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

3,282 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.

3282 Customer Comments & Reviews

Loading Reviews ...
C
Christina C

7/22/2016
I cannot say enough great things about Healthy Paws. I was recently on a family trip to Ireland visiting my mom post breast cancer surgery. My dog Rosebud slipped her leash on my poor sitter and was hit by a postal truck. She had to be brought to Alameda East Vet Hospital and was in an oxygen tank for a few nights as her lungs were bruised and she was having a hard time breathing. Her hip was also fractured requiring a plate and pins. I was beside myself being away from home and not being with her and was also really concerned about paying 1000's out of pocket when money was tight. Healthy Paws literally stepped in. Realizing I was out of the country they paid directly to the hospital for... Read More


K
Kerry J

7/21/2016
My four legged baby Oreo was diagnosed with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament on her left side, similar to an ACL tear in a human. When the surgeon told me the cost of the surgery, I literally started crying in the office. Not from shock/dismay of the cost, but the secret knowledge that Oreo was insured. Its one thing to worry about the pain that your furry baby is experiencing and the pain she will endure - but to be compounded by the cost to get her the proper care she will need can overwhelm any caring parent. HealthyPaw - you have been a Godsend! I will NEVER be without insurance, I will NEVER be without you as long as Oreo is in my life. There is no price tag on the peace of... Read More


A
Ashley B

7/21/2016
A tremendous THANK YOU to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance for the expeditious handling of my claim. From the moment I signed up, I have received truly exceptional customer service. Recently my beloved cat POTUS had a urinary blockage that required a surgical procedure at an emergency vet. The final bill totaled over $2000. As soon as I received the final invoice, I sent it right over to Healthy Paws claims. In less than one minute, my claim was processed, and I was notified that a $1400 check was on the way! Even more impressive than the speedy claims process was the extraordinary efforts the HP team made to follow-up with me directly on POTUS's recovery. Several team members reached out to me... Read More


D
David c

7/20/2016
Just brought insurance for my 4 cats on June 16th, it became effective on July 1st, what a blessing it was for me, because on the 4th of July, my Bosco, started to vomit, within 4hours he deteriorate, as a Pediatric Doctor, I knew my Bosco needed emergency care, therefore took him to my local emergency room, they stabilize Bosco overnight, in the morning a abdominal sonogram proved that Bosco had intestinal obstruction, well the emergency room wanted 4,500dollars, for the surgery, but lucky for me, Bosco s doctor was available, took my baby Bosco to his Doctor, who proceeded, to due the surgery. By the next day I was picking up Bosco to take him back home, his Doctors bill was... Read More


Nathaniel A

7/20/2016
Positive outlook


R
Rachel M

7/19/2016
When Boom-Boom fractured his canine due to an accident, he had to have oral surgery to extract the tooth. Healthy Paws made his surgery possible by covering a large percentage of his procedure, which was expensive. Healthy Paws processed my claim form so quickly, in just a few hours! Boom-Boom has recovered from his surgery; he is running around outside, catching mice, and eating well. Two-and-a-half years ago, Boom-Boom appeared on the doorstep of our Tibetan Buddhist community; he was a homeless stray. We gave him a loving home, and thanks to Healthy Paws, we were able to give him excellent healthcare. By purchasing pet insurance from Healthy Paws, I am supporting their mission to... Read More


J
Jay B

7/19/2016
When I adopted my kittens last summer, I was trying to decide whether to get pet insurance of not. At first, I thought that I would pay out more than I would ever spend on claims. I looked around for insurance and found Healthy Paws. It turned out that the monthly payments were very reasonable for the 2 kittens, so I decided to go with it. I am happy that I did because about a month ago, one of kittens were playing and all of a sudden, she started limping. I took her to the vet and it turned that she cracked the head on her femur bone. The medical bills came to over $2,000.00 and, except for the $250.00 co-pay, Healthy Paws paid 80% of the bill. It was terrible that I had a cat that needed... Read More


S
SusanG

7/19/2016
I am very pleased with Healthy Paws pet insurance! My cat had health issues, and submitting my claim to Healthy Paws was very easy. They advised right away that they had received my claim, and let me know the result of their review, and sent a check to me very quickly. With the high cost of a veterinarian visit, I am very happy that I purchased pet insurance through Healthy Paws!


M
Maryann M

7/19/2016
One day at work, while I was talking to my friend she stated that she had pet insurance thru Healthy Paws. She raved about Healthy Paws and told me to do a free quote on line and I am sooooo glad I did!! Healthy paws has outstanding customer service and is truly compassionate for our 4 legged friends!! I would never ever ever be without out pet insurance again and have recommended healthy paws to many co workers and friends and I have given high praise for Healthy Paws at my vets office to pass along to others. Some people told me I was crazy to get pet insurance BUT THEY WERE SO WRONG ...... I love Healthy Paws


J
Jake B

7/19/2016
Recently we had one of our fears come to light. Our Bichon/Shi Tzu mix [Victor] woke up one morning not able to use his back legs. We made an emergency run to a surgeon and discovered he had a bulging disc pushing against his spinal cord and needed immediate surgery. We decided to proceed with the procedure since we had insurance and he is far too young to put down. Once we knew Victor was going to be OK, my worry turned to the insurance claim and how hard it was going to be to get reimbursement. I submitted the claim 3-4 days after the surgery, online, a very easy process. I had all my documentation and had to get my full vet records sent over. Then I waited for what I thought 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