Question 1

Which is better, Healthy Paws or Trupanion?

Accepted Answer

Healthy Paws and Trupanion both cap payouts at unlimited but reach it differently. Healthy Paws uses an annual deductible from $250 to $750 with 70 to 90 percent reimbursement. Trupanion charges a per-condition lifetime deductible and pays a flat 90 percent, and offers Vet Direct Pay at participating hospitals.

Question 2

Does Healthy Paws or Trupanion have a shorter waiting period?

Accepted Answer

Healthy Paws has a 15-day accident wait and 15-day illness wait. Trupanion has a 5-day accident wait and 30-day illness wait. Orthopedic waits: Healthy Paws 12 months for hip dysplasia, Trupanion 30 days (no separate orthopedic wait).

Question 3

Which carrier pays the vet directly?

Accepted Answer

Healthy Paws: no, reimburses the policyholder after the claim. Trupanion: yes, offers direct-to-vet pay in most cases.

Question 4

Are premiums comparable between Healthy Paws and Trupanion?

Accepted Answer

Sample monthly premiums for a healthy adult dog run $35-$75 with Healthy Paws and $55-$110 with Trupanion. Actual pricing depends on breed, age, ZIP code, and coverage level.

Carrier	Reimbursement	Annual limit	Illness wait	Age cap
Healthy Paws Single-plan simplicity with unlimited annual payouts.	70% / 80% / 90%	Unlimited	15 days	Enrollment closes at age 14 (accident and illness); accident-only after
Trupanion Per-condition deductible and vet direct pay at participating clinics.	90%	Unlimited	30 days	Enrollment closes at age 14
Embrace Diminishing deductible and optional Wellness Rewards.	70% / 80% / 90%	$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited	14 days	Enrollment closes at age 15; older pets get accident-only
Nationwide One of few carriers offering exotic pet coverage.	50% / 70% / 90%	$10,000 or unlimited depending on plan	14 days	Varies by plan; some plans have no upper age limit
Lemonade App-first pricing with fast AI-assisted claims.	70% / 80% / 90%	$5,000 to $100,000	14 days	Enrollment typically closes at age 14; state-dependent
Figo 100 percent reimbursement option and short waiting periods.	70% / 80% / 90% / 100%	$5,000, $10,000, or unlimited	14 days	Enrollment closes at age 14
Pets Best Direct vet pay available and broad plan customization.	70% / 80% / 90%	$5,000 to unlimited	14 days	No upper age limit for enrollment
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Complete Coverage plan with microchip and behavioral care.	70% / 80% / 90%	$3,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited	14 days	No upper age limit
Spot Flexible limits and behavioral coverage on every plan.	70% / 80% / 90%	$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited	14 days	No upper age limit
Fetch by The Dodo Includes exam fees, dental, and virtual vet visits.	70% / 80% / 90%	$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000	15 days	Enrollment closes at age 14
MetLife Pet Group-billing options and holistic-care coverage.	70% / 80% / 90% / 100%	$2,000, $5,000, or $10,000	14 days	No upper age limit
Prudent Pet Unlimited annual limit option at a competitive premium.	70% / 80% / 90%	$10,000, $20,000, or unlimited	14 days	Enrollment closes at age 12

US pet insurance carriers, side by side

Healthy Paws

Trupanion

Embrace

Nationwide

Lemonade

Figo

Pets Best

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Spot

Fetch by The Dodo

MetLife Pet

Prudent Pet

Head-to-head comparisons

All carriers