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While standard policies focus on accidents and illnesses, many owners are surprised to learn that preventive care like vaccines isn’t automatically included.
Understanding your coverage options is essential, which is why we recommend exploring plans from our best pet insurance providers before making a decision.
In this guide, we’ll explain which pet insurance plans cover vaccinations, how wellness add-ons work, and what to know before your next vet visit.
Key Insights
- Most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover routine vaccinations.
- Some providers offer optional wellness plans that do cover vaccines and annual exams.
- Puppy and kitten vaccines can cost $150–450 in the first year alone.
- Knowing your pet’s vaccine schedule helps you decide if wellness coverage is worth it.
Are Vaccinations Included in Standard Pet Insurance?
Most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover vaccinations because they fall under routine or preventative care. Standard policies are designed to help mitigate the costs of unexpected expenses arising from illness, accidents, and urgent medical needs.
This typically includes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood work, surgery, and emergency care. Standard pet insurance typically doesn't cover routine checkups, preventative care, vaccinations, and grooming.
How Pet Wellness Plans Cover Vaccinations
While standard pet insurance typically doesn't cover routine shots, pet wellness plans offer a solution for these essential preventive services. Unlike traditional insurance policies, which focus on accidents and illnesses, wellness plans specifically cover routine and preventative care.
These plans typically include coverage for:
- Vaccinations and booster shots
- Annual wellness exams
- Routine blood work
- Flea and tick prevention
- Heartworm testing and prevention
Some pet insurance providers, like Spot Pet Insurance, offer wellness plans as optional add-ons to their standard policies, while providers like Pets Best offer wellness plans as a standalone option. This gives pet owners the flexibility to choose the level of coverage they need based on their budget and their pet’s needs.
Coverage limits and specific vaccine allowances vary by plan level, but you can typically begin using your wellness benefits as soon as your plan becomes active.
Note: Some plans cover vaccines without limits, while others only cover specific vaccines, so make sure you read your plan’s terms carefully to understand what’s covered.
How Much Do Pet Vaccines Cost Annually?
Your pet's vaccination costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and which vet you choose. Individual vaccines range from $20 to $60 each. While some shots are one-and-done, others need regular boosters—anything from every six months to every three years.
For a new puppy, that first round of essential vaccinations typically runs between $150 and $450, while annual boosters can cost anywhere from $260 to $840. These costs depend on your vet's rates and whether you qualify for assistance programs.
With these recurring costs, many pet parents find that wellness plans make a lot of financial sense, as they help spread these expenses throughout the year rather than paying large lump sums at each vet visit.
Which Vaccines Does My Pet Need?
The vaccinations your pet needs depend on their species, age, lifestyle, and local regulations. While dogs and cats have established vaccination protocols, other pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals may have different requirements or need no vaccines.
Here's a breakdown of common vaccines for dogs and cats:
Vaccinations for Dogs
| Vaccination Type | Vaccines |
| Core vaccines | Rabies virus Canine distemper virus (CDV) Canine adenovirus (CAV-2) (hepatitis) Parvovirus (CPV-2) |
| Non-core vaccines | Leptospirosis Bordetella (kennel cough) Canine influenza Lyme disease Leptospirosis (required in California) |
| Booster shots | N/A (booster shots are typically required for core vaccines as per veterinary guidelines) |
Vaccinations for Cats
| Vaccination Type | Vaccines |
| Core vaccines | Rabies virus Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper virus) Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVRCP) Feline calicivirus Feline leukemia virus (for adult cats) |
| Non-core vaccines | Chlamydophila felis virus Bordetella bronchiseptica virus Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) |
| Booster shots | Feline viral rhinotracheitis virus type 1 (FHV-1) |
Bottom Line: Do You Need Vaccine Coverage?
By understanding the role pet insurance and pet wellness plans play in covering routine care and vaccinations, you can make informed decisions about both your pet’s health care and your own financial protection.
Vaccinations are a critical investment in your furry friend’s health and well-being, but remember that it’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal vaccination schedule for your specific pet.
Vaccinations are a critical investment in your furry friend’s health and well-being, but remember that it’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal vaccination schedule for your specific pet.
Looking for pet insurance that covers vaccines?
Compare top pet insurance providers that offer wellness plans, so you can protect your pet and save money on routine care like shots, exams, and preventatives.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
Compare top pet insurance providers that offer wellness plans, so you can protect your pet and save money on routine care like shots, exams, and preventatives.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does pet insurance cover vaccines or routine shots
Most standard pet insurance plans don’t cover routine vaccinations, but many providers offer wellness add-ons that do. These cover annual shots, exams, and parasite prevention
What does a pet wellness plan cover
A wellness plan is an optional add-on that helps cover the cost of preventive care, including vaccines, blood work, dental cleanings, and routine exams. It works in conjunction with your primary pet insurance policy.
How much do vaccines cost without insurance?
Puppy and kitten vaccinations can cost $150–450 in the first year, with annual boosters costing $260–840 depending on your location and vet.
Is a wellness plan worth it just for vaccinations
If you follow recommended vaccine schedules or have a new pet, a wellness plan may help you save money by spreading the costs out over the year.
Written byDavid Kindness
David Kindness is a finance, insurance and tax expert at BestMoney.com. He has written for Investopedia, The Balance, and Techopedia, sharing his deep expertise in taxation, accounting, and finance. A CPA with a Bachelor’s in Accounting, David has worked as a tax specialist and Senior Accountant for high-net-worth clients and businesses in the San Diego area.