Paw Protect Pet Insurance Review
Paw Protect offers pet insurance, and this review provides a detailed look at its plans, coverage, costs, and overall value.
Overview
- NerdWallet Rating: 4.0/5
- Annual Max Coverage: Unlimited
- Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500
Key Features and Highlights
A notable feature of Paw Protect is its free access to PawSupport, a 24/7 vet helpline available even on holidays.
Pros
- Reimbursement for sick vet exam fees.
- Multipet and military discounts.
- Wellness plan available, including prescription diet food coverage.
Cons
- No mobile app.
- Awaiting period of 6 months for orthopedic conditions in dogs.
- Claims process can be quite slow.
Bottom Line: Paw Protect offers an unlimited annual coverage option and access to a 24/7 vet helpline, which could be advantageous to pet owners. However, the claims process is slower compared to some other insurers, and it lacks a mobile app.
Who is Paw Protect a good option for? Paw Protect could be a good option for those looking for benefits such as reimbursement for sick exam fees and a 24/7 vet helpline.
About NerdWallet’s Evaluation
NerdWallet’s editorial team follows strict guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in its coverage to help consumers choose financial products wisely
Coverage Options
Paw Protect provides various plans, including accident and illness coverage and accident-only coverage. A wellness rewards plan is also offered.
Accident and Illness Plan
This comprehensive plan covers a wide array of potential health issues, 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.
- Dental illnesses (up to $1,000 per policy term).
- Congenital and genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia, ACL injuries, allergies, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
- Cancer and chronic conditions.
- Acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and laser therapy.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Euthanasia.
- Medical waste disposal.
Accident-Only Coverage
This plan is primarily suitable for older pets and covers treatments resulting from accidents, but it doesn’t cover illnesses.
Wellness Rewards
This add-on package covers routine care, up to $250, $450, or $650 per year for services such as:
- Wellness exams.
- Vaccines.
- 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.
What Isn’t Covered
Paw Protect has certain exclusions, including:
- Pre-existing conditions (unless symptom-free for at least 12 months).
- Breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth.
- DNA testing or cloning.
- Intentional injuries caused by the pet owner or someone within the household.
- Injuries or illnesses from racing, fighting, cruelty, or neglect.
- Cosmetic procedures.
- Routine veterinary care (unless a wellness plan is in place).
Accident-only plans don’t cover illness-related claims.
Plan Options
- Deductibles: Available options are $100, $250, and $500 annually.
- Reimbursement Amounts: 70%, 80%, or 90% of vet expenses are available for reimbursement. Paw Protect applies the deductible before calculating reimbursement.
- Coverage Limits: Annual coverage limits are available at $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Restrictions and Waiting Periods
- Age Restrictions: Coverage is available for pets aged between 6 weeks and 14 years at the time of enrollment.
- Waiting Periods: There is a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Dogs also face a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. Paw Protect might waive the orthopedic waiting period if a vet performs a post-enrollment examination and confirms the absence of orthopedic issues.
Sample Rates
The cost of Paw Protect pet insurance relies on variables such as location, age, and breed. Below are sample monthly rates:
Sample Monthly Rates for Dogs in Katy, TX
Sample Monthly Rates for Cats in Katy, TX
Note: These rates are just samples – your actual costs might be different.
Discounts
Paw Protect offers a 10% multipet discount and a 5% military discount to eligible customers.
State Availability
Paw Protect is licensed to sell policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., however, wellness plans aren’t available in Rhode Island. Availability may change at any time.
Consumer Experience
- Website: The website is straightforward, providing an education center and tools for getting quotes and comparing options.
- Mobile App: Paw Protect currently does not have a mobile app for users to manage their policies.
- Claims: Claims can be submitted online. Other possibilities include email, fax, or mail. Processing times are approximately 10 to 15 business days for accident and illness claims and about five business days for wellness claims, according to the company.
- Customer Service: Customer service can be reached at 888-812-6704 Monday through Saturday, or via email at [email protected]
Other Pet Insurance Companies to Consider
If you’re still deciding, it is prudent to consider other pet insurance providers such as:
- AKC
- Allstate
- ASPCA
- Banfield
- Bivvy
- Chewy
- Costco
- Embrace
- Fetch
- Figo
- Geico
- Hartville
- Healthy Paws
- Kanguro
- Lemonade
- Liberty Mutual
- ManyPets
- MetLife
- Nationwide
- Pawp
- Petco
- Pets Best
- Progressive
- Prudent Pet
- Pumpkin
- Spot
- State Farm
- Trupanion
- Wagmo
Conclusion
Paw Protect is a pet insurance option that offers comprehensive coverage, including an unlimited annual coverage option, and the benefit of a 24/7 vet helpline. However, the lack of a mobile app and slower claims processing times relative to other insurers are aspects to consider. Make sure you consider your pet’s needs when choosing the right pet insurance company.
