Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

What is a wellness plan?

A wellness plan is usually an add-on to a pet insurance policy. Pet owners may choose a wellness plan, so their coverage is more extensive and provides more services for their cat or dog. These plans often include vaccines, health checkups, preventive care, such as screening diagnostics, routine blood work, flea, heartworm and tick tests, nutrition consultation and dental care.

Each plan varies, so it's best to research what type of coverage makes the most sense for your pet's needs. A wellness plan can work in two ways: Either you go to the vet, pay the costs upfront and get reimbursed later or you have an allowance for covered services.

Average coverage of vaccinations

Each pet insurance policy offers different coverage at different price points. Pet insurance policies don't generally include vaccination coverage without an additional wellness plan. Most pet insurance requires you to pay for the services upfront at your vet and then file a claim to be reimbursed afterward.

This table shows the annual reimbursement for different pet insurance companies.

What vaccinations does pet insurance cover?

Vaccines aren't usually covered with a standard pet insurance policy, whether it's an accident-only or accident and illness policy. If you want vaccinations to be covered, you generally need to purchase additional coverage, known as a wellness plan.

How much do vaccinations cost without insurance?

Paying for vaccinations for your pet out of pocket is an option if you don't have insurance. The cost will vary based on where you live. If you have a puppy, you'll need the core vaccines known as DHLPP (canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza).

The cost of the core vaccines can range between $75 and $100. These are given in a series of three, when the puppy is 6, 12 and 16 weeks old, according to the American Kennel Club. A rabies vaccination is also necessary and typically costs between $15 and $20.

Cats usually need fewer vaccinations than dogs. These include vaccines for feline calicivirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis (also known as herpesvirus infection), feline leukemia virus and panleukopenia. Like dogs, cats also need a rabies vaccine, and most states require it. Cat vaccines range in price but average around $50 per shot.

Purchasing pet insurance only for the purpose of pet vaccination may not be worth it; you may pay more than the cost of the required vaccinations. Before making a decision on buying pet insurance, consider your pet's health and age. You’ll also want to consider your financial situation and whether or not you can afford a big veterinary bill in the event of an unexpected illness or accident.

Bottom line

Purchasing pet insurance for your pet can help reduce expensive veterinary bills. However, if you're buying pet insurance and a wellness plan to help offset the costs of pet vaccines, it may not be worth it — your monthly payment may cost more than the vaccines in the long run. Comparing plans and figuring out your goals and needs will help you determine whether pet insurance for vaccine coverage is right for you.