Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

Healthy Paws offers one standard pet insurance policy with flexible premium and deductible options. They also don’t limit claim payouts, making them a strong option for pets in need of frequent medical care.

ProsCons
Provides the option to pay the vet directly if you’re unable to pay the bill upfront12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia if your pet is enrolled under the age of 6
Can be used at all licensed vetsDoes not cover vet exam fees
Affordable pricingDoes not offer wellness coverage
No cap on coverage

Bottom Line: Healthy Paws is a good pet insurance option for pet owners looking for a simple, straightforward plan with no coverage limits.

Pet Insurance Plans Offered by Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws offers one standard pet insurance policy intended to cover accidents and illnesses. It provides reimbursement for expenses like:

  • Surgeries
  • Prescription medications
  • Diagnostic testing such as x-rays and blood tests
  • Hospitalization
  • Dental care related to a traumatic injury (eg. chipping a tooth)
  • Hereditary conditions (eg. epilepsy, heart disease)
  • Congenital conditions (eg. cleft palate, limb deformities)
  • Euthanasia (if medically necessary for a covered condition)

Given that they only offer one plan, you won’t be able to customize what your plan does and does not cover like you would with some of their competitors.

Does Healthy Paws Offer Wellness Plans?

No. Healthy Paws does not offer wellness plans.

What Isn’t Covered With Healthy Paws Pet Insurance?

Like other pet insurance companies, Healthy Paws does not cover pre-existing conditions. Their policies also don’t cover:

  • Vet exam fees
  • Wellness and preventative care
  • General dental care (eg. cleanings, dental decay)
  • Behavioral treatment
  • Pet diet treatment
  • Non-FDA treatment or supplements
  • Daycare/boarding
  • Burial expenses

Additionally, dogs younger than 8 weeks and older than 14 years are not eligible for coverage.

Coverage Levels and Reimbursement Options

When you purchase a Healthy Paws pet insurance policy, you’ll have the option to choose your deductible and reimbursement rate. Their deductible options range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the breed and age of your pet. You’ll also select a reimbursement rate of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Their deductible and reimbursement rate options are as follows:

  • Dogs and cats under age 5 and under:
    • Deductible Options: $100, $250, or $500
    • Reimbursement Rate Options: 70%, 80%, or 90%
  • Dogs and cats between 6 and 7 years old:
    • Deductible Options: $250, $500, or $750
    • Reimbursement Rate Options: 60%, 70%, or 80%
  • Dogs age 8 and older:
    • Deductible Options: $750 or $1,000
    • Reimbursement Rate Options: 50% or 60%

For example, let’s say you have a 5-year-old dog with a $100 deductible and a 70% reimbursement rate. They rack up a $4,000 vet bill, and you file a claim for that amount. If you’ve yet to touch your deductible amount, here’s how your payment would be calculated:

$4,000 bill – $100 deductible = $3,900

$3,900 * 70% reimbursement = $2,730

$4,000 bill – $2,730 (what Healthy Paws will cover) = $1,270 (what you owe)

Healthy Paws Coverage Levels

Healthy Paws offers continuous coverage throughout the life of your policy. This means that they do not have any per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps on coverage and reimbursements.

How Much Does Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cost?

Healthy Paws pet insurance varies depending on the breed, age, and location of your pet. For example, here are a few sample rates for a policy with an annual deductible between $250 and $1,000 and a 70%-80% reimbursement rate for a male pet in Dallas, Texas.

BreedAge of PetPremium Cost
Labrador Retriever8-week old puppy$50.69
5-year-old$73.88
Senior$73.89
French Bulldog8-week old puppy$60.90
5-year-old$88.80
Senior$125.65
Golden Retriever8-week old puppy$50.69
5-year-old$73.88
Senior$73.39
German Shepherd8-week old puppy$50.69
5-year-old$73.88
Senior$79.41
Poodle8-week old puppy$41.64
5-year-old$60.71
Senior$64.36
Exotic Shorthair Cats8-week-old kitten$20.03
5-year-old$29.26
Senior$84.44

While some pet insurance companies offer a discount for enrolling multiple pets, Healthy Paws does not. So, the only way to lower your premium would be to opt for less coverage.

What Are The Waiting Periods For Coverage?

After purchasing a policy from Healthy Paws, you’ll have a waiting period of 15 days before your coverage begins. Your policy is effective at 12:01 AM the day after you enroll, which means you’re eligible to submit claims 15 days after that.

For pets enrolled before the age of 6, there is an additional 12 month waiting period for hip dysplasia.

FAQs About Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

The following are some of the most common questions about Healthy Paws pet insurance.

Does Healthy Paws Offer A Wellness Plan?

No. Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness plan.

Does Healthy Paws Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

No. Like many pet insurers, Healthy Paws does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Does Healthy Paws Cover Dental Cleaning?

No. Healthy Paws does not cover dental cleaning.

Does Healthy Paws Cover Spaying Or Neutering?

No. Healthy Paws does not cover the cost to spay or neuter your pet. 

Does Healthy Paws Cover Hip Dysplasia?

Yes. Healthy Paws covers hip dysplasia as long as:

  • Your pet is under the age of 6 when enrolled
  • There are no clinical signs or symptoms of hip dysplasia within the first 12 months of coverage

Does Healthy Paws Cover Euthanasia?

Yes, in instances where euthanasia is medically necessary for a covered condition.

Does Healthy Paws Have Any Coverage Limits?

No. Healthy Paws has no per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps on coverage.

Is Healthy Paws Accepted By Every Vet?

Yes. With Healthy Paws, you can visit any licensed veterinarian.

Does Healthy Paws Pay The Vet Directly?

It depends. If you’re unable to pay the vet at the time of treatment, you can contact Healthy Paws and ask for payment to be made directly to the vet. If your vet agrees to be paid directly, Healthy Paws will send over the necessary funds to cover their portion of the bill.

Otherwise, you’ll be expected to submit a claim to receive reimbursement.

How Do I File A Claim With Healthy Paws?

To file a claim, simply submit your vet bill through the online Customer Center or the Healthy Paws Mobile App. If you’d prefer to send the bill by mail, email, or fax, you may do so as well.

How Long Does It Take Healthy Paws To Pay Out?

According to Healthy Paws’ website, the majority of claims are processed within 10 days. After the claim is complete, reimbursement will be sent within 24 business hours.

That said, if you opt to receive reimbursement checks by mail, it may take up to 10 days to reach you depending on where you live. 

How Do I Cancel A Policy From Healthy Paws?

You can cancel your policy at any time by sending a letter via regular mail or fax, emailing them, or calling them by phone.

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Grace Lemire

Grace is a lover of pups and personal finance. She’s passionate about helping people navigate the financial side of life decisions — from budgeting for a furry friend to making decisions about pet insurance.