Enrolling in pet insurance with accident and illness coverage is a proactive step in preparing for the unexpected. A key part of being a responsible pet parent is keeping your pet healthy and doing what you can to prevent major health issues. Adding wellness coverage to your pet insurance plan can help keep your pet healthy from nose to tail in between surprise vet trips.
What Is a Pet Wellness Plan?
Unlike accident and illness pet insurance coverage, wellness plans cover preventative routine care such as annual exams, vaccines, and dental care. It isn’t for unforeseen life events, and in most cases, it isn’t a standalone plan.Typically, you must have a pet insurance plan to add this type of coverage.
Pet Insurance vs. Wellness Coverage
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the difference between pet insurance and pet wellness coverage. Be sure to review each insurer’s wellness plan(s) carefully. The extent of coverage can vary by insurer.
| Coverage | Pet Insurance | Pet Wellness |
| Accidents | ✓ | x |
| Illnesses | ✓ | x |
| Emergency Care | ✓ | x |
| Hospitalization | ✓ | x |
| Surgery | ✓ | x |
| Cancer | ✓ | x |
| X-Rays & Diagnostics | ✓ | x |
| Chronic Conditions | ✓ | x |
| Prescription Meds | ✓ | x |
| Hereditary Conditions | ✓ | x |
| Congenital Conditions | ✓ | x |
| Alternative Therapies | ✓ | x |
| Specialty Care | ✓ | x |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | x | ✓ |
| Preventative Care | x | ✓ |
| Wellness Exams | x | ✓ |
| Vaccinations | x | ✓ |
| Blood Tests | x | ✓ |
| Urine Tests | x | ✓ |
| Fecal Tests | x | ✓ |
| Heartworm Tests | x | ✓ |
| Deworming | x | ✓ |
| Microchip | x | ✓ |
| Behavioral Exam | x | ✓ |
| Health Certificate | x* | ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | x | ✓ |
*While standard accident and illness pet insurance usually excludes preventative care, some insurers may occasionally cover dental issues, like gingivitis, as part of their illness coverage. However, for reimbursement for a routine dental cleaning, you generally need a wellness plan.
Who Should Consider One
Pairing pet insurance with wellness coverage is a worthwhile consideration for any pet parent. Those who want to stay ahead of their pet’s health needs with predictable, routine care might find it especially worth the investment.
A wellness plan can help pet parents cover vaccinations, microchipping, and early vet visits for puppies and kittens. For adult pets, it ensures consistent checkups and preventative treatments that can catch issues early.
Even senior pets benefit from routine care. Services like dental cleanings and lab work can help detect age-related conditions before they become serious. If you value proactive care and want to avoid surprise vet bills, a wellness plan may be a smart choice.
For pet parents who spend around $400 or more on routine care per year for their dogs or cats, a wellness plan could help you save money. All the routine and preventative care services you usually pay for out-of-pocket are in a bundle of one plan and price.
Why Prevention Matters
Preventative care is the first line of defense against illness, injury, and long-term health problems. Catching issues early can lead to simpler, more effective treatment and less pain for your pet.
Routine services and check-ups can also prevent more costly emergency visits. Think of it like regular maintenance for a car: small investments now can prevent major repairs later. When it comes to your pet’s health, prevention is both compassionate and cost-effective.
Common Preventative Services
- Vaccinations
- Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
- Dental Cleanings
- Spay/Neuter Services
Optional Add-Ons or Tiered Plans
Many insurers offer tiered wellness plans to fit different budgets and pet needs. Basic plans might only include annual exams and vaccines. Premium tiers, on the other hand, could cover dental cleanings, blood work, or spay/neuter procedures.
Best Pet Wellness Plans for Dogs
Dogs have a wide range of care needs that can vary based on breed, size, and age. The best wellness plans for dogs provide consistent coverage for common vet visits and preventative treatments.
Top Insurers for Dog Wellness Plans
Some of the top-rated wellness plan insurers for dogs include:
| Insurer | Annual Allowance Options | Coverage Highlights | Line Item Limits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Program | Up to $250 or $450 | Core vaccines, heartworm/fecal testing, dental cleaning, spay/neuter | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Comprehensive wellness coverage |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | $300, $500, $700 | Vaccines, flea/tick meds, spay/neuter, dental, microchipping | Not specified | Active dogs needing more coverage |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | $315, $520, $735 | Bordetella, influenza, prevention meds, dental | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Social or traveling dogs |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | 80% up to $265, $480, $650 | Vaccines, meds, dental w/ anesthesia, x-rays | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Tech-savvy pet parents |
| Figo Pet Insurance | $250 | Vaccines, meds, blood panel, spay/neuter/dental | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Budget-conscious owners |
| Pets Best Insurance | $305 or $535 | Vaccines, meds, exams, dental | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Comprehensive budget coverage |
Please note that these are generalized summaries of what each insurer covers in its wellness plan. Benefits and annual benefit amount limits may vary by state. Get a quote for a more detailed look at wellness coverage.
What to Look for in a Dog Wellness Plan
Choose a plan that covers preventative essentials like vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and wellness exams. Regular dental cleanings and heartworm tests are also helpful for early detection of common dog health issues.
Breed or Age Considerations
Larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers commonly develop hip dysplasia and may benefit from more comprehensive coverage. Puppies require frequent visits for vaccines and exams, whereas seniors might need blood work and arthritis monitoring. We recommend choosing a plan that can adapt to your dog’s needs over time.
Best Pet Wellness Plans for Cats
Cats may seem low-maintenance, but routine care is just as important for them. Most cats suffer in silence, and catching silent illnesses early can make all the difference. The best wellness plans for cats are ones that cover the essentials and encourage consistent vet visits.
Top Insurers for Cat Wellness Plans
Leading cat wellness plan insurers include:
| Insurer | Annual Allowance Options | Coverage Highlights | Line Item Limits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Program | Up to $250 or $450 | Core cat vaccines (FVRCP, rabies), FeLV and FIV testing, dental cleaning, spay/neuter | Not specified | Cat parents wanting clear, structured wellness coverage, including feline-specific tests |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | Up to $300, $500, or $700 | FVRCP, FeLV, rabies vaccines, flea/tick medication, dental cleanings, spay/neuter, microchipping | Not specified | Cat parents needing flexible, comprehensive coverage for indoor/outdoor cats |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | Up to $315, $520, or $735 | FVRCP and rabies vaccines, flea/tick/heartworm medications, dental cleanings, spay/neuter | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Cat parents seeking comprehensive wellness coverage and a convenient claims submission app |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | 80% up to $265, $480, $650 | FVRCP and rabies vaccines, flea/heartworm medication, dental cleaning with anesthesia, x-rays | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Tech-savvy cat parents wanting a basic dental benefit and digital ease |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | Up to $255, $580, or $780 | Vaccines (FVRCP, rabies), fecal tests, annual exams, dental cleaning, or spay/neuter | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Cat parents wanting a straightforward plan focused on essential care |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Up to $250 | Core feline vaccines, flea/tick medications, bloodwork, spay/neuter, or dental cleanings | Yes, see the Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits section | Budget-conscious cat parents who want dental coverage included for occasional cleanings |
Please note that these are generalized summaries of what each insurer covers in its wellness plan. Benefits and annual benefit amount limits may vary by state. Get a quote for a more detailed look at wellness coverage.
What to Look for in a Cat Wellness Plan
Choose a plan that covers preventative essentials like vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and wellness exams. Dental cleanings and urine/fecal tests are also helpful for early detection of common cat health issues.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cat Considerations
Consider your cat’s lifestyle when comparing plans. Outdoor cats are more exposed to parasites and infectious diseases. A wellness plan with comprehensive vaccine and parasite control should be a priority for your little explorer.
If your cat is more of a homebody, don’t count them out. Indoor cats still benefit from routine exams and preventative care, but maybe not as much coverage.
Insurer-Specific Line Item Limits
Below details any specific line item limits that the insurers listed above may have for their wellness coverage add-ons. Keep in mind that these specifics may vary depending on your pet, where you live, and what plan you choose.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Program: Optional Preventive Care
| Basic (Up to $250/yr) | Prime (Up to $450/yr) |
|---|---|
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Fetch Pet Insurance: Fetch Wellness
| Essentials (Up to $315/yr) | Advantage (Up to $520/yr) | Prime (Up to $735/yr) |
|---|---|---|
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Figo Pet Insurance: Wellness - Plus
| Wellness - Plus (Up to $250/yr) |
|---|
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Lemonade Pet Insurance: Routine Vet Care
Lemonade operates its wellness add-on plan on individual sub-limits for each specific line item. Below are examples pulled from quotes in Washington state. Exact dollar amounts can vary based on your location and your pet’s age, but this table can give you an idea of coverage.
| Routine Vet Care (80% up to $265/yr) | Routine Vet Care Plus (80% up to $480/yr) | Puppy/Kitten Routine Vet Care (80% up to $650/yr) |
|---|---|---|
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Pets Best Insurance: Pet Wellness Plans
Below are examples pulled from quotes in Washington state. Exact dollar amounts can vary based on your location and your pet’s age, but this table can give you an idea of coverage.
| EssentialWellness (Up to $305/yr) | BestWellness (Up to $535/yr) |
|---|---|
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Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Cat Wellness Plans
This section is for Pumpkin’s cat wellness plans only. Please see the table below for details about Pumpkin’s dog wellness plans.
| Essential (Up to $255/yr) | Premium (Up to $580/yr) | Elite (Up to $780/yr) |
|---|---|---|
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Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Dog Wellness Plans
This section is for Pumpkin’s dog wellness plans only. Please see the table above for details about Pumpkin’s cat wellness plans.
| Essential (Up to $315/yr) | Premium (Up to $715/yr) | Elite (Up to $995/yr) |
|---|---|---|
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What Are the Best Pet Wellness Plans for Routine Care?
The best plans for routine care are those that offer:
- Comprehensive coverage of exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention
- Access to a wide network of vets
- Simple and straightforward claims process
- Clear reimbursement or allowances
Popular insurers with wellness plans include Embrace, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Program, and Spot—all of which offer solid routine care options for both cats and dogs.
Comparing Insurers and Plan Types
If you’re looking for pet insurance with wellness coverage, make sure to look into:
- Monthly cost vs. annual value for wellness coverage
- What preventative and routine services are included
- Line item limits, such as the maximum benefit amount per service or treatment
- Flexibility in choosing vets
- Ease of submitting claims or using benefits
Customizing Based on Your Pet’s Needs
No two pets are alike, so your plan shouldn’t be either. A high-energy puppy may need more frequent checkups, while a senior cat may benefit from blood work and arthritis support.
Choose a plan with multiple tiers that can grow and adapt as your pet ages or develops health conditions. If you’re unsure about the extent of coverage your pet needs, you can always ask your vet about which routine services are most important for your pet based on their age and breed.
Is a Pet Wellness Plan Right for You?
Pet wellness plans encourage consistent care, help you catch health issues early, and can lead to long-term savings. Whether you’re caring for a playful pup, a senior cat, or anything in between, a wellness plan offers additional peace of mind and can help keep your pet healthier in the long run.
Pet Wellness Plans FAQs
Can I use a wellness plan without insurance?
Most insurers require you to have a pet insurance policy to add wellness coverage. Wagmo Pet Insurance is an exception to this, though, as they offer a standalone wellness plan that can be purchased without enrolling in a pet insurance plan.
Do pet wellness plans have an annual deductible?
No. Most insurers typically do not have a deductible for your wellness coverage with them.
Are there plans for senior pets?
Some wellness plans may include services that are helpful for older pets, like routine blood work or wellness exams. It's important to review what’s included and make sure it matches your senior pet’s needs.
What if I cancel a pet wellness plan early?
Most plans allow cancellation, but you may owe for services already used or be charged a small fee. Always check the insurer’s cancellation policy before deciding to enroll or unenroll.
Do pet wellness plans have waiting periods?
Usually, you can use your pet’s wellness plan immediately. It depends on the pet insurance company; typically, there are no waiting periods, deductibles, or co-payments. You can use your wellness benefits to cover eligible expenses after enrollment.
Do pet wellness plans cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pet wellness plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. They exist only to cover routine and preventative care.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
