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Pets Best and Healthy Paws are two of the most popular pet insurance providers, but which one is best for your furry friend? Pets Best offers customizable plans and fewer exclusions, giving you the flexibility to find coverage that fits your budget and needs. Meanwhile, Healthy Paws sets itself apart with a short waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and coverage for massage therapy—perks not often seen in other policies. Curious about which provider is the better fit? Dive into our Healthy Paws vs Pets Best comparison to uncover the details and make the right choice for your furry best friend.
  |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | 3.5/5.0 | 5.0/5.0 |
| Our Ranking | No-Cap Payouts | Best Overall |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2005 |
| Customer Support Options | Phone, Email | Live Chat, Phone, Email, Mail, Fax |
| Underwriter | Chubb Group | Independence American Insurance Company American Pet Insurance Company (New York & Washington only) |
| A.M. Best Rating* | A++ | A- Unrated |
| Demotech Rating* | Unrated | A’ |
| Claim Processing Average | 2-15 Days | 10 Days |
| Can Reimburse Vets Directly | Yes | Yes |
| Payout Limits | Unlimited | $5,000 to Unlimited |
| Deductibles | $250 to $1,000 | $50 to $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Rates | 50% to 80% | 70% to 90% |
| One-Time Fees | No | No |
| Accident Waiting Period | 15 Days | 3 Days |
| Illness Waiting Period | 15 Days | 14 Days |
| Hip Dysplasia Waiting Period | 12 Months† | 14 Days |
| Enrollment Ages | 8 Weeks to 14 Years†† | 7 Weeks or Older |
| Preventative Plan | No | Yes |
 | |
†Pets enrolled after their 6th birthday for Healthy Paws have plan customization restrictions, and hip dysplasia is excluded.
††Healthy Paws will not enroll pets older than 4 years old in NY.
*States are gradually adopting a Model Law for pet insurance, aiming to standardize regulations, including uniform waiting periods. In California, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Washington, Rhode Island, and Maryland, waiting periods are:
- Accidents: 0 days
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions: 30 days
- Routine Care: 0 days
Coverage Comparison
Pets Best and Healthy Paws are available in all 50 states. Plans cover new accidents and illnesses, including testing and treatment for the conditions. Both insurers cover a wide range of conditions, including cancer, hereditary and congenital conditions, chronic illnesses, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injuries. They also reimburse for testing and treatment, such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, surgeries, hospitalization, and prescription medications. However, neither company covers pre-existing conditions, breeding, pregnancy, or cosmetic procedures (like ear cropping or tail docking).
Pets Best has a shorter waiting period of 3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, compared to Healthy Paws’ 15-day waiting period for both. Additionally, Pets Best offers a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries, while Healthy Paws pet insurance has a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia and excludes this condition for pets enrolled after their 6th birthday.
Pets Best provides three accident and illness policies—Essential, Plus, and Elite—allowing customers to choose the plan that best fits their pet insurance coverage needs and budget. Plus is a step up from Essential and covers exam fees. Elite is a step up from the Plus plan and covers chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitation. Healthy Paws offers a single, comprehensive accident and illness pet insurance policy with no optional riders.
For dental coverage, Pets Best offers more comprehensive options, including coverage for gum disease, tooth extractions for dental accidents and illnesses, and endodontic disease for canines and carnassials. In comparison, Healthy Paws only covers tooth extractions resulting from dental accidents, making Pets Best the stronger choice for broader dental care.
When it comes to curable pre-existing conditions, Pets Best offers some flexibility by stating that it covers conditions that are healed or curable and require no further treatment, although it does not specify a required time frame. In contrast, Healthy Paws excludes all pre-existing conditions from its policies, regardless of whether they are curable or have been resolved.
Another standout feature of Pets Best is its optional wellness plans, which cover preventive care like vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, teeth cleanings, microchipping, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention. Healthy Paws does not offer a wellness plan, focusing solely on accident and illness coverage.
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Therapy |  | Base Plan |
| Complementary Care | Base Plan | Add-On |
| Wellness Care For An Extra Fee | | Add-On |
| Exam Fees | | Add-On |
| Hip Dysplasia | After 1 Year | After 14 Days |
| Non-Routine Dental Treatment | Base Plan | Base Plan |
| Trauma To Teeth, Face, & Jaw | Base Plan | Base Plan |
| Gum (Periodontal) Disease | | Base Plan |
| Tooth Extractions | Due To Accidents | Base Plan |
| Endodontic Disease | | Canines & Carnassials |
| Developmental Abnormalities | | If Enrolled By 6 Months Old |
Premiums & Pricing
Insurers calculate premiums based on your pet’s details—such as age, breed, and location—along with the coverage level you select. Pets Best typically offers more affordable premiums compared to Healthy Paws, although the exact price can vary depending on your choices.
Healthy Paws and Pets Best both offer annual deductibles, which means you’ll pay the deductible once per year, no matter how many incidents your pet experiences. This structure can be beneficial if your pet experiences multiple accidents or illnesses in a year. Pets Best, however, allows you to choose your annual payout amount, giving you more control over your premiums, while Healthy Paws offers no lifetime caps on all plans.
Pets Best charges a $2 monthly transaction fee, which can be avoided by paying annually. Healthy Paws has no transaction fees.
The exact premiums for each provider depend on a variety of factors, including your pet’s age, breed, and location. You can expect different pricing based on the coverage options you select, with both companies providing flexible plans tailored to different budgets and coverage needs.
| Pet Details | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | $82.87† | $110.12* | $68.99|| | $67.08** |
| Labrador Retriever | $41.11* | $39.27* | $54.46# | $23.92** |
| Golden Retriever | $101.61‡ | $60.34* | $83.07|| | $48.27† |
| Ragdoll Cat | $22.34§ | $24.43* | $26.29# | $14.88* |
*90% reimbursement and $500 deductible; **90% reimbursement and $1,000 deductible; †70% reimbursement and $500 deductible; ‡90% reimbursement and $100 deductible; §80% reimbursement and $500 deductible; ||70% reimbursement and $1,000 deductible; #80% reimbursement and $250 deductible
It’s always best to get quotes for your specific dog to compare pet insurance costs. You can use our pet insurance quote form below to request instant quotes from multiple companies.
Discounts
Pet insurance providers sometimes offer discounts to pet owners who insure more than one pet, bundle other insurance policies, are military or veterans, work as a veterinarian, work at an animal shelter, pay yearly, and more. Healthy Paws does not offer discounts to pet owners. On the other hand, Pets Best offers 5% off to military personnel and their families, as well as pet owners insuring multiple pets.
Pets Best discount may not be available in all states, and the discount amount may vary by state. More information is available in enrollment.
Customer Service & Reputation
When considering pet insurance, it’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of an attractive policy quote, but customer service and reputation are two crucial factors you shouldn’t overlook. Whether you’re paying a high premium or a lower one, you want a company that’s responsive and helpful when you need assistance, especially if you ever have to file a claim. Both Pets Best and Healthy Paws offer multiple support channels, including phone and email, with Pets Best taking it a step further by offering live chat and fax. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available from each provider, allowing you to cancel for a full refund if the policy isn’t a good fit.
I reviewed hundreds of customer reviews from platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for both providers. Overall, Healthy Paws tends to receive higher ratings than Pets Best. Both companies are active online, addressing questions and resolving issues from pet owners.
Common complaints about Pets Best generally center around slow claim processing and delays in reimbursement, though the company has been working on improving this by investing in technology and expanding its team. On the other hand, the most frequent issues with Healthy Paws involve policy cancellations due to expired credit cards, with some customers claiming they didn’t receive cancellation notices. Another point of contention for Healthy Paws customers is dissatisfaction with its dental illness coverage.
Both companies have their strengths and areas for improvement in customer service, but it’s clear that reliable, accessible support is a key priority for both Pets Best and Healthy Paws.
Claim Processing
The time it takes for an insurer to reimburse claims can be an important factor for pet owners when choosing coverage. While some pet owners are fine waiting a little longer, others prefer a faster reimbursement process. Healthy Paws typically pays about 50% of its claims within two days, with an average reimbursement time of 2 to 15 days. In comparison, Pets Best has made improvements recently, with claims now taking around 10 days to process.
Pets Best offers Vet Direct Pay, which allows pet owners to submit a completed claim along with a signed copy of the veterinarian reimbursement release form for reimbursement directly to the vet’s office. This option is not available at the time of checkout but serves as an alternative reimbursement method. Healthy Paws also has a similar option. If you’re interested in this feature, you can contact Healthy Paws to inquire whether it is available at your vet’s office.
Plan Coverage Options
Pets Best offers a variety of customizable options for its pet insurance plans. You can choose your annual deductible (ranging from $50 to $1,000), annual payout limits (starting at $5,000 and going up to unlimited), and reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%). This flexibility allows pet owners to tailor their plans to better suit their needs and budget.
Healthy Paws, on the other hand, offers unlimited payout plans and varying reimbursement levels and deductibles based on the age of your pet. For dogs and cats under 5 years old, you can choose from 80% or 70% reimbursement with a $250 or $500 deductible. For pets aged 6 and 7, the reimbursement rate options are 80%, 70%, or 60%, with higher deductibles of $250 to $750. For pets 8 years and older, reimbursement rates are limited to 50% or 60%, with deductibles of $750 or $1,000.
Pets Best also offers an accident-only insurance plan, which covers injuries resulting from sudden accidents like broken bones, poisoning, or foreign body ingestion. However, it does not cover conditions like torn ligaments (e.g., cruciate ligament tears), which is something to consider if you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage. Healthy Paws does not offer an accident-only plan like Pets Best does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we get asked about Healthy Paws and Pets Best. If you don’t see your question, reach out in the comments.
How does Pets Best handle payments?
If you’ve provided your direct deposit details in your policy, Pets Best will transfer the payment directly to your designated bank account. If your bank information is not on file, a check will be mailed to the address associated with your account.
Is an exam required by Pets Best?
No, Pets Best does not require an exam to sign up for coverage.
Does Healthy Paws increase its rates?
Healthy Paws premiums are set according to the rates approved by the insurance regulators in each state. Factors such as advancements in veterinary care, overall claims experience in the pet’s area, and the pet’s breed, age, gender, and other characteristics are considered. Healthy Paws does not raise premiums based on the number of claims made by the insured pet.
Which Is Better For Your Pet?
Both Pets Best and Healthy Paws offer solid pet insurance options, each with its own strengths and considerations. Pets Best stands out for its comprehensive dental coverage, including coverage for gum disease and endodontic disease, which is not included in Healthy Paws’ plans. Additionally, Pets Best provides flexibility with three accident and illness plan options, an optional preventive care plan, and an affordable accident-only policy. These added benefits make it an appealing choice for pet parents looking for customizable coverage. However, Healthy Paws has a simpler, one-plan structure that appeals to those who prefer straightforward options, though it lacks coverage for certain dental conditions and exam fees.
When it comes to customer service, Healthy Paws tends to have a better reputation, with fewer complaints about claim denials and an overall higher customer satisfaction rating. It also offers alternative care at no additional cost, which may be a deciding factor for pet owners seeking holistic treatments for their pets. On the other hand, Pets Best doesn’t impose age restrictions on coverage and ensures hip dysplasia is a covered condition for pets at all enrollment ages, which is beneficial for older pets or those with pre-existing conditions. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, whether you prioritize customizable coverage, dental care, or a more straightforward policy with strong customer support.
I’ve gone even more in-depth with individual reviews of Healthy Paws and Pets Best so you can expand your comparison. You can also read my pet insurance reviews, including my top picks, along with details on each of the most popular pet insurance companies. So, if you want to know how other providers compare against one another, you may find this review helpful in your pet health insurance search. Lastly, my pet insurance comparison tables can help you see how companies differ at a quick glance.
Methodology
My team and I conduct extensive research on the most reputable pet insurance companies, analyzing customer feedback, policy changes, and industry trends. Our licensed insurance agent fact-checks everything, and we update our reviews year-round as insurers adjust premiums, coverage, exclusions, and customer service.
We rank each U.S. pet insurance provider using a 100-point scale, ensuring an unbiased breakdown of how companies perform in real-world claims.
Our Ranking Criteria
- Coverage & Exclusions (30%) – We analyze policies, exclusions, and age restrictions, rewarding companies with fewer coverage limitations.
- Pricing (15%) – We run thousands of sample quotes and factor in extra fees, discounts, and add-ons.
- Customer Service & Reputation (12%) – We review hundreds of customer experiences, assess the sign-up process, and evaluate claim support.
- Financial Strength (10%) – We examine A.M. Best & Demotech ratings to ensure companies can pay claims reliably.
- Customization Options (10%) – Providers with more deductible, reimbursement, and payout flexibility rank higher.
- Waiting Periods (5%) – Shorter illness & accident waiting periods result in a better score.
- Claim Processing (5%) – Companies offering fast reimbursements and direct vet pay score higher.
- Innovation (3%) – We recognize unique offerings and advanced technology in the industry.
Unbiased Pet Insurance Rankings: Putting Pets First
Unlike many review sites, we don’t sell rankings—every provider earns its spot based on real performance. Our in-depth comparisons help pet parents make informed decisions, while insurers use our reviews to improve their policies. We only recommend the best because that’s what our readers deserve.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012, well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance, including Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s go-to writer for pet insurance for over a decade, having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head, she can find it within minutes due to her extensive list of resources. Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent, for additional expertise, to ensure accuracy, and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing insurance policies legally. Kimberly has spent over 100 hours researching Healthy Paws and Pets Best, reading every line in their policies, speaking with their operation teams, and gathering quotes to bring you the most accurate information.
Pets Best Underwriter Disclosure – Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit www.petsbest.com/policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information is available at checkout. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190), a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. #200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd. #160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (NPN #8889658, CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd. #160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details.
Canine Journal® is a trademark of Cover Story Media, Inc.® All insurance applications and solicitations are entrusted to Michelle Schenker (NPN #19494757; CA license #4071990), a licensed insurance agent representing Cover Story Media, Inc.® Canine Journal® does not underwrite pet insurance or pay claims but receives compensation on sale and/or renewal.
