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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

3,343 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 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
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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3343 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Lauren D

5/4/2016
Healthy Paws is by far the best pet insurance company out there! The beginning of this year we discovered our 4 year old french bulldog (Louie) had a nasal tumor that was inoperable. Because of his breed and the location of the tumor we were given 2 options of radiation treatment that would shrink the tumor with minimal to no side effects and give Louie the chance to live a pain free life for as long as possible. Only issue was the options were extremely pricey but Louie was only given 2 months to live without any treatment. Thankfully I signed Louie up for Healthy Paws pet insurance when he was a pup so the treatment was covered!! We of course had to pay the bills up front (he was... Read More


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Jeffrey R

5/3/2016
My Jack Russell terrier Riley was attacked by a Rottweiler (it wasn't a fair fight) in an RV park in Cottonwood, AZ. We were referred to Tumbleweed Vet Clinic, who were wonderful. Just as wonderful was my experience with Healthy Paws. Everyone was friendly, sympathetic, and very helpful, going out of their way to make sure the trauma over my dog's injuries was not compounded by the usual hassles one experiences with insurance companies. Anyone contemplating buying pet insurance should not hesitate to choose Healthy Paws.


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Carol M

5/3/2016
After exhaustive research and a previous bad experience with pet insurance, I settled on Healthy Paws. Last week that research paid off. My dog, Maxx, developed bloat which is a dire emergency. No time to get everything in order. After getting him complete care, I filed my claim. Just took a picture of the bill with my phone and hit "submit." Really! I had set everything up when I signed up and it said they would do that but IT WORKED!!!! That was it! I could go back to focusing on my dog. Within 24 hours I not only received notice via email that they were processing the claim, but that was soon followed by a detailed and easy to understand EOB! Best thing? They paid exactly what I... Read More


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Nicole D

5/2/2016
I have had Healthy Paws as my pet insurance for several years. Recently, we had to bring our dog in to have a lump removed. The claim process was incredibly simple and it was processed very quickly. It provided such piece of mind to know that we didn't have to take money into account when making medical decisions about our beloved pet. Not only that, but a week later, they sent a personalized email just asking how she was doing. It's really nice knowing that there are human beings behind this insurance company that genuinely care about my pet.


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Amy D

4/29/2016
I couldn't be happier with the service I have received from Healthy Paws. They have a great app that keeps the entire process of submitting claims super-convenient. My "senior" dog tore both his knees within a very short time of one another, causing two major surgeries. I was so impressed with how quickly Healthy Paws processed the claims. They even checked in on how my dog was healing, and I believe they genuinely care about the welfare of animals. I was so stressed by my dog's injuries; it was a relief knowing that I didn't have to be stressed out by the expenses of surgery, thanks to our insurance with Healthy Paws.


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PP

4/27/2016
We purchased Healthy Paws for our kitten as soon as we got her at 11 weeks old. One month later she had a bad gastro virus that required hospitalization. It was scary, but our kitten is fine now. Healthy Paws handled the claim very quickly and without any hassle. So far, we're very satisfied with their service, and while we're hoping we won't need to make any more claims for many years, it's great to know that we're covered. Also, and this should come as no surprise, we're very glad we didn't wait until our kitten was older before buying insurance.


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Patricia H

4/23/2016
I brought my dog to the vet to have a lump/wart examined on her lip...the vet diagnosed CPV and said that it would resolve itself...however, my claim for the visit was denied, reason being that "veterinary visits" were not covered and that the visit was "preventative care"...how could it have been preventative if the lump had just shown up? And nowhere on the coverage page was anything listed about "visits" not being covered...like all other insurance companies, they are eager to take your money but have a group of people working for them that arbitrarily approve or deny coverage at a whim...I plan on looking for a new company starting today.

Tim  
Official Response

Customer Care of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Patricia, Healthy Paws makes every effort to be transparent throughout our website, during the enrollment process and in the policy documents available to each client in their online Healthy Paws account regarding the limited exclusions of our policy. Those exclusions are pre-existing conditions, 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.

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Angelina M

4/22/2016
I got the best news possible Wednesday evening that my dog does not have cancer! We are overjoyed! Prior to this I was faced with an incredibly difficult decision. I was told that an ultrasound revealed multiple tumors on my dogs spleen, one that was 1ft long. They told me that my dog probably had hemangiosarcoma and may not live very much longer. The high estimate for surgery to remove her spleen was almost $9,000. Along with dealing with the absolute devastation of a cancer diagnosis I was scrambling trying to figure out how I could afford surgery. Many people faced with an incredibly expensive surgery and a potential life expectancy afterwards of 3-6 months may opt for euthanasia.... Read More


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Leslie O

4/22/2016
Healthy Paws has been amazing. We have submitted numerous claims this past year for our puppy Higgins who is now 1 year old - poor guy has had some back luck this past year. Thank goodness we got insurance!! Reasons why I love HP: 1. Their website for submitting claims is extremely easy to use (just attach the pdf of the invoice and that's it - literally). 2. The response time for claims is very quick: we usually receive a response withing 48 hours, sometimes even quicker. We have never been asked to confirm additional information or had to contest anything. 3. The checks come in the mail within a few days of the claim being processed. 4. The entire process could not be easier.... Read More


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Kayt W

4/22/2016
When I first found my dog, charlee, a few years ago, I realized very quickly the importance of getting her health insurance. She has a real zest for life and goes at everything with great passion and joy. After a lot of research, I found Healthy Paws. Unlike almost every other pet insurance company out there, they don't cap your benefits at $1,000 or $1,500 per year. They offer REAL coverage with no limits. With the escalating cost of veterinary fees, you can reach that with one illness or injury, as I recently experienced. Charlee became very ill a few weeks ago and needed hospitalization to stabilize her condition, and then a series of tests to identify what the problem... Read More



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Rated "Best Choice Overall" by Mashable

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