Pets Best vs. Healthy Paws

Curious about pet insurance? With all of the pet insurance companies on the market today, it can be difficult to figure out which one is the right option. Pets Best and Healthy Paws are two of the top pet insurance companies, and each is distinctly different. Here’s what you need to know about the similarities and differences to help you pick the right pet insurance policy for your pet.

What Is Pets Best?

Pets Best is a pet insurance company that was founded by Dr. Jack Stephens in 2005. Dr. Stephens is well known in the pet insurance industry because he launched the first pet insurance company in North America back in 1981. His inspiration for developing pet insurance came from an experience he had as a practicing veterinarian in 1979. A client elected euthanasia for their dog, Buffy, instead of allowing Dr. Stephens to diagnose and treat her. A few weeks later, Dr. Stephens ran into Buffy’s owner at the store, and the owner’s daughter recognized him as “the man who killed my dog.”

Pets Best was launched along with CEO Greg McDonald to change the pet insurance industry for the better. The company’s mission is to end economic euthanasia to help ensure that pet owners are financially prepared for unexpected veterinary care. Today, the Pets Best team is made up of pet owners and lovers who want to ensure that pet owners nationwide can afford the best veterinary care.

What is Healthy Paws?

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance LLC was started in 2009 along with the Healthy Paws Foundation. The company offers one pet insurance plan and constantly strives to improve the plan and the service that it provides. Healthy Paws also created the first pet insurance iPhone app to give pet owners an easier way to manage their policy online and file claims. 

The Healthy Paws Foundation is a non-profit with an Every Quote Gives Hope medical grant program. This program has helped hundreds of pet rescues and animal shelters care for sick homeless pets.

Accident and Illness Insurance

The purpose of pet insurance is to provide protection for pet owners in the case of unexpected accidents or illnesses. However, pet insurance companies are responsible for deciding which coverages to offer with their pet insurance plans. To truly compare two or more pet insurance companies, it’s important to consider the coverages that come with each plan. 

Pets Best Offers: BestBenefit Accident and Illness Plans

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Cancer treatments
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Emergency care, hospitalization and surgery
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing and chronic conditions
• Diagnostics
• Older pets
• Full coverage even when not spayed/neutered
• Behavioral conditions
• Dental coverage
• Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs
• Euthanasia
• Coverage while traveling

Most BestBenefit plans also cover:

• Exam fees
• Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments
• Physical rehabilitation
• Prescription medications

Accident Only plans are also available. These plans are $6 per month for cats and $9 per month for dogs. Accident Only plans only cover things like broken legs and snake bites. They do not offer coverage for medical issues such as gastrointestinal issues or cancer. 

Healthy Paws Offers: One simple pet insurance plan. Coverage includes:

• Illnesses
• Accidents
• Hereditary conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Chronic conditions
• Cancer
• Diagnostic treatment
• X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Emergency care
• Specialty care
• Alternative treatment

How do Pets Best and Healthy Paws Differ?

Pets Best and Healthy Paws both offer pet insurance, but each has something different to offer. The most obvious difference between the two companies is that Pets Best provides several pet insurance policy options, whereas Healthy Paws only offers one pet insurance policy.

With Pets Best policy options, pet owners can decide how much coverage they want for their pet, including an accident-only policy and a wellness plan. Pets Best also appears to offer coverage for more conditions, including dental and behavioral treatment. 

Wellness Coverage

Some pet insurance companies offer wellness coverage in addition to pet insurance. Wellness coverage is a separate policy that is sometimes offered as a rider to be added to a pet insurance policy. Wellness coverage is designed to help pet owners manage the cost of routine veterinary care. This coverage includes annual routine wellness visits, preventatives, vaccinations and routine tests such as heartworm or FELV tests. 

Pets Best Offers:

EssentialWellness ($14-$16 per month) covers up to the following per year with no deductible:

• Spay/neuter - teeth cleaning - $0
• Rabies - $15
• Flea/tick prevention - $50
• Heartworm prevention - $30
• Vaccination/titer - $30
• Wellness exam - $50
• Heartworm test of FELV screen - $25
• Blood, fecal and parasite exam - $50
• Microchip - $20
• Urinalysis or ERD - $15
• Deworming - $20
• Total annual benefits are $305

BestWellness ($26-$30 per month) covers up to the following per year with no deductible:

• Spay/neuter - teeth cleaning - $150
• Rabies - $15
• Flea/tick prevention - $65
• Heartworm prevention - $30
• Vaccination/titer - $40
• Wellness exam - $50
• Heartworm test of FELV screen - $30
• Blood, fecal and parasite exam - $70
• Microchip - $40
• Urinalysis or ERD - $25
• Deworming - $20
• Total annual benefits are $535

Healthy Paws Offers: Healthy Paws does not offer any wellness coverage. 

How do Pets Best and Healthy Paws Differ?

Pets Best offers a wellness plan, but Healthy Paws does not. Wellness plans can be useful for pet owners who want to have peace of mind when it comes to preventative care. While preventative care is predictable, it can be nice to know that you’re paying a small amount of money each month for guaranteed benefits. This means that when it comes time for your pet’s annual wellness visit, vaccinations and routine tests, you’ll know that you have coverage that can reimburse you for your expenses.

Riders

Pets Best Offers:

• Wellness coverage

Healthy Paws Offers:

• Healthy Paws does not offer any riders

How do Pets Best and Healthy Paws Differ?

Healthy Paws is great for its simplicity. Since it only offers one plan, there is no need to weigh your options to decide which type of coverage is best for your pet. Healthy Paws has already done that for you by providing a single policy with all the protection you should need. And since there is only one policy available, you don’t have to worry about or consider other choices.

Pets Best does offer a wellness coverage rider that can be added to your pet insurance policy. This can be a great benefit for pet parents who want the coverage, but it may add confusion if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for or what coverage your pet needs.

Alternatives to Pets Best and Healthy Paws

Which is Best: Pets Best or Healthy Paws?

Pets Best and Healthy Paws are both reputable pet insurance companies that provide peace of mind to pet owners nationwide. The truth is that neither company is better than the other. Instead, there is a company and policy that is the best fit for each situation. To figure out which company is right for you, consider the needs of your pet and your financial situation.

Is Pet Insurance Right for Me?

Most pet owners can benefit from pet insurance, but it all comes down to what your personal preference is. Benzinga’s guide to pet insurance can help you learn more about the benefits so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions