Do Pet Insurance Plans Cover Vaccinations?

Getting your pet vaccinated is an important aspect of your pet care schedule. No matter whether you have cats or dogs, vaccinating them is extremely important. But have you ever given any thought to understanding if your pet insurance covers vaccinations?

Let us try finding out if pet insurance covers vaccinations.

Does pet insurance cover vaccinations?

If you have regular pet insurance, it does not cover vaccinations. Vaccinations come under the routine care, and no insurance for pets considers vaccinations for insurance. Most of the pet insurance policies only cover illnesses and injuries.

If you are looking for a pet insurance policy that covers the routine care such as vaccinations and other regular aspects such as annual exams, dental cleanings, spay/neuter surgery and other preventative visits, you need to choose a wellness plan for pets instead of a standard pet insurance. Pet wellness plans are also known as the best pet insurance that covers grooming.

It may also be noticed that even the pet wellness plans may only cover a few specific numbers of vaccines. However, they would provide you good coverage for the regular vaccines for which you might have needed to pay from your pocket.

What vaccinations are covered with pet wellness plans?

Many of the pet wellness plans cover the most needed vaccines. Your doctors may strongly recommend some of them. Your local government may mandate a few pet vaccinations. The vets typically recommend four vaccines for your pet in the first year – three doses of DAP and one of rabies. Please note, however, that these may change based on the guidelines from your local governments.

Vaccinations for dogs

• Rabies – Obviously, this is the most needed vaccine that your pet should get. More prominently, your dog needs to have a rabies vaccine. It may be noted that even cats are given rabies vaccines, but that may not be mandatory in many states. These vaccines can be given every year or once every three years.
• DHLPP – This is a combination vaccine and covers five vaccines that belong to both core and non core vaccines. It includes the different vaccines such as distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
• DAP – This is a combination vaccine again. It covers the complications like canine distemper with canine adenovirus (Type 2) and canine parvovirus. It is given at the age 6 to 8 weeks.
• Bordetella – The vaccine is given to prevent issues like Kennel cough. If your dog spends most of the time with other pets, this may be a much needed vaccine.
• Influenza- This vaccine can help prevent flu in your pets. Flu can spread between the pets and a vaccine can prevent the spread effectively.
• Lyme – Lyme is a tick-borne disease. It can even lead to conditions such as lameness, kidney failure, cardiac issues or even neurological effects.

Vaccinations for cats

• Feline leukemia (FeLV) – This  is the most common life threatening disease that can kill cats. Even when it is not a core vaccine, it is highly recommended for your cat.
• Rabies – Some of the states mandate the Rabies vaccine for cats as well. The first shot is typically given in 16 weeks.
• FVRCP – This is a combination vaccine that covers Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP).

How much do routine vaccinations cost?

The cost of routine vaccinations for pets can cost based on multiple factors. The prime deciding factors would include the type of vaccine, your location, and the specific veterinary clinic.

In the case of dogs, the vaccinations can cost $100 and $300 for dogs in their first year, and $80-$200 annually after that. If you are a cat owner, the cost would be between $100 and $200 and $80-$150 annually after that.

Some typical vaccination costs would include

• Bordetella: $30–$50
• Canine influenza: $45–$65
• DHPP: $20–$60
• Leptospirosis: $20–$30
• Lyme: $20–$40
• Rabies: $20–$30

Are the Pet Wellness plans worth it?

Well, that should be something that would depend on several factors. Prime among them are the budgetary constraints you may have and the exact vaccination requirements of your pet.

The number of pets – If you have a large number of pets in your home, their vaccination costs can be quite heavy on your pocket. A good wellness plan that covers all your pets may be a good choice.

The coverage offered – The coverage offered by your wellness plan can have a say in whether you wish ti opt for it. Some of the plans may have a limited coverage, while some others provide an extensive coverage. Make sure the plan you choose aligns with your specific needs.

Age of the pet and the breed – The age and breed of your pet may have a say in your need for a wellness plan. Younger pets may need more Older pets will need more of other healthcare needs such as dental care.

In essence, choose a pet wellness plan based on the exact requirements that you may have.

The Concluding Thoughts

Well, that should make things clear for you. Regular pet insurance plans do not cover vaccinations. If you want regular care, such as vaccinations and annual checkups to be covered by your pet insurance, it is advisable to choose a pet wellness plan instead of a pet insurance plan.

However, it may also be noticed that each of your wellness plans comes with its own specific amount and scope of coverage. Before you finalize any wellness plan for your pets, check out these factors first.

FAQs

Is it illegal not to have pet insurance?

No, there is no law that mandates having a pet insurance. However, some vacciantions may be mandatory for your pets in certain states.

Does pet insurance cover kitten vaccinations?

Yes, pet insurance services offer kitten vaccination coverage. But, the traditional peet insurance may not offer such a coverage. You will need to buy a pet wellness plan.