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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
- The insurance advice, products, and links below are intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is licensed as an insurance producer.Insurance advice, products, and links contained in this article are currently intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is currently licensed as an insurance producer. As we expand our licensing to other states we will update our websites and links. If you are located in a state in which we are not currently licensed, but would like to learn more about pet insurance products available in your state, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state. The information provided below is offered for educational and informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding particular plans, you should reach out to your insurance company for more information.
Pet insurance is a valuable tool that can provide financial assistance in times of unexpected accidents or illnesses for your pets. However, it’s important to understand what pet insurance covers and what it doesn’t. One common question pet parents often have is whether pet insurance covers vaccinations.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of pet insurance in relation to vaccinations, including what is typically covered, the costs associated with routine vaccinations, which pet insurance providers offer coverage, and which vaccinations are necessary for cats and dogs.
How Does Vaccine Coverage for Pets Work?
Understanding how vaccine coverage for pets works is essential in navigating the ins and outs of pet insurance. Generally, standard pet insurance policies do not cover routine vaccinations. These policies are structured to address unexpected accidents, illnesses, and emergencies.
However, if you decide to invest in an add-on wellness plan, it can extend coverage to include routine vaccinations.
Shots for treating an accident or illness
A standard pet insurance policy—an accident and illness plan—primarily focuses on covering the costs associated with unexpected accidents and illnesses. This means that when your pet faces an injury, illness, or health condition, your pet insurance policy is designed to help manage the coverage of any needed medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and emergency care.
For example, if your dog breaks a leg, pet insurance can help cover the expenses related to surgery, follow-up treatments, and medication. Similarly, if your cat develops a serious illness such as diabetes, pet insurance can assist in covering the costs of ongoing treatment, including regular vet visits, diagnostic tests, and medications. If any shots are needed to treat an accident or illness, they would be covered under a standard accident and illness plan.
However, a standard plan typically does not include coverage for preventative care, including routine vaccinations. For coverage for annual vaccinations, pet parents will need to look into a wellness plan add-on.
How add-on wellness plans cover vaccinations
While routine vaccinations are not typically covered by standard pet insurance policies, some providers offer add-on wellness plans that include coverage for preventive care, including vaccinations. These wellness plans are designed to help pet owners manage the cost of preventative care, such as routine vet visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other services.
If you choose to add a wellness plan to your pet insurance policy, it may cover a certain amount of the cost of vaccinations and other preventive care expenses. The coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan you choose.
Below is a high-level overview of several pet insurance providers, the monthly cost of their wellness plan, and how much reimbursement for vaccination costs they offer with that plan. Keep in mind, this does not account for deductible or premium costs of a standard plan, or other reimbursement coverage you would receive with a wellness plan.
Pet Insurance Provider | Wellness Plan Cost | Vaccine Coverage |
Spot | Gold Plan: $10 / month
Platinum Plan: $25 / month |
Gold:
Platinum:
|
Fetch | Essentials Plan: $10 / month
Advantage Plan: $20 / month Prime Plan: $30 / month |
Essentials:
Advantage: Everything above, but at $20 coverage per shot Prime: Everything above, but at $25 per shot |
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program | Basic Plan: $9.95 / month
Prime Plan: $24.95 / month |
Basic:
Prime:
|
Pets Best | EssentialWellness Plan: $14 / month
BestWellness Plan: $26 / month |
EssentialWellness:
BestWellness:
|
Prudent Pet | Low: $7.95 / month
Medium: $13.95 / month High: $19.95 / month |
Low:
Medium:
High:
|
Pumpkin | If you’ve got a pet between the ages of 8 weeks and 5 months and receive their vaccinations before you sign up for a wellness plan, Pumpkin will refund you the full amount of four vaccinations. | |
Figo | Basic Plan: $9.95 / month
Plus Plan: $16.50 / month |
Basic: $30 general vaccine reimbursement
Plus: $50 general vaccine reimbursement |
Lemonade | Preventative Care:
Preventative Care+: Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care: |
Preventative Care: Up to $75 reimbursement for 3 vaccines
Preventative Care: Same as above Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care: Up to $150 reimbursement for 6 vaccines |
Routine Vaccinations for Cats and Dogs
Routine vaccinations are an important part of maintaining your pet’s health and preventing a range of potentially harmful diseases. These vaccinations are typically administered during annual or biannual wellness visits to your veterinarian.
For dogs, common vaccinations include:
-
- Rabies: Required by law in most states. The first shot is typically given at 16 weeks old with a booster before 1 year old. Follow-up shots may be administered every one to three years, depending on the laws in your state.
- Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (known as DAPP): The first of these is usually administered when your puppy is between 6 and 8 weeks old, with boosters at three-week intervals until 16 weeks old.
- Bordetella: Required by many kennels and boarding services. Can be administered to dogs as young as 3 weeks old, with a booster three to four weeks later. Future doses may be given every six months to a year.
- Influenza: This shot helps prevent dog flu and requires two doses, followed by annual booster shots.
- Lyme disease: Highly recommended, particularly if your dog spends a lot of time outside and is exposed to ticks. Two shots kick off this vaccine, which is followed by a yearly booster shot.
For cats, vaccinations may include those for:
-
- Feline leukemia (FeLV): Feline Leukemia Virus is the leading cause of virus-associated death in cats, and nearly half of those diagnosed will pass from the disease within two and a half years. Although not considered a core vaccine for cats older than one year, it’s a core vaccine for all cats younger.
- Rabies: This is also required by law in most states. The first shot is typically given at 16 weeks, with a booster around their first birthday. Depending on your state, they can then be given every one to three years after that.
- Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP): This shot is a combination of the three core vaccines cats need. The first vaccination is usually administered when your cat is between 6 and 8 weeks old, with a booster every three to four weeks until they’re 16 weeks. Those are followed up with a booster every three years.
How much do routine vaccinations cost?
The cost of routine vaccinations for cats and dogs can vary based on several factors, including the type of vaccine, your location, and the specific veterinary clinic you visit. According to Dr. Ivana Crnec—veterinarian with Veterinarians.org—you can typically expect to pay between $100 and $300 for dogs in their first year, and $80-$200 annually after that.
For cats, the average falls slightly lower. In the first year, you can often expect to pay between $100 and $200 and $80-$150 annually after that.
Some clinics may offer packages that include multiple vaccinations at a reduced price.
Are Wellness Plans Worth It?
The decision of whether to invest in a wellness plan alongside your pet insurance policy depends on your circumstances and your pet’s healthcare needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Number of pets: If you have multiple pets, the cost of routine vaccinations and preventive care can add up. A wellness plan that covers vaccinations for all your pets can potentially help you save.
Coverage details: Carefully examine the coverage details of the wellness plan. Some plans may have limits on coverage, specific waiting periods, and restrictions on certain services. Ensure that the plan aligns with your pet’s needs.
Pet age and breed: The age and breed of your pet can impact their healthcare requirements. Young pets may need more vaccinations, while older pets may require more dental care. Consider your pet’s unique needs when evaluating the value of a wellness plan.
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581. A Delaware insurance company located in Scottsdale, AZ), and produced by PTZ Insurance Agency, Ltd. (NPN: 5328528). The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.