Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations

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It is said that prevention is the best medicine. This advice for humans is also true for pet health. When you get your pet vaccinated, you're helping protect them against conditions that could cause illness or death.

Depending on where you live in the U.S., some pet vaccinations aren't optional. Most states require rabies vaccination for dogs and cats - and nearly half mandate this shot for pet ferrets. In many cities and counties, you need proof of certain vaccinations to obtain a pet license, which is also often required.

Pet vaccinations are important, but they can be costly. One way to save is with pet insurance that covers vaccinations, which is often provided by an add-on preventive plan or wellness rider. You can also buy a stand-alone pet wellness plan that covers preventive care such as vaccinations, physicals, and heartworm prevention.

Why doesn't pet insurance typically cover vaccines?

Standard pet insurance plans consider vaccinations to be preventive care. This is why vaccinations are typically excluded from pet insurance policies.

Most pet insurance companies offer two types of health plans:

• Comprehensive: These plans cover accidents and illnesses, including chronic conditions and infections.

• Accident only: These plans offer more limited coverage, which typically includes emergency care and injuries.

These pet insurance plans can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses if your animal gets sick, but they don't cover preventive care that's needed to keep your pet healthy - such as vaccinations and checkups to catch medical issues early. To include that coverage with your pet insurance, you will need to add a rider known as a wellness plan or a preventive care plan.

Do wellness plans or riders cover vaccinations?

Yes, most wellness plans cover vaccinations. But not all of the ones your pet needs may be included. A stand-alone pet wellness plan or an add-on to your standard pet insurance policy is intended to cover some or all of your preventive care costs.

Your benefits with a wellness plan may include coverage for:

• Dental care, specifically teeth cleaning (usually with plans that have higher premiums)

• Deworming

• Flea treatment

• Heartworm prevention

• Microchipping

• Nail trims

• Physicals

• Spay or neuter (usually with plans that have higher premiums)

• Tests, including behavioral, blood tests, and X-rays

• Vaccinations

How can you get your pet's vaccines covered?

You can get your pet's vaccines covered by purchasing a wellness plan - either as stand-alone coverage or as a rider to your standard pet insurance policy. Your premium, or what you pay per month for the plan, depends on several factors. These include:

• Pet breed

• Pet age

• Pet gender

• Pet size

• Where you live

• Preexisting conditions if they are curable and free of symptoms that have not recurred in a certain time period

A pet wellness plan typically includes vaccinations, but the coverage can be limited to specific ones, a certain number of shots, and/or a dollar amount. Though standard insurance typically has a deductible and sometimes charges copays, wellness plans usually don't have either. You may be required to get reimbursed for what you are charged by the veterinarian. You can typically use any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. and sometimes also in Canada.

Dog wellness plans that cover vaccinations

Here's a sample of estimated premiums you can expect to pay for a wellness plan that covers vaccinations for a 3-year-old medium-size, mixed-breed male dog with no preexisting conditions living in Austin, Texas.

Cat wellness plans that cover vaccinations

Here's a sample of estimated premiums you can expect to pay for a wellness plan that covers vaccinations for a 2-year-old medium-size, mixed-breed female cat with no preexisting conditions living in Denver.

How much do pet vaccines typically cost out of pocket?

You can expect to pay $50 or less for each pet vaccine. The vaccinations your pet will need depend on their breed, environment, and health. Age is also a key factor because puppies and kittens need the most protection while their immune systems strengthen. For instance, rabies is a core vaccine for both dogs and cats; it's needed annually or every 3 years. Other vaccines may be needed every year or require boosters.

A vaccination visit usually includes an exam cost as well as charges for the vaccines.

According to CareCredit, an annual exam and vaccination for a dog can cost $210 to $265, while a cat's annual vaccinations can cost up to $160.

The chart below shows some vaccination prices with office visit costs from veterinary clinics in cities across the U.S. at the time of publication. You may be able to save by bundling vaccines or buying advance-payment packages. Your pet may need these and additional vaccines.

Where can I find low-cost and free pet vaccines?

There are many ways to access free and low-cost pet vaccinations. Here are some options:

• Government animal shelters: Municipal animal service agencies typically offer affordable pet care options, including vaccinations.

• Nonprofit animal groups: Advocacy groups such as the Animal Health Foundation and The Humane Society can help you find free and low-cost vaccinations near you - or provide financial assistance. Sometimes these organizations have pop-up events in different areas that can make accessing care easier for pet parents.

• Veterinary medical colleges: Many vet schools run low-cost clinics for pet owners with limited resources. You can find a list of U.S. vet schools and their contact information on the American Veterinary Medical Association's website.

• Low-cost clinics: Some veterinary practices - such as this clinic in Las Vegas - have a low-cost business model and offer low-cost vaccinations.

• Charity care: Local veterinarians may offer low-cost or cash pay clinics that provide discounted vaccinations. They also may provide vaccinations as charity care services sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

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