Pets Best vs Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
A factual, side-by-side look at coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, limits and waiting periods. We do not declare a universal winner.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Pets Best offers Accident Only (coverage for eligible unexpected injuries), Accident & Illness (broader coverage for eligible accidents, illnesses, cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, emergency care, surgeries and prescription medications), and optional Wellness / Routine Care that can be added to eligible plans for routine and preventive expenses. Pets Best also offers different levels of Accident & Illness coverage, with options that can include exam-fee coverage and rehabilitative, acupuncture and chiropractic care depending on the plan selected. | Healthy Paws primarily offers one Accident & Illness plan rather than separate accident-only and wellness insurance plans. The plan can be customized using different reimbursement percentages, annual deductibles and annual coverage limits. Healthy Paws does not offer routine or preventive-care coverage as part of its pet insurance plan. |
| Coverage | Accident & Illness plans can cover eligible veterinary expenses related to accidents and illnesses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic testing, cancer treatment, hereditary and congenital conditions, and prescription medications. Pets Best allows visits to licensed veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although certain curable conditions may no longer be considered pre-existing after they have healed and remained free of symptoms and treatment for the required period. | Healthy Paws covers eligible new accidents and illnesses, including diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, emergency care, cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, chronic conditions, prescription medications and specialty care. The plan can also cover eligible FDA-approved alternative treatments. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, while certain curable conditions may become eligible after remaining symptom- and treatment-free for the required period. Policyholders can use any licensed veterinarian in the United States and while temporarily traveling in Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics. |
| Deductibles | Pets Best uses annual deductibles. Current options range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the plan and location. The deductible applies during each annual policy term. | Healthy Paws uses an annual deductible that applies once per policy term and resets on the anniversary of enrollment. Current deductible options can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on factors such as state, pet age and breed. Available choices may therefore differ between pets and locations. |
| Reimbursement | Pets Best offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible veterinary expenses, depending on the plan and location. Reimbursement is based on the eligible veterinary bill after the applicable deductible, rather than a fixed benefit schedule. | Healthy Paws offers reimbursement levels ranging from 50% to 90%, depending on the plan and eligibility. Reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill for eligible treatment rather than a fixed benefit schedule. After the applicable annual deductible is satisfied, Healthy Paws reimburses the selected percentage of eligible expenses, subject to the policy’s annual limit. |
| Annual limits | Pets Best offers annual coverage limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited for its customizable Accident & Illness plans. Available options can vary by location and policy. | Healthy Paws currently offers annual reimbursement limits of $5,000, $7,000 or unlimited, depending on the policy and location. If an annual limit is selected, it resets each policy year. The annual limit selected when the policy is enrolled cannot be increased later. Unlimited coverage has no annual reimbursement cap. |
| Waiting periods | Standard Pets Best waiting periods include 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament events and related conditions. Waiting periods can vary by state and policy, and certain requirements may allow applicable waiting periods to be reduced or waived. | For most states, Healthy Paws has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses. Hip dysplasia has a 12-month waiting period for pets enrolled at age five or younger. In certain states, the waiting-period structure differs. For example, some states use a 15-day waiting period for illness, injury and certain orthopedic conditions, while hip dysplasia may have a 30-day waiting period. Some applicable waiting periods can be waived after completion of a qualifying clinical examination. |
| Dental | Pets Best Accident & Illness plans include coverage for eligible dental conditions, including periodontal disease, dental fractures and certain extractions. Dental eligibility can depend on the pet’s age, prior dental history, policy terms, and whether the pet had signs or symptoms before coverage began. For pets age 3 and older, certain periodontal-disease coverage requires a dental cleaning and examination under anesthesia within the previous 13 months. Routine dental cleanings are available through optional wellness coverage, with the BestWellness plan providing up to $150 toward teeth cleaning. | Healthy Paws provides coverage for eligible dental accidents and certain dental illnesses. Covered dental treatment can include procedures such as extractions, root canals, oral biopsies, dental radiographs and reconstruction when the condition meets the policy requirements. Routine dental care such as standard cleanings is not covered. Dental claims are subject to the policy’s general annual reimbursement limit, and the veterinary exam fee associated with dental treatment is not covered. |
| Prescription coverage | Eligible prescription medications can be covered under Pets Best Accident & Illness plans, subject to the selected plan, applicable formulary and policy terms. | Prescription medications for eligible covered accidents and illnesses are included in the Healthy Paws plan, subject to the policy terms and exclusions. Healthy Paws also provides access to prescription services through its Airvet virtual-care offering in select states. |
| Wellness | Pets Best offers optional EssentialWellness and BestWellness plans for routine and preventive care. Covered items can include wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, parasite-prevention medications, microchipping and other routine services. BestWellness also includes a benefit for spay/neuter or teeth cleaning. Wellness benefits have no deductible and begin the day after enrollment. Available benefits and pricing vary by state and pet. | Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness or routine-care add-on. Preventive care such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine dental care, grooming, spaying and neutering is not covered by the standard Healthy Paws pet insurance plan. |
| Exam fees | Exam-fee coverage depends on the Accident & Illness plan level selected. | Veterinary exam fees are generally excluded from coverage. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Pre-existing conditions are not covered, although certain curable conditions may no longer be considered pre-existing after they have healed and remained free of symptoms and treatment for the required period. | Pre-existing conditions are excluded, while certain curable conditions may become eligible after remaining symptom- and treatment-free for the required period. |
| Claims | Claims can be submitted online, through the Pets Best mobile app, or through the Customer Center. Pets Best generally reimburses eligible expenses after the claim is processed. Pets Best also offers Direct Vet Pay, which can send eligible claim reimbursements directly to the veterinarian instead of requiring the policyholder to receive the reimbursement first. | Claims can be submitted through the Healthy Paws Customer Center or mobile app by uploading a photo of the veterinary invoice. A claim form is generally not required. Claims must generally be submitted within 90 days of the invoice date. Healthy Paws states that most claims are processed within two business days, and approved reimbursements are typically issued by direct deposit or mailed check. Healthy Paws also offers Direct Pay, which can allow eligible reimbursement to be paid directly to the veterinarian. |
Coverage
How to compare: Read the covered and excluded lists in each sample policy.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Accident & Illness plans can cover eligible veterinary expenses related to accidents and illnesses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic testing, cancer treatment, hereditary and congenital conditions, and prescription medications. Pets Best allows visits to licensed veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, although certain curable conditions may no longer be considered pre-existing after they have healed and remained free of symptoms and treatment for the required period. | Healthy Paws covers eligible new accidents and illnesses, including diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, emergency care, cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, chronic conditions, prescription medications and specialty care. The plan can also cover eligible FDA-approved alternative treatments. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, while certain curable conditions may become eligible after remaining symptom- and treatment-free for the required period. Policyholders can use any licensed veterinarian in the United States and while temporarily traveling in Canada, including specialists and emergency clinics. |
Price
Prices depend on your pet’s species, breed, age and ZIP code and on the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit chosen. Compare estimates for your own pet at identical settings rather than relying on a single average.
Deductibles
How to compare: Annual, per-condition or lifetime, and the amounts offered.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Deductibles | Pets Best uses annual deductibles. Current options range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the plan and location. The deductible applies during each annual policy term. | Healthy Paws uses an annual deductible that applies once per policy term and resets on the anniversary of enrollment. Current deductible options can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on factors such as state, pet age and breed. Available choices may therefore differ between pets and locations. |
Reimbursement
How to compare: The percentages offered and how payouts are calculated.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Pets Best offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible veterinary expenses, depending on the plan and location. Reimbursement is based on the eligible veterinary bill after the applicable deductible, rather than a fixed benefit schedule. | Healthy Paws offers reimbursement levels ranging from 50% to 90%, depending on the plan and eligibility. Reimbursement is based on the actual veterinary bill for eligible treatment rather than a fixed benefit schedule. After the applicable annual deductible is satisfied, Healthy Paws reimburses the selected percentage of eligible expenses, subject to the policy’s annual limit. |
Annual limits
How to compare: Fixed or unlimited, and any per-condition or lifetime caps.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Annual limits | Pets Best offers annual coverage limits ranging from $5,000 to unlimited for its customizable Accident & Illness plans. Available options can vary by location and policy. | Healthy Paws currently offers annual reimbursement limits of $5,000, $7,000 or unlimited, depending on the policy and location. If an annual limit is selected, it resets each policy year. The annual limit selected when the policy is enrolled cannot be increased later. Unlimited coverage has no annual reimbursement cap. |
Waiting periods
How to compare: Accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting periods | Standard Pets Best waiting periods include 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament events and related conditions. Waiting periods can vary by state and policy, and certain requirements may allow applicable waiting periods to be reduced or waived. | For most states, Healthy Paws has a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses. Hip dysplasia has a 12-month waiting period for pets enrolled at age five or younger. In certain states, the waiting-period structure differs. For example, some states use a 15-day waiting period for illness, injury and certain orthopedic conditions, while hip dysplasia may have a 30-day waiting period. Some applicable waiting periods can be waived after completion of a qualifying clinical examination. |
Dental
How to compare: Injury, illness and routine dental coverage.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Pets Best Accident & Illness plans include coverage for eligible dental conditions, including periodontal disease, dental fractures and certain extractions. Dental eligibility can depend on the pet’s age, prior dental history, policy terms, and whether the pet had signs or symptoms before coverage began. For pets age 3 and older, certain periodontal-disease coverage requires a dental cleaning and examination under anesthesia within the previous 13 months. Routine dental cleanings are available through optional wellness coverage, with the BestWellness plan providing up to $150 toward teeth cleaning. | Healthy Paws provides coverage for eligible dental accidents and certain dental illnesses. Covered dental treatment can include procedures such as extractions, root canals, oral biopsies, dental radiographs and reconstruction when the condition meets the policy requirements. Routine dental care such as standard cleanings is not covered. Dental claims are subject to the policy’s general annual reimbursement limit, and the veterinary exam fee associated with dental treatment is not covered. |
Claims
How to compare: How to file, how long it takes, and payment methods.
| Feature | Pets Best | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Claims | Claims can be submitted online, through the Pets Best mobile app, or through the Customer Center. Pets Best generally reimburses eligible expenses after the claim is processed. Pets Best also offers Direct Vet Pay, which can send eligible claim reimbursements directly to the veterinarian instead of requiring the policyholder to receive the reimbursement first. | Claims can be submitted through the Healthy Paws Customer Center or mobile app by uploading a photo of the veterinary invoice. A claim form is generally not required. Claims must generally be submitted within 90 days of the invoice date. Healthy Paws states that most claims are processed within two business days, and approved reimbursements are typically issued by direct deposit or mailed check. Healthy Paws also offers Direct Pay, which can allow eligible reimbursement to be paid directly to the veterinarian. |
Pros and limitations
Pets Best
Customizable annual deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual limit. Reimbursement options up to 90%. Unlimited annual coverage is available on eligible plans. No upper age limit for enrollment. Accident Only and Accident & Illness options. Dental coverage is available through Accident & Illness plans. Optional wellness coverage for routine care. Direct Vet Pay is available.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Coverage, pricing and available options can vary by state and policy. Some benefits, including exam fees and certain rehabilitation services, depend on the plan selected. Orthopedic coverage can have a six-month waiting period. Routine and preventive care is not included in the standard Accident & Illness coverage unless wellness coverage is added. Dental coverage has specific eligibility requirements and exclusions. Wellness benefits have fixed reimbursement limits rather than covering all routine-care expenses.
Healthy Paws
Coverage for accidents and illnesses through one main plan. Coverage can include hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions. Reimbursement options up to 90%. Unlimited annual reimbursement is available. Annual deductible rather than a per-condition deductible. Reimbursement based on the actual veterinary bill. No per-incident caps. Any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. can be used. 24/7 virtual veterinary access through Airvet. Direct Pay is available for eligible claims.
Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Routine and preventive care is not covered. Routine dental cleanings are not covered. Veterinary exam fees are generally excluded from coverage. Hip dysplasia can have a 12-month waiting period depending on the pet’s age and location. Annual limits selected at enrollment cannot be increased later. Deductible, reimbursement, eligibility and coverage options can vary by state, age and breed. Healthy Paws does not offer a separate wellness add-on for routine care.
Who each option may suit
Pets Best
Pet owners who want customizable Accident & Illness coverage, multiple reimbursement and deductible options, and the ability to choose an unlimited annual coverage limit. It may also appeal to owners who value dental coverage, optional wellness benefits, no upper age limit for enrollment, and the option to have eligible claim reimbursements sent directly to their veterinarian. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy documents available for your state before purchasing, because coverage, pricing, eligibility, waiting periods and available options can vary.
Healthy Paws
Pet owners who want straightforward Accident & Illness coverage with customizable deductibles, reimbursement levels and annual limits. It may particularly appeal to owners who value coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, actual-bill reimbursement, unlimited annual coverage, and access to any licensed veterinarian. It may be less suitable for owners who want routine-care or wellness benefits included in their pet insurance, or who want coverage for routine dental cleanings. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy documents available for your state before purchasing, because coverage, pricing, eligibility, waiting periods and available options can vary.
Whichever you compare, hold the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit constant so differences reflect the plans and not the settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pets Best or Healthy Paws better?
Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on your pet’s age and breed, your budget, and which benefits you care about most. Compare the same deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit for both, then review exclusions and waiting periods.
Which is cheaper, Pets Best or Healthy Paws?
Price depends on your pet and the plan settings you choose, so it can differ from one pet to the next. Compare personalized estimates for your pet on identical settings.
Are Pets Best and Healthy Paws both available in every state?
Not necessarily. Both Pets Best and Healthy Paws state that availability and policy terms vary by state, so check the quote and policy for your state.
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