We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,291 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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

Leave a comment for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

3291 Customer Comments & Reviews

Loading Reviews ...
N
NICOLE W

10/7/2021
We had to recently go to our vet and an animal hospital for emergency treatment for a 15 month old dog. HealthyPaws quickly reviewed our case and receipts. The reimbursement check was quickly sent so we were without funds only for a brief period of time. Great experience.


D
Daniel R

10/5/2021
When our dog suddenly lost function of rear legs we luckily found an emergency vet on the weekend that called in neurologist for emergency surgery. Having Healthy Paws made worrying about the unforseen financial impact a non issue. They even personally followed up to see how he was recovering. Very easy platform to use with the app, take picture of invoice and 2 days later direct deposit for covered amount. No hoops to jump through or typical insurance claim problems. We are so lucky to have found Healthy Paws and highly recommended.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Daniel - We're sorry your pup had that serious neurological issue. Happy to play a part in making sure your baby has access to the best available medical care. We appreciate the kind words regarding claims submission process and direct deposits for reimbursements. Give your baby a hug from us.

krajewskic

10/5/2021
Paid $375 for the vet bill..... $244 was left after taking away exam fee and things not covered... We have a $250 deductable... they are saying only 80% of that goes to the deductable so we still have to pay another $55 before then they will cover 80% of things... we are paying $244 out of pocket towards the covered things why does all that not count... seems like a rip off and not honest so a $250 deductable is not really that at all it is really $300 becasue they onlt ount 80% of your bill even though you paid the whole thing... very missleading and dishonest!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
krajewskic - We're sorry your pet wasn't feeling well. We make every effort to inform our clients on how our reimbursement calculations work. We include this information (including examples) on our website within our "Frequent Asked Questions" page. Our process for calculating reimbursements are approved by each state's Department of Insurance and are based upon the deductible/reimbursement level a client chooses at enrollment. There are a number of other pet insurance companies that use this same method for calculating reimbursements. As with any policy with a deductible, the deductible has to be met before any claim reimbursement. Give your baby a big hug from us.

kylie24

10/4/2021
Easy submissions, great communication, and quick payments. I have an 8 month old puppy with lots of GI issues and a recent case of pneumonia. I am so glad we got insurance through Healthy Paws so there's less stress around an already stressful situation when taking her to the vet and specialists.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Kylie24 - Thanks for the kind words about our customer service, easy claims process and quick reimbursements. We're glad we can play a part in alleviating some of the financial stress when your pup isn't feeling well. Give your girl a big hug from us.

pwang38388

9/30/2021
The premium increased 35% this year and likely going to be double digits increase annually. Do you research before enroll.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
pwang - We understand that no one likes any form of premium increase. Our management team works hard to keep our premiums as low as possible while still providing comprehensive coverage. All premiums are based on the rates and rating rules filed and approved by each state’s Department of Insurance. These rates take into account the cost of treatment, advances in veterinary medicine (including specialty and emergency care), your individual pet’s breed, gender, age and other factors, within the region your pet resides. 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, including specialty and emergency 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. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the Healthy Paws family.

G
Gary B

9/28/2021
I have had 2 occasions where my Golden Retriever was seriously ill. Healthy Paws covered the entire treatment and sent me a check within a week. They are reliable and honest.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Gary - Thanks for your kind words regarding our reliability and efficient claims/reimbursement process. Give your Golden a big hug from us.

M
Marc H

9/27/2021
Getting a pet dog is a big decision - unlike a human baby, a dog will be depending on you for food, water, and care for their whole lives! The biggest obstacle between a relationship between human and dog is most can't speak to animals and thus it's always a guessing game whenever our beloved pets don't feel well. Selecting an insurance carrier took a lot of research as we all want the perfect balance between a dependable policy and affordable premiums. I've never got pet insurance for one of my animals before so you really need to rely on other people to get a possible policy that you may never use. We decided on a policy to cover the expensive procedures, like surgery, not for... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Marc - Thanks for all of you kind words and for taking time out of your day to write this review. Glad we can play a part in making sure your baby has access to the best available medical care. We're sorry that your boy had to have that major back surgery and hope he continues to do well in his recovery. Give him a big hug from us.

S
Sandra T

9/26/2021
My 6-year-old dog has been insured with Healthy Paws for years and we've made very few claims. I was prepared for incremental increases in my monthly premium. However, I was shocked at how my Healthy Paws jacked up my rates over the past year. They skyrocketed from from $39.05 a month in May 2020 to $65.69 in June 2021. That's a 68% increase in the span of a year! According to their own website when I bought my insurance, the company stated: "Due to the increasing cost of new technology and advances in veterinary care, your 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... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sandra, Thank you for being a Healthy Paws member over the years. We realize that no one likes any form of premium increase. Our management team works hard to keep our premiums as low as possible while still providing comprehensive coverage. All premiums are based on the rates and rating rules filed and approved by each state’s Department of Insurance. These rates take into account the cost of treatment, advances in veterinary medicine (including specialty and emergency care), your individual pet’s breed, gender, age, and other factors, within the region your pet resides. As a result, we need to increase the premium level for all pets in your state so your babies can have continued access to the best veterinary care. 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, including specialty and emergency 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.

S
Sherri

9/26/2021
Provides the BEST coverage at a very fair premium and has excellent customer service. My fur baby had thrombocytopenia then got esophagitis from the prednisone. It’s been almost a year of dealing with these issues. She required more advanced testing to verify there was no cancer or other issues due to the severity. HP even contacted me to check up on her! I tell everyone, if you want pet insurance get Healthy Paws!!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sheri - Thank you so much for all the kind words regarding Healthy Paws amazing customer service. We are so happy to hear you have been so pleased with your coverage. Please give your fur baby another big hug from us!

amkorabik

9/22/2021
I'm so glad I purchased a Healthy Paws policy! When my cat suddenly became very ill and needed emergency exploratory surgery, Healthy Paws stepped up and came through for me. My claims were processed quickly and efficiently with an easy to understand format. Their customer service advisors are very caring and yet professional. I cannot recommend this company enough. Every time I look at my lovely cat, I'm grateful for Healthy Paws!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
amkorakik- We are so sorry to hear that your cat was ill and needed emergency surgery. Hopefully, your fur baby is doing much better now. Thank you for all the kind words and for taking the time to post your review.


Top Rated
Our Partner
  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days