Paw Protect pet insurance offers a comprehensive coverage option for pet owners. This review examines the key features, plans, and costs associated with Paw Protect, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your furry friend.
NerdWallet’s Rating
NerdWallet’s editorial team assigns ratings to insurance providers, considering consumer complaint data and customer satisfaction. Paw Protect holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Key Features and Coverage
- Annual Max Coverage: Unlimited, providing extensive coverage for your pet’s needs.
- Reimbursement Rates: Plans offer reimbursement at 70%, 80%, or 90%, allowing you to select the plan that best fits your budget.
- Deductibles: Choose from deductibles of $100, $250, or $500, enabling further customization.
- Policy Highlight: Paw Protect provides free access to PawSupport, a 24/7 vet helpline, which is available even during holidays.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reimbursement covers sick vet exam fees.
- Offers multipet and military discounts.
- Wellness plans can include prescription diet food coverage.
Cons:
- No mobile app for policy management.
- A six-month waiting period applies to orthopedic conditions in dogs.
- Claims processing could be faster compared to some competitors.
Bottom Line: Paw Protect distinguishes itself with an unlimited annual coverage option and access to a 24/7 vet helpline. However, the claims process could be improved, and the lack of a mobile app might be a drawback for some. Paw Protect is a strong choice for pet owners seeking reimbursement for sick exam fees along with the added benefit of a 24/7 vet helpline.
About Paw Protect Pet Insurance
Paw Protect is rated 4 stars out of 5 by NerdWallet. Overall performance is determined by financial strength, coverage options, customer experience, and discounts. The plan offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage and includes congenital and hereditary conditions, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies. Notably, Paw Protect offers a free vet telehealth service via phone, live chat, or video call.
Important Considerations:
- Paw Protect is owned by Embrace Pet Insurance.
- The absence of a mobile app is a potential drawback.
- Claim processing times could be longer than those offered by other providers.
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Paw Protect offers several plans:
Accident and Illness
This comprehensive plan covers:
- Sick vet exam fees
- Emergency and specialist care
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.)
- Hospitalization and overnight stays
- Dental injuries
- Dental illnesses (up to $1,000 per plan term)
- Congenital and genetic conditions
- Cancer and chronic conditions
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy)
- Behavioral therapy
- Euthanasia and medical waste disposal
Accident-Only Coverage
Designed for older pets, this plan covers accidents. It excludes illness-related claims.
Wellness Rewards
This optional add-on, provided through Embrace pet insurance, covers routine care. Reimbursement options are $250, $450, or $650 per year which covers:
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Microchipping
- Spaying or neutering
- Grooming
- Nutritional supplements and prescription food
- Training
- Fecal and blood tests
- Pet activity monitors
- Hip dysplasia exams
- Routine chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and reiki care
- Routine anal gland expression
- Cremation and burial expenses
- Gastropexy surgery to prevent bloat
Important Note: Coverage and availability may vary based on your location, your pet’s breed and age. Always verify plan details directly with Paw Protect before enrollment.
What’s Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions (unless cured for at least 12 months)
- Breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth
- DNA testing or cloning
- Intentional injuries caused by you or someone in your household
- Injuries or illnesses related to racing, fighting, cruelty, or neglect
- Cosmetic procedures like tail docking or ear-cropping
- Routine veterinary care (unless covered by a wellness plan)
- Avian flu or nuclear war
Paw Protect Plan Options
- Deductibles: Annual deductibles of $100, $250, or $500 are offered. You pay the deductible before reimbursement begins.
- Reimbursement Amounts: Choose from 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement rates. Paw Protect applies the deductible before your reimbursement rate.
- Coverage Limits: Select annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Restrictions and Waiting Periods
- Age restrictions: Paw Protect covers pets between 6 weeks and 14 years of age at enrollment.
- Waiting periods: There is a 2-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. A six-month waiting period applies to orthopedic conditions for dogs, potentially waived after a vet examination.
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Sample Rates
The cost of Paw Protect insurance varies by location, pet age, and breed. Here’s a sample of monthly premium rates for common dog and cat breeds in Katy, Texas, assuming accident and illness coverage with a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage, and 80% reimbursement:
- Dogs:
- French bulldog: Age 2 – $120, Age 8 – $221
- German shepherd: Age 2 – $78, Age 8 – $144
- Golden retriever: Age 2 – $78, Age 8 – $144
- Labrador retriever: Age 2 – $78, Age 8 – $144
- Medium mixed-breed dog: Age 2 – $48, Age 8 – $88
- Poodle: Age 2 – $98, Age 8 – $180
- Cats:
- Devon rex: Age 2 – $34, Age 8 – $58
- Domestic shorthair: Age 2 – $27, Age 8 – $47
- Exotic longhair: Age 2 – $34, Age 8 – $58
- Maine coon: Age 2 – $34, Age 8 – $58
- Persian: Age 2 – $34, Age 8 – $58
- Ragdoll: Age 2 – $34, Age 8 – $58
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Discounts
- 10% multipet discount
- 5% military discount
State Availability
Paw Protect is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Wellness plans may not be available in Rhode Island. Availability is subject to change.
Consumer Experience
- Website: The Paw Protect website allows easy navigation and includes an informative education center. You can obtain a quote and compare policies.
- Mobile App: Paw Protect does NOT have a mobile app.
- Claims: Claims can be submitted via the Paw Protect website, by email, fax, or mail. Accident/illness claims are typically processed within 10 to 15 business days, while wellness claims take around five business days.
- Customer Service: Customer service is available at 888-812-6704 Monday to Saturday as well as via email at [email protected]
Other Pet Insurance Companies
If you are still deciding, here are some other options:
- AKC
- Allstate
- ASPCA
- Banfield
- Bivvy
- Chewy
- Costco
- Embrace
- Fetch
- Figo
- Geico
- Hartville
- Healthy Paws
- Kanguro
- Lemonade
- Liberty Mutual
- ManyPets
- MetLife
- Nationwide
- Paw Protect
- Pawp
- Petco
- Pets Best
- Progressive
- Prudent Pet
- Pumpkin
- Spot
- State Farm
- Trupanion
- Wagmo
