Paw Protect Pet Insurance Review 2025
Paw Protect pet insurance stands out with its free 24/7 vet helpline and offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage. This review will provide details on Paw Protect’s plans, coverage, and the overall value it offers pet owners.
Overview
Paw Protect earned a 4.0 out of 5 NerdWallet rating. The company offers an unlimited annual coverage option and includes access to a 24/7 vet helpline, even on holidays with PawSupport. However, it’s important to note that the claims process can be slower than some competitors, and there’s no mobile app for policy management.
Pros:
- Unlimited annual coverage.
- Reimbursement for sick exam fees.
- Multipet and military discounts.
- Wellness plan includes prescription diet food coverage.
- Access to a 24/7 vet helpline (PawSupport).
Cons:
- No mobile app.
- Six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions in dogs.
- Claims process might be slower than other insurers.
About Paw Protect Pet Insurance
Paw Protect’s accident and illness plan is comprehensive, including congenital and hereditary conditions, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies. The company provides a free vet telehealth service for policyholders via phone, live chat, or video call.
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Paw Protect offers several plan options to cater to different pet needs:
Accident and Illness: This comprehensive plan covers a wide range of veterinary expenses including:
- Sick vet exam fees.
- Emergency and specialist care.
- Surgery.
- Prescription medication.
- X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests.
- Hospitalization and overnight stays.
- Dental injuries and illnesses (up to $1,000 per policy term).
- Congenital and genetic conditions (hip dysplasia, ACL injuries, allergies, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)).
- Cancer and chronic conditions.
- Acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and laser therapy.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Euthanasia and medical waste disposal
Accident-Only Coverage: Geared towards older pets, this plan covers treatment for accidents such as broken bones, bite wounds, and car accidents, but does not cover any illness-related claims.
Wellness Rewards: This optional add-on reimburses for routine care up to $250, $450, or $650 each year. Covered services include wellness exams, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, microchipping, spaying/neutering, grooming, nutritional supplements, training, and fecal/blood tests.
What’s Not Covered
Paw Protect doesn’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions (unless the pet is cured and symptom-free for at least 12 months).
- Breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth.
- DNA testing or cloning.
- Intentional injuries caused by the owner or someone in their household.
- Injuries or illnesses from racing, fighting, cruelty, or neglect.
- Cosmetic procedures like tail docking or ear-cropping.
- Routine veterinary care (unless the Wellness Rewards add-on has been purchased).
- Avian flu or nuclear war.
Paw Protect Plan Options
- Deductibles: Annual deductible options are $100, $250, and $500. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins.
- Reimbursement Amounts: Pet owners can choose to get reimbursed for 70%, 80%, or 90% of their vet expenses. Remember that your deductible is applied before the reimbursement rate.
- Coverage Limits: You can choose an annual coverage limit of $5,000, $10,000, or an unlimited amount.
Restrictions and Waiting Periods
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be between 6 weeks and 14 years old at the time of enrollment to be eligible for coverage with Paw Protect.
- Waiting Periods: Paw Protect has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Dogs also have a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions.
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Sample Rates
The cost of pet insurance varies based on location, pet age, and breed. The following are sample monthly rates for dogs, with a $250 deductible, $5,000 of annual coverage, and an 80% reimbursement rate: these rates are for dogs in Katy, Texas:
- French bulldog: $120 (age 2), $221 (age 8)
- German shepherd: $78 (age 2), $144 (age 8)
- Golden retriever: $78 (age 2), $144 (age 8)
- Labrador retriever: $78 (age 2), $144 (age 8)
- Medium mixed-breed dog: $48 (age 2), $88 (age 8)
- Poodle: $98 (age 2), $180 (age 8)
Similarly, rates for cats in Katy, Texas, with the same coverage levels, are as follows:
- Devon rex: $34 (age 2), $58 (age 8)
- Domestic shorthair: $27 (age 2), $47 (age 8)
- Maine coon: $34 (age 2), $58 (age 8)
- Persian: $34 (age 2), $58 (age 8)
- Ragdoll: $34 (age 2), $58 (age 8)
Paw Protect Pet Insurance Discounts
Paw Protect offers a 10% multipet discount and, a 5% military discount.
State Availability
Paw Protect is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, wellness plans are not available in Rhode Island; this may change.
Consumer Experience
- Website: The Paw Protect website is user-friendly and has an educational center with information about pet insurance.
- App: They do not have a mobile app.
- Claims: Claims can be submitted through the online portal, email, fax, or mail. Processing times for accident and illness claims are about 10 to 15 business days, while wellness claims take around 5 business days. You have your entire policy term, plus 60 days after renewal, to file a claim.
- Customer Service: Customer service can be reached at 888-812-6704 or by email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Paw Protect insurance cover vaccinations? Yes, under its Wellness Rewards plan.
- How does Paw Protect insurance work? You are responsible for treatment costs upfront, file a claim for reimbursement. The amount you receive depends on your chosen coverage options.
- How do I cancel Paw Protect pet insurance? You can cancel your policy by calling customer service.
Conclusion
Paw Protect pet insurance offers valuable benefits like the convenience of a 24/7 vet helpline and comprehensive accident and illness coverage. However, potential customers should consider the lack of a mobile app and the potentially slower claims process compared to competitors.
