Pawp Pet Insurance 2025: Full Review of Coverage, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on Pawp
Pawp is a US-based provider offering a unique pet emergency fund and 24/7 telehealth triage, with its single-plan policy covering up to $3,000 per year for one qualifying emergency per pet, after a 14-day waiting period and mandatory video vet confirmation.
While Pawp sits apart from mainstream competitors thanks to no traditional deductibles and immediate digital vet access, its value is limited by narrow coverage (only true emergencies, not routine care) and a strict claims process; pricing, while affordable, reflects this restricted scope.
Pawp is best suited for dog and cat owners seeking budget-friendly backup for severe emergencies, especially for young healthy pets or those traditionally excluded elsewhere (pre-existing conditions in emergencies may qualify).
The company remains a smaller digital-native player, with a low Trustpilot rating of 2.9/5 from 870 reviews, substantial user criticism on claims denials and customer support, and an average reimbursement time of 5–7 business days if all documents are provided; its financial transparency (revenue/premium volumes) is not public.
- ✅No deductibles; up to $3,000 per emergency
- ✅Covers certain emergencies from pre-existing conditions
- ✅No breed, age or pre-existing exclusion for emergencies
- ✅Accessible at any US veterinary clinic
- ✅Includes unlimited telehealth (24/7 vet video consults)
- ✅Fully digital, paperless process and claims
- ✅Cancel anytime, no long-term lock-in
- ❌Covers only one emergency event per year
- ❌Strict pre-authorization via Pawp video call required
- ❌Does not cover preventive, routine, chronic, or follow-up care
- ❌Low annual max compared to comprehensive plans
- ❌User reviews note frequent claim denials and slow support
- ✅No deductibles; up to $3,000 per emergency
- ✅Covers certain emergencies from pre-existing conditions
- ✅No breed, age or pre-existing exclusion for emergencies
- ✅Accessible at any US veterinary clinic
- ✅Includes unlimited telehealth (24/7 vet video consults)
- ✅Fully digital, paperless process and claims
- ✅Cancel anytime, no long-term lock-in
Our expert's opinion on Pawp
ScorePawp is a US-based provider offering a unique pet emergency fund and 24/7 telehealth triage, with its single-plan policy covering up to $3,000 per year for one qualifying emergency per pet, after a 14-day waiting period and mandatory video vet confirmation.
While Pawp sits apart from mainstream competitors thanks to no traditional deductibles and immediate digital vet access, its value is limited by narrow coverage (only true emergencies, not routine care) and a strict claims process; pricing, while affordable, reflects this restricted scope.
Pawp is best suited for dog and cat owners seeking budget-friendly backup for severe emergencies, especially for young healthy pets or those traditionally excluded elsewhere (pre-existing conditions in emergencies may qualify).
The company remains a smaller digital-native player, with a low Trustpilot rating of 2.9/5 from 870 reviews, substantial user criticism on claims denials and customer support, and an average reimbursement time of 5–7 business days if all documents are provided; its financial transparency (revenue/premium volumes) is not public.
- ✅No deductibles; up to $3,000 per emergency
- ✅Covers certain emergencies from pre-existing conditions
- ✅No breed, age or pre-existing exclusion for emergencies
- ✅Accessible at any US veterinary clinic
- ✅Includes unlimited telehealth (24/7 vet video consults)
- ✅Fully digital, paperless process and claims
- ✅Cancel anytime, no long-term lock-in
- ❌Covers only one emergency event per year
- ❌Strict pre-authorization via Pawp video call required
- ❌Does not cover preventive, routine, chronic, or follow-up care
- ❌Low annual max compared to comprehensive plans
- ❌User reviews note frequent claim denials and slow support
- ✅No deductibles; up to $3,000 per emergency
- ✅Covers certain emergencies from pre-existing conditions
- ✅No breed, age or pre-existing exclusion for emergencies
- ✅Accessible at any US veterinary clinic
- ✅Includes unlimited telehealth (24/7 vet video consults)
- ✅Fully digital, paperless process and claims
- ✅Cancel anytime, no long-term lock-in
- Pawp Guarantees
- Pawp Exclusions
- Pawp Prices
- Paw Assistance
- Customer Reviews of Pawp
- Contacting Pawp
- FAQ
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, more than a million users across the United States trust us each month to help guide them through their most important financial decisions.
Pawp Guarantees
For emergency protection, Pawp offers a unique single-plan structure: an annual “Emergency Fund” with a $3,000 cap for one life-threatening veterinary event validated via a 24/7 mandatory video consultation by a Pawp vet professional.
There is no deductible and no age or breed restrictions for dogs and cats, but the plan excludes all wellness, preventive, planned, or follow-up care, and will not pay for more than one emergency per year.
Pre-existing conditions are covered only if the new event is deemed a sudden, life-threatening emergency and not part of ongoing care, providing broader acute-event access than many competitors.
Pawp stands out for instant virtual triage, broad eligibility, and acceptance of all clinics in the US, but is highly restrictive for anything other than one-off, validated emergencies and provides no classic pet insurance for routine, illness, or accident care.
| Name of coverage | Pawp Emergency Fund (single plan) |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Emergency-only fund, no regular illness/accident coverage |
| Type of coverage | One sudden, life-threatening emergency event per year |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats, any breed |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | Up to 100%, capped at $3,000 per event |
| Annual reimbursement limit | $3,000, for one validated emergency event per year |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | None |
| Age limits for enrollment | None |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | No, only pet profile (name, age, breed, photo) required |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days from subscription |
| Waiting period (accident) | 14 days from subscription |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | No, must reactivate/continue membership and not eligible for subsequent non-emergency use |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ 24/7 virtual vet triage required for emergencies; routine excluded |
| Medications | ✅ During covered emergency event (no routine/follow-up) |
| Hospitalization | ✅ If for validated emergency and within 8 hours of approval |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ For covered emergency only |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ If related to approved emergency |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ❌ (routine and emergency dental excluded) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ❌ |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | USA only |
| Civil liability | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ Only if required during approved emergency, subject to limit |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ (max. $250 for cremation, per event, for validated emergency event) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ❌ |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ❌ |
Pawp Emergency Fund - Important Details
Before Pawp will pay, the emergency must be confirmed by their vet team through a live video call, and treatment must occur within 8 hours of validation. Only one emergency payout per year per membership, and unused balance does not roll over. Reimbursement is made via ACH or check within approximately one week after proper claim submission. Preventive and non-urgent care are not included in any form. Each pet must have a complete profile on file before approval.
Consider comparing Pawp with traditional insurance plans to find coverage best suited for your pet’s needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Pawp Exclusions
Pawp’s exclusion list is highly specific: it excludes not only all preventive, routine, and scheduled veterinary care, but also emergencies that occur before the 14-day waiting period or without real-time video approval from a Pawp veterinarian.
Coverage is denied for emergencies if the animal is not treated within 8 hours of validation, and follow-up or post-emergency treatment is also systematically excluded.
Routine dental care, boarding, daycare, and all scheduled sterilizations or elective procedures are not eligible, along with accidents arising from neglect, organized fighting, or failure to vaccinate against preventable diseases.
Exclusions also extend to prosthetics, transplants, genetic tests, reproductive care, pandemics, and any cremation expenses over $250, marking Pawp as more restrictive than traditional accident/illness policies, even if pre-existing conditions for acute emergencies are accepted.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | - Preventive care (vaccines, parasite treatments, wellness visits) - Routine or scheduled visits and follow-up care - Routine dental care - Elective surgeries (spay/neuter, planned procedures) - Prosthetics, transplants, genetic testing - Reproductive care (pregnancy, breeding) |
| Procedural exclusions | - Emergencies occurring before 14-day waiting period - Emergencies not pre-approved by video call - Emergencies where clinic visit occurs more than 8 hours after validation - Any follow-up after the emergency |
| Financial exclusions | - Cremation fees above $250 - Memorial/souvenir expenses - Boarding or daycare fees |
| Behavioral/owner exclusions | - Injuries from organized animal fighting - Negligence or abuse - Refusal to vaccinate against preventable diseases |
| Regulatory/epidemic exclusions | - Conditions related to epidemics or pandemics (e.g., swine/avian flu) - Cases resulting from legal or official culling/authority orders |
| Species/identification exclusions | - Any animal other than a dog or cat - Fund not transferable to another pet or owner |
- Routine or scheduled visits and follow-up care
- Routine dental care
- Elective surgeries (spay/neuter, planned procedures)
- Prosthetics, transplants, genetic testing
- Reproductive care (pregnancy, breeding)
- Emergencies not pre-approved by video call
- Emergencies where clinic visit occurs more than 8 hours after validation
- Any follow-up after the emergency
- Memorial/souvenir expenses
- Boarding or daycare fees
- Negligence or abuse
- Refusal to vaccinate against preventable diseases
- Cases resulting from legal or official culling/authority orders
- Fund not transferable to another pet or owner
Pawp Prices
Pawp’s pricing positioning is affordable but limited—its flat-fee, digital-first model offers a low-cost option compared to traditional insurers, but coverage is restricted to one annual life-threatening emergency per pet.
There are no deductibles, and pre-existing conditions are not an obstacle for emergency events, but comprehensive illness, routine, or wellness care are not included, keeping rates low.
Pawp’s pure digital experience contributes to its cost competitiveness, allowing fast online activation and support, but the $3,000 annual cap and strict eligibility criteria mean out-of-pocket costs remain high for most non-emergency situations.
Overall, Pawp is best suited for budget-conscious owners who want basic catastrophic protection rather than full-spectrum coverage, and is generally more affordable than mid-range or premium insurers with broader benefits.
| Pawp Emergency Fund | |
|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 years) | $24/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 years) | $24/month |
| Small breed dog | $24/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 years) | $24/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 years) | $24/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 years) | $24/month |
Make sure you compare all coverage types to find the best value for your pet’s needs.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance for your furry friend for free!Start Your Free Comparison Now!Pawp Promo Codes
| Pawp Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
Pawp Reimbursement Amounts
Pawp reimburses you for the cost of a single life-threatening emergency per year (up to $3,000), provided the event is confirmed in advance by a Pawp veterinary professional during a live video call; there is no deductible and no partial reimbursement rate—the covered amount is paid in full directly to the clinic.
Emergency surgery for intestinal blockage
Total vet costs: $2,800 (emergency exam, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization)
Deductible: $0
Reimbursement: $2,800 paid directly to the clinic by Pawp (as it is within the $3,000 cap)
Out-of-pocket cost: $0
ℹ️ The Pawp emergency fund requires real-time video validation of symptoms before the clinic visit. Only one covered emergency event per year, per membership.
Chocolate Poisoning Claim Example
Total vet costs: $3,500 (emergency overnight care, monitoring, medication)
Deductible: $0
Reimbursement: $3,000 (maximum fund payout; paid directly to clinic)
Out-of-pocket cost: $500 (the portion not covered above the cap)
ℹ️ Claims above $3,000 require you to pay the extra amount yourself. Any follow-up care after the emergency episode is not covered.
Paw Assistance
Pawp’s assistance offer is centered on its 24/7 access to licensed veterinary professionals via live chat and video call, which provides immediate expert guidance in emergency or urgent situations.
A standout feature is that Pawp policyholders can use any veterinary clinic in the United States for covered emergencies, ensuring broad flexibility in critical moments.
However, there is no advance payment service—policyholders must pay the clinic first and file for reimbursement directly with Pawp.
Installment payment facilities and a network of partner clinics are not provided, and coverage does not extend to care received outside the US.
| Assistance Pawp | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | Policyholders pay upfront at any clinic; Pawp reimburses after claim review. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | No installment plans for premium payments; monthly membership is standard. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | iOS and Android apps available. Enables 24/7 chat and video consults, claim filing. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims filed online or via app. Upload supporting documents digitally; no paper required. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 access to licensed vet professionals for triage and guidance. Video validation required for fund. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | No direct network; use any licensed clinic in the US for emergency care. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | Only eligible for care provided within the United States; no coverage for events or treatment abroad. |
Enables 24/7 chat and video consults, claim filing.
Upload supporting documents digitally; no paper required.
Video validation required for fund.
Customer Reviews of Pawp
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.9/5 (870 reviews) |
We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Pawp for their pets often mention:
- An accessible and intuitive mobile app praised for its usability and design.
- Helpful and professional online vet staff who provide clear answers to common pet health questions.
- Peace of mind and added security for pet owners, especially in emergency situations.
- Quick approval and reimbursement experiences reported by some customers for emergency claims.
On the negative side:
- A high rate of claims denials, often linked to minor documentation errors or unclear eligibility rules.
- Customer service delays and difficulties in reaching a live person, especially during off-hours or weekends.
- A perception that the advice is generic or only directs subscribers to visit an in-person vet, offering little actionable support.
- Unexpected changes in policy terms, refund difficulties, and lack of transparency about fees or eligibility for prescriptions.
- A significant proportion of negative experiences, reflected in a relatively low overall rating compared to other providers.
Contacting Pawp
| Pawp Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit your claim through your online member dashboard after care. Required documents: complete invoice, pet profile, proof of ownership, and medical records if requested. You must file within 14 days of clinic discharge. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days. Payment is made by ACH bank transfer or check. For support: [email protected]. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request your certificate directly from [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name, pet details, and policy information in your request. |
| To contact assistance | Use the Pawp app for veterinary care advice 24/7. For customer service: [email protected]. Mail: Pawp, Inc., 10 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States. |
| To cancel my policy | Send your cancellation request to [email protected] or by mail to: Pawp, Inc., 10 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249. No notice period is required; cancellation is effective at the end of your current paid billing cycle. Include your name, email, pet profile, and reason for cancellation. No specific documents are required. |
You must file within 14 days of clinic discharge. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days. Payment is made by ACH bank transfer or check. For support: [email protected].
Be sure to include your full name, pet details, and policy information in your request.
For customer service: [email protected].
Mail: Pawp, Inc., 10 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States.
No notice period is required; cancellation is effective at the end of your current paid billing cycle.
Include your name, email, pet profile, and reason for cancellation. No specific documents are required.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pawp?
Yes, with Pawp’s Emergency Fund, you must pay the veterinary clinic directly for any covered services and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Pawp does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment to the clinic. You’ll need to complete the reimbursement process after your pet receives emergency care.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pawp?
You can cancel your Pawp policy at any time by emailing [email protected] or contacting customer service. Cancellation is effective at the end of your current billing cycle. No notice period or specific documents are required, though including your member and pet details helps process your request.
What does Pawp’s Emergency Fund actually cover?
Pawp only covers one qualifying, life-threatening veterinary emergency per year per membership, up to $3,000. Coverage applies for both pre-existing and new emergencies, but the situation must be confirmed as an eligible emergency by a Pawp veterinarian through a live video consultation before treatment is provided. Routine care, wellness, or elective procedures are not covered.
Is there a waiting period when I start my Pawp coverage?
Yes, there is a 14-day waiting period from the start of your membership (or reactivation) before any emergency event will be eligible for coverage. Emergencies that occur during this initial window are not covered. Make sure your pet’s profile is complete to avoid issues with eligibility.
Does Pawp cover follow-up care or multiple emergencies in a year?
No, Pawp only reimburses for costs directly related to the initial emergency incident confirmed by their team. Follow-up treatments, scheduled surgeries, or appointments after the main emergency are not covered. Only a single emergency reimbursement (up to the annual limit) is allowed per year, and any unused balance does not roll over.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pawp?
Yes, with Pawp’s Emergency Fund, you must pay the veterinary clinic directly for any covered services and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Pawp does not offer an advance payment or third-party payment to the clinic. You’ll need to complete the reimbursement process after your pet receives emergency care.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pawp?
You can cancel your Pawp policy at any time by emailing [email protected] or contacting customer service. Cancellation is effective at the end of your current billing cycle. No notice period or specific documents are required, though including your member and pet details helps process your request.
What does Pawp’s Emergency Fund actually cover?
Pawp only covers one qualifying, life-threatening veterinary emergency per year per membership, up to $3,000. Coverage applies for both pre-existing and new emergencies, but the situation must be confirmed as an eligible emergency by a Pawp veterinarian through a live video consultation before treatment is provided. Routine care, wellness, or elective procedures are not covered.
Is there a waiting period when I start my Pawp coverage?
Yes, there is a 14-day waiting period from the start of your membership (or reactivation) before any emergency event will be eligible for coverage. Emergencies that occur during this initial window are not covered. Make sure your pet’s profile is complete to avoid issues with eligibility.
Does Pawp cover follow-up care or multiple emergencies in a year?
No, Pawp only reimburses for costs directly related to the initial emergency incident confirmed by their team. Follow-up treatments, scheduled surgeries, or appointments after the main emergency are not covered. Only a single emergency reimbursement (up to the annual limit) is allowed per year, and any unused balance does not roll over.
