Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations?
This guide explains how vaccine coverage works, how to file a claim, and how to determine if vaccine coverage is worth the cost.
Pet Insurance and Vaccinations
There are two main types of pet insurance plans:
- Accident and illness plans: These cover unexpected health problems, like broken bones, infections, and chronic conditions, as well as surgeries and many prescription medications.
- Wellness plans or preventive care add-ons: These cover routine maintenance, including vaccines, spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. Wellness plans are often available as add-ons to standard pet insurance and usually require an additional fee.
While wellness plans can help offset the cost of vaccines, coverage varies, including what’s covered, reimbursement limits, and the frequency of services allowed. Not all pet insurance providers offer wellness plans.
How Vaccine Coverage for Pets Works
Vaccine coverage depends on your insurer and the wellness plan you choose. Many plans cover common core vaccines, while non-core vaccines, like those for Lyme disease or Bordetella, might not be covered. Some plans may limit the number of shots or boosters covered per year.
Core vaccines are essential for every dog and cat, protecting them against widespread, serious diseases that pose a risk to both pets and humans. Non-core vaccines are optional and depend on your location and your pet’s risk. It’s best to talk to your vet to determine which non-core vaccines your pet needs.
Core vaccines for cats include rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. Core canine vaccines include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies. Note that the rabies vaccination is legally required in many states and for international travel.
Vaccine Coverage from Popular Insurance Companies
Several major pet insurance companies offer wellness plans that include vaccine coverage. Here’s a look at how a few of them handle this coverage:
- Lemonade: Offers preventive plans from $15 per month, covering up to three vaccines. Its puppy/kitten package covers up to six vaccines.
- ASPCA: Preventive plans, from $9.95 per month, are available for cats, dogs, and horses. Core vaccines are included in some packages, but coverage amounts may be limited.
- Embrace Pet Insurance: Plans are available for specific pets (cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens) and their ages. Flexible reimbursement is offered, allowing pet owners to adjust the repayment level according to their budget. Wellness plans have annual benefit levels of $250, $450, and $650.
- Hartville Pet Insurance: Preventive plans are add-ons with annual benefits for wellness care of up to $450 per year on the Prime Preventive Care plan. Core vaccines are covered, with a cost refund limited to $20 or $25, depending on the plan.
- ManyPets: Offers a single wellness plan with an annual benefit of $600, with $150 allocated to vaccines. It provides straightforward options to avoid decision fatigue.
- Nationwide: Offers coverage for cats, dogs, and exotic pets. The Basic Wellness Level 1 rider benefit qualifies for reimbursement of $80 a year for vaccines.
It’s important to compare the specifics of each company’s wellness plans carefully to choose the best fit for your pet’s needs; remember that vaccine costs typically range from $15 to $100 per dose.
When Vaccine Coverage Is Worth It
While you can use a savings account to cover pet vaccinations, a wellness plan can offer real financial relief. Determining whether to add vaccine coverage to your pet insurance policy depends on several factors:
- Budget: Vaccines prevent potentially life-threatening diseases. If your funds fluctuate and you risk skipping those necessary shots, a wellness plan can help stay on track.
- Care expectations: If you expect regular vet visits, a wellness plan may be smart for routine expenses.
- High-cost areas: Wellness plans can help manage costs in areas with expensive veterinary care.
- Insurance plan: Coverage varies from one insurer to the next. Some have limited care, while others offer flexible add-ons tailored to your needs.
- Older pets: Older pets typically require fewer vaccines, and the cost of the wellness plan may outweigh the benefits.
- Puppies and kittens: Young pets need multiple vaccinations during their first year. A wellness plan can offset these expenses.
How to File a Claim for Pet Vaccinations
Once you’ve selected a wellness plan or preventive care add-on, you’ll usually pay for services out-of-pocket at the time of the visit. You can then submit a claim to your pet insurance provider to be reimbursed based on the terms of your wellness plan.
Filing a claim for pet vaccinations is typically straightforward with these steps:
- Keep your receipts: Ask for a detailed receipt from your vet.
- Submit the claim: Submit it online, via a mobile app, or by mail, including the receipt and any other required documentation.
- Wait for reimbursement: Reimbursement usually arrives within a few days to a few weeks, based on your plan’s terms. Some insurers have a waiting period.
The Bottom Line
Vaccinations are essential for keeping your pet healthy. Standard accident and illness plans typically don’t cover these services. A wellness plan can help offset these costs.
By understanding how pet insurance and wellness add-ons work for vaccines, you can make the best decision for you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pets need vaccinations?
Vaccines protect pets from various viral and bacterial infections and diseases. Some of these illnesses, like rabies, can be fatal or harm humans and other pets. Vaccinating your pet helps build immunity to these common illnesses and can help them live longer.
Are dog vaccines required?
Sometimes yes. State laws often require vaccinations against specific illnesses. Boarding companies, daycares, and training facilities often require proof of vaccination.
How do I save on the cost of dog vaccinations?
You can save on the cost of dog vaccinations by adding a wellness or preventive care add-on to your pet insurance. These cover the cost of vaccines and other routine services like dental hygiene and spaying/neutering.
What vaccines does my pet need?
Your veterinarian can guide you on the vaccines necessary, considering their health needs and local disease threats.
