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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,228 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

3.5/5
Coverage
4.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 3.9 / 5 (Very good)

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 - 3.5 / 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

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

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 - 4 / 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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3228 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Janice I

10/9/2018
After 5 years in a kitty-less house, we decided to adopt two little babies, found with their 2 siblings at the Oakland Zoo. Sam and Dash quickly took over our household AND our hearts. We knew the importance of pet insurance in the event of possible major medical needs. After researching options, we chose Health Paws Pet Insurance - the best decision we ever made. Unfortunately, Dash started having seizures and after extensive testing and many trips to the ER, an MRI showed that she had a brain malformation. This condition will cause life-long seizures. If we did not have Healthy Paws, it would been a hardship to provide all the specialized care that Dash has required. Healthy Paws... Read More


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Laura G

10/9/2018
To anyone looking for excellent pet insurance, please look no further! This company has been amazing since the day I signed up. My dog has had extensive illnesses and major vet bills the last few years and they have paid every single claim without question. They have literally saved her life! Not only have they paid every claim, their reimbursement checks are in the mail super fast. They are the absolute best out there!


D
Diana A

10/4/2018
I have two small dogs and have been insured by Healthy Paws since 2011. I choose the 90% /10% program which means after paying a $100. deductible and 10% of the vets bill, Healthy Paws pays 90% of the bill. There web page is easy to follow and they are always available to speak with you by phone. I usually have my check from them within a week. After researching the most popular pet insurance companies, I choose Healthy Paws and have been very happy I did.


Meagan K

10/4/2018
We got puppy insurance for our puppy as soon as we got her at 10 weeks old, she just had a case of puppy pneumonia and at 6 months, had already racked up $3000 in vet bills. Our pup is much better and got our reimbursement back before her antibiotics ran out so we are at ease. Not only does Healthy Paws provide quick customer service responses and reimbursement, they also email to ask how our puppy is recovering. It has been an amazing experience and I can not recommend Healthy Paws enough.


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Teresa W

10/3/2018
Healthy Paws Insurance is reliable, fast, and fair. I would not recommend any other because I have had such great experiences. Most of all the peace of mind knowing that I never have to sacrifice my pet's health care due to costs. Pet insurance allows me to give the best I can to my Frenchies. I would have it no other way.


Toni J

10/2/2018
Healthypaws has been supportive while we were dealing with our sick pup with hospital stays, tests and his medical needs. Their process of claims and reimbursements have been seamless. The communication from the staff to us during this process has been excellent. The staff 's compassion for Brodie and his health is a personal touch.


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Ondene P

10/2/2018
I choose Healthy Paws as a recommendation from my breeder. I signed up for my German Shepard puppy as a commom sense preventative measure. No one could anticipate the emotional response when your animal gets injured which is what happend (9/18). No knowing what to expect I called Health Paws to get information/direction. From that point one I received calls and emails inqurying on how my dog was doing and updates on my claim. The whole process was quick and seamless, I am so glad I choose Healthy Paws.


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Simone H

10/2/2018
I've had my dog covered since July 217, and I must say that I am absolutely impressed with Healthy Paws service. AWESOME customer service, fast claims process and refund. I am so glad I took out this insurance. Absolutely love the coverage. They were there for my puppy and I. -Simone


Lucia G

10/1/2018
I used to recommend Healthy Paws to everyone who asked me about pet insurance but I won’t be doing it anymore. This past week they let me know that my monthly premium will be increasing over 30%! After I spoke with a customer service representative (even she was surprised by the large increase) she explained that claims had increased in my area and since more money was “coming out than in” they had to raise premiums. I’m obviously not satisfied with that answer. I have barely made claims in the 4 years I’ve been with Healthy Paws with my two dogs and a 30% increase is just extremely high. What’s worse, now I’m afraid next year there will be a similar or even larger increase! Not happy at... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Lucia - We realize that premium increases can be a stress financially and that this increase was larger than normal. Our management team works hard to keep our premiums as low as possible while still providing comprehensive coverage. New technology, advancements in veterinary treatments, and overall claim costs are taken into consideration when assessing our rates. We have recently seen a rise in high value claims due to an increase in the availability and cost of veterinary services. During the past year there was an overall increase in the frequency of high-value treatments such as anterior cruciate ligament surgeries, cancer treatments including chemotherapy, and foreign body exploratory surgeries performed by veterinarians. These are some examples of procedures performed during the last 12 months that ranged anywhere from $3,000-$14,000. 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 to keep up with the rapidly rising cost of veterinary 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. We understand that no one likes any form of premium increase, but our competitors premiums are anywhere from 19% to 283% higher overall than your premium with Healthy Paws. We’d be more than happy to send you these comparisons from the other leading pet insurance companies based on your current deductible and reimbursement level. Just contact our customer care team and ask to have the price comparison emailed to you.

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Alexander

10/1/2018
I can't speak more highly about my experience with Healthy Paws. I must say, when I first got my french bulldog Phoebe - I was warned about the health issues that can come with frenchies. I researched absolutely every pet insurance company for weeks and finally I took a leap of faith with Healthy Paws due to their great representative who walked me through the benefits one by one and made me feel most at ease, and I am BEYOND happy that I moved forward with them. First off - the customer service is extraordinary. Everyone is always so willing to help, says how cute Phoebe is from the profile picture and ask how she's doing and truly care (you can just hear it in their voice, amazing... Read More



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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options