Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: An Overview
Healthy Paws is a pet insurance provider that earns a 4 out of 5 star rating from NerdWallet. The company offers a single plan designed for simplicity, covering accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats. This plan has no annual or lifetime payout limits, appealing to those who prefer a straightforward approach to pet insurance.
What Healthy Paws Offers
Healthy Paws provides a single plan that covers accidents and illnesses, providing financial protection for unexpected veterinary expenses. This eliminates the need to choose between several options, simplifying the decision-making process. Key features include:
- Unlimited annual coverage: There are no caps on the amount paid out each year.
- Quick Claims Processing: Healthy Paws aims to process most claims within two days.
- Coverage for a wide range of issues: This includes treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses including cancer; diagnostic tests; hereditary and congenital conditions; prescription medications and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic. Some dental conditions are covered, as well.
- Reimbursement amounts: Customers can choose reimbursement rates between 50% and 90% depending on their pet and location.
- Deductibles: Annual deductibles range from $250 to $1,000, varying based on location, the age of the pet, and the chosen plan.
- Direct payment: Healthy Paws may be able to pay your vet directly.
What’s Not Covered
While Healthy Paws offers a comprehensive accident and illness plan, it does have limitations, including the exclusions of:
- Exam fees for accidents or illnesses.
- Hip dysplasia if your pet’s coverage started at six or older.
- Routine dental care.
- Prescription diets.
- Behavioral therapies.
- Wellness or preventative care.
- Pre-existing conditions, including those that arise during the waiting period.
Plan Options and Costs
The cost of Healthy Paws pet insurance varies based on where you live, the coverage limits you choose, and your pet’s breed and age. Sample quotes for dogs and cats in Katy, Texas were used to demonstrate possible costs.
- Deductibles: Annual deductibles range from $250 to $1,000.
- Reimbursement: Reimbursement rates can vary between 50% and 90%.
- Coverage Limits: Healthy Paws plans feature unlimited annual coverage.
Healthy Paws considers the reimbursement rate before the deductible when calculating claim payouts. Here’s an example
- Vet bill: $2,000
- Deductible: $500
- Reimbursement rate: 80%
Calculation:
- $2,000 x 0.8 (80% reimbursement rate) = $1,600.
- $1,600 – $500 deductible = $1,100 reimbursed to the customer.
Discounts
Healthy Paws does not offer discounts.
Waiting Periods and Restrictions
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and may be enrolled up to their 14th birthday.
- Waiting Periods: In most states, there is a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses. There may be a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia if the policy is started when the pet is younger than six.
How to File a Claim
Claims can be filed online, through the Healthy Paws mobile app, or by email. Claims are typically processed within two days.
Healthy Paws vs. Competitors
Healthy Paws provides a distinct set of features compared to other pet insurance companies. Key differences include:
- Trupanion: Trupanion utilizes lifetime per-condition deductibles.
- Pets Best: Pets Best offers multiple plans and riders, including accident-only and wellness options.
- Nationwide: Nationwide provides customizable coverage options through its Modular plan.
Contacting Customer Service
Healthy Paws customer support can be reached through a contact form on their website, or by calling 855-898-8991, Monday through Saturday.
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