How pet insurance is helping families navigate rising veterinary costs

When James Staines adopted his rescue dog, Izzy, he did what most good owners do when bringing home a new pet — he celebrated her birthday, bought her toys and made sure she had quality food. But he also went a step further and did something many pet owners overlook: He purchased pet insurance. 

That decision became critical when Izzy was diagnosed with Lyme disease and went into renal failure. Suddenly, James faced veterinary bills he hadn’t anticipated. But thanks to the insurance coverage, James could focus on treatment options for Izzy rather than financial limitations of providing her the best possible care.

A growing need, a persistent gap

Many pet owners aren’t as lucky as James. Despite the deep bonds Americans share with their pets, most remain financially unprotected. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, only 5.5% of dogs and 2% of cats in the United States had insurance coverage at the end of 2024. This disconnect leaves families vulnerable — both financially and emotionally — when unexpected medical emergencies arise with the pets.

Kristin Puramsetti, senior vice president and head of Healthy Paws marketing at Chubb, says this gap is exactly what the company was designed to address.

“When it comes to loving your pet, we saw how much people were investing emotionally but how unprotected they were financially,” Puramsetti said. “That gap is what Healthy Paws was created to address.”

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, a Chubb company, helps pet families manage veterinary care costs without making decisions based on finances alone. The company covers chronic and hereditary conditions as well as alternative treatments. Nearly half a million pet parents currently trust Healthy Paws for coverage and protecting the smallest members of their families.

Digital simplicity when it matters most

The company was the first pet insurance provider to go fully digital, allowing customers to manage their policies and claims through a mobile app with no paperwork required. Most claims are processed within two days.

For many customers, the digital experience removes stress during already difficult times. After one of Izzy’s emergency visits, James took a photo of the bill in the parking lot that totaled several thousand dollars. The app guided him through the process, and within two days, the claim was approved and the reimbursement was in his account.

The plan also includes access to 24/7 virtual vet care through Airvet, giving policyholders unlimited access to licensed veterinarians anytime.

For James, the coverage went beyond financial relief. It gave him the freedom to explore different treatment paths for Izzy, knowing the costs would be covered.

Protected, like family

Healthy Paws operates on a straightforward principle: Pets are family. The company’s approach centers on comprehensive, fast and easy-to-use coverage.

Today, Izzy is healthy and thriving. “She’s happy, and I know that no matter what comes next, our family is ready, because she’s protected with Healthy Paws,” James said.

Healthy Paws’ plan coverage varies based on the age of the pet at enrollment and the deductible and reimbursement levels chosen at enrollment. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued.

To learn more about Healthy Paws pet insurance, visit www.healthypaws.com.