Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation was started in 2009 by two animal activists, Rob Jackson and Steve Siadek. The company combines insurance sales with a non-profit foundation to help homeless animals. The founders launched the company to help owners pay for the care of their pets and to support animal rescue organizations that give aid to sick animals.
To that end, Healthy Paws contributes to an animal shelter every time someone visits its website. The company partners with Aon Corporation, a leading international insurance broker with assets of more than $30 billion. In addition, Chubb Group, an A+ insurer, underwrites Healthy Paws’ pet insurance plans. This Healthy Paws pet insurance review will go over the companies basics, application process, coverage, how to file a claim, and the pros and cons.
At a Glance: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
 | |
|---|---|
Coverage | Accidents, Illness, Emergency Care, Hospital Stays, and Surgeries |
Wellness Plan | None |
Benefit Limits | No Limits or Caps |
Annual Deductible | Varies |
Reimbursement Options | 70%, 80%, or 90% |
Min. Monthly Premium | Dog - $23.83 & Cat - $17.19 |
at Healthy Paws' secure website |
About Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
The Healthy Paws insurance plan earns consistently high ratings. The company offers plans for dogs and cats that feature no caps on annual or lifetime payouts with annual deductibles versus per-incident ones. Like all pet insurance companies, Healthy Paws does not cover pre-existing conditions. When you sign up for a policy, you can choose the reimbursement level. Your annual deductible and price per month is based on the type, age, location, and medical condition of your pet. The age range of insurable pets is six months to 14 years. If your pet has reached age eight, the policies provide a 70 percent reimbursement level and a $500 annual deductible.
To qualify, pets younger than six years of age must have been examined in the last twelve months by a veterinarian. If timely exam records are not available, you’ll need to have your pet examined within 15 days of enrollment.
You can request an individual quote online, but the website offers a few examples of costs. For instance, a two-year old Labrador Retriever living in Florida can get a policy with an 80 percent reimbursement rate for a monthly premium of $32.75. A Yorkshire Terrier who is six years old and living in California will cost $70.52/month for a 90-percent reimbursement rate. If you fancy cats, your mixed-breed feline will cost you $16.77/month in several different locations with an 80-percent reimbursement rate.
Application Process
You can get a quote online by filling in the pet’s type, breed, age, and location. Once you select the plan options, you can apply online for coverage by providing information about the pet’s last vet exam, its gender, and your name and address. You can then enter a credit card number to purchase the insurance policy.
Coverage
Healthy Paws pet policies cover the following conditions:
- Accidents
- Alternative Treatment
- Cancer
- Chronic Conditions
- Congenital Conditions
- Diagnostic Treatment
- Emergency Care
- Hereditary Conditions
- Hospitalization
- Illnesses
- Prescription Medications
- Specialty Care
- Surgery
- X-Rays, Blood Tests, and Ultrasounds
The policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, examinations, annual checkups, neutering, teeth cleaning, or vaccinations. There is a 15-day waiting period before the insurance becomes active and a twelve month waiting period for cases of hip dysplasia. If you enroll a pet before age six, hip dysplasia is covered for no extra cost.
Filing a Claim
The insurance works by reimbursement – you pay the veterinarian for the services rendered, file a claim, and receive the reimbursement by mail soon thereafter. The first step toward filing a paperless claim is to load the Healthy Paws mobile app on your smartphone. You can then fill in the identifying information and attach a photo of your itemized vet invoice. Alternatively, you can fill out a paper claim form and mail it in with a copy of the invoice to the insurance company.
Pros Vs. Cons of Using Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Pros
- Deductibles are annual rather than per incident
- No lifetime caps on coverage
- Traveling pets are covered anywhere in the U.S. and Canada
- Online claim submission with payments mailed out within three and a half days
Cons
- No coverage of pre-existing conditions, exam fees, wellness plans, or behavioral conditioning
- Animals enrolled after reaching six years of age are not covered for hip dysplasia, and there is a twelve month waiting period for this
- You must meet nebulous standards for care and protection of your pet
- One-time fee of $25
- Age restrictions and pet examination requirements
Summary
Healthy Paws is highly rated according to external reviews. It is a member of the Better Business Bureau and receives a rating of A-. TrustPilot awards Healthy Paws an excellent rating of 9.6 out of 10. As with all insurance you buy, it makes sense to shop around and identify the best deal. On this basis, Healthy Paws stacks up well against its competitors.