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Launched in 2009, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance has become one of the leading pet insurance companies for both pet owners and rescue organizations. They offer comprehensive coverage with no limits and special programs to help homeless pets.
Like all pet insurance, Healthy Paws has its pros and cons. Here’s an in-depth review to help you decide if it’s the right insurance for your pet.
Pros And Cons Of Healthy Paw Pet Insurance
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage without limits: Healthy Paws covers a wide range of conditions and has no annual limits, per-incident limits, or caps on coverage.
- Fast, digital claims process: Filing a claim is as easy as uploading a photo of your invoice through the Healthy Paws App, most claims are processed within two days.
- Direct-vet-pay option: Healthy Paws offers a direct-to-vet payment option for situations when treatment is needed right away and a pet owner cannot cover the upfront cost.
- Homeless pet programs: Healthy Paws helps fund medical care for homeless pets through several programs. Policyholders can even nominate their local shelter or animal rescue to receive funding.
- Access to veterinary telehealth: Policyholders will have access to a 24/7 Vet Helpline for medical questions about their pet.
Cons
- Only one plan: Healthy Paws offers only one plan, there is no customizable coverage.
- No wellness coverage: Healthy Paws does not offer any wellness coverage or add-ons for preventative care like annual check-ups or vaccines.
- Exam fees are not covered: Healthy Paws does not cover veterinary examination fees.
- Limited hip dysplasia coverage: Healthy Paws has an extended 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia and will not cover the condition if the pet was not insured under 6 years of age.
- Limited coverage choices for older pets: Policyholders with pets over the age of 8 will have fewer choices when it comes to picking their deductible and reimbursement percentages.
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Plans
Healthy Paws only offers one plan but it is considered one of the most comprehensive plans on the market. It covers a wide range of conditions.
This plan covers accidents and injuries such as broken bones, hit-by-car incidents, broken teeth, toxic ingestions, wounds, and more. It also covers illnesses like infections, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and others. Hereditary and congenital conditions are also covered.
Covered costs include diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more. As an added bonus, this plan also covers alternative therapies not offered by all pet insurance. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, herbal medicine, and more.
State Availability
Healthy Paws is available in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.
What Doesn’t Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cover?
Like all pet insurance plans, Healthy Paws has its exclusions:
- Veterinary examination fees: While Healthy Paws will cover most medical treatment-related costs for a covered condition, exam fees are excluded.
- Preexisting conditions: Any medical problems your pet had prior to enrollment will not be covered.
- Illnesses or injuries during the waiting period: Similar to preexisting conditions, any illness or injury sustained during the waiting period will be excluded from coverage.
- Preventative care: Healthy Paws does not cover any preventative care such as annual check-ups, routine health screenings, or vaccines.
- Experimental treatments: Healthy Paws does not cover any treatments that are considered investigational, experimental, or beyond the standard scope of care in veterinary medicine. This can include things like non-FDA-approved medications or enrolling your pet in a clinical trial.
- Breeding costs: Any medical expenses related to breeding your pet such as ultrasounds, c-sections, and birthing care are not covered by Healthy Paws.
- Behavioral treatments: Healthy Paws does not cover any behavioral treatments including any training, medications, or consultations with veterinary behaviorists.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Waiting Periods
Pet insurance coverage doesn’t kick in until after a specific period of time. This is known as the waiting period.
Healthy Paws waiting periods are:
- 15 days for accident and illness coverage
- 12 months for hip dysplasia
To compare these waiting periods to other pet insurance companies, 15 days for illness coverage is fairly standard but some other companies offer a shorter waiting period for accidents. Typically 2 to 5 days.
The 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia is considered longer than most. A majority of other companies offer hip dysplasia waiting periods of 2 weeks to 6 months.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Coverage Costs
Like all pet insurance, monthly premiums for a Healthy Paws plan will vary based on many factors including your pet’s age, breed, sex, and location.
Here’s a breakdown from one study on pet insurance quotes for Dallas, a populated city in Texas.
| Healthy Paws Plan | |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | |
| 8-week-old puppy | $50.69 |
| 5-year-old | $73.88 |
| Senior | $78.39 |
| French Bulldog | |
| 8-week-old puppy | $60.90 |
| 5-year-old | $88.80 |
| Senior | $125.65 |
| Golden Retriever | |
| 8-week-old puppy | $50.69 |
| 5-year-old | $73.88 |
| Senior | $78.39 |
| German Shepherd | |
| 8-week-old puppy | $50.69 |
| 5-year-old | $73.88 |
| Senior | $79.41 |
| Poodle | |
| 8-week-old puppy | $41.64 |
| 5-year-old | $60.71 |
| Senior | $64.36 |
| Exotic Shorthair Cat | |
| 8-week-old kitten | $20.03 |
| 5-year-old | $29.26 |
| Senior | $84.44 |
Other Factors Determining Cost
While Healthy Paws only offers one plan, they do offer some customization when it comes to choosing your deductible and reimbursement. Your choice of deductible and reimbursement will also factor into the price of your monthly premium.
Deductible
This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for your pet’s veterinary expenses before you are eligible for reimbursements. Healthy Paws offers deductible options based on an age model.
Deductible options for pets 1 to 5 years of age:
- $100
- $250
- $500
Deductible options for pets 6 to 7 years of age:
- $250
- $500
- $750
Deductible options for pets over age 8:
- $750
- $1,000
Reimbursement
This is the percentage of your pet’s medical bills the insurance will pay after the deductible has been met. Reimbursement choices from Healthy Paws are also based on an age model.
Reimbursement options for pets 1 to 5 years of age:
- 70%
- 80%
- 90%
Reimbursement options for pets 6 to 7 years of age:
- 60%
- 70%
- 80%
Reimbursement options for pets over age 8:
- 50%
- 60%
Possible Discounts
Discounts offered vary by state but do not exceed 5%. To see what discounts you may qualify for, obtain a personalized quote from Healthy Paws.
the best rates on pet insurance
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Healthy Paws Offer A Wellness Plan?
Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness plan or any preventative care coverage.
Does Healthy Paws Cover Preexisting Conditions?
Like all pet insurance, Healthy Paws does not cover preexisting conditions. A medical records review and/or veterinary exam may be required in order to activate your policy.
Does Healthy Paws Cover Dental Cleaning?
Healthy Paws does not cover dental cleanings. When it comes to dental coverage, Healthy Paws only covers dental accidents such as broken teeth.
Does Healthy Paws Have Any Coverage Limits?
Healthy Paws does not have any coverage limits. This includes annual limits, per-incident limits, or caps on coverage. As long as a condition is covered under the policy, Healthy Paws will continue to accept claims.
How Do I File A Claim With Healthy Paws?
Healthy Paws has a fast digital claims service that can be facilitated online or through their mobile app. It’s as simple as taking a photo of your invoice and uploading it. There are no claim forms to fill out or papers to sign.
How Long Does it Take Healthy Paws To Pay Out?
Most Healthy Paws claims are processed within two days. Depending on your chosen method of reimbursement, you may receive a direct deposit into your account right after claim approval, or a check in the mail a few days later.
How Can I Cancel A Policy From Healthy Paws?
You can initiate a cancellation request via call, email, or fax. A Healthy Paws representative will provide further instructions. If you choose to cancel a policy within 30 days of purchasing and no claims have been filed yet, you may be eligible for a refund.
Does Healthy Paws Cover Spaying And Neutering?
Healthy Paws does not cover spay and neuter procedures. Those fall under the bracket of preventative care which is not covered.
Does Healthy Paws Cover Euthanasia?
Healthy Paws covers euthanasia only if it is medically necessary and is due to a covered condition.
Does Healthy Paws Cover Hip Dysplasia?
Healthy Paws covers hip dysplasia however, there are stipulations. There is a 12-month waiting period for new enrollments. The condition is also not covered if the pet was not insured under 6 years of age.
Is Healthy Paws Accepted By Every Vet?
Healthy Paws will reimburse claims for medical treatment provided by any licensed veterinarian. There is no network of veterinary providers to adhere to.
Does Healthy Paws Pay The Vet Directly?
Healthy Paws offers a direct-vet-pay option for emergency situations when the pet owner is unable to cover the upfront cost. There is a special claims process that must be followed and will include communication between the policyholder, the veterinary clinic, and a Healthy Paws claims representative.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets – Solutions for multi-pet families.
- Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluating the value proposition.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer? – Cancer treatment coverage.
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Direct payment benefits.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – See how Healthy Paws compares to other companies.
- Spot Review – Spot’s offerings versus Healthy Paws.
- Pets Best Review – Assessing Pets Best alongside Healthy Paws.
- Embrace Review – Comparing Embrace’s coverage with Healthy Paws.
