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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,229 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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3229 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Sandy D

8/5/2020
Healthy Paws has been wonderful when our super sweet Cavapoo has emergency issues. I never wanted money to be a deciding factor when dealing with health issues and it doesn't have to be with pet insurance. Recently Remy has been diagnosed with heart disease and had to go in for major surgery to remove a bladder stone. All of this during the COVID pandemic when my husband and I were unsure of income both owning our own businesses. I would have just put it all on a credit card and dealt with it later, but knowing 80% was covered was such a relief. She's doing amazing and they've even checked in on her progress. Do not hesitate, do not wait. Our pets are family. They deserve good... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Sandy - We're so sorry that Remy had to deal with all of that and glad we could be there to help during this difficult time. We appreciate your kind words regarding our customer service. So happy that she is doing well - give her a hug from us.

Irina V

8/4/2020
I have been a happy customer since 2014, and my cats are now 12 and 13 years old. I have had other insurances prior, and I am the happiest with Healthy Paws. Over the course of the last 6 years Healthy Paws paid thousands of dollars in claims for surgeries, tests and medications for my kitties. One of my cats had an eye removal surgery, and was recently diagnosed with asthma. I am grateful that 90% of our medication cost is covered as would not have been able to afford it otherwise. Thank you, Healthy Paws for living up to your name.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Irina - Thanks for being part of the Healthy Paws family since 2014. We're so glad we can play a part in making sure your kitties have access to the best available medical care. Give your babies big hugs from us.

J
Jessica N

8/4/2020
I have had this insurance, recommended by a friend, for the past 2 years with minor price increases happening last year. I take my pet to the vet annually for check-ups and vaccines, I've never had to file a claim thankfully. However, despite this I received an email saying the price would increase by 22.57 a month ($270.84 yearly). I obviously love my pet but during a global pandemic, this was not the appropriate time to increase insurance by FIFTY percent in one year, during a pandemic. I do give them credit for allowing me two months to shop around. I would hate to have to switch insurance but at this time, as a student with no income, I cannot afford this price. I attempted... Read More

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Jessica - We truly appreciate you being part of the Healthy Paws family. We are so sorry to hear that you have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we completely understand your concerns. We understand that it does feel like poor timing under the current circumstances and that the recent premium increase is larger than normal. The majority of these rating changes were reviewed and approved by your state department of insurance last fall, well before the outbreak of COVID-19. Annual reprices are scheduled once a year on the policy's anniversary date for all policyholders. From your review, we know you haven't had much need to use your policy and we hope you don't have to--this means your pet is healthy and accident free. 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. Premiums are determined based on the rates and rating rules filed and approved within each state’s Department of Insurance. These reflect the cost of treatment, advances in veterinary medicine, your individual pet’s breed, gender, age and other factors, in addition to the overall claims experience for the program within the region your pet resides. As a result, we need to increase the premium level for all pets in your state so you and your pet can have continued access to the best 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’re sorry to lose you as a policyholder and hope your and your pet stay well.

K
Kevin B

8/4/2020
The Claims process was quick and easy. The Vet emailed copies of the bill(s) and we had a resolution within 7-10 days. We had our reimbursement check within a week after that! Thank you, Kevin and Pati Blake

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Kevin - We're glad we could play a part in making sure your baby has access to the best available medical care. Happy that you found our claims/reimbursement process quick and efficient. Give your baby a hug from us.

Nancy N

8/3/2020
Our dog needed surgery to remove a lump that was suspicious.The surgery was expensive and Healthy Paws sent reimbursement checks right away.We spent about $780.Without Healthy Paws the bill would have been $2400. The claims process was easy.We just submitted the vet bill. We have used other pet insurance companies but Healthy Paws has been reliable and highly ethical.We recommend them!

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Nancy - Happy to play a part in your pup's growth removal surgery. We appreciate the kind words about our claims process. Wishing your baby a speedy recovery.

D
Debi

8/3/2020
After researching carefully I chose healthy paws for my dogs insurance when I brought her home at 9 weeks. My daughters dog has the same insurance. Both are 7 now and we’ve had cause to use our insurance several times. Healthy paws has always been terrific and reimbursements have been quick. (Last week it was less than a week!) I have recommended HP to others and would use it again.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Debi - We appreciate all of your kind words and glad you find our reimbursement process efficient. Give your pups (and those of your daughter) big hugs from us.

K
Kylieca

8/3/2020
It's something you hope you never have to use but you're glad you have it when the time comes. And when my dog started limping and I was slapped with a 4k+ bill for knee surgery, I was glad to have Healthy Paws - the claim process is SO easy and they have been great to work with.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Kylieca - We're sorry your baby had to have that major leg surgery. We appreciate the kind words about our easy claims process. We hope your buddy has a smooth recovery from their surgery.

L
Lori B

8/3/2020
I have had Healthy Paws for my two dogs for since they were pups. The are now 5 and we have had minimum claims. Just recently Callie had to be rushed to the emergency vet with a 105 fever. She has rushed in twice over the last two weeks. She had to have surgery and liver biopsy. The cost were large. Healthy paw was great. I had two large claim. I submitted the first one and within a day, I was reimbursed. The second one was larger. I submitted it in the morning and by the next day the funds were in my account. We are of modest means and getting this back so quick has been a life saver for us and for Calle. Dave & Lori B

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Lori - we're so sorry that Callie was so ill, but glad we could play a part in her care. We appreciate the kind words regarding our quick reimbursement process. We hope Callie is doing well - give your babies hugs from us.

agoldberg32

8/2/2020
I’ve had this company for many years with different dogs and it seem to be fine. This year all of a sudden they changed my Insurance Payment From $39 a month to $79 a month due to some kind of error they made throughout the years. I don’t know how many other folks are affected by this but I canceled my insurance with them. they just went head and took the money out of my account and never notified me that they were doing this. I say it’s really poor communication on their part and it’s very sad

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Agoldberg - We truly appreciate you being part of the Healthy Paws family over the years. Premiums and coverage are based on your pet’s age, breed, and your zip code. There was an error in the age of your pet that kept your premiums lower than normal for over a year and the age correction accounted for the premium increase. Our customer care team sent an email notifying you of the change using the email address in your account. Charging premiums based on accurate pet details allows us to provide our features and benefits — with no annual or lifetime caps — while also keeping premium prices as affordable as possible. We're sorry to lose you as a policyholder and hope you and your pet stay well.

zack.i.rosenberg

8/2/2020
Healthy Paws has proven time and time again to be the best decision we made for our dog. Filing claims is easy, their monthly rates are affordable, and you can opt to have claims directly deposited to your personal banking account. Truly a breeze. They have even gone above and beyond to personally check in on our dog's well being and help navigate filing claims to make sure we get the best return on our coverage.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Zack - Thanks for all of the kind words about our claims submission process and customer care. Give your baby a big hug from us.


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