A Vet's Review of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
2024

by Frances Wilkerson, DVM

This review discusses the 5 important pieces of coverage and payout structure

To get the most from this review, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.
For a detailed look at Healthy Paws, see Healthy Paws Comparison Sheet.



Overview

Healthy Paws has offered pet insurance since 2009.

This review refers to their Accident and Illness Plan



Coverage Overview

In general, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization and prescription medications for accidents/injuries and illnesses as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout. (Note: Healthy Paws has an unlimited payout structure.)

Healthy Paws does not cover veterinary exam fees.

Dental coverage for accidents and illnesses is limited.



Coverage For Chronic Diseases & Continual Coverage For Chronic Diseases

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers chronic diseases coverage and continual coverage for chronic conditions as part of the base policy as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout. (Note: Healthy Paws has an unlimited payout structure.)



Hereditary & Congenital Coverage

Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout. (Note: Healthy Paws has an unlimited payout structure.)

Hip Dysplasia coverage is only available to pets who are enrolled before 6 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia coverage is subject to a 12 month waiting period. This may vary by state.


Cancer Coverage

Healthy Paws covers cancer conditions as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout. (Note: Healthy Paws has an unlimited payout structure.)



Coverage For Breed Specific Conditions

Breed Specific Medical Conditions most often occur as hereditary and congenital conditions.

Hip dysplasia coverage is available as long as you meet certain criteria (See "Hereditary & Congenital Coverage Section" above).

All other breed specific medical conditions are covered as long as the condition is not pre-existing, has not occurred during the waiting period, and you have not reached your maximum payout. (Note: Healthy Paws has an unlimited payout structure.)


Maximum Payout Structure

Healthy Paws has an unlimited lifetime maximum payout structure. This payout structure will meet everyone's calculated "Worst Case Scenario Costs". (See: Picking the Right Maximum Payout)



Summary of Coverage and Payout Structure

Limitations

  • Does not cover veterinary exam fee
  • Hip dysplasia coverage only available for pets enrolled before 6 years of age
  • Hip dysplasia has a 12 month waiting period. This may vary by state.
  • Behavioral Therapy coverage not available as part of base policy or as an addon
  • Dental coverage for accidents and illnesses is limited.


Good Points

  • Strong underwriter
  • Their Bilateral condition exclusion policy is very clear
  • Coverage when travel out of state or to Canada
  • Unlimited Lifetime Maximum Payout structure
  • Provides coverage for Hereditary & Congenital Diseases, Hip Dysplasia (if you meet the criteria), Chronic Diseases, and Cancer
  • Provides continual coverage for chronic diseases


Concerns

  • The wording in Healthy Paws' terms and conditions policy sounds like they can cancel your policy at any time for any reason with a 90 day notice. In their policy, they state they can cancel for non-payment (which makes sense) with a 20 day notice. But in the same paragraph they state: "...Otherwise, we may cancel this policy by providing you at least ninety (90) days written notice." Contact the company for clarity on all the reasons they may cancel your policy. Based on the fact that Nationwide unexpectedly announced it was canceling 100,000+ policies in the spring of 2024, it is important to have clarity in this area.
  • Reimbursements are calculated by applying your reimbursement percentage first, then your deductible. This can lead to being reimbursed less than companies that subtract the deductible BEFORE applying the reimbursement percentage.



Additional Comments Regarding All Pet Insurance Companies:

  • Make sure you research what customers are saying about the company. A company may have the 5 components that should be part of a pet insurance plan, but the company may not be a hit with customers. Sites to check include but are not limited to BBB.org, Yelp.com and PetInsuranceReview.com. Things to look for include but are not limited to: How fast are payments paid?, What are customers saying about the pre-existing conditions policy?, How often are claims denied and for what reason?, What is the customer service experience like?, Are there issues with premium increases?
  • Check with your state's Department of Insurance to see if any complaints have been filed for the company you are interested in.
  • Make sure you understand what the waiting periods are.
  • Make sure you understand their bilateral conditions policy.
  • Make sure you understand any requirements that you must adhere to to maintain coverage.
  • Make sure you read the terms and conditions to get a thorough understanding of all exclusions.
  • Make sure you understand when and by how much your premium can increase.
  • If you change plan levels, there is a possibility that all medical conditions present under the old plan will be considered pre-existing in the new plan. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • For some companies, pre-existing conditions can be based on signs and symptoms alone, a diagnosis is not needed. For example, if your pet had a cough before you applied for pet insurance and this cough was discussed and written in the pet's medical record, there is the possibility that all future cough conditions, no matter what the cause, would be considered pre-existing - even if there was no treatment given. Make sure you ask the company if this is the case.
  • Pet insurance companies are businesses. The top priority of any business is to make a profit for their stakeholders. Pet insurance companies can and may change your rates and terms to meet that top priority. A change of business ownership or underwriters can also be a catalyst for changes in your rates and terms.

    When you purchase pet insurance make sure you have a realistic understanding of this and how it can affect you.


Additional Reviews:

24PetProtect | AKC | ASPCA | Bivvy | Companion Protect | Doggo | Embrace | Felix | Fetch | Figo | Hartville | Healthy Paws | Lemonade | Liberty Mutual | ManyPets | MetLife | Nationwide | Odie | Petco | Pet Partners | Pets Best | Physicians Mutual | Prudent Pet | Pumpkin | Spot | Toto | Trupanion | Wagmo


**Disclaimer: This review is meant to supplement, not replace your own due diligence. Terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by contacting the company or reading the most current policy for your state. We will not be held liable for errors or omissions. If you see something that is incorrect or needs clarifying, please let me know.

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