Nationwide and Healthy Paws sit at opposite ends of the product spectrum. Nationwide is the only major insurer that covers a huge range of species — dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and more — through several plan tiers, while Healthy Paws offers a single, simple accident-and-illness plan with unlimited payouts for dogs and cats only. If you’re choosing between our best dog insurance or best cat insurance picks, here’s how these two compare head-to-head.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Healthy Paws |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement rate | 50%–70% (Whole Pet) or up to 80% (Modular) | Choice of 50%–90% |
| Annual limit | $10,000 (Whole Pet) or $2,500–$10,000 (Modular) | Unlimited |
| Deductible | $250 standard (as low as $100 on some plans) | Customizable annual deductible |
| Exotic pet coverage | Yes — birds, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, and more | No — dogs and cats only |
| Wellness add-on | Yes, Whole Pet with Wellness (incl. dental cleanings) | Not offered |
| Exam fee coverage | Not on base plan | Not covered |
| Starting price (sample dog) | ~$45.96/mo | ~$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 Nationwide and Healthy Paws, with attention to reimbursement structure, annual limits, species eligibility, and add-on options.
Where Nationwide Wins
Coverage for exotic pets. Nationwide is the only major insurer offering an Avian and Exotic Pet plan, covering birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, and more. If you own anything other than a dog or cat, see our guide to insuring birds and small pets.
Plan flexibility. Nationwide offers multiple tiers — Whole Pet (comprehensive, 90% of vet bill structure on illness/accidents up to your reimbursement %), Whole Pet with Wellness (adds routine care and dental cleanings — see our wellness plans guide), and Major Medical (a lower-cost benefit-schedule option).
24/7 vet helpline and any-vet access. You can see any licensed vet, including specialists and emergency clinics, with access to a 24-hour helpline included on every plan.
Where Healthy Paws Wins
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts. Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan caps at $10,000 per year, while Healthy Paws has no payout ceiling at all — a significant advantage for pets with costly chronic conditions. See our guide to unlimited coverage for more on why this matters.
Lower price at first sight. In cases where exotic coverage won’t play a role, Healthy Paws comes out as cheaper at first sight.
Simplicity. One design plan, less choice, and quick processing of your claim (two days through the mobile app).
Coverage and Exclusion
Neither company covers pre-existing conditions nor has any waiting period prior to coverage for sickness. The only distinguishing factor here is that one company offers the widest range of animals covered and plans (Nationwide), while the other boasts the highest coverage limit and best plan design (Healthy Paws). Furthermore, if you have no experience with animal insurance, read our pet insurance beginners guide below.
Who Should Pick What?
Pick Nationwide if: you have an exotic animal, want to have a wellness add-on plan including dental care, or enjoy having multiple choices for plans.
Pick Healthy Paws if: you want maximum payout ceiling for your dog or cat, single plan, and speedy claims process.
Claims Process and Customer Experience
The claim procedure at Nationwide is done through their website or mobile app, and since it has been one of the oldest companies providing pet insurance, they have efficient ways of serving their customers via phone calls. Healthy Paws ensures an easy-to-follow process whereby customers can file their claims in an online manner, which is known to be efficient due to quick reimbursements, sometimes even within days. No need to worry about finding vets from their network, since both companies allow you to see any licensed vet.
Which One Should You Choose?
Nationwide’s biggest advantage is its Whole Pet plan, which combines accident, illness, and wellness coverage in one policy and extends to exotic pets — a rare feature in the industry. Healthy Paws focuses exclusively on accident and illness coverage with no annual or lifetime payout caps, making it a strong option for owners most concerned about catastrophic, high-cost conditions later in life. If you want an all-in-one plan with wellness and exotic pet options, Nationwide is more versatile. If unlimited lifetime coverage for accidents and illnesses is your top priority, Healthy Paws is the more focused choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Healthy Paws insure my rabbit or bird?
No. Healthy Paws covers only dogs and cats. For exotic pets, Nationwide is currently the most comprehensive option among major insurers.
Does Nationwide have an annual payout cap?
Yes — its Whole Pet plan caps at $10,000 per year, and Modular plans top out at $10,000 as well. Healthy Paws has no annual cap.
Which plan is cheaper for a healthy young dog?
Sample rates suggest Healthy Paws often starts lower (~$30/month) than Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan (~$45.96/month), though Nationwide’s Major Medical option can be cheaper than both.
Does either plan cover dental cleanings?
Healthy Paws does not cover dental at all. Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness add-on includes reimbursement for dental cleanings.
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.