The best pet insurance for your dog may vary from your neighbor’s. Your needs and concerns aren’t the same, so it’s best to research before signing up for any pet insurance policy. And statistically speaking, insuring your dog helps them live their longest, healthiest lives because economic euthanasia is less likely, and pet parents are more apt to take their dog to the vet when they notice an issue.
Healthy Paws is a pet insurance company offering solid coverage at a lower price on average for unlimited claim payouts. This comprehensive review explains how Healthy Paws pet insurance works, coverage options, and more. Plus, we point out some key pros and cons that may be deciding factors for you.
Healthy Paws is a popular pick among many dog parents for numerous reasons. Could it be the best option for your family and your needs? Our article can help you decide if Healthy Paws will fit your needs.
Healthy Paws
- Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts for all plans
- Fastest claim payout, on average, compared to others
- Excellent value and competitive price
- High customer satisfaction ratings
How Does Healthy Paws Insurance Work?
- You pay a monthly or annual premium to maintain your dog’s insurance coverage.
- The waiting periods must pass before your dog is fully covered.
- You visit the vet if your pup becomes sick or injured (after your waiting periods).
- You can submit claims through the app, online customer center, mail, email, or fax. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the service date.
- If your claim is approved, reimbursement will be sent to you via direct deposit or check.
You may also have the option to have Healthy Paws pay your vet directly, so you can avoid paying a large vet bill and waiting for reimbursement. This is on a claim-by-claim basis, so speak with your vet and Healthy Paws about it before you plan to use a vet direct pay option.
Pros & Cons Of Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws was founded in 2009 and is underwritten by Chubb (administered by one of these branches: ACE American Insurance Company, Westchester Fire Insurance Company, Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, ACE Property and Casualty Insurance Company, or Atlantic Employers Insurance Company). On average, Healthy Paws has proven dependable in providing claim payouts to its customers in a timely fashion. The company is applauded for its excellent customer service and unlimited claim payouts; however, they place deductible and reimbursement percentage limits on plans for dogs enrolled after a certain age.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No limitations on payouts, per-incident caps, annual caps, or lifetime caps | Dogs enrolled after six years of age are excluded from hip dysplasia coverage |
| Settles 99% of claims within two days, fastest in the industry | One-time fee of $25 in some states |
| Renowned for their customer satisfaction and have one of the best customer service reputations in the industry | No discount for multi-pet households |
| Only has a 15-day waiting period for CCL concerns, which is much shorter than others | While only allowing unlimited payouts creates less consumer disappointment, it also means you cannot adjust it to lower your monthly premiums |
| Some plans include alternative care such as chiropractic, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture |
What Types Of Plans Does Healthy Paws Offer?
Accident & Illness Plan
Healthy Paws’ accident and illness plan covers accident-related claims, such as broken bones, foreign body ingestion, torn nail, etc., and illness-related claims, such as allergies, cancer, arthritis, vomiting and diarrhea, and more. Accident and illness plans are the most comprehensive. Pets must be between eight weeks old and 14 years old at enrollment.
There are plan restrictions and no hip dysplasia coverage for dogs enrolled after six years old. If you live in New York, your dog must be enrolled before age four. Accident and illness plans are customizable to fit more easily into your budget. You can choose your deductible and reimbursement from the options below. All Healthy Paws plans include unlimited payouts to enhance the customer experience when a costly emergency arises.
| Deductible Options | Payout Options | Reimbursement Options |
|---|---|---|
| $100 $250 $500 $750 $1,000 | Unlimited | 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% |
Your monthly premium is based on your dog’s breed, age, location, pre-existing conditions, etc. It’s best to sign your dog up for insurance sooner than later to minimize pre-existing condition exclusions.
Waiting Periods
Healthy Paws has the following waiting periods before coverage kicks in for these specific conditions.
- Illnesses: 15 days
- Accidents: 15 days
- Cruciate Ligament: 15 days
- Hip Dysplasia: 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Healthy Paws Raise Rates With Age?
You should expect annual increases in your pet insurance premium from most pet insurance companies. Rate increases can vary based on your location, changes in the cost of vet care and medical equipment, inflation, and more.
Is Healthy Paws’ Deductible Per Year? Or Per Incident?
Yes, Healthy Paws has an annual deductible, which means you only pay the deductible once and not for each incident or condition your dog experiences during your policy year. The deductible resets at the start of your new policy period.
Does Healthy Paws Offer A Wellness Plan?
Unlike some other providers, Healthy Paws does not have the option to pay an extra fee to access a preventative care plan. Since owners know they should budget for annual exams, vaccinations, and treatment medications (flea & tick and heartworm preventative), several insurance companies, including Healthy Paws, have decided against adding this added coverage and expense to their offerings. This allows them to stay focused on where insurance really shines – when a pet has an unexpected illness or accident that results in expensive and unplanned vet bills.
Final Thoughts
Sure, there are dozens of pet insurance companies to choose from, so why should Healthy Paws be your pick? Some of Healthy Paws’ positives include one of the fastest claim payouts on average and some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the pet insurance industry.
Before signing up for any insurance coverage, read through your policy carefully to ensure you know what is included and excluded in coverage and that you are comfortable with the terms.
Remember that pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by any provider, so any condition you’ve taken your dog to the vet for in the past will most likely be excluded from coverage.
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several pet insurance providers to see how the cost and coverage compare. Just because a company is typically among the lowest prices doesn’t mean it’s always the best value or that it will be the lowest for you. And a low price is only good if the coverage meets your unique needs, so read the policy closely before signing up.
