Fetch (formerly Fetch by The Dodo) and Healthy Paws are both popular accident-and-illness providers, but they differ on what’s covered automatically. Fetch stands out for including vet exam fees and behavioral therapy at no extra cost, while Healthy Paws focuses on unlimited payouts with a simpler base plan. If you’re comparing options from our best dog insurance or best cat insurance guides, here’s how these two compare.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Fetch | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement rate | Up to 90% | Choice of 50%–90% |
| Annual limit | $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 | Unlimited |
| Deductible | $250–$700 | Customizable annual deductible |
| Exam fee coverage | Included on sick visits, no extra cost | Not covered |
| Behavioral therapy | Up to $1,000/year included | Not covered |
| Boarding fee coverage | Up to $1,000/year if hospitalized | Not offered |
| Starting price (sample) | ~$35/mo (dogs), ~$20/mo (cats) | ~$30/mo |
Sample prices vary by pet’s age, breed, location, and the plan/deductible combination you choose.
How We Compared These Plans
This comparison is based on the publicly available plan documents, sample rates, and coverage details published by Fetch and Healthy Paws, with attention to exam fee coverage, behavioral and boarding benefits, annual limit structure, and starting costs.
Where Fetch Wins
Exam fees included. Fetch covers the vet exam fee for sick visits at no extra charge — a cost ($50–$250 per visit) that most providers, including Healthy Paws, exclude entirely.
Behavioral therapy and boarding coverage. Fetch includes up to $1,000/year for behavioral therapy and up to $1,000/year for boarding fees if your pet is hospitalized — both unusual inclusions among mainstream providers.
Optional wellness add-on. Fetch Wellness adds reimbursement for routine exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. See our wellness plans guide for how it compares to other add-ons.
Where Healthy Paws Wins
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts. Fetch caps out at $15,000 per year, while Healthy Paws has no ceiling at all. For pets that may need years of treatment for a chronic condition, this can matter more than exam fee coverage. See our unlimited coverage guide.
Simplicity. One plan design with fewer moving parts, plus a fast claims process via its mobile app.
Coverage and Exclusions
Both providers exclude pre-existing conditions and apply standard waiting periods. If your pet has an existing condition, see our guide to pre-existing condition coverage before enrolling with either provider.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Fetch if: you want exam fees covered automatically, value behavioral therapy or boarding fee coverage, or want the option to add wellness benefits.
- Choose Healthy Paws if: you want the highest possible payout ceiling (unlimited) and prefer a simpler, single-plan structure.
Claims Process and Customer Experience
When it comes to filing a claim, both providers aim to make the process simple, but they differ in approach. Fetch allows you to submit claims through its mobile app or online member portal, with most reimbursements processed within about two weeks. Healthy Paws is known for its fast turnaround, often reimbursing claims within just a few days thanks to its streamlined digital system. Both companies use email and text updates to keep pet owners informed about the status of their claims, which can reduce the stress that often comes with unexpected vet visits.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a plan with higher annual coverage limits and the flexibility to customize your deductible and reimbursement percentage, Fetch may be the better fit, especially for owners of larger breeds prone to costly conditions. On the other hand, if you want unlimited lifetime payouts and don’t mind a plan that focuses purely on accident and illness coverage without add-ons like wellness plans, Healthy Paws could be the simpler, more predictable choice. Ultimately, your decision should come down to how much you value extra perks versus straightforward, no-cap coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fetch really cover vet exam fees?
Yes — Fetch covers the cost of the exam fee on a covered sick visit at no additional charge, which is uncommon among major providers.
What’s Fetch’s annual limit compared to Healthy Paws?
Fetch’s highest annual limit option is $15,000. Healthy Paws has no annual limit at all — payouts are unlimited.
Does Healthy Paws cover behavioral therapy?
No, behavioral therapy isn’t part of Healthy Paws’ coverage. Fetch includes up to $1,000/year for behavioral therapy as standard.
Which is cheaper for a cat?
Sample rates put Fetch at around $20/month for cats; Healthy Paws’ starting price is comparable, though your actual quote depends on your cat’s age, breed, and location.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.