Is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Worth It? Review 2025
Our expert's opinion on Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance stands out in the US pet insurance market for its single, easy-to-understand plan offering comprehensive coverage for dogs and cats against illness and accidents. Unlike many competitors, Healthy Paws imposes no annual or per-incident reimbursement caps—only a lifetime maximum, with deductibles and reimbursement rates tailored individually at signup. The plan skips wellness and preventive care, focusing strictly on medically necessary treatments (surgeries, hospitalizations, cancer, hereditary issues) and prescription medications. No preventive budget is included, and consultation fees are excluded. Pricing sits at a mid-to-premium segment: rates are competitive for younger pets but can rise sharply as animals age. Healthy Paws is particularly suitable for owners of young, healthy animals seeking robust accident and illness protection with high potential payouts and little concern for wellness benefits; it's less suited for older pets or those needing broad preventive care. The insurer, part of Chubb since 2024, manages a substantial portfolio and processed thousands of claims, with over $1 million donated to animal causes. Trustpilot rates Healthy Paws at 4.1/5 from 2,549 reviews—good, but not top of class—valuing fast reimbursements (usually under 3 days), though some recent reviews note increased administrative delays, especially for older animals. Overall, Healthy Paws is positioned as a responsive, high-coverage insurer, slightly trailing newer players like Spot or Prudent Pet but ahead on no-limits refund logic.
- No annual or per-incident reimbursement limits
- Fast claims processing, many paid in under 3 days
- Covers new illnesses, accidents, cancer, hereditary conditions
- Customizable deductible and reimbursement rate
- Simple, single-plan structure—no complex tiers
- Good user experience via website and app
- Trusted, backed by Chubb, $1M+ donated to animal shelters
- Excludes preventive care and regular vet exam fees
- Premiums increase sharply as pets age
- Lengthy or complex claim handling in some cases
- Strict exclusions for preexisting and working pets
- Administrative delays reported post-2024 acquisition
- Healthy Paws Guarantees
- Healthy Paws exclusions
- Healthy Paws Pricing
- Healthy Paws Assistance
- Customer feedback on Healthy Paws
- How can I contact Healthy Paws?
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts thoroughly review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available on the market every year to provide you with reliable, unbiased analysis. Thanks to this commitment, hundreds of thousands of users across the US trust us each month to help guide them through their most important financial decisions.
Healthy Paws Guarantees
Healthy Paws offers a single, highly straightforward pet health insurance plan for dogs and cats, with all key parameters (reimbursement rate, deductible, lifetime limit) customizable only at enrollment and detailed in each contract’s Declarations page. The plan distinctly stands out for having no annual or per-incident payout cap—only a lifetime reimbursement limit applies, which is among the most generous on the US market. It covers medically necessary treatments for accidents and illnesses, including surgery, hospitalization, diagnostics, medication, cancer, and genetic conditions, but systematically excludes examination fees, preventive care (like vaccines, dental cleaning, flea control), elective/cosmetic procedures, and any conditions considered pre-existing. Notably, preventive care is never included, and there are no add-on formula options or wellness packages, which is rare among US players and a limitation for owners seeking broad day-to-day coverage. Overall, Healthy Paws delivers simple, unlimited emergency/illness coverage but with significant exclusions on routine and preventive care, and coverage is not available for working or commercial pets.
| Guarantee Name | Healthy Paws (Single Customizable Plan) |
|---|---|
| Plan Positioning | Single comprehensive illness & accident plan, lifetime limits selected at enrollment |
| Type of coverage | Accident and illness (no wellbeing/prevention add-ons) |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats (including service dogs, not working/commercial animals) |
| % reimbursement | Chosen by policyholder at signup, usually 70%–90% of eligible costs |
| Annual reimbursement limit | None, only a lifetime limit applies per animal (amount is customizable) |
| Deductible (annual/per claim?) | Annual deductible, options typically $100–$500, set at enrollment |
| Min & max age for enrollment – cats | 8 weeks minimum, upper limit not clearly stated (NC) |
| Min & max age for enrollment – dogs | 8 weeks minimum, upper limit not clearly stated (NC) |
| Prior health exam required? | Yes: within past 12 months ( |
| Waiting period for illness | 15 days post-enrollment |
| Waiting period for accident | 15 days post-enrollment |
| Lifetime renewability after enrollment | Yes, as long as premium is paid and no contract breach |
| Vet consultations (routine, urgent...) | Consult/exam fees NOT covered |
| Prescription medication | Yes, when medically necessary and FDA-approved |
| Hospitalization | Yes, provided it is for eligible accident/illness |
| Ambulance transport | Not covered (NC) |
| Surgery, anesthesia | Yes, for medically necessary procedures (not elective/cosmetic) |
| Scans, MRI, ultrasound | Yes, when medically required for covered conditions |
| Laboratory fees | Yes, when medically required for covered conditions |
| Radiation therapy | Yes, for cancer and relevant illnesses |
| Dental care | Only dental due to covered accident; illness-related or routine dental not covered |
| Dental cleaning | Not covered (excluded as preventive care) |
| Wellness/prevention allowance | None—no vaccines, flea/tick, worming, spay/neuter, microchip, etc. covered |
| Alternative therapies (acupuncture...) | Not covered |
| Therapeutic diet | Not covered |
| Countries/travel covered | USA, temporary travel to Canada covered |
| Death/bereavement/cremation | Euthanasia for covered illness/injury; cremation & death benefit not covered |
| Euthanasia | Covered if due to covered condition (medically necessary) |
| Lost or stolen pet/search fees | Not covered |
| Boarding fees/grooming | Not covered |
Good to know
- The deductible and reimbursement level you choose at sign-up cannot be decreased afterwards if a claim has been made.
- Policyholders must submit a complete medical history to avoid claim delays or denials—lack of documentation is a common reason for non-payment.
- Claims for hip dysplasia are not covered if the animal was ≥6 years old at enrollment or the claim is within 12 months of the effective date.
- No coverage for any routine care (vaccinations, dental cleaning, wellness checks) or behavioral/rehabilitation therapies.
- Working, racing, breeding, or commercial animals are not eligible for coverage.
- Lifetime maximums and specific coinsurance/deductible options are contract-specific—carefully consult your Declarations page.
Healthy Paws exclusions
Exclusions in the Healthy Paws contract are notably strict regarding pre-existing conditions and preventive or elective care, such as exam fees, neutering, dental cleaning, and cosmetic procedures—all of which are systematically excluded, even for new incidents. Coverage declines for hip dysplasia in pets enrolled after age 6 and for all "working pets," which is a key point of differentiation versus competitors who may offer limited commercial animal coverage. No claims are paid for incidents occurring within initial waiting periods (15 days for accident/illness, 12 months for hip dysplasia), and exam documentation at enrollment is mandatory and strictly enforced for all age brackets, with omission resulting in void coverage. Behavioral treatments, boarding, transportation, alternative therapies, and reproductive expenses are also excluded across the board. Uniquely, veterinarian office visit/consultation fees are never reimbursed, which is a recurrent frustration among US pet parents when compared to certain competitors.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Pre-existing conditions (illnesses, injuries before policy start date) - Waiting periods (15 days accident/illness, 12 months for hip dysplasia) - Exam/consultation fees - Preventive care (vaccines, deworming, dental cleaning, routine spay/neuter, flea/tick control, routine dental) - Elective/cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, microchipping, dewclaw removal) - Experimental treatments - Reproductive costs (pregnancy, birthing) - Behavioral therapy, training, boarding, nutrition, or housing costs - Conditions due to intentional acts, neglect, fighting, or criminal acts by owner |
| Age and breed exclusions | - No hip dysplasia coverage for pets (>6 years at enrollment) - Strict age-based exam requirements: <6 years (within 12 months), ≥6 years (within 30 days) - Contract voided if medical exam missing at sign-up |
| Geographical exclusions | - Coverage only in USA and temporarily in Canada - No coverage for treatments abroad beyond temporary Canada travel |
| Identification exclusions | - Contract cannot be transferred to another pet - “Working pets” (service, breeding, racing, commercial use) excluded from medical incident coverage related to those activities |
| Administrative/other | - No benefit for claim made under another pet insurance policy - Claims subject to full compliance (e.g., timely filing, cooperation, full medical records) - Fraud/inaccurate information voids coverage |
- Waiting periods (15 days accident/illness, 12 months for hip dysplasia)
- Exam/consultation fees
- Preventive care (vaccines, deworming, dental cleaning, routine spay/neuter, flea/tick control, routine dental)
- Elective/cosmetic procedures (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, microchipping, dewclaw removal)
- Experimental treatments
- Reproductive costs (pregnancy, birthing)
- Behavioral therapy, training, boarding, nutrition, or housing costs
- Conditions due to intentional acts, neglect, fighting, or criminal acts by owner
- Strict age-based exam requirements: <6 years (within 12 months), ≥6 years (within 30 days)
- Contract voided if medical exam missing at sign-up
- No coverage for treatments abroad beyond temporary Canada travel
- “Working pets” (service, breeding, racing, commercial use) excluded from medical incident coverage related to those activities
- Claims subject to full compliance (e.g., timely filing, cooperation, full medical records)
- Fraud/inaccurate information voids coverage
Healthy Paws Pricing
Overall, Healthy Paws is positioned at a mid-range price level compared to US pet insurance providers. The brand offers comprehensive illness and accident coverage, notable for its unlimited lifetime benefit and relatively high reimbursement rates, but excludes routine care and preventive treatments, which helps control premiums somewhat. As a pure digital player, operational costs can be more contained, yet recent customer feedback highlights that premiums sharply increase as pets age, sometimes above segment averages, and deductibles don't always offset this rise. The offer is especially competitive for young pets with clean medical histories, but can become expensive for seniors or complex cases, lacking flexibility due to its single-plan design. In summary, Healthy Paws stands as a balanced choice—neither the cheapest nor the most costly, providing strong core medical protection but with limits on customizability and some price volatility over time.
| Type of pet / age | Healthy Paws (unique plan, est. monthly premium)* |
|---|---|
| Young cat (2-4 years) | $23–$35/mo |
| Senior cat (7-8 years) | $42–$70/mo |
| Small breed dog (2-4 years) | $28–$50/mo |
| Large breed dog (2-4 years) | $50–$85/mo |
| Senior dog (small breed, 7-8 years) | $72–$130/mo |
| Senior dog (large breed, 7-8 years) | $110–$180/mo |
To get the lowest rate for your pet and needs, compare several providers, as premiums and coverage levels can vary significantly by company and animal profile.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Healthy Paws Promo Codes
| Healthy Paws Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest promo codes, please visit our comparison of the best pet insurance options.
How much will I be reimbursed with Healthy Paws?
| Type of Care | Average Price (USD) | Healthy Paws Reimbursement (90% plan, excl. deductible) |
|---|---|---|
| Spay/Neuter | $300 | Not covered (preventive care excluded) Out-of-pocket: $300 |
| Vaccinations | $80 | Not covered (preventive care excluded) Out-of-pocket: $80 |
| Broken Leg (Surgery & Care) | $2,500 | Reimbursed: $2,250 Out-of-pocket: $250 (excl. deductible) |
| Infection (Diagnostics, Treatment) | $400 | Reimbursed: $360 Out-of-pocket: $40 (excl. deductible) |
| Accidental Ingestion (X-ray, Treatment, Hospitalization) | $1,200 | Reimbursed: $1,080 Out-of-pocket: $120 (excl. deductible) |
Out-of-pocket: $300
Out-of-pocket: $80
Out-of-pocket: $250 (excl. deductible)
Out-of-pocket: $40 (excl. deductible)
Out-of-pocket: $120 (excl. deductible)
Healthy Paws Assistance
Healthy Paws does not offer an advance payment service to veterinarians, meaning pet owners must pay upfront and wait for reimbursement, which is usually fast but can be delayed when additional documents are requested.
There is no mention of split or deferred premium payment options; monthly payment by bank transfer or card is standard practice.
The mobile app exists and is well rated for ease of use and fast claim submission, but user reviews highlight less remarkable ergonomics since 2024.
Reimbursement management is fully digital and praised for its speed, but long processing times can occur, especially in complex cases or after the Chubb acquisition.
There is no dedicated emergency veterinary hotline, telemedicine service, or partner clinical network, and the policy only covers care in the USA or Canada on a temporary basis.
| Assistance Healthy Paws | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | No advance payment to vets. Owners pay the vet and get reimbursed after claim approval. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No split or deferred payment plans advertised. Payment is monthly, by bank transfer or credit card. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | Mobile app available for Android and iOS. Enables claim submission and document upload. Good reputation for ease of use, but recent reviews highlight UX issues. |
| Digital claim management | ✅ | Claims can be submitted via the app or online account. Refunds often processed within 2-3 days, but some delays in complex cases. |
| Emergency veterinary service | ❌ | No provided emergency phone line or telehealth. Emergency medical fees can be reimbursed, but no guidance or hotline is offered. |
| Partner clinical/veterinary network | ❌ | No preferred clinic or vet network. Owners are free to use any licensed US/Canada veterinarian. |
| Foreign coverage | ✅ | Coverage is valid in the USA and temporarily in Canada. No extension for other countries; not applicable for moving/residing abroad. |
Customer feedback on Healthy Paws
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.1/5 (2,549 reviews) |
We have analyzed the reviews from the site listed above. On the positive side, customers who have subscribed to a Healthy Paws policy for their pet most often mention:
- The speed of reimbursement: many reports highlight payments received within 2–3 days of claim submission.
- Clear and comprehensive coverage: clients appreciate the simplicity of the single-plan design with broad “nose to tail” medical and accident coverage, including for genetic conditions, cancer, and emergencies.
- A hassle-free and straightforward claim process: the online claim portal and mobile app are easy to use, with most claims processed seamlessly.
- Helpful and caring customer service: some users mention receiving empathetic and personal touches such as get-well messages for their pets.
- No annual or lifetime limits: the absence of caps on reimbursements is frequently valued, especially when facing high veterinary costs for surgeries or hospitalizations.
On the negative side:
- Reimbursements are sometimes denied for conditions deemed “pre-existing” or when full medical records are not provided, which some clients find arbitrary or frustrating.
- Premiums increase significantly as pets age, with some customers reporting dramatic jumps in their monthly payments—from $110 up to over $800—making the coverage unaffordable in the long term.
- Customer service has become harder to reach and less efficient since the company was acquired by Chubb in July 2024, with longer wait times and less transparency.
- The administrative process for claims can be cumbersome, particularly when requesting complete medical histories; documentation requirements have increased and are sometimes unclear or inconsistently applied.
- Some claims remain pending for months and the process is described as slow or opaque, especially for complex cases or at the end of life.
- There are reports of policy cancellations by Healthy Paws after customers threatened to leave, and dissatisfaction with how communication around document requirements is handled.
How can I contact Healthy Paws?
| Healthy Paws customer service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use HelloSafe’s pet insurance comparator to choose the formula that suits you and click to get a quote. You can also visit the official website: www.healthypawspetinsurance.com and fill in the online quote form. Phone contact: +1 855-898-8991 |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Log in to your customer space at www.healthypawspetinsurance.com or via the Healthy Paws mobile app to submit your claim online. Required documents: detailed vet bill, complete medical record (can be requested anytime, even after several claims), sometimes additional paperwork in complex cases. Average reimbursement time: 2 to 3 days after receiving all documents, but it can take several weeks if incomplete or further checks are needed. The reimbursement is usually issued by bank transfer or check. To track your claim or for issues: - Phone: +1 855-898-8991 - Email: [email protected] |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Log in to your personal space at www.healthypawspetinsurance.com to download your certificate, or request it by email. Email: [email protected] Phone (customer service): +1 855-898-8991 |
| To contact support | You can contact customer service by: - Phone: +1 855-898-8991 (US opening hours, English only) - Email: [email protected] Please have your policy number, pet information, and a description of your request ready to help the process. |
| To terminate my contract | You must notify cancellation in writing at least 14 days before your contract's renewal date. Send your cancellation request by email to [email protected] or by post (Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, PO Box 50034, Bellevue, WA 98015, USA). Include: your contact information, policy number, requested cancellation date. If you cancel within 30 days of subscription ("free look period") and had no claims, you will be fully refunded. Attach any required proof (e.g. pet death, resale, etc.). Cancellation takes effect after the notice period, usually 14 days from reception of your request. |
You can also visit the official website: www.healthypawspetinsurance.com and fill in the online quote form.
Phone contact: +1 855-898-8991
Required documents: detailed vet bill, complete medical record (can be requested anytime, even after several claims), sometimes additional paperwork in complex cases.
Average reimbursement time: 2 to 3 days after receiving all documents, but it can take several weeks if incomplete or further checks are needed.
The reimbursement is usually issued by bank transfer or check.
To track your claim or for issues:
- Phone: +1 855-898-8991
- Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Phone (customer service): +1 855-898-8991
- Phone: +1 855-898-8991 (US opening hours, English only)
- Email: [email protected]
Please have your policy number, pet information, and a description of your request ready to help the process.
Send your cancellation request by email to [email protected] or by post (Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, PO Box 50034, Bellevue, WA 98015, USA).
Include: your contact information, policy number, requested cancellation date.
If you cancel within 30 days of subscription ("free look period") and had no claims, you will be fully refunded.
Attach any required proof (e.g. pet death, resale, etc.).
Cancellation takes effect after the notice period, usually 14 days from reception of your request.
FAQ
Do I have to pay the veterinary fees upfront with Healthy Paws?
With Healthy Paws, you must pay your vet bills upfront at the time of treatment. Healthy Paws does not offer direct payment or a third-party payment system like Payvet. After you pay, you can submit a claim for reimbursement of eligible expenses, less your deductible and copay.
How do I cancel my Healthy Paws pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Healthy Paws policy, you should send a written notice (email or letter) to the company at least 14 days before your next renewal date. Include your policy number and the name of your insured pet. No additional documents are usually required, but cancellation is final when confirmed by Healthy Paws.
What does Healthy Paws pet insurance cover and exclude?
Healthy Paws covers medically necessary veterinary care for accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, lab tests, and emergency care. It does not cover exam fees, preventive care (such as vaccines or dental cleaning), pre-existing conditions, or elective/cosmetic procedures. Only cats and dogs with no commercial or working use qualify.
Are there annual or lifetime limits on payouts with Healthy Paws?
Healthy Paws does not have annual or per-incident caps, but there is an overall lifetime maximum for each pet, set at the time you enroll. Claims are reimbursed up to this limit, after which coverage ends. You’ll find your pet’s lifetime limit in your policy’s Declaration Page.
Does the price of Healthy Paws insurance increase as my pet gets older?
Yes, according to many policyholders, monthly premiums can rise significantly as your pet ages. While rates are set when you sign up, they can be adjusted with a 60-day notice, especially if your pet enters a higher age group or if veterinary costs in your region rise. Always review renewal terms for any price updates.
Do I have to pay the veterinary fees upfront with Healthy Paws?
With Healthy Paws, you must pay your vet bills upfront at the time of treatment. Healthy Paws does not offer direct payment or a third-party payment system like Payvet. After you pay, you can submit a claim for reimbursement of eligible expenses, less your deductible and copay.
How do I cancel my Healthy Paws pet insurance policy?
To cancel your Healthy Paws policy, you should send a written notice (email or letter) to the company at least 14 days before your next renewal date. Include your policy number and the name of your insured pet. No additional documents are usually required, but cancellation is final when confirmed by Healthy Paws.
What does Healthy Paws pet insurance cover and exclude?
Healthy Paws covers medically necessary veterinary care for accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, lab tests, and emergency care. It does not cover exam fees, preventive care (such as vaccines or dental cleaning), pre-existing conditions, or elective/cosmetic procedures. Only cats and dogs with no commercial or working use qualify.
Are there annual or lifetime limits on payouts with Healthy Paws?
Healthy Paws does not have annual or per-incident caps, but there is an overall lifetime maximum for each pet, set at the time you enroll. Claims are reimbursed up to this limit, after which coverage ends. You’ll find your pet’s lifetime limit in your policy’s Declaration Page.
Does the price of Healthy Paws insurance increase as my pet gets older?
Yes, according to many policyholders, monthly premiums can rise significantly as your pet ages. While rates are set when you sign up, they can be adjusted with a 60-day notice, especially if your pet enters a higher age group or if veterinary costs in your region rise. Always review renewal terms for any price updates.
