Pet Insurance vs Telehealth • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Healthy Paws vs RexVet
Healthy Paws is one of the most-recommended pet insurance providers, known for fast claims processing and unlimited annual coverage on accident & illness.
Quick verdict
Healthy Paws is solid catastrophic insurance. It pairs naturally with RexVet for the routine care it doesn't cover — Family Plan members get unlimited vet consultations for $120/yr, which Healthy Paws doesn't pay for.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Healthy Paws | RexVet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Accident & Illness insurance | 501(c)(3) non-profit telehealth |
| Monthly cost (dog) | $35–$150/mo | $10/mo flat (Family Plan) |
| Monthly cost (cat) | $20–$75/mo | $10/mo flat (Family Plan) |
| Deductible | $100–$1000 | $0 |
| Reimbursement | 70-90% after deductible (you choose) | N/A — direct service, no claim process |
| Waiting period (accidents) | 15 days | None — same-day visits |
| Waiting period (illness) | 15 days | None — same-day visits |
| Pre-existing conditions | Excluded | Covered (no exclusions) |
| Routine consultations | Wellness add-on only (extra cost) | Unlimited included (Family Plan) |
| Surgery / ER / Hospitalization | Covered (% after deductible) | Not covered (telehealth limit) |
| Prescription refills | Only if tied to covered condition | Same-day RexVetRx delivery |
Healthy Paws strengths
- ✓ Fast claims processing (often within 2 days)
- ✓ No annual or lifetime payout caps
- ✓ Covers hereditary and congenital conditions if no symptoms before enrollment
- ✓ Simple plan structure — one plan, no upsells
Healthy Paws limitations
- ! Doesn't enroll pets over 14 years old
- ! Doesn't cover wellness/preventive care
- ! Doesn't cover routine dental care
- ! Premiums increase with pet age
What each does best
Where Healthy Paws wins
- → Covers surgery, X-rays, MRI
- → Covers cancer treatment
- → Covers emergency hospitalization
- → Covers chronic disease lifetime treatment
Where RexVet wins
- ✓ Covers routine consultations (Healthy Paws doesn't)
- ✓ Covers prescription refills for chronic conditions
- ✓ No waiting period — book today
- ✓ No pre-existing condition exclusions
- ✓ Covers behavior consults Healthy Paws excludes
The smart combo
How to use Healthy Paws AND RexVet together
Healthy Paws + RexVet Family Plan is one of the cheapest comprehensive combos: $35-50/mo for catastrophic coverage + $10/mo for unlimited routine = total under $60/mo for nearly complete pet care.
Healthy Paws vs RexVet
Frequently asked questions
Is Healthy Paws better than Trupanion?
Different strengths. Healthy Paws is generally less expensive with annual deductibles; Trupanion uses per-condition deductibles and pays vets directly. Both have unlimited payout caps. For most pet parents, Healthy Paws is the lower-premium option.
Does Healthy Paws cover dental?
Only dental work tied to an accident or covered illness (e.g. broken tooth from injury). Routine dental cleanings and most periodontal disease are NOT covered.
How does RexVet help if I have Healthy Paws?
Routine consultations ($50-250 each in-person) aren't covered by Healthy Paws. A RexVet Family Plan ($120/yr) provides unlimited routine consultations — filling that gap.
Can I get Healthy Paws for a senior pet?
Healthy Paws doesn't enroll pets over 14 years old. For senior pets, look at providers without age limits — or pair Care Credit financing with a RexVet Family Plan for routine support.
Does Healthy Paws cover hereditary conditions?
Yes — if no symptoms were present before enrollment. This is a stronger position than some competitors. But it means enrolling young is important.
Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Pricing ranges sourced from Healthy Paws's public materials and industry references (Pawlicy Advisor, NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor). Actual rates vary by zip code, pet age, and breed — always get a personal quote from the insurer before deciding. This page is editorial commentary, not insurance advice.