to try PT first. After almost 30... Read More

H
Hannah W

1/7/2017
Excellent! We were so glad to have pet insurance when our dog required a $5,000 knee surgery. HealthyPaws made the claim process easy and streamlined. Reimbursed 90% of the cost. They even followed up with us to see how he was recovering and the insurance also covers physical therapy.

B
Brody

1/6/2017
The best company for pet insurance quick processing of claims usually within 3 days. Completed and check mailed and received within one week. Great help when filing your first claim.

S
Susan L

1/6/2017
Healthy Paws kept my mind at ease while dealing with my dog's critical and unexpected health issues. It was distressing enough when I discovered my five year old lab had two bum knees and would need two expensive surgeries as well as months of recovery and rehab to get her back to her old self, but during pre-op when she was discovered to have a critical auto-immune disease I was in tears at the very real possibility of losing her. My Healthy Paws insurance policy allowed me to focus on providing the best care for my fur baby instead of having to make difficult and heart-wrenching decisions based on finances. Thanks to Healthy Paws and a team of amazing veterinarians and their staff, my... Read More

E
erika f

1/6/2017
10 stars all the way! My dog has had a couple of emergencies that have been very expensive. When looking for pet insurance... what are we looking for? A company who has an easy way to submit claims and who handles them efficiently A company who has great customer service, with live empathetic people on the other end of the line A company who isn't out to screw you over and issues you a check easily after an ordeal A company who doesn't raise your premiums astronomically every year Bonus- a company who follows up with you to see how your little fury beast is doing after a health crisis. HEALTHY PAWS is for you!! I am not someone paid to do this- I am doing this because my dog has... Read More

T
tats802

1/6/2017
This insurance stinks! NONE of my pet's vet bills were covered. For a $235 emergency visit, they allowed $60! So after my copay and deductible, I received ZERO and then for the same illness the very next day, AGAIN, no office visit and they zapped it again w/the deductible instead of combining both visits. Sorry, that's wrong!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Kathleen - We’re sorry that you pet was ill. Since your vet visits were on two separate days, we have to process them individually and cannot combine them. In regards to your claims, they were all covered by your policy according to annual deductible and reimbursement level you chose at enrollment. As with any policy that includes an annual deductible, the deductible has to be met before any reimbursements are made. You were not subjected to your deductible twice, but your visits did not satisfy your annual deductible. In your case, there were a number of items that are excluded by your policy in your claims. Those exclusions were 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. In addition, anyone interested in Healthy Paws can review a sample policy in its entirety on our website.
S
Steve w

1/6/2017
Thanks to healthy paws we were able to get the surgery that are dog Luna needed. She is doing great and we are so happy we had healthy paws insurance

A
avonleamom

1/5/2017
I have had this company for almost 2 years. My premium went up at my one year anniversary by 10% and I have never had a claim. I have paid approx. $1000 for peace of mind so far with no claims,. I just moved 7 miles from NH to Mass.. My vet has always been in the state I moved to, Mass. My premium went up again approx. 5%, why?? Because "the cost of vet care is more in Mass than NH". My vet was always in Mass and that info was given to the insurer two years ago when I subscribed. So no matter where I lived I would be going to the vet I listed in mass on my policy. After reading the "reviews" for this company I can see how they make money for the claims they do receive by hiking up premiums... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Diane - Due to the increasing cost of new technology and advances in veterinary care, 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 are manageable. These manageable annual increases provide you the opportunity to offer your pet the best medical and diagnostic options available today. 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 periodically to keep up with the rapidly rising cost of veterinary care. In regards to your recent move, our premiums are based upon pet type (dog or cat). their breed, age and zip code where the pet resides. Because of your recent move, there needed to be an adjustment to you pet’s premium.
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