Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans
A review of the top wellness plans for saving on your pet’s veterinary check-ups, vaccines, routine health screenings, and more!
Written by
Lauren Rey
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
Last Update on Nov 2, 2023
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Standard pet insurance plans do not cover preventative care, only accidents and illnesses
- Wellness plans which do cover preventative care, are only offered by select providers
- Pet owners can choose to supplement their pet’s coverage with a wellness plan add-on
- Wellness plans reimburse pet owners for expenses like annual veterinary check-ups, vaccines, routine tests, and other items pertaining to preventative care
Pet Insurance Wellness Plans 101
Wellness plans are designed to help cover your pet’s preventative care, which includes things like annual veterinary check-ups, vaccines, health screenings, and parasite prevention. These items are typically excluded from standard pet insurance plans which only cover treatment accidents and illnesses.
Not all pet insurance providers offer wellness plans, but of those that do, they are usually offered as an add-on to a standard accident and illness plan. Some providers offer customizable coverage where you can choose from a menu of options to add to your base plan.
What Do Pet Wellness Plans Cover?
Coverage can vary based on the individual provider but most wellness plans typically cover annual exams, vaccines, routine lab work (blood, urine, and fecal tests), and parasite prevention.
Some wellness plans also cover preventative procedures such as spays, neuters, gastropexies (GDV prevention), and dental cleanings. Some even cover holistic therapies like acupuncture. Many wellness plans also offer additional perks for non-medical items such as discounts on microchips, grooming, training, pet products, and more.
Wellness plans do not cover treatment for any accidents or illnesses, as those should be covered in your base plan.
The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans
Here’s a look at some of the best wellness plans currently on the market based on cost, coverage, and perks:
Pet owners who want the highest wellness coverage
Wagmo
Maximum Annual Coverage
$20000
Reimbursement Choices
100%
Deductible Choices
$500, $750 or $1,000
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
15 days for accidents and illnesses, 30 days for cancer treatments
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One of the highest-rated pet insurers on the market, Wagmo’s wellness coverage is unparalleled. They offer one of the most generous benefit packages and one of the few wellness plans you can purchase separately, instead of an add-on like most other insurers.
Pros:
- Offers generous wellness coverage with up to $1,100 in benefits per year, far more than most other wellness plans
- Wellness coverage can be purchased as a standalone plan
- Offers three levels of wellness coverage to choose from
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- Access to VetTalk Chat (telehealth)
Cons:
- No spay/neuter coverage
- Some plans are not available in all states
- Cancellation fees apply
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Covers two yearly exams (most plans only cover one)
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Covers grooming (most wellness plans do not)
- Added perks like discounts on training, pet products, toys, and more
Pets that haven’t been spayed, neutered, or microchipped yet
AKC Pet Insurance
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $750, $1000
App Available
No
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
12 months for pre-existing conditions, 180 days waiting period for cruciate ligament claims
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One of the longest-running pet insurance providers in the US, AKC Pet Insurance offers superior coverage for both standard pet insurance plans and wellness plans. Their wellness plans can save pet owners up to 35% per year on their pet’s preventative care.
- Pros:
- Offers two different wellness plans to choose from
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- No waiting periods
- No deductibles or copays
- Perks like access to Pet Cloud App and 24/7 Veterinary Telehealth
Cons:
- Total vaccine coverage only goes up to $55 ($15 for rabies, $40 for other)
- Procedure coverage only available on the higher plan
- Depending on average costs, only one lab test may be covered per year
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Microchips are included
- Procedure coverage is offered (only under one plan option)
- High overall savings potential
Owners of exotic pets
Nationwide
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
50%, 70%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$250
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats, Dogs, Birds, Exotic Pets
Waiting Periods
14 days for accidents and illness, 12-month waiting period for cruciate ligaments or meniscus injuries
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A long-trusted name in the insurance world, both for humans and pets, Nationwide offers some of the most comprehensive wellness coverage on the market (available as add-ons to standard pet insurance) and some exceptional perks.
Pros:
- Offers three levels of wellness coverage to choose from
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- Customizable vaccine coverage
- Only insurer to offer coverage for exotic pets
- Additional perks like access to 24/7 Vet Helpline, PetRx Express, and discounts at VetCo
Cons:
- Procedure coverage is not available in all plans
- There may be a shared deductible
- Some plans are not available in all states
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Covers two yearly exams (most plans only cover one)
- Access to PetRx Express for savings on pet prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Offers additional items like health certificates, nail trims, and choice of one additional health screening test per year
Pets in need of microchips
Pets Best
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament issues
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Founded by a veterinarian, Pets Best offers excellent coverage for both standard pet insurance and wellness plans. Pet owners can save up to 27% per year on their pet’s preventative care by adding a wellness plan to their regular coverage with Pets Best.
Pros:
- Offers two different wellness plans to choose from
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- Vaccine coverage can be customized
- No deductibles or copays
- Perks like access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Cons:
- 24-hour waiting period for wellness coverage
- Procedure coverage is not available in all states
- Depending on average costs, only one lab test may be covered per year
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Offers more than just core vaccines (Lyme disease, rattlesnake toxoid, etc.)
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Microchips are included
- High overall savings potential
For pet owners wanting the most affordable options
Lemonade
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament events
Show More Details
Deemed insurance for the 21st century, for its techy, AI-powered service, Lemonade Pet Insurance boasts multiple wellness plans to choose from (to be added on to a standard plan) and lots of ways to save.
Pros:
- Offers customizable wellness plan options
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- No waiting periods
- Fast, AI-powered digital claims service
- Several ways to save: 5% multi-pet discount, 5% annual discount, & 10% bundle discount (when you bundle with one of Lemonade’s home, auto, or life insurance plans)
Cons:
- Not available in all states
- Limited coverage in some plans
- 24-hour waiting period for wellness coverage
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Offers special wellness packages for puppies and kittens
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Procedure coverage is offered (in two of the plans)
- Offers some of the most affordable wellness plan options on the market
Pet owners who want flexible coverage
ManyPets
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70% or 80%
Wellness Plan Benefits
$500
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
15 days for accident and illness plan, 24 hours for wellness plans
Show More Details
A long-time trusted pet insurer in the UK, ManyPets recently became available on the US market and has quickly risen in popularity for its superior coverage, excellent customer service, and added perks. ManyPets offers one wellness plan with comprehensive coverage (in addition to their standard accident and illness policy).
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of preventative care services
- Flexible coverage, pet owners can choose from lots of different reimbursable items
- Offers $150 worth of vaccine coverage (far higher than most)
- Lots of perks like coverage for supplements, shampoos, dental chews, etc.
- Known for excellent customer service
Cons:
- Not available in all states
- No spay/neuter coverage
- 24-hour waiting period for wellness coverage
Additional Details
- Good preventative care coverage for both dogs and cats
- Covers dental cleanings
- Benefits include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medications
- Offers one of the highest amount of benefits among wellness plans, up to $600 per year
- Holistic care like acupuncture can be covered
How Pet Insurance Wellness Plans Work
Wellness plans work by reimbursing pet owners for their pet’s preventative care needs. While each plan will vary based on what is covered, the billing process is essentially the same. You’ll visit your veterinarian for a preventative care service, pay the bill, and submit the invoice to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How much you will be reimbursed will depend on what benefits are in your specific plan. Some plans offer a certain amount that is reimbursable per item, while others offer flexible coverage with a larger sum that can be applied to numerous items.
For example, let’s say you have a plan that offers $50 toward a yearly exam and $50 toward vaccines. You take your pet to the vet and pay $60 for an exam and $40 for a vaccine for a total bill of $100. Your insurer will only reimburse you $90. Now, if your plan has flexible coverage with one sum that can be toward a list of items, and you have the same scenario as above, you’ll be reimbursed the full $100.
Choosing The Right Wellness Plan For Your Pet
When it comes to picking the best wellness plan for your pet, it all comes down to the perks. Most plans have similar offerings for what’s considered “basic” preventative care. This includes things like annual exams, vaccines, and routine tests but beyond that, plans can vary greatly.
Some wellness plans offer dental cleanings, grooming, acupuncture, and more. Some also offer generous vaccine coverage saving you hundreds of dollars per year, while others offer barely enough to cover one vaccine.
It’s important to consider what type of coverage would benefit your pet most so you are not paying for benefits that won’t be used.
Key Considerations On Wellness Benefits
- Puppies and Kittens – will benefit from higher vaccine coverage and procedure coverage for spays and neuters
- Senior Pets – will benefit from plans that offer additional exams and health screenings
- Cats – will benefit from plans that offer screening tests for urinary problems
- Toy Dog Breeds – will benefit from plans that include dental coverage
- Long-Haired Breeds – will benefit from plans that offer grooming coverage
Like all pet insurance, it’s necessary to get customized quotes to compare before making a final decision. Premiums can vary based on several factors.
It’s also important to consider your pet’s main insurance plan. Since wellness coverage is typically offered as an add-on, you’ll want to ensure your base plan has proper coverage before moving on to a wellness add-on.
Most pet owners are far more likely to be able to cover their out-of-pocket costs for their pet’s preventative care over an unexpected accident or illness. While a good wellness plan can save you hundreds, a good accident and illness plan can save you thousands!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It?
Like all pet insurance, wellness plans can help make veterinary care more accessible and affordable. Most pet owners will save at least a few hundred dollars per year by utilizing a wellness plan. As long as it’s the right plan for their needs. On top of savings, some plans offer perks like telehealth and discounts on training, grooming, and pet products. All things considered, most pet wellness plans are worth the investment.
How Much Do Pet Wellness Plans Cost?
The average pet wellness plan ranges from $10 to $25 per month; however, there are plans that go as high as $50 per month. The higher plans typically offer premium coverage and larger reimbursements. Like all pet insurance, your individual cost will depend on the provider, level of coverage, type of pet, and location.
Can You Get A Pet Insurance Wellness Plan By Itself?
Most wellness plans are only offered as an add-on (to standard insurance) except for one – Wagmo Pet Insurance. Wagmo offers a standalone wellness plan that is one of the best on the market (details outlined above).
What’s The Difference Between Pet Insurance Wellness Plans And Wellness Plans Offered By Veterinary Clinics?
Pet insurance wellness plans are offered by pet insurance providers to reimburse you for costs associated with your pet’s preventative care. You can go to any veterinary clinic and file a claim with your insurer. Wellness plans offered by veterinary clinics are essentially like a membership or subscription for your pet’s preventative care. You pay a monthly fee to the veterinary clinic and get services in return. These are typically offered at large chain veterinary practices such as Banfield. Services covered by your plan are only redeemable at one of their clinics.
Find out more
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Cremation? – Understand the coverage for end-of-life services under wellness plans.
- Pet Insurance Spaying Neutering – Find wellness plans that include spaying and neutering.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Ensure your pet’s dental health with the right wellness plan.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Get an idea of the costs associated with comprehensive wellness plans.
- Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period – Discover wellness plans with immediate coverage.
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review – Read about a provider that may offer wellness options.
- Embrace Review – Embrace’s wellness rewards could be what you’re looking for.
- Nationwide Review – Nationwide is known for its comprehensive wellness benefits.
Lauren Rey
Author
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
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