Fetch by The Dodo vs. Healthy Paws

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Contributor, Benzinga
October 31, 2022

Thinking about purchasing pet insurance? Then it’s important to be aware of all your options. Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws are two reputable pet insurance companies that may be able to provide you and your pet with the coverage that you need. Here’s how the two pet insurance companies compare. 

What is Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance?

The name Fetch Pet Insurance (also known as Fetch by the Dodo) is new to the market because the name is a rebrand of what was formerly Petplan. Not only does it offer some of the most comprehensive pet insurance policies out there, but it’s also trusted by a number of organizations. Fetch by The Dodo has shelter partners across the U.S. and Canada and is also The Dodo’s top recommendation for pet insurance.

What is Healthy Paws?

Healthy Paws is a pet insurance company that was started in 2009 as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance LLC. The company offers one simple pet insurance plan for dogs and cats, rather than multiple customizable plans. Instead, Healthy Paws strives to continuously improve policy coverage and the service that the policy provides. 

Additionally, Healthy Paws has a non-profit called the Healthy Paws Foundation. The Foundation provides medical grants to pet rescues and animal shelters through its Every Quote Gives Hope program.

Accident and Illness Coverage 

The main component of a pet insurance policy is its accident and illness coverage. Each pet insurance policy is designed to cover either one or both types of coverage so pet parents can rest assured if an unexpected medical expense occurs. Each pet insurance provider can select its own coverages and exclusions, so it’s important to consider what each policy offers before you make your purchase. 

Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance offers:

  • Veterinary exam fees for sick visits if you visit your vet for a qualifying condition
  • Emergency vet visits if you visit for a qualifying condition
  • Specialist vet visits if your pet has a condition that needs specialist care
  • Comprehensive dental that covers every adult tooth in dogs and cats
  • Breed-specific conditions if your pet is predisposed because of their genetics
  • Complete sick visit to cover exam fees as well as necessary diagnostics and tests
  • Injuries and illnesses including gastrointestinal issues and CCL injuries
  • Virtual vet visits up to a $1,000 limit
  • Diagnostic tests for qualified conditions as long as it’s medically necessary
  • Imaging and ultrasound for qualified conditions as long as it’s medically necessary
  • Holistic and chiropractic care as long as it’s recommended and performed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Behavioral therapy for treatment because of changes in your pet’s temperament or activity level that is not from an underlying medical condition
  • Cancer treatment and veterinary oncology care
  • Surgery and rehabilitation that’s prescribed by a licensed veterinarian if it’s performed at a veterinary facility

Healthy Paws offers:

  • Illnesses such as gastrointestinal issues and skin conditions
  • Accidents such as a CCL injury or broken bone
  • Hereditary conditions that have been passed down to your pet from their parents
  • Congenital conditions that have been passed down to your pet from their parents
  • Chronic conditions such as allergies and hyperthyroidism
  • Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and alternative therapy
  • Diagnostic treatment for qualifying conditions
  • X-rays, blood tests and ultrasounds for qualifying conditions
  • Surgery performed by a licensed veterinarian for qualifying conditions
  • Hospitalization because of qualifying conditions
  • Prescription medications that are prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to treat a qualifying condition
  • Emergency care if your pet has a sudden accident or illness
  • Specialty care if a qualifying condition requires specialist care
  • Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic care

Where do Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws Differ?

Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws both offer comprehensive pet insurance policies. They also both partner with and help animal rescues and shelters. They differ in a few ways, though. Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance offers coverage for a few things that Healthy Paws does not, including veterinary exam fees for sick visits and for online vet visits. Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance also offers comprehensive dental coverage for all your pets’ adult teeth. 

Wellness Plans

Some pet insurance providers offer wellness plans in addition to pet insurance. Most providers who offer both pet insurance and wellness coverage offer wellness coverage as a rider that can be added to a pet insurance policy for an additional fee. 

Wellness plans are different from pet insurance policies because they offer a completely separate set of coverages. Pet insurance policies are designed to offer pet owners peace of mind in the event of an unexpected veterinary bill from an accident or illness experienced by their pet.

Neither Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance nor Healthy Paws offer wellness coverage for pets. To purchase wellness coverage, you’d have to look for a plan from a different provider.

Riders and Discounts

Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance offers:

Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance does not offer any riders for its pet insurance policies, but it does offer some discounts.

  • 10% if you adopted your pet from a shelter or rescue
  • 10% if you’re an employee of an animal shelter or rescue
  • 10% for 12 months if you’re a Walmart shopper or employee
  • Up to 10% off for AARP members
  • Up to 10% off for active and retired service members and their families
  • Up to 10% for licensed medical services pets
  • Up to 10% off for veterinarians and veterinary staff members

Healthy Paws offers:

Healthy Paws does not offer any insurance riders that can be added to your pet insurance policy. 

Healthy Paws used to offer discounts to members of groups such as AAA. As of 2022, the insurance provider no longer appears to offer these discounts. 

Where do Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws Differ?

Neither Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance nor Healthy Paws offer riders that can be purchased along with its insurance policies. Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance does offer discounts, though, whereas Healthy Paws no longer appears to. This benefit can make Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance a more attractive option if you belong to one of the groups that are eligible for a discount. 

Which is Best: Fetch by The Dodo or Healthy Paws?

Both Fetch by The Dodo and Healthy Paws are legitimate pet insurance companies that offer good insurance policies. The company that is best for you depends on your needs and your pet, so it’s hard to say which is the best pet insurance company. When you’re comparing pet insurance companies, keep in mind the amount of coverage that you get in relation to the price of the policy. You’ll want to get the full picture by considering every aspect of the policy before deciding which is right for you.

Summary

Both Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws are reputable pet insurance providers who partner with animal rescues and shelters. Since so many pet insurance companies are out there, though, it’s important to consider all your options. That’s why Benzinga provides pet insurance guides and reviews to help you find the best insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is Petplan now Fetch by The Dodo?

A

Yes. Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance used to be known as Petplan before it was rebranded.

Q

What company owns Healthy Paws?

A

Healthy Paws insurance plans are underwritten by the Chubb Group companies. 

Q

Is it good to have pet insurance?

A

If you own a pet, it is good to have pet insurance because if your pet gets sick, it can save you thousands of dollars in vet fees.

Ashley Hart

About Ashley Hart

Ashley Hart is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people feel empowered to take control of their finances. She has more than eight years of writing experience, focused on insurance.