Healthy Paws vs Lemonade: dog insurance compared
Plan features side by side, estimated prices for the same dog, and who each plan suits. Healthy Paws and Lemonade are listed alphabetically; neither pays us to rank it.
- $54/mo est.Healthy Paws, estimated monthly
- $45/mo est.Lemonade, estimated monthly
- 17%Lower estimate: Lemonade
Estimates are for the median breed on BreedSure, 2 years old, national average, 80% reimbursement and a $250 deductible. They are BreedSure model estimates, not quotes.
Side by side
| Feature | Healthy Paws | Lemonade |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated monthly | $54/mo est. | $45/mo est. (advantage) |
| Reimbursement | 70% / 80% / 90% | 70% / 80% / 90% |
| Deductibles | $100 to $1,000 | $100 / $250 / $500 / $750 |
| Annual limit | $5,000, $7,000 or unlimited | $5,000 to $100,000 |
| Waiting, accidents | 15 days | 2 days (advantage) |
| Waiting, illness | 15 days | 14 days (advantage) |
| Hereditary conditions | Covered | Covered |
| Exam fees | Add-on or excluded | Add-on or excluded |
| Wellness add-on | Not offered | Available |
| Underwriter | Chubb | Lemonade Insurance Company |
Highlighted cells mark a measurable advantage (lower estimate, shorter wait, exam fees included). Plan facts as published by each insurer; the policy documents always control.
Reimbursement. The share of an eligible vet bill the insurer pays back after your deductible. At 80%, a $1,000 covered bill returns $800. More in the glossaryDeductible. What you pay yourself before the insurer starts paying. Most reset every policy year; some insurers charge it once per condition. More in the glossaryAnnual limit. The most the policy pays in one policy year. "Unlimited" means there is no yearly cap. More in the glossaryWaiting period. How long after the policy starts before accidents, and then illnesses, are covered. Anything that begins during the wait is excluded. More in the glossaryHereditary and congenital. Conditions a dog inherits or is born with, like hip dysplasia. Covered only if they were not diagnosed or showing signs before you enrolled. More in the glossaryExam fees. The vet's charge for the visit itself, usually $50 to $150, separate from tests and treatment. Some insurers include it; others sell it as an add-on. More in the glossaryWellness add-on. An optional extra that pays for routine care such as vaccines, check-ups and dental cleanings, which accident-and-illness plans do not cover. More in the glossaryUnderwriter. The licensed insurance company that carries the risk and pays claims. It can differ from the brand you buy from. More in the glossaryWhich one suits you
Healthy Paws may suit you if…
- you want the option of an unlimited annual limit
Also worth knowing: One accident and illness plan. Exam fees are not covered.
Lemonade may suit you if…
- you want the lower estimated premium (about $45 vs $54 a month in our model)
- you want illness coverage to start sooner (14 vs 15 days)
- you want accident coverage to start sooner (2 vs 15 days)
- you want to add a wellness plan for routine care
Also worth knowing: Fast, app-based claims. Exam fees and wellness are add-ons.
Estimated price by breed
| Breed | Healthy Paws | Lemonade |
|---|---|---|
 French Bulldog | $75/mo est. | $63/mo est. |
 Labrador Retriever | $57/mo est. | $48/mo est. |
 Golden Retriever | $64/mo est. | $53/mo est. |
 German Shepherd | $66/mo est. | $55/mo est. |
 Poodle | $50/mo est. | $41/mo est. |
 Bulldog | $83/mo est. | $69/mo est. |
 Rottweiler | $70/mo est. | $59/mo est. |
 Beagle | $46/mo est. | $39/mo est. |
 Dachshund | $51/mo est. | $42/mo est. |
 German Shorthaired Pointer | $53/mo est. | $44/mo est. |
 Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $52/mo est. | $43/mo est. |
 Australian Shepherd | $48/mo est. | $40/mo est. |
See every breed for all 8 insurers, by state.
Healthy Paws vs Lemonade: common questions
Is Healthy Paws cheaper than Lemonade?
In our model, Lemonade's estimate is about 17% lower for the same dog ($45 vs $54 a month for a typical breed). Real prices depend on your dog's breed, age and ZIP code, so get a quote from both.
Which has the shorter waiting period?
Lemonade: 14 days for illness, versus 15 days. For accidents, Healthy Paws waits 15 days and Lemonade 2. How waiting periods work.
Do both cover hereditary conditions?
Yes. Both cover hereditary and congenital conditions, as long as they are not pre-existing. What counts as pre-existing.