Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: An Overview
Healthy Paws offers a straightforward pet insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, without the constraint of annual or lifetime payout limits. However, potential customers should be aware that the plan has several exclusions. This review examines the key aspects of a Healthy Paws policy to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your pet.
Pros and Cons
What Does Healthy Paws Cover?
The Healthy Paws plan covers a range of medical needs for both cats and dogs, including:
- Treatment, hospitalization, and surgery for both injuries and illnesses, including cancer.
- Diagnostic tests.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions.
- Prescription medications.
- Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Some dental conditions.
What is NOT covered by Healthy Paws?
It’s important to understand the exclusions. Healthy Paws does not cover these expenses:
- Exam fees for accidents or illnesses.
- Hip dysplasia treatment if your pet’s coverage started at age 6 or older.
- Routine dental care, or extractions or reconstructions due to dental disease.
- Prescription diets.
- Burial or cremation expenses.
- Wellness or preventive care, including spay and neuter surgery.
- Pre-existing conditions, including those that arise during the waiting period.
- Behavioral therapies.
- Experimental treatments.
- Breeding or pregnancy.
- Cruciate injuries to one leg if the other has previously had a similar injury (bilateral exclusion).
Plan Options
Healthy Paws offers a single plan, but there are choices regarding your out-of-pocket expenses via deductible and reimbursement rates. These are the main components:
- Deductibles: You may be required to pay deductibles ranging from $250 to $1,000 annually, depending on your location, the age, and the breed of your pet.
- Reimbursement Amounts: Reimbursement options vary, frequently falling into the range of 70% to 80%. However, options may extend from 50% to 90% depending on where you live and the kind of pet you have.
Unlike certain pet insurers, Healthy Paws will apply the reimbursement rate to the full vet bill before deducting the deductible.
Restrictions and Waiting Periods
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be older than 8 weeks, but younger than 14 years of age to be eligible.
- Waiting Periods: There is a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses. A 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia also applies in most states if the pet is less than 6 years of age
Sample Rates
Your premium is determined by factors such as your location, your pet’s age, and their breed. The following table shows sample monthly premiums for dogs and cats in Katy, Texas, to provide a general idea of costs.
Sample Monthly Premiums for Dogs in Katy, Texas
The 2-year-old French bulldog was offered a quote with a 70% reimbursement rate and $500 deductible. **Older dogs were offered quotes with a 50% reimbursement rate and $1,000 deductible. **Older cats were offered quotes with a 50% reimbursement rate and $1,000 deductible.
Sample Monthly Premiums for Cats in Katy, Texas
*Older cats were offered quotes with a 50% reimbursement rate and $1,000 deductible.
Discounts
Healthy Paws does not currently offer any discounts.
Digital Experience and Claims
You can obtain a quote and buy a policy online through the Healthy Paws website. Policyholders can utilize the online portal or mobile app to file and track claims, make policy changes, and update billing information. Claims can be filed online, via the mobile app, or by email. The business states that most claims are processed in just two days. The payout is disbursed by either check or through direct deposit.
Customer Service
Customer support is available through a contact form on the corporate website or by telephone at 855-898-8991, Monday through Saturday.
Healthy Paws vs. Competitors
Here’s how Healthy Paws stacks up against competitors:
Healthy Paws vs. Trupanion
Healthy Paws vs. Pets Best
Healthy Paws vs. Nationwide
Conclusion
Healthy Paws offers a simple, straightforward pet insurance plan with the notable benefit of no annual or lifetime coverage limitations. The quick claims processing and direct vet payment option are also attractive features. However, it’s important to consider its limitations, such as the lack of wellness coverage and exam fee reimbursement. This plan could be a good choice for certain pets, but it’s important to compare it with other options to ensure it meets your needs and budget.
