ASPCA Pet Insurance vs. Healthy Paws
If you’re a pet owner in the United States, you’ve probably heard of both the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Both are widely recognized and respected insurance providers, but how do they stack up against each other? In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare the offerings of ASPCA and Healthy Paws, covering policy features, customer experiences, and pricing.
ASPCA Pet Insurance
ASPCA Pet Insurance, underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, offers customizable plans that can be tailored to the unique needs of your pet. They cover a wide array of medical conditions and treatments, ranging from accidents and illnesses to behavioral issues and hereditary conditions.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is underwritten by the Chubb Group. Known for their simple yet comprehensive plan, they cover accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions without imposing caps on claims.
Coverage and Benefits
ASPCA Pet Insurance Coverage
ASPCA’s coverage is comprehensive. It includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and chronic conditions. In addition, ASPCA offers optional preventative care coverage at extra cost, which covers routine check-ups and vaccinations.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Coverage
Healthy Paws also offers extensive coverage for accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions. However, they don’t offer coverage for preventative care or vet exam fees, unlike ASPCA.
Deductibles and Reimbursements
ASPCA Deductibles and Reimbursements
ASPCA provides a variety of options for annual deductibles and reimbursement levels, allowing pet owners to customize their coverage. Deductibles range from $100 to $500, and reimbursement levels are available from 70% to 90%.
Healthy Paws Deductibles and Reimbursements
Healthy Paws employs a slightly different approach. They offer an annual deductible, with options ranging from $100 to $500, but they only offer a reimbursement level of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Pricing and Discounts
ASPCA Pet Insurance Pricing and Discounts
ASPCA’s premiums are competitive and vary depending on factors such as the breed and age of the pet, location, and the chosen coverage. They offer a 10% discount for each additional pet enrolled.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Pricing and Discounts
Healthy Paws’ pricing is competitive too, with premiums based on the pet’s breed, age, and location. Unfortunately, they don’t offer a multi-pet discount.
Customer Experiences
ASPCA and Healthy Paws have generally positive customer reviews. However, some customers have noted that Healthy Paws has a tendency to increase premiums annually. On the other hand, some ASPCA customers have reported frustrations with claim processing times.
Policy Customization: ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws
When it comes to policy customization, ASPCA shines with their flexible coverage options. The ability to customize your pet’s coverage is a significant advantage offered by ASPCA. This includes the flexibility to choose from various annual deductible and reimbursement level options, which allows pet owners to adjust their plan to fit their budget and their pet’s healthcare needs. Moreover, ASPCA provides an optional wellness coverage add-on for routine care such as vaccinations and preventive medications, making it a one-stop-shop for all your pet’s healthcare needs.
On the other hand, Healthy Paws offers a simpler approach with their one-plan policy, which might appeal to pet owners looking for a straightforward insurance plan. However, the absence of optional wellness coverage means routine vet visits and preventative care will not be covered, which could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for these services.
Claim Process and Customer Service
When it comes to claims, Healthy Paws offers a user-friendly process and quick reimbursement times, usually within ten days. They offer the convenience of submitting claims through their mobile app, making the process seamless and efficient. Their customer service is often praised for being responsive and helpful, which can be a significant advantage during stressful times of dealing with a pet’s illness or injury.
On the other hand, ASPCA also provides an easy claim process where claims can be submitted online or via mail. However, some pet owners have noted that the reimbursement times can be longer compared to Healthy Paws. It’s worth mentioning that ASPCA’s customer service is also well-regarded, with representatives often going above and beyond to assist pet owners.
Age Limitations
Both Healthy Paws and ASPCA offer coverage for puppies and kittens, but they differ in their approach to older pets. Healthy Paws enrolls pets under 14 years old for new policies. After enrollment, Healthy Paws offers lifetime coverage, regardless of age.
ASPCA, on the other hand, offers coverage regardless of age at enrollment, making it an excellent choice for pet owners with older pets. This is a crucial consideration for owners of senior pets as they are more likely to need veterinary care.
Pre-existing Conditions
It’s important to note that like most pet insurance providers, neither Healthy Paws nor ASPCA covers pre-existing conditions. These are defined as conditions that occurred or showed symptoms before coverage began or during the waiting period. However, both companies will cover curable pre-existing conditions if the pet remains symptom-free for a certain period— 180 days for ASPCA and 12 months for Healthy Paws.
Waiting Periods
Both Healthy Paws and ASPCA have waiting periods before the coverage begins to prevent fraud and abuse. For Healthy Paws, the waiting period is 15 days for illnesses and accidents. ASPCA has a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a two-day waiting period for accidents.
Understanding the Exclusions: ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws
When considering any pet insurance, it’s essential to understand what is not covered. Both ASPCA and Healthy Paws exclude pre-existing conditions, which are common across most pet insurances. But the specifics may vary between the two. For instance, if a condition is considered curable and the pet shows no signs or symptoms for a certain period, it may be eligible for coverage in the future.
In addition to pre-existing conditions, Healthy Paws does not cover exam fees or preventative care, which includes procedures like vaccinations, flea control, nail trim, grooming, and dental healthcare. Similarly, ASPCA also excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, breeding costs, and special diets. However, preventative care can be covered under an optional wellness plan for an additional fee.
Renewal Process and Rate Increases
Healthy Paws provides lifelong coverage for pets enrolled before the age of 14. However, several policyholders have noted a significant increase in premiums as their pets age. It’s important for potential Healthy Paws policyholders to be aware of this as the premium increase can sometimes be substantial.
ASPCA also offers continuous coverage upon renewal, but unlike Healthy Paws, they provide coverage for pets of any age, making it an excellent option for older pets. Their policyholders have reported more stable premiums over the years.
Claim Reimbursement Method
Both Healthy Paws and ASPCA offer modern, user-friendly claim submission. For Healthy Paws, you can submit claims using their mobile app or through email. ASPCA allows online submission or via mail. After the claim is reviewed and approved, both companies will reimburse you by sending a check or direct deposit.
Reimbursement rates for both companies depend on the chosen level when you enroll. ASPCA offers 70%, 80%, and 90% reimbursement options, while Healthy Paws offers the same options. Remember, higher reimbursement rates result in higher premiums.
Does ASPCA or Healthy Paws Cover Prescription Medications?
Yes, both ASPCA and Healthy Paws cover prescription medications that are prescribed to treat covered conditions. This includes prescribed medications your pet may need to take at home, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, as well as medications administered in a veterinary office, like chemotherapy drugs.
Can I Use My Current Vet?
Yes, both Healthy Paws and ASPCA allow you to use any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency care clinic. This means you can continue using your trusted veterinarian or seek the best possible care for your pet without worrying about provider restrictions.
Enrolment Process: ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws
The enrolment process for both ASPCA and Healthy Paws is relatively straightforward and can be completed online. Both companies require information about your pet, such as breed, age, and medical history. Once you’ve provided this information, you’ll receive a quote and can customize your coverage options. Keep in mind that both providers have age restrictions for enrolment. Healthy Paws allows new policies for pets under 14 years, while ASPCA offers coverage regardless of the pet’s age at enrolment.
Coverage for Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Both ASPCA and Healthy Paws offer coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions as long as they are not considered pre-existing. This means conditions your pet was born with or are breed-specific are typically covered. However, it’s crucial to enrol your pet while they are young and healthy to ensure these conditions are not classified as pre-existing.
Alternative Therapies: Are They Covered?
Healthy Paws stands out when it comes to covering alternative treatments. The company covers holistic, alternative, and complementary treatments, including acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care, provided a licensed veterinarian performs them.
On the other hand, ASPCA provides coverage for alternative therapies but under their Level 4 plan only, making it a more expensive option if you’re considering alternative treatments for your pet.
What About Chronic Conditions?
ASPCA and Healthy Paws both provide coverage for chronic conditions as long as these conditions were not present before the policy began or during the waiting period. This means if your pet develops a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis while covered, the treatment will be covered for the life of your pet, according to the terms of your policy.
How Are Premiums Calculated?
Premiums for both ASPCA and Healthy Paws are calculated based on several factors including your pet’s breed, age, your chosen deductible, and your reimbursement percentage. The area in which you live may also affect your premium due to the varying costs of veterinary services across different regions.
Both ASPCA and Healthy Paws offer competitive rates, but it’s worth noting that several Healthy Paws users have reported significant premium increases as their pets age. With ASPCA, users have reported more consistent premiums with minor increases year over year.
What If I Want To Cancel My Policy?
Both Healthy Paws and ASPCA allow you to cancel your policy at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of starting your policy and haven’t filed any claims, you can receive a full refund. If you’ve filed claims or cancel after 30 days, you will be refunded a prorated amount based on the remaining days in your policy term.
Final Thoughts
ASPCA Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance both offer solid pet insurance options with comprehensive coverage. Your decision may depend on what specific features are more important to you, such as ASPCA’s preventative care coverage or Healthy Paws’ simple one-plan approach.
