Hey everyone, I’m beyond frustrated with Healthy Paws. Our cat was diagnosed with FIP just a week after we started our coverage, and they denied the claim for the treatment because it wasn’t FDA-approved, even though our vet prescribed it. I thought it might just be a one-off issue, but then they told me they’d review it since other companies like Trupanion cover the treatment. I waited for a month, and guess what? Denied again!
To make it even worse, they now say that because our cat went to the ER two weeks before the FIP diagnosis (for eating yarn!), they consider FIP a ‘preexisting condition.’ We never even filed a claim for that! It’s like they’re looking for excuses not to pay. They keep sending me the same automated emails, and I feel like no one’s actually listening.
Has anyone else had issues with them, or am I just unlucky? I’m seriously considering switching, but I’m worried about coverage for my cat now. Any advice? Or should I just run from this company as fast as possible?
I’ve heard such varying things about Healthy Paws. They’ve paid out over $30k for my cat with zero complaints. I’m so sorry they gave you trouble about the FIP treatment—FIP is tough as it is. How’s your cat doing with the treatment?
@PawsAndWhiskers
Thanks for the kind words! She’s doing okay right now, but it’s been stressful, especially with all this insurance stuff. It’s good to know they’ve been helpful for you, though. Maybe I just got unlucky?
@Uma
Yeah, it might just be bad luck, or maybe it’s because of the FDA thing. FIP treatment is tricky since it’s still considered experimental in some places. Maybe try appealing the decision again? Sometimes being persistent helps, even though it’s super frustrating.
@PawsAndWhiskers
I’m definitely going to try appealing again. At this point, I feel like I have nothing to lose. Fingers crossed they actually review it properly this time.
I had a similar issue with them! They denied a claim for one of my dog’s surgeries, saying it was a preexisting condition because he had a vet visit for a totally unrelated issue a few months before. It took multiple calls and emails to finally get it sorted. It was exhausting.
Uma said: @Glenn
Wow, that sounds exactly like what I’m dealing with. How long did it take for you to get it resolved? Did they eventually cover the surgery?
It took almost two months of back-and-forth, but they did finally cover it after I escalated the issue. I had to ask to speak with a supervisor, and that seemed to get things moving. It’s worth trying if you haven’t already!
@Glenn
Good to know! I haven’t spoken to a supervisor yet, but I’ll give that a shot. Hopefully, that helps push things forward. Two months is a long time to wait though!
Honestly, this is why I switched to Trupanion after hearing similar stories. They’ve been great so far, and I haven’t had any issues with claim denials. Have you looked into switching to them or another provider?
@Sonny
I’ve heard good things about Trupanion too, but I’m a little nervous about switching now that my cat’s been diagnosed with FIP. Do you know if they’ll cover her treatment if I switch?
Uma said: @Sonny
I’ve heard good things about Trupanion too, but I’m a little nervous about switching now that my cat’s been diagnosed with FIP. Do you know if they’ll cover her treatment if I switch?
Yeah, that’s tricky. Most insurers consider preexisting conditions, so you might run into the same issue. It’s worth asking them directly, though. They might be more flexible since you’re switching due to issues with Healthy Paws.
@Sonny
I’ll definitely give them a call and see what they say. I’m just so tired of fighting with insurance, but I guess it’s better to know all my options. Thanks for the suggestion!
