How does Healthy Paws pet insurance work?
Healthy Paws has one comprehensive pet insurance plan to keep things simple and most of the paperwork is handled online. By signing up to a customer account you can submit claims via the website or app and access all your policy details. Healthy Paws will take a monthly fee from you which will be calculated using factors such as the age and breed of your pet, where you live and the customizable options you choose such as your reimbursement percentage and deductible amount.
The benefits of Healthy Paws pet insurance
Most pet insurers will have a maximum annual payout limit which isn’t ideal for accident-prone pets and might mean you can’t afford vet bills later in the year. Avoid this stress with Healthy Paws, which has no limit on individual, annual, or lifetime claim amounts. There’s also a dedicated 24/7 helpline for emergency support and advice. Most claims are approved and processed within two days so you don’t have to stay out of pocket for long. You can even request to have your vet reimbursed directly meaning you can avoid paying the whole bill up front and simply settle the outstanding amount after any co-pay and deductible.
Healthy Paws plans explained
Take the hassle out of pet insurance with Healthy Paws; there’s one simple and comprehensive plan which covers all pets for both illness and accidents. Even if you customize your deductible and reimbursement level, the helpful no annual claim limit will still apply. These percentages will change as your pet ages, however. There are no additional wellness plans or routine care packages that you can add on.
What does Healthy Paws pet insurance cover?
Healthy Paws pet insurance covers accidents, illnesses, alternative therapies, emergency care, surgery, hereditary and congenital conditions, specialty care, X-rays and tests plus prescription medication. It’s a pretty comprehensive list which reviewers rate highly.
Healthy Paws coverage vs. other insurers
How does Healthy Paws stack up against America’s other providers? Have a look at our handy table!
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|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|
| Annual coverage options | Unlimited | $5000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | $5,000, Unlimited | $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 | $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited | $20,000 | $10,000 | $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 |
|---|
| Deductible options | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750 | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $0-$1,000 | $300, $500, $700 | $100, $250, $500 | $250, $500, $1,000 | $250 | $50, $100, $250, $500 |
|---|
| Reimbursement options | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70, 80, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 90% | 90%, 100% | 50%, 70% | 70%, 80%, 90% |
|---|
| When does coverage start? | 15 days | 2-14 days | 2 days accidents / 14 days illnesses | 15 days | 2-14 days | 1-14 days | 3-14 days | 15 days | 15 days | 5-30 days | 15 days | 14 days | 15 days | 14 days | 1-14 days |
|---|
| Maximum age at sign up | 13 years | 14 years | 14 years for illness (no max for accident) | 14 years | 14 years for illness, no max for accident | No maximum | No maximum | 18 years | No maximum | 14 years | No maximum | No maximum | 16 years | 20 years | No maximum |
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| Are vet exam fees included at no extra cost? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental accidents covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental illnesses covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a wellness plan offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a virtual vet/telehealth service? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| End of life coverage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a multi-pet discount offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a charge for paying monthly? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there an app to make claims? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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*Coverage is based on choosing unlimited coverage, 250 deductible and 90% reimbursement
Is Healthy Paws pet insurance good value for money?
For younger pets, Healthy Paws is an affordable pet insurance provider. Value for money is gained from the lack of an annual or lifetime claim limit. However, if you’re looking for insurance for an older pet be aware that the deductible amount and reimbursement percentage will change as they age. You might end up paying a higher proportion of the vet bill.
| 4-month-old Mixed Breed Medium | 2-year-old Golden Retriever | 6-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat |
|---|
| Los Angeles | New York | Florida |
|---|
| | | |
| Wagmo | $34.42/month | $58.95/month | $36.00/month |
| Trupanion | $60.61/month | $67.54/month | $39.17/month |
| Healthy Paws | $50.53/month | $55.42/month | $44.27/month |
How good is Healthy Paws’ customer service?
Generally, the people who reviewed Healthy Paws were pleased with the customer service they received. Most claims were paid within two-three days and the 24/7 helpline was seen as a major benefit for customers needing immediate support.
How do I contact Healthy Paws?
Healthy Paws can be contacted by phone (855-898-8991), fax (888-228-4129) or via direct message on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. The 24/7 Helpline is accessible via the app and the mailing address is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, P.O. Box, 50034, Bellevue, WA 98015.
What is Healthy Paws’ Claims process?
Those who still love paperwork can download a claim form from the customer center and send it to Healthy Paws along with an itemized invoice via email (
claims@healthypawsinsurance.com) or by post. Tech lovers can simply upload a photo of their invoice to the app or the website and fill in a few details about their claim. Claims submitted online are generally processed faster, with claims made on the app receiving funds within two days on most occasions.
How much will Healthy Paws pay for my claim?
Healthy Paws offers up to 90% reimbursement of claims, but this amount will change as your pet ages. Dogs and cats aged eight or above can only qualify for 50-60% of the vet bill. You can select your reimbursement percentage when you sign up for pet insurance.
| Average
Vet Bill |
Cash back w/ 50% |
Cash back w/ 60% |
Cash back w/ 70% |
Cash back w/ 80% |
Cash back w/ 90% |
Difference between 50% & 90% |
| Cancer
$8,137 |
$4,068.50 |
$4,882.20 |
$5,695.90 |
$6,509.60 |
$7,323.30 |
$3,254.80 |
| Hip Dysplasia
$3,490 |
$1,745.00 |
$2,094.00 |
$2,443.00 |
$2,792.00 |
$3,141.00 |
$1,396.00 |
| Swallowed Object
$3,262 |
$1,631.00 |
$1,957.20 |
$2,283.40 |
$2,609.60 |
$2,935.80 |
$1,304.80 |
| Lock Jaw
$1,892 |
$946.00 |
$1,135.20 |
$1,324.40 |
$1,513.60 |
$1,702.80 |
$756.80 |
Are there any exclusions?
Like most pet insurers, Healthy Paws doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, but it's worth noting that neither are exam fees and preventative treatments. Routine care is also excluded in the standard plan. Pets aged six or older upon enrolment are not covered for hip dysplasia.
What are the waiting periods for conditions?
The waiting periods for Healthy Paws are slightly longer than other competitors, with both accident and illness cover kicking in after 15 days. There’s also a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia if your pet is aged under six years old.
How quickly does Healthy Paws pay claims?
Most claims are processed within 10 days and reimbursed within 24 business hours if approved. Customers who have opted to receive their claim by check in the mail should expect to wait up to 10 days. Direct deposit payments can also take up to 10 days to process depending on your bank.
Can I customize my Healthy Paws plan?
Yes, you can choose your deductible amount and reimbursement percentage. However, there is no annual limit for Healthy Paws plans (win, win) or wellness plans to add to your policy.
State availability for Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws provide cover at any US licensed veterinary clinic. This includes emergency and speciality animal hospitals.
Verdict: Is Healthy Paws pet insurance good?
Sometimes, simplicity is king. With a single plan and no additional wellness options, Healthy Paws offer you just that. You’ll get great value for money as there’s no maximum limit for incident, annual or lifetime claim amounts, meaning you can claim as many times as you like if you have a clumsy pet. However, the waiting periods are on the long side at 15 days and those looking for cover to help with examination fees, preventative treatment or hip dysplasia in older pets might want to look at other providers.
