Healthy Paws
4.3
Cost:3/5
Plan Options:2.3/5
Custom Coverage Levels:3.3/5
Covered Treatments:4.7/5
Customer Experience:4/5
Healthy Paws is a top rated pet insurance company
Quick Facts
- Average monthly cost: $39
- Reimbursem*nt rates: 50%–90%
- Deductibles: $50–$1,000
- Annual limits: Unlimited
Plan Options
Accident and Illness Plan |
Accidents |
Alternative Treatment |
Cancer |
Chronic Conditions |
Congenital Conditions |
Diagnostic Treatment |
Emergency Care |
Hereditary Conditions |
Hospitalization |
Illnesses |
Prescription Medications |
Specialty Care |
Surgery |
X-Rays, Blood Tests, Ultrasounds |
Page
1
of
Our Thoughts on Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Our objective rating scale considers a company’s pricing, plan types, coverage, customer experience and customer reviews. Based on this methodology, we rated Healthy Paws 4.3 out of 5 stars. Healthy Paws’ standard plan makes providing coverage for your four-legged friend quick and easy, based on our experience requesting quotes.
We like that Healthy Paws covers conditions and treatments, such as genetic and hereditary conditions, breed-specific conditions and alternative care, that some other providers exclude. It also allows policyholders to choose from flexible deductible and reimbursem*nt options so they can tailor monthly premiums to meet their budget.
A major advantage of Healthy Paws is that it has no annual or lifetime coverage limits, so policyholders do not have to worry about hitting a maximum payout for covered services. Coverage is available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
However, Healthy Paws does not offer wellness care add-ons. In addition, the company limits coverage for pets enrolling at age 6 years or older, and policyholders must wait 12 months for hip dysplasia coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides unlimited coverage for the life of the policy, with no per-incident, annual or lifetime caps
Covers hereditary and congenital conditions as long as symptoms present after enrollment and the policy’s waiting period
Policyholders can request direct payment to their veterinarian for covered claims
Processes most claims within two days, according to its website
Provides help for animal rescue organizations by donating and grant-giving
Cons
No option for wellness coverage
Limited coverage for pets that enroll at 6 years or older
Does not cover pet burial or cremation
How Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Scored in Our Methodology
Healthy Paws earned 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our pet insurance methodology ratings. The company earned the highest scores for cost, covered treatments and industry standing but lost points for its coverage and availability.
Flip Card Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Rating
MarketWatch Rating 4.3 / out of 5 stars
Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines
Your information is secure
Rating breakdown
Cost and Discounts Healthy Paws scored 4.8 points for offering plans at below-average pricing across all our sample pet types but lost some points for not offering discounts. 4.8 / 5
Coverage Healthy Paws scored 3.9 points for offering an accident and illness plan with unlimited coverage and a standard waiting period but lost points for lacking accident-only and wellness coverage. 3.9 / 5
Covered Treatments Healthy Paws scored 4.6 points for including alternative therapies, behavior treatments and physical therapy in its base plan. However, it excludes exam fees and behavior treatments with no add-on option for adding this coverage. 4.6 / 5
Customer Experience Healthy Paws scored 4.2 points for providing customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee and direct deposit but not offering 24/7 customer care or a vet telehealth line. 4.2 / 5
Industry Standing Healthy Paws scored 4.7 points for being in operation since 2009, accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and having high customer review ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot. 4.7 / 5
Availability Healthy Paws scored 4.1 points for operating in all 50 U.S. states but lost points for implementing an age limit for enrollment. 4.1 / 5
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review: Our Ratings
You can find more detailed information about how Healthy Paws fared in our 2024 pet insurance study in the table below. You’ll also find industry averages from all providers in our study to help you compare.
What Does Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cover?
Healthy Paws makes signing up for coverage quick and easy, based on our experience, because it only offers one plan. After entering your pet’s details and your ZIP code, the website provides a quote for a monthly rate. It allows you to select a reimbursem*nt rate and deductible to determine what premium works for your financial situation.
In addition to the premium rate, Healthy Paws details what the plan covers and outlines exclusions. It also provides a link to view a sample policy for a more thorough understanding of what is and is not covered.
Healthy Paws offers an accident and illness plan with no option to customize coverage by adding wellness care. This offers a simple process with limited decision-making on behalf of the customer, which may appeal to some pet owners.
Accident and Illness Plan Details
Healthy Paws’s accident and illness plan delivers more comprehensive coverage than some other providers we’ve reviewed. However, it doesn’t offer an accident-only plan or optional wellness coverage. Its exclusions include pre-existing conditions, preventive and routine care, spay and neuter procedures, cosmetic procedures, routine dental care, office visits and examination fees.
Healthy Paws only offers one plan that covers conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, allergies and metabolic conditions
- Congenital conditions, such as heart and brain defects and entropion
- Hereditary issues, such as epilepsy, patellar luxation and intervertebral disc disease
- Some illnesses, including gastrointestinal upset and respiratory infections
- Some injuries, such as lacerations, fractures and poisonings
Healthy Paws covers multiple diagnostics and treatments, including:
- Blood tests
- Cancer testing and treatment
- Emergency care
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved alternative therapies
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medication
- Specialty care
- Surgery
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
How Much Does Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Cost?
The average cost for a Healthy Paws pet insurance plan is $49 per month for dogs and $19 for cats, with an overall average of $35. The plan cost depends on factors such as your geographic location and your pet’s age and breed. You can also expect to pay more for purebred pets predisposed to hereditary health issues, as well as older dogs.
To help us determine Healthy Paws’ average monthly costs, we requested quotes for sample pets — two dogs and two cats — in each state. We used those quotes to calculate the average overall and species-specific costs in each state and determine a national average. Because policies for mixed-breed pets are usually cheaper than purebred pets, our sample pets included the following:
- A 5-year-old male, mixed-breed dog
- A 2-year-old female golden retriever
- A 5-year-old male, mixed-breed cat
- A 2-year-old female Siamese cat
MarketWatch Guides Tip
Healthy Paws offers unlimited annual coverage at an affordable rate, based on our review. However, other providers, including Figo and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, offer comparable rates and provide options for preventative care and more coverage for senior pets. Some providers, such as Wagmo and ManyPets, have cheaper plans for pet owners on a budget.
When compared to other top insurers, Healthy Paws pricing lands in the lower half. Compare it to top competitors below:
Does Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Go Up With Age?
Healthy Paws will increase policy costs in response to increasing pet costs. However, if you already have a policy, the costs should not increase. With that in mind, it is up to the company's discretion to increase costs depending on a pet's age, breed, health, and more.
Customizable Coverage Levels
Because Healthy Paws has one pet insurance policy, the only way policyholders can customize a plan is by adjusting the deductible and reimbursem*nt rate. After enrollment, you can lower your deductible and raise your reimbursem*nt rate as long as you have not submitted any claims. If you previously submitted a claim, you can only lower your reimbursem*nt and raise your deductible.
Deductible Options
The Healthy Paws deductible ranges from $50 to $1,000, but pet owners may not have all price points available to them. Deductible options depend on where you live and your pet’s age and breed. Healthy Paws uses an annual deductible which starts the same day as your coverage. For example, if the policy became effective on Jan. 3, 2024, the coverage term would last through Jan. 2, 2025.
Reimbursem*nt Rates
Healthy Paws offers reimbursem*nt rate choices between 50% and 90%, but your pet may not be eligible for higher percentages based on their age, breed and geographic location.
When calculating reimbursem*nt, most pet insurance providers first subtract your deductible and then multiply the remaining amount by your reimbursem*nt rate. However, Healthy Paws determines the number of covered treatments multiplied by the reimbursem*nt rate and then subtracts the annual deductible. This method can result in a lower claim payout.
Annual Limit Options
Healthy Paws has no annual or lifetime limits for coverage.
Policy Sign-up, Claims Filing and Payout Processes
Sign-up is easy through the Healthy Paws website, based on our experience. Click on the "See My Rates" button at the top of the home page and you will be routed to a form asking for your pet’s species, gender, age, ZIP code and email address. Once you enter the requested information, click on the button at the bottom of the page to get your quote.
Your quote is highlighted at the top of the page. If you scroll down, you can see what the plan covers and excludes. You also have the option to click on the “Sample Policy” tab to get more information about what the coverage entails.
Healthy Paws sets the quoted rate based on the most popular plan chosen by pet owners, but you can click on the “Customize Rate” button to change the reimbursem*nt rate and annual deductible.
After enrollment, Healthy Paws requires a licensed veterinarian to qualify your pet(s) for coverage with a physical exam. Pets under 6 years old must have had an exam within 12 months before enrollment or in the first 15 days after enrollment. If the pet is 6 or older, the exam must have taken place within 30 days before enrollment or in the first 15 days after enrollment.
Claims and Reimbursem*nt
Once the policy is in place, Healthy Paws pet owners can choose any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency veterinarians, to treat their animals. The pet owner must pay the veterinarian in full and then submit a copy of the paid invoice to Healthy Paws for reimbursem*nt. You can submit a claim by taking a photo of the invoice and uploading it through the online customer center or Healthy Paws mobile app.
Healthy Paws will also need your pet’s medical records, including doctor’s notes, laboratory results and other documentation regarding the veterinary visit.
The insurance company bases reimbursem*nts on the submitted veterinary bill. Healthy Paws claims representatives determine the cost of the covered treatments and multiply the total by your reimbursem*nt rate. The company then subtracts the remaining annual deductible to determine your payout. Policyholders can receive reimbursem*nt by check or direct deposit, which can take up to 10 days to reach you, according to the Healthy Paws website.
In cases when a policyholder cannot pay a veterinarian at the time of service, they can request Healthy Paws pay the vet directly. Pet owners must request this payment model before treatment by calling the company and speaking with a representative. However, approval for a vet-direct payment does not mean Healthy Paws will cover the claim.
Healthy Paws’ Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions
Healthy Paws has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, which means any condition that occurs before enrollment or during the waiting period is not covered. In addition, if your pet is affected by a cruciate ligament injury in one limb before enrollment or during the waiting period, the insurer will not cover the other limb.
Healthy Paws also has a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia for pets 5 years and younger, and it does not cover the condition for pets older than this.
Healthy Paws has no minimum age limit to enroll a pet but will not enroll pets 14 years or older. In addition, pets that are 6 years or older are only eligible for limited coverage. Obtaining pet insurance when your pet is a puppy or kitten can help prevent a provider from excluding a pre-existing condition.
What Customers Think About Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Our team reviewed customer feedback on platforms such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine how actual customers rate Healthy Paws’ service. Based on our review, 85% of respondents gave the company a 5-star rating, but there were a few comments from dissatisfied customers.
What Customers Like
- Fast and easy claims process: Most respondents said they had no problems submitting claims and typically received reimbursem*nt within a week.
- Customer service: Respondents commented that Healthy Paws customer service representatives were kind, caring and professional throughout the claims process. They said reps provided prompt and clear communications. One respondent noted how touched she was that a team member reached out to her after her dog’s surgery to see how he was doing.
- Easy-to-use app: Customers said the app was straightforward and easy to use.
- Unlimited annual payouts: Customers who had pets with multiple health issues commented how they are glad Healthy Paws coverage has no annual payout limits.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Increasing premiums: Some respondents said their insurance premiums increased by 50% every year despite having a healthy pet.
- Necessity for a pet exam: A few customers expressed frustration that their pet needed a veterinary exam to qualify for coverage.
- Claims denial: Some respondents said they had difficulty getting their claims approved for what they thought would be a straightforward case.
- Confusing deductibles: One customer complained that deductibles were misleading because they do not include vet visit fees.
We reached out to Healthy Paws for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
Healthy Paws vs. Other Pet Insurance Companies
Use the table below to compare Healthy Paws with other popular pet insurance providers.
Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthy PawsEXPLORE PLANS | $35-$49 | 4.3 | 15 days | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
LemonadeEXPLORE PLANS | $15-$30 | 4.8 | 2 days | N/A | EXPLORE PLANS |
Spot Pet InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | $51-$68 | 4.4 | 14 days | A | EXPLORE PLANS |
ASPCA Pet Health InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | $38-$50 | 4.5 | 14 days | N/R | EXPLORE PLANS |
EmbraceEXPLORE PLANS | $53-$64 | 4.6 | 48 hours | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
Fetch Pet InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | $43-$50 | 4.5 | 15 days | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
FigoEXPLORE PLANS | $22-$27 | 4.7 | 1 day | B | EXPLORE PLANS |
NationwideEXPLORE PLANS | $35-$50 | 4.2 | 14 days | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
TrupanionEXPLORE PLANS | $97-$131 | 4.0 | 48 hours | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
Pets BestEXPLORE PLANS | $33-$41 | 4.8 | 3 days | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthy PawsEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $35-$49 | 4.3 | 15 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
LemonadeEXPLORE PLANS | N/A | $15-$30 | 4.8 | 2 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
Spot Pet InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | A | $51-$68 | 4.4 | 14 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
ASPCA Pet Health InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | N/R | $38-$50 | 4.5 | 14 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
EmbraceEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $53-$64 | 4.6 | 48 hours | EXPLORE PLANS |
Fetch Pet InsuranceEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $43-$50 | 4.5 | 15 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
FigoEXPLORE PLANS | B | $22-$27 | 4.7 | 1 day | EXPLORE PLANS |
NationwideEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $35-$50 | 4.2 | 14 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
TrupanionEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $97-$131 | 4.0 | 48 hours | EXPLORE PLANS |
Pets BestEXPLORE PLANS | A+ | $33-$41 | 4.8 | 3 days | EXPLORE PLANS |
No results were found.
Healthy Paws vs. Lemonade
Healthy Paws and Lemonade have similar price points and reimbursem*nt and deductible options. However, Lemonade also provides the option for policyholders to add on coverage for behavioral conditions, dental illness, end-of-life remembrance, physical therapy, visit fees and preventive care.
Lemonade’s maximum annual limit is $100,000, while Healthy Paws has no annual or lifetime coverage cap. Another difference is that Lemonade’s waiting period for accidents is only two days versus Healthy Paws, which is 15 days.
Healthy Paws | Lemonade | |
Reimbursem*nts | 50%–90% | 70%–90% |
Deductibles | $100–$1,000 annually | $100–$750 annually |
Annual limits | Unlimited | $5,000–$100,000 |
Average cost for dogs | $49 per month | $52 per month |
Average cost for cats | $19 per month | $29 per month |
Page 1 of
Find out more about Lemonade Pet Insurance in our review.
Healthy Paws vs. Spot
Healthy Paws’s average premium prices are slightly more affordable than Spot, based on our review, but both companies offer similar deductible options. In addition, Spot has an option for unlimited annual coverage, as does Healthy Paws.
Spot has more customization choices because it offers an accident-only plan and two levels of preventive care add-ons. Spot’s waiting period for accidents and illnesses is 14 days versus Healthy Paws at 15 days. However, Spot does not have an extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions, unlike Healthy Paws, which has a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia.
Healthy Paws | Spot | |
Reimbursem*nts | 50%–90% | 70%–90% |
Deductibles | $100–$1,000 annually | $100–$1,000 annually |
Annual limits | Unlimited | $2,500–unlimited |
Average cost for dogs | $49 per month | $68 per month |
Average cost for cats | $19 per month | $30 per month |
Page 1 of
Learn more in our Spot Pet Insurance review.
Healthy Paws Availability
Healthy Paws pet insurance is available in all 50 U.S. states. But keep in mind that the cost of coverage may vary depending on where you live.
Is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Worth It?
Healthy Paws offers comprehensive pet insurance with one straightforward plan. Customers benefit from unlimited annual and lifetime coverage gaps, so you won’t ever have to worry about maxing out your coverage there to make it worth it.
Healthy Paws also has no credit checks to enroll or cancellation fees if you decide to end your policy, making it a good option for pet parents who prefer flexibility.
If you are looking for routine care coverage or have pets over 6 years old, you may want to choose another provider. Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness care add-on, which won’t cover preventative treatments like vaccinations and dental cleanings. It also does not allow you to customize your reimbursem*nt rate or deductible if your dog or cat is over 6 years old. Instead, Healthy Paws automatically locks in a rate for you based on your pet’s age.
Because Healthy Paws’ prices can vary depending on your pet’s age, breed and location, we recommend getting a free online quote to see how much your monthly premiums will cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws offers affordable rates for unlimited annual coverage, making it a good choice for pet owners concerned about annual coverage caps. However, Healthy Paws does not offer wellness coverage and offers more limited customization options for senior pets.
Pets must undergo a physical exam by a licensed veterinarian to qualify for Healthy Paws coverage. Pets under 6 years old must have had an exam within 12 months before enrollment or in the first 15 days after enrollment. Pets 6 years and older must have had an exam 30 days before enrollment or within the first 15 days after enrollment.
Healthy Paws has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses. The company will not cover conditions that occur during the waiting period. There is also a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia for pets 5 years and younger. Hip dysplasia is not covered for pets 6 years and older.
The company covers cruciate ligament injuries as long as the pet has no history of related problems or limping before enrollment or during the waiting period. Healthy Paws also has a bilateral exclusion policy. If a pet had a cruciate ligament injury to one limb before enrollment or during the waiting period, the other limb is not eligible for cruciate ligament injury coverage.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Pet Insurance Companies
We review each pet insurance company based on factors most important to pet parents like you. Our process includes in-depth industry research into each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading reviews to assess customer service. To better inform our reviews, we’ve surveyed 3,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. We’ve also bought pet insurance plans for 10 of our team’s pets to test the customer experience of various providers for ourselves.
We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and calculate an overall rating out of five stars. Here are more details about the factors we consider when reviewing pet insurance providers:
- Costs and Discounts (22.5%): To assess pricing, we collected sample quotes for 10 mixed-breed and purebred dogs and cats, ranging from 3 months to 8 years old. Our team collected a total of 17,330 quotes directly from 22 provider's websites, requesting at least two quotes for all 50 U.S. states from every insurer and pet profile. Providers earn the most points in this category for offering affordable coverage and more than four discount options to customers.
- Coverage (22.5%): The best pet insurance companies offer a range of plans, customization options and more so pet owners can choose the right coverage. Companies offering a wide variety of coverage options earn full points in this category. We also look at waiting periods and award the most points if companies offer policies with shorter waiting periods than its competitors.
- Covered Treatments (17.5%): According to our survey of pet owners, coverage is one of the most important factors when shopping for pet insurance. Companies with a breadth of included treatments and unique coverages as standard within their policies receive more points in this category than those with less options.
- Customer Experience (17.5%): Respondents to our survey also valued customer service when comparing pet insurance providers. We score each company based on its website accessibility and overall usability, customer service, mobile apps, money-back guarantees and veterinarian telehealth options. The insurers with the most customer experience offerings receive the most points.
- Industry Standing (10%): We review up-to-date ratings and accreditation information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, and score companies based on customer reviews and years of industry experience.
- Availability (10%): Some companies do not offer policies for pets over a certain age. For this category, we deduct points from providers that have age limits for older pets. We also consider state availability, international coverage and if a company extends coverage options to breeds considered dangerous.
We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology to see how we review and score providers.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.