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Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations?
How Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations?Most pet insurance companies offer two types of standard plans, neither of which tend to cover vaccinations:
Although standard plans do not cover routine wellness care, such as annual vet visits, vaccinations, parasite prevention or dental cleanings, most providers offer an optional add-on that supplies wellness coverage. In other words, vaccination coverage is typically available as a policy add-on for an extra cost each month.
For example, Progressive offers three standard plans. The company's Essential Plan covers accidents and illnesses such as cancer, hereditary conditions and emergency care. The Plus Plan adds coverage for exam fees, and the Elite Plan also covers rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy. For an additional monthly fee, you can add routine care coverage to your base policy to help pay for your pet's wellness care, including vaccinations.
Pets may need other injections, such as medications to treat various health conditions. Whether your pet insurance policy covers extra shots depends on whether the condition falls within your plan.
For example, if you have an accident and illness plan and your pet develops a gastrointestinal (GI) illness, your plan may cover injectable medications. However, if your pet has had several bouts of GI illness, with some occurring before the purchase of your insurance plan, your provider may consider the condition as pre-existing and not cover related medications. If you have an accident-only plan, it won't cover medications for a GI illness.
How Does Vaccination Coverage for Pets Work?Pet vaccinations are crucial to dog and cat health because they provide protection from viral and bacterial diseases. Some vaccinations, including rabies and leptospirosis, can also protect your human family by preventing pets from becoming infected and transmitting the disease to you.
Most standard pet insurance policies don't cover vaccines because they are considered routine care, and pet insurance mainly provides coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses. While standard plans typically exclude vaccines, many companies offer optional pet wellness plans for policyholders seeking additional coverage. These add-ons generally cover routine and preventive care, including vaccinations, for an additional $10 to $20 per month.
If your pet spends time outdoors or gets boarded frequently, it should be vaccinated. Many grooming services also require vaccines. Check your local and state governments to see if other vaccines are required.
Pet insurance with a preventative care add-on typically covers vaccinations and routine visits for an additional $10-$20 per month.
Which Companies Cover Vaccinations?Standard pet insurance plans typically only cover accidents, illnesses or a combination. However, several providers offer vaccination coverage for an additional price. See our top recommendations below.
What Is The Annual Cost of Vaccinations?The cost of your pet's vaccinations will vary depending on the veterinary clinic and which vaccines your pet receives. Puppies and kittens are the most vulnerable to disease because their immune systems are not yet mature enough to mount an effective response and require a series of vaccines to protect their health. Consequently, pet owners generally spend the most — up to $300 — on vaccines during their pet's first year. After that, you might pay $95 to $300 per year based on our research, depending on your pet's lifestyle and local prices. Individual boosters cost the same amount for each treatment, though vets administer them at different frequencies.
Below is a breakdown of the typical annual cost of vaccines and boosters. Some vaccines are only required once, but others may require boosters to ensure your pet remains protected.
See what reimbursement our top recommended pet insurance providers offer for vaccines using the chart below.
Company Annual reimbursement Lemonade Up to 90% on up to six vaccines Spot $20–$25 ASPCA $20–$25 Embrace Up to 100% Figo $30–$50*Cost figures are averaged from multiple 2021 reports.
What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?Vaccines for dogs and cats fall into core and non-core categories. Core vaccines are those that every dog or cat should receive to protect against diseases that are particularly prevalent, severe or pose a human health risk. For example, rabies is a core vaccine because, although rabies is rare in the U.S., it is always fatal and humans can contract it.
Veterinarians recommend non-core vaccines based on a pet's lifestyle to protect against diseases it is likely to be exposed to.
Vaccines for DogsBelow are common veterinarian-recommended vaccines that dog insurance typically covers.
Cats lead a lifestyle that requires fewer vaccinations than dogs, but still require essential core vaccines for disease protection. See the most common vaccines vets recommend for cats below.
Pet insurance companies don't typically cover vaccines in standard accident and illness policies. However, you can receive additional coverage, including vaccine reimbursements, by purchasing a wellness add-on.
Lemonade Pet Insurance offers comprehensive pet insurance coverage at affordable prices. It's an excellent choice for puppy and kitten vaccines, as its Preventative+ package covers up to six vaccines annually. We also recommend Spot Pet Insurance, which provides a $25 reimbursement per vaccine in its Premium preventive plan. ASPCA Pet Insurance is a highly experienced pet insurance provider, and the company offers between $20 and $25 of coverage per vaccine.
We recommend looking for a well-rounded pet insurance policy with some vaccine coverage. Though it's beneficial to have vaccine coverage, a comprehensive accident and illness plan helps you avoid exam fees and other costly, unexpected veterinary care expenses.
We suggest requesting free quotes from at least three pet insurance providers to compare vaccine coverage. Use our tool below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vaccinations Should I get pet insurance before going to the vet?We recommend getting pet insurance before going to the vet, especially if you have a young pet that will require a lot of vaccines. Enrolling in a pet insurance policy can help you save money on future vet bills.
Is it illegal not to have pet insurance?Though it's sometimes illegal to have a pet without certain vaccines, no law requires you to have a pet insurance policy.
What does a deductible mean for pet insurance?Like other insurance policies, a deductible refers to the amount you need to satisfy before you can start getting reimbursed by your pet insurance provider. For example, if your pet insurance plan has a $100 deductible, you won't receive reimbursement until you've paid $100 toward your pet's care.
Does pet insurance cover kitten vaccines?Pet insurance may cover kitten vaccines if you purchase a policy that includes vaccine coverage. Although most standard plans do not include wellness care, most providers offer add-on packages that cover vaccines.
Additional Pet Insurance Resources Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Pet Insurance CompaniesWe review each pet insurance company based on factors most important to pet parents like you. To inform our reviews, we surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. Our process includes in-depth industry research about each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading reviews to assess customer service.
We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and divide the final score by 20 to calculate an overall rating out of 5.0 stars. Here are more details about the factors we consider when reviewing pet insurance providers:
We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies (April 2024)
The Best Pet Insurance CompaniesTo rate and rank the best pet insurance companies in the industry, we developed a rating methodology that considers factors such as monthly pricing, covered treatments, customer care, industry reputation and more. To accurately rate each provider, we gathered sample insurance quotes using various pet profiles, evaluated customer reviews through third-party aggregators, and surveyed 1,000 pet owners nationwide. We also consulted key members of the pet insurance industry, including licensed veterinarians.
Our expertise is backed by:
Key Takeaways:
When shopping for pet insurance, you may come across several companies that did not make our list of top providers. While we have reviewed and rated other companies like ManyPets, MetLife and Pawp Pet Insurance, we selected our list of the best providers based on the factors most important to you. Learn more about our review criteria and how we choose which companies are among the top insurers nationwide.
How We Ranked and Reviewed Pet Insurance CompaniesOur review of the best pet insurance companies is based on in-depth industry research that includes reading hundreds of customer reviews, manually obtaining over 1,150 quotes, speaking to representatives on the phone to assess the customer service experience, and surveying 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage.
We scored each provider on a 100-point scale based on those elements. We then divided this final score by 20 to calculate an overall star rating out of 5 stars. Here are more details about each factor and how it's weighted by our team:
We use this rating system to compare and contrast each company and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To rank the providers in this review, we examined our star ratings for 27 providers nationwide using our methodology. The highest-rated providers earned a spot on our list of top picks.
To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers.
How To Compare the Pet Insurance Companies and PlansUse this table to quickly compare the coverage and options offered by many of our top picks:
Here are some things you may want to look for when comparing pet insurance providers:
According to our analysis of over 1,150 quotes across 11 pet insurance providers, the average cost of pet insurance for dogs and cats is $66 and $32 per month, respectively. However, while we can estimate the average cost of pet insurance, the actual price you'll pay depends on several factors, including your pet's species, breed, age and location. The cost will also depend on the provider and plan you choose.
When choosing coverage for your pet, we recommend comparing plans from at least three providers before purchasing. Pet insurance is not one-size-fits-all, and many options exist so pet owners can tailor plans to their dog or cat's medical needs.
The table below compares the average policy costs for dogs and cats from the providers featured in this review.
Company Average Cost for Dogs Average Cost for Cats Lemonade $30 $16 ASPCA Pet Health Insurance $44 $18 Pets Best $59 $28 Embrace $73 $39 Figo $54 $25 Spot $75 $34 Fetch $90 $45 Trupanion $123 $53 Healthy Paws $54 $24 Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?Our team conducted an analysis in which we collected quotes for all our top providers for four pet types in all 50 states. According to this analysis, the average cost of pet insurance in the U.S. Is $49.16 monthly. However, dog insurance averages $66.40 per month, and cat insurance averages $31.93 per month.
With these costs in mind, pet insurance is worth it for most pet parents. After gathering quotes from 10 top pet insurance providers, we found that pet insurance costs $23 to $48 per month for an adult dog and $15 to $24 for an adult cat. Although pet insurance is an additional monthly expense, it can be worth it in the long run if your pet has an accident or illness that costs thousands in medical bills.
DID YOU KNOW
We surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners using Pollfish to understand their motivations for purchasing a pet insurance policy. While 36% of pet owners who've never purchased a policy reported feeling unsure about coverage, 99.5% of owners with pet insurance don't regret buying coverage.
Veterinary bills for unexpected illnesses and injuries can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, and pet insurance can prevent you from making difficult decisions about your pet's care based on finances. Although a pet savings account is an alternative to pet insurance, you may not be able to save a substantial amount of money to cover the care your pet needs in an emergency.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance for DogsPet insurance for dogs isn't a one-size-fits-all product. When deciding on a coverage plan, our team recommends considering factors unique to your dog, such as its breed, age, health history and more. We've included some examples below for different types of dogs.
Active, Outdoorsy and Adventurous PupsIf you live an active lifestyle and spend time outdoors with your dog, your pet will likely have a higher risk of getting fleas and ticks versus an indoor pet. It may also have a higher risk of cuts or accidents if you're adventuring on rough terrain. In this case, consider a pet insurance policy with coverage for accidents and illnesses associated with outdoor and adventure activities. Some wellness plans may also include preventative treatment for parasites.
Consider Your Dog's Health HistoryPet insurance companies generally don't cover pre-existing conditions, typically defined as an illness or injury existing before your pet's coverage takes effect or during the waiting period. However, some pet insurance companies categorize pre-existing conditions as curable and incurable. If your pet has a curable condition and goes symptom-free for a set time period, some providers will treat recurrences as a new problem.
Examples of curable conditions include bladder infections, ear infections and more. If your pet has recently suffered from such a condition, consider a provider that deems pre-existing issues as curable and may cover recurrences after time passes.
Coverage For Older DogsSome companies set age limits for coverage, which means if you have an older or senior dog, your pet may only qualify for restricted coverage — or no coverage at all. However, some providers, such as Lemonade, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Figo, set no limits on the eligible age for coverage. When shopping for a policy, we encourage you to gather quotes from providers that will not deny or restrict coverage for your senior pup.
Common Breed-Specific ConditionsSome breeds are predisposed to certain conditions and illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, glaucoma and more. All pet insurance providers have waiting periods for coverage that vary for accident, illness and orthopedic conditions. While accident and illness waiting periods generally last less than a month, waiting periods for orthopedic conditions can last up to a year, according to our research. If you own a breed predisposed to these types of issues, such as French bulldogs, it is important to understand the waiting periods associated with a policy.
How To Find the Best Pet Insurance for CatsCats also have unique needs to consider when deciding on a pet insurance policy. When choosing a plan for your kitten or cat, consider feline health issues, living outdoors versus indoors, wellness coverage and more.
Outdoor vs. Indoor CatsOutdoor cats are more susceptible to fleas, ticks, run-ins with other animals and more, which increases the chance of needing treatment for an accident or illness. If your cat spends most of its time outside, you may consider a pet insurance plan with coverage for both accidents and illnesses. A wellness plan with microchip coverage may also be something to think about, especially if your cat likes to roam far when outside.
Wellness Coverage for CatsWellness coverage provides a set reimbursement rate for routine and preventative care services, such as dental cleaning, vaccinations, heartworm medication and more. Opting for wellness coverage could pay off in the long run — just as regular maintenance is required to keep your car in top shape, preventative care for your cat could keep it from developing health issues as it ages.
Feline Health ProblemsAccording to the ASPCA, common feline health problems include heartworm, ringworm, upper respiratory infections and more. A pet insurance plan that covers these types of common issues could save you from paying high vet bills for any necessary treatments.
Pet Insurance: What To Know Plan OptionsYou can find a standard set of plan options across most pet insurance providers, which include accident-only plans, accident and illness policies, and wellness coverage.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
Based on our research, we recommend accident and illness plans to pet owners looking for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. If you're looking for coverage on a budget, an accident-only plan offers baseline coverage for less money per month in the event of an accident.
CustomizabilityWhen researching pet insurance plans, several considerations impact the coverage you will receive. Many of these options are customizable and will impact your monthly premium.
Deductibles
The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles typically range from $100 to $1,000 and the larger the deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Choosing a higher deductible can help keep monthly premiums affordable, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Annual Coverage Limits
The coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance provider will pay out over the course of your policy. Coverage limits are customizable and range from about $3,000 to $10,000, although some providers offer unlimited coverage. We recommend selecting the highest coverage limit you can afford to provide adequate coverage if you file a claim.
Reimbursement Rates
This is the percentage of the bill your provider will pay after you cover the deductible. Typical reimbursement rates are 70%, 80% and 90%, although a few providers offer plans with 100% reimbursement. Higher reimbursement rates come with higher monthly premiums, so we suggest choosing the highest rate that fits your budget.
Waiting PeriodsThe waiting period is the time period after purchasing a policy before your pet's coverage begins. A typical waiting period is about 14 days, although some providers offer a shorter waiting period for accidents. For example, Lemonade and Embrace offer a two-day accident waiting period.
Waiting periods exist to prevent pet owners from purchasing pet insurance to cover an existing condition. Pet insurance is meant to cover future problems, so coverage does not begin immediately after enrollment to prevent insurance fraud.
Pre-Existing ConditionsPre-existing conditions are health conditions that arise before your coverage begins, either prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. No pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions, although some conditions may no longer be considered pre-existing if your pet goes a certain period of time without recurring symptoms.
Claims ProcessMost pet insurance companies offer reimbursement after you pay your pet's veterinary bill. In other words, you will have to pay for veterinary care upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. If the incident is covered, your provider will reimburse you the percentage dictated by the terms of your plan, minus your deductible. Many providers offer claim submission through their website or an app, which makes the process quick and easy.
There are a few providers that pay your vet directly, such as Trupanion. However, this option is available only at participating veterinary practices.
Insurance AvailabilityMost providers offer pet insurance throughout the U.S., although there are some exceptions. Research different providers to determine which offer pet insurance in your state.
Canceling Pet InsuranceIf you decide you no longer want pet insurance or want to switch to another provider, most pet insurance plans allow you to cancel your policy at any time. Several providers, including Spot and Embrace, have a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can cancel the policy within the first 30 days and receive a full refund.
We recommend you review the specific cancellation policy for the providers you are considering so you are fully aware of the conditions.
What Veterinarians Think About Pet InsuranceIn general, veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it offers financial coverage to ensure pets receive life-saving health care. In many situations, it also allows pet owners to provide a better level of care, because they do not have to make decisions based on finances.
Veterinarians typically recommend that pet owners purchase an insurance plan when their pet is young and healthy. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your pet will develop a pre-existing condition that will not be covered when you do purchase a plan. Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant at FiveBarks, said,
"Taking insurance out before the first vet check, when congenital diseases like heart murmurs and limb deformities can be picked up, is a real no-brainer."
How To Buy a Pet Insurance Plan ResearchWhile we research and publish pet insurance provider reviews to help consumers find the right pet insurance plan, we encourage you to research companies independently. You can read reviews from third-party aggregators such as the BBB and Trustpilot, browse forums, including Reddit, for additional first-hand experiences, and note each provider's industry reputation and offered plans.
CompareGathering quotes from multiple pet insurance companies can help you better compare both cost and coverage for your pet. As quotes are free, we recommend getting at least three from any of the providers listed in this review.
BuyOnce you've decided on a policy, it is best practice to read the fine print in your contract before finalizing your purchase. If you have any questions, reach out to a customer service representative for clarification on contract terms.
Pet Ownership Trends for 2024 Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance Why do pet insurance premiums increase?Pet insurance premiums increase as your pet gets older. This is because the older your cat or dog is, the more likely they are to have health issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Some pet insurance companies, such as Healthy Paws, do not raise premiums as pets get older.
What breed is the cheapest to insure?Pet insurance costs are based on many factors, including breed. In general, breeds that are more likely to develop health problems, such as boxers and French bulldogs, may have higher insurance premiums than breeds that are known to be generally healthy.
How can I pay less for pet insurance?There are many ways to lower the cost of pet insurance so it fits your budget. Most plans are customizable, allowing you to adjust the deductible, annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate to make your monthly premium more affordable. Additionally, many providers offer discounts if you enroll multiple pets, are an active military member or bundle pet insurance with other insurance products.
Is it worth shopping around for pet insurance?Yes. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, anyone interested in pet insurance should do their research before purchasing a policy. It is worth shopping around to ensure you're getting the best care coverage for your pet and the best price for your budget. This is why we encourage getting quotes from at least three pet insurance companies before purchasing a policy.
What is the best pet insurance provider?This answer varies depending on a variety of factors that matter most to you. Based on our ranking of pet insurance companies, we recommend Lemonade due to its easy claim process, high coverage options and affordable pricing. If you are looking for a pet insurance policy with unique features, we recommend you compare pet insurance plans that work best for you and your pet's needs.
Nancy Mairs
Nancy and George Mairs were interviewed by Dale Bell.
Nothing is straightforward.
Confinement is a curse; confinement is a blessing. Oh I hate the limitations. There are specific parts of limitations that I especially hate. I was always a walker, and I just miss being able to get up and take off and walk somewhere. Probably the greatest source of pain has been that I can't be with my grandchildren the way I want to be. You know, I can sit and look at them, but I can't pick them up, I can't cuddle them, I can't run around after them, I can't take care of them.
If I want to make things easy and comfortable for everybody, the only thing I should do is die.
Interestingly I've started doing it in dreams. I've started dreaming about them a lot as though, perhaps that was a way of acting on my desires, since I no longer had a way of doing so in my conscious life so I could do it in my dream life. But it's a blessing also, because that very sitting -- I say I sit and look at my grandchildren, that way I see them in a way that perhaps nobody else does.
You know, if things are flashing by you, you don't have time to contemplate them and cherish them, you don't know that you're not doing it. And that's part of the reason why I refer to people that other people may refer to as able-bodied, as non-disabled. Because they lack disability. They have a whole element in their lives that they lack. And I have that element in my life. Because I wasn't born disabled, I also have grounds for comparison. I started my life as a non-disabled person, and I know my losses very sharply -- very painfully -- but I also know my gains.
I don't know whether my relationship with George is unique, because I have no grounds for comparison. In other words, every relationship is by definition unique. But I think there are some unusual aspects judging from my observation of other people's relationships. And I've often tried to characterize it without making it sound ideal in some way. It's ordinary. It's just the way we are. Other people however, tend to respond, well, very warmly to it; as if they took reassurance from it; as if they took strength from it.
Although my wedding day is sort of a blur, we must have pledged to love and honor each other, because that's in the traditional marriage ceremony. I'm sure that I at least, I can't speak for George, that I had no idea what I was pledging to do. I wonder if anybody ever does.
When you wind up requiring personal care, then I think it's easy to fall into a pattern of thinking, well, George is an extension of me, and should know what I want, what I need, when I want it, when I need it, and I do fall into that trap regularly, and I have to stop and remind myself George hasn't that obligation. So I suppose that for me honoring him, is backing up and looking at him as a person. As not me, or a part of me but as a wonderful, separate being.
I mean, to be as helpless as I am, means that it would be easier to die. It would be easier for everybody, if I just died. If we're talking ease, and in our society ease is a very great value, for it to be easy. If they get hard, tough, then we think something's wrong. There's something sick about it, there's something the matter and we have to do something to make them easy and comfortable again.
Well, if I want to make things easy and comfortable for everybody, the only thing I should do is die. And having George participate in my care and having other people do the same, calls me into life. It says, despite your losses, despite your limitations, you belong here with us and we want you to stay. We want you to stay enough that we're willing to participate in the labor that it takes. That's perhaps the fundamental of caregiving -- to enable another to want to be in the world. Not just enable them to be, but to enable them to want to be in the world when it would be easier not to.
Historically, I'm depressive, but I'm a suicidal depressive. And there have been times when I've wanted to be dead, and several times when I've tried to be dead. And I'm pretty glad that it didn't work, most days. Most days I'm pretty glad to be here.
To be open and accommodating to disability you have to accept the potential in your own life.
I think all the time about rights for the disabled. Often not in a political sense. I've been an activist on issues of peace and justice in general, but never have focused in upon disability rights exclusively. I do however, serve on the Board of the Arizona Center for Disability Law. And that does a great deal of work towards furthering employment rights and housing rights for people with disabilities. But I think what I'm good for more than anything else is being in the world in a disabled form and therefore confronting the world with its inability to deal with me.
For instance I go in to see my doctor, let's say. There's a sign-in sheet. I can't sign in on the sign-in sheet, because the counter is about this high, and the sign-in sheet is on top of the counter, and I can't reach that high. I can't see the person behind the counter to tell that person that I'm here and need to be signed in. But what I can do is shout up, "there's a person down here" and then a little head peers over and I think I have, I hope, made my point, that there are persons this high and at least one of the counters should be cut down to the height of my waist and nobody else's waist.
That's become built in to who I am -- to be open about my disability and willing to remind others even at the risk of embarrassing them -- and they do tend to get very embarrassed if they do something heedless. But why should they be embarrassed? Why should somebody expect to know something without experience? It's not like they're dreadful people that it never occurred to them that the counter was too high. They should hear me when I tell them that the counter is too high, and respond by lowering the counter.
So one of the functions I can serve is help people to see that there are angles that they may not have considered. An extra vision. An extra perspective that they haven't had occasion to know yet, but that they might have occasion to know. That of course is the source of the resistance, I think, is in order to be open and accommodating to disability you have to accept the potential in your own life, and most people are too terrified to do that. They resist it; it will never happen to me.
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George & Nancy Mairs
Younger days
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