Hollywood Hound Must Have: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

Most of the “Must Haves” I write about are not absolute essentials — they’re more like “Really Wants.” But when it comes to pet health insurance, unless you want to go into debt or feel tremendously guilty, it really is an imperative that you keep your pet covered. I don’t mean to sound like an ad, but aAfter doing a lot of research and trying several different options, I can tell you what a comfort it is to me and a lifesaver it is to my Golden Doodle KC to have Healthy Paws coverage.

When I told my husband I would spend my life savings to cure our beloved KC, he began doing the research. Jim is notorious for what has come to be known as “Mandellizing” a purchase — he conducts the most exhaustive searches and interviews to find the best product at the best price. He came up with Healthy Paws, and they’ve been an absolute godsend as my four-footed baby struggles to get her mojo back.

Healthy Paws makes it so simple. In essence, we pay about $44 per month for our eight-year-old, 70 lb. pup. When she’s ailing, I take her to the vet, and after a $150 annual deductible, Healthy Paws pays $90% of the vast majority of the rest of her expenses. I pay with my credit card, the vet faxes a form to Healthy Paws, and by the time KC and I get home, I’ve received an email from them telling me they’re processing my claim. Within a week, I have a check in my hands. I wish they made human health plans with that kind of stellar coverage. Of course prices and plans vary depending on your preference and the age, size and health of your dog.

Right now, as our brilliant/crazy/goofy girl goes undiagnosed, with hardly the energy for a tail wag, I feel confidence and comfort knowing that Healthy Paws is covering her tests, medication, and whatever else she requires. Her treatment is already mounting into the thousands of dollars, but I know I can afford everything that is humanly possible for KC, and Healthy Paws will stand by me with their support.