[walter_white_rules]

Looking for some insight from folks who’ve used Healthy Paws or Fetch. I’ve got a young adult, 65-lb mixed breed (female) and want to get her insured before any issues pop up.

Here’s what I’m debating:

• Healthy Paws seems more straightforward—one policy, unlimited payouts, and no worrying about picking the “right” coverage. But I know they don’t cover exam fees or wellness, and I’ve heard they can be strict on pre-existing conditions. Also, they have that one-year waiting period for hip dysplasia, which is a little concerning for a larger dog.
• Fetch looks more encompassing with exam fee coverage, dental illness coverage, and alternative therapies. I like that they offer telehealth visits and some rehab therapy too. But I’ve seen complaints about slow claim processing, and I’m wondering how reliable they are when it comes to paying out claims.

For anyone who’s used either of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• How long do claims take to process with Fetch? Is it actually as slow as some reviews say?
• Does Healthy Paws raise rates a lot over time? I’ve heard they go up as pets get older—any experiences?
• Which one is better for joint issues? Healthy Paws has that long hip dysplasia waiting period, but does Fetch have any fine print I should know about?
• Any issues getting claims approved? I know all insurers have exclusions, but has either one given you a hard time with legitimate claims?

[Kimberly Alt]

Hey! I looked into Healthy Paws and Fetch pretty extensively, so hopefully, I can help.

Claims Processing: Fetch averages about 15 days for claim processing. It can take longer for more complex claims or if they need to request past health records from your vet. Healthy Paws is usually faster, with most claims processed within 2-15 days.
Premium Increases Over Time: Both insurers will raise premiums over time—this is pretty standard across the industry. Increases depend on factors like your pet’s age, breed, and the cost of vet care in your area.
Joint & Hip Dysplasia Coverage: Healthy Paws has a strict 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia, and if your dog is enrolled after age 6, it’s not covered at all. Fetch has a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia, which is shorter than Healthy Paws.

Which One is Better for You?
If you want unlimited payouts and faster claims processing, Healthy Paws might be the better fit.
If you want coverage for exam fees, dental illness, and alternative therapies, Fetch gives you more flexibility.
You can also check out a side-by-side breakdown of these two insurers here: Healthy Paws vs. Fetch Comparison.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Author]

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