When most people think of the best pet insurance plans, accident-only or accident-and-illness plans usually come to mind. A pet wellness plan helps you pay for routine care services, like wellness exams and vaccinations.
We considered factors like coverage terms, costs, availability, and customer service to zero in on this list of the best pet wellness plans.
Pet Wellness Plans at a Glance
Our top picks include:
Spot offers wellness policies for older pets, while Embrace's wellness plan includes coverages you may not find elsewhere.
ASPCA Pet Health is one of the only pet insurers that offers wellness plans for horses, and Lemonade offers special coverage to meet the needs of puppies and kittens.
Pets Best makes it easy to customize a wellness plan based on your budget and needs.
Figo's wellness plans cover microchipping while CarePlus by Chewy offers wellness coverage with free vet video consultations.
Pumpkin's Wellness Club is a standalone option available to all pet owners, meaning you don't have to buy an accident-and-illness or accident-only plan to join.
Comparing the best pet wellness plans
| Insurer | Best for | Sample pricing* |
|---|---|---|
Senior pets | $9.95 to $24.95 per month | |
Unique coverages | $22.92 to $56.25 per month | |
Horses | $9.95 to $24.95 per month | |
Customization | $16 to $26 per month | |
Microchipping | $16.50 per month | |
Puppies and kittens | $17.58 to $26.71 per month | |
Robust coverage | $11.29 to $32.14 per month | |
Vet video consultations | $20 to $33 per month | |
Standalone wellness coverage | $22.95 per month |
*Sample prices are based on quotes for a 4-year-old male Beagle in New York City (zip code 11004) unless otherwise noted in the individual insurer sections below.
A Closer Look at the Best Pet Wellness Plans
1. Spot – Best for senior pets
Why we like Spot for wellness care: Unlike other pet insurance companies, Spot doesn’t have an upper age limit. If you have an older pet, you can still sign up for its affordable wellness coverage. While Spot offers two tiers of coverage, the entry-level Gold plan should be sufficient if you have a senior dog or cat.
A Gold plan will reimburse you for annual wellness exams, vaccines, and dental cleanings. The Platinum plan is designed for younger pets as it includes services like spay and neuter surgery. Since wellness coverage kicks in 24 hours after you buy, you don't have to wait long to take advantage of it.
Pros
Two-day claims processing for wellness policies
Includes coverage for exam fees
10% multi-pet discount
Cons
Gold wellness plan is very basic and doesn’t include a lot of unique coverages
No option to pay vets directly
Must upgrade to the Platinum wellness policy for spay/neuter surgery coverage
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Gold | $9.95 per month | Dental cleaning, wellness exam, dog heartworm or FeLV screening, deworming |
Platinum | $24.95 per month | Dental cleaning or spay/neuter, health certificate, blood test, urinalysis, dog DHLPP or cat FVRCP vaccine/titer |
Read our full Spot Pet Insurance review.
2. Embrace – Best for unique coverages
Why we like Embrace for wellness care: Wellness Rewards, Embrace's wellness program, is loaded with coverages that most pet insurers exclude. For example, it will pay for nail trimming, grooming, and burial and cremation costs. Alternative treatments, nutritional supplements, and prescription diet food are also included.
Plus, you can choose from one of three plans with annual benefits of $300, $500, and $700. As a Wellness Rewards member, you'll also receive a quarterly eNewsletter with wellness tips and tricks to keep your pet in optimal shape.
Pros
Three flexible plans with varying reimbursement options
$25 bonus to use on preventative care services
Exclusive pet-related discounts
Cons
Pricey rates for higher-tier wellness coverage
Embrace may collect your outstanding balance if you cancel early and use more rewards than you paid for
Not available to pet parents in Rhode Island
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
$300 Annual Reimbursement Plan | $22.92 per month | Wellness exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, grooming, cremation or burial, nutritional supplements, pet activity monitors |
$500 Annual Reimbursement Plan | $39.58 per month | Same as above |
$700 Annual Reimbursement Plan | $56.25 per month | Same as above |
Read our full Embrace Pet Insurance review.
3. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance – Best for horses
Why we like ASPCA Pet Health for wellness care: While most pet insurance companies focus on wellness plans for dogs and cats, ASPCA Pet Health offers special wellness coverage for horses. Horse owners can choose from a routine or platinum plan with extra vaccines and medical tests.
ASPCA Pet Health is also a good option if you have a dog or cat. Even the Basic Preventative Care tier comes with teeth cleaning, usually considered a premium perk or completely excluded. If you own more than one pet, you can score a 10% multi-pet discount and enjoy more affordable wellness coverage.
Pros
Offers wellness coverage for horses in addition to dogs and cats
Two tiers of plans for dogs and cats
Can submit wellness claims via the My Pet Insurance app
Cons
Must upgrade to higher-tier Prime plan for spay/neuter, blood test, and urinalysis coverage
Doesn’t cover microchipping, even if you choose the more expensive Prime plan
May not know annual maximum amounts for each wellness item until you finalize your coverage
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Basic Preventive Care (Annual coverage of $250) | $9.95 per month | Annual wellness exam, dental cleaning, deworming, fecal test, rabies or FIP vaccine/titer |
Prime Preventive Care (Annual coverage of $450) | $24.95 per month | Health certificate, spay/neuter surgery, urinalysis, bordetella vaccine/titer, feLV vaccine |
Read our full ASPCA Pet Health review.
4. Pets Best – Best for its customization options
Why we like Pets Best for wellness care: Pets Best offers two tiers of wellness coverage, allowing you to customize your plan to accommodate your budget and pet's needs. With the base EssentialWellness plan, you'll get up to $305 in total annual benefits and be reimbursed for wellness exams, microchipping, and urinalysis.
BestWellness, which offers up to $535 in annual benefits, may be a better option if you have a puppy or kitten, as it also covers spay/neuter surgery. Both plans can be added to the BestBenefit Accident-and-Illness policy. In addition, there are no upper age limits, so senior pets can secure wellness coverage.
Pros
Comprehensive diagnostic panel, which includes FELV/FIV tests, blood tests, urinalysis, and more comes with every wellness plan
Includes microchipping coverage
Can pay your vet directly for wellness services
Cons
May find wellness plans with higher total annual benefits
Lower-tier EssentialWellness plan does not cover spay/neuter procedures and teeth cleanings
Top-tier BestWellness plan is expensive for what you get
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
EssentialWellness (Annual coverage of $305) | $16 per month | Flea/tick prevention, wellness exam, microchipping, blood, fecal, and parasite exam, urinalysis or ERD |
BestWellness (Annual coverage of $535) | $26 per month | Everything in EssentialWellness, plus spay/neuter surgery and teeth cleanings |
5. Figo – Best for microchipping
Why we like Figo for wellness care: Many pet wellness plans reimburse you for services like wellness exams and vaccinations. However, microchipping to help find your pet if they get lost or stolen isn't always included. Fortunately, Figo's Wellness Powerups come with up to $30 for microchipping. Once you use that perk, your benefit becomes coverage for health certificates, which can be useful if you frequently travel with your pet.
Whether you opt for Figo's Basic Wellness Powerup or upgrade to the Wellness Plus Powerup, your plan will also pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as blood panels, fecal tests, and deworming. The only difference between these plans is the annual reimbursement amounts: $135 for Basic and $250 for Plus.
Pros
Vaccine limit is for all vaccines combined, so you can pick and choose which ones your pet needs
Includes coverage for microchipping and a health certificate
5% discount for adding multiple pets
Cons
Will need to wait until you enroll or renew your policy to add or remove Powerups
Vet exam fees as well as coverage for boarding, final respects, and pet theft require additional Powerups
Must choose between spay/neuter surgery or teeth cleaning
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Wellness Powerup- Basic (Annual coverage of up to $135) | $9.50 per month | Wellness exams, vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, bloodwork, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, spay/neuter or teeth cleaning |
Wellness Powerup-Plus (Annual coverage of up to $250) | $16.50 per month | Everything in Basic with higher reimbursement limits for each service |
6. Lemonade – Best for puppies and kittens
Why we like Lemonade for wellness care: If you have a puppy or kitten, you know they have different wellness needs than adult dogs and cats. That’s where Lemonade’s Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care Package comes in. Available for puppies and kittens under two years old, it includes two wellness exams, six vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping.
Once your pet grows up and is no longer in the puppy or kitten stage, you can transition to the Preventative Care or Preventative Care Plus Package. Preventative Care reimburses you for all the basics, like a wellness exam and three vaccines, while the Plus option also covers heartworm or flea/tick medication and routine dental cleaning.
Pros
Competitive pricing on wellness plans
Special wellness coverage for puppies and kittens
Coverage will be active at 12:01 a.m. the day after you buy your policy
Cons
A licensed vet in your state must recommend a vaccine for your wellness plan to cover it
Must purchase add-ons for dental care and behavioral issues separately
Wellness coverage and item amounts vary by state
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Preventative Care Package | $17.58 per month | 1 wellness exam, 3 vaccines, 1 parasite test, 1 heartworm test, 1 blood test |
Preventative Care Plus Package | $26.71 per month | Everything in Routine Vet Care plus routine dental cleanings and flea/tick or heartworm meds |
Read our full review of Lemonade pet insurance.
7. Fetch – Best for robust coverage
Why we like Fetch for wellness care: Just like its accident-and-illness plan, Fetch's wellness options are comprehensive. Even if you choose the entry-level Essentials policy, you'll enjoy coverage for dental cleanings, spay/neuter procedures, and urinalysis. The higher-level Advantage and Prime plans include coverage for dental cleanings, behavioral exams, and activity monitors, uncommon among pet wellness plans with other insurers.
Despite the long list of inclusions, you won’t pay an arm and a leg for a Fetch wellness plan. They start at $11.29 per month and cap out at $32.14 per month, allowing you to get a lot of bang for your back. Also, if you’re an AARP member, you may be able to score a discount.
Pros
Three robust wellness plans
Easy claims processing with the Fetch mobile app
May receive up to $735 in annual coverage with the top-tier Prime plan
Cons
Bare-bones Essentials plan may not be enough for older pets or those with serious health conditions
Microchipping coverage requires an upgrade to the Advantage or Prime plans
May find cheaper wellness policies elsewhere
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Essentials (Annual coverage of up to $315) | $11.29 per month | Annual exams, canine bordetella / feline FELV vaccines, heartworm tests, dental cleaning, spaying or neutering, urinalysis |
Advantage (Annual coverage of up to $520) | $20.46 per month | Everything in Essentials, plus microchipping and anal gland expression |
Prime (Annual coverage of up to $735) | $32.14 per month | Everything in Advantage, plus behavioral exams, health certificate, and activity monitor |
Read our full Fetch pet insurance review.
8. CarePlus by Chewy – Best for vet video consultations
Why we like CarePlus by Chewy for wellness care: CarePlus by Chewy offers wellness coverage through its partners, Lemonade and Trupanion. Its plans help pay for annual checkups, vaccines, fecal, blood, and heartworm tests, and dental cleanings. Where it really shines, however, is the free, unlimited video consultations with vets.
If you have a question or concern about your pet's routine care, these consults can come in handy. Depending on your chosen company and plan, you can receive up to $455 in annual wellness benefits.
Pros
Covers medications, supplements, and prescription food from Chewy.com
Offers multi-pet, bundling, and annual payment discounts
May be able to pay your vet directly
Cons
Doesn’t offer its own wellness coverage (partners with Lemonade and Trupanion instead)
Low-tier plan is a bit pricey compared to similar options from other pet insurance companies
Live video consultations with vets are only available in some states
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Wellness (Annual coverage of up to $290) | $20 per month | Annual check-ups, vaccines, fecal test, blood test, heartworm tests, and live video consultations |
Comprehensive (Annual coverage of up to $455) | $33 per month | Everything in Wellness, plus flea, tick, or heartworm medications |
9. Pumpkin – Best for standalone wellness coverage
Why we like Pumpkin for wellness care: Like other pet insurers, Pumpkin allows you to add on a Preventive Essentials wellness plan. However, its Pumpkin Wellness Club is an attractive option as it’s available to all pet parents, even if they don’t buy an accident-and-illness plan from Pumpkin.
This standalone offering is essentially a membership program that reimburses you annually for routine exams, vaccines, fecal testing, tick, flea, and heartworm prevention, routine dental cleanings, spay/neuter surgery, and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to a 24/7 pet health helpline and discounts from well-known pet brands.
Pros
Can choose the Pumpkin Wellness Club, a standalone membership program
Two traditional wellness plans: one for puppies and dogs as well as another for kittens and cats
Offers custom wellness package at select vet hospitals
Cons
Must buy an accident-and-illness plan to add on Preventative Essentials
Wellness Club doesn’t provide coverage for microchipping or dental cleanings
Preventative Essentials plans require a 12-month minimum commitment
Pricing Info
| Plan | Price | Notable coverage |
|---|---|---|
Preventive Essentials | $22.95 per month | 1 annual wellness exam fee, 2 vaccines for disease prevention, 1 blood test for heartworm & tick diseases, and 1 fecal test for intestinal worms |
Wellness Club (Annual coverage of up to $360) | $19.95 per month | Wellness exams, vaccinations, and health screening tests. Premium membership plans also provide payments for tick, flea, and heartworm prevention, and spay/neuter or dental cleanings |
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Pet Wellness Plans
Here’s what the BestMoney team focused on to uncover the best wellness plans:
Coverage terms: We paid close attention to pet wellness policies and whether one plan was available or pet parents could choose from several tiers. Our team also looked at whether standalone coverage was available.
Availability: We considered each pet insurer's geographical availability and wellness plans. Some insurers sell coverage to pet owners in all 50 states, while others only insure those in select states.
Costs: We compared sample rates for dogs and cats to national averages and wellness policies offered by competing pet insurance companies. Our team also evaluated value and discount options.
Claims process: We gained insight into claim filing and reimbursement times. Sometimes, reimbursement times were faster for wellness claims.
Customer service: We reviewed how each pet insurance company serves its customers. We pulled the scores from reputable third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Learn more about how we rate and review pet insurers.
What Is a Pet Wellness Plan?
Without pet wellness coverage, you’d have to pay for all routine vet services out-of-pocket. These plans also make checking out of the vet easier—no fumbling for your wallet with your dog on a leash in a waiting room full of cranky dogs and cats.
How Pet Wellness Plans Work
“Wellness plans work similarly to regular pet insurance but are intended for otherwise healthy pets,” says Paige Adams, a veterinarian at Etowah Veterinary Hospital. “The pet owner would pay the veterinarian for the services rendered, then get reimbursed from the insurance company. Some insurance company plans have annual limits to wellness spending, but that will be dependent on the individual plan.”
You can typically use the services covered by a pet wellness plan over the course of a year. However, you'll likely have to submit a claim to get reimbursed for the care.
“Some pet parents may find that having to pay for veterinary services upfront and then wait for reimbursement later is still a financial strain,” says Rhiannon Koehler, veterinarian expert at TeachMe.To.
How Much Do Pet Wellness Plans Cost?
In general, pet wellness plans come with a fixed monthly premium. While some pet insurance companies offer one plan, others provide wellness coverage in various tiers. For example, you can choose a base tier if you're on a budget and only want coverage for vaccines and wellness exams.
You may opt for a higher-level tier if you prefer a more comprehensive policy that helps pay for microchipping, health certificates, and more advanced routine care.
We found that, on average, pet wellness insurance runs between $10 and $60 per month.
Key Features of a Good Pet Wellness Plan
According to experts, these are the key features of a quality pet wellness policy.
Affordable Rates
The whole point of a wellness plan is to save you money on routine care for your pet. Therefore, a good wellness plan should make financial sense.
“At our clinic, my staff are transparent about helping our clients calculate and compare the cost of a la carte visits to what that same appointment would cost under a wellness plan, just to make sure signing up is advantageous to each specific client and pet,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical adviser for Rover.
Comprehensive Coverage
According to Bean, wellness coverage should include these important services:
Wellness exams: Routine wellness exams can help catch illnesses and monitor your pet's health so you can prevent or readily detect severe conditions.
Vaccines: Coverage for commonly required or encouraged vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme, Rabies, and more can lower your pet's risk of contracting these serious and preventable illnesses.
Teeth cleanings: Dental hygiene plays a vital role in our pets' health; routine cleanings can be expensive.
Diagnostic tests: Having coverage for testing can be the difference between finding the problem and cure for an accident or illness and leaving your pet without a solution. Coverage for testing is crucial to consider in a wellness plan.
Spay/neuter procedures: These costly procedures can be out of budget for many pet parents – coverage can help ensure they happen.
No Waiting Period
Ideally, pet parents won't have to wait a specific time for the wellness coverage to kick in. It can be frustrating to invest in a plan and later find out that you have to wait 14 days or so to take advantage of your benefits.
No Deductible or Coinsurance
“Pet parents should not have a certain amount they need to pay before coverage kicks in, nor should the pet parent be expected to cover a certain percentage,” says Koehler.
The idea of a wellness plan is to help distribute the cost of wellness over a year. Keep in mind that your insurance may still have only a set amount it reimburses for specific services.
No Annual Limits
Different pets will have different wellness requirements.
“For example, senior animals may see the veterinarian twice annually for wellness exams and lab work rather than once. Pet parents wouldn’t want only one of these visits covered,”says Koehler.
Quick Reimbursement Times
Most plans require you to pay the veterinarian upfront and then get reimbursed by the insurance company.
“Some companies can reimburse you within a few days while you’ll have to wait longer for other companies,” says Koehler. “Direct deposit will usually result in faster reimbursement.”
Tailored Coverage
Since puppies and kittens have different needs than adult dogs and cats, wellness plans tailored to different life stages or health needs are ideal.
“For example, puppy and kitten wellness plans really help to defray and spread out what is often a very expensive year for young animals,” says Dr. Greenstein.
How to Pay for Wellness Care for Your Pet
These tips can help make routine vet bills more affordable and, in turn, keep your pet in good health.
1. Find the Right Wellness Coverage
Before reviewing plans, determine what your budget and pet’s needs are.
"When looking at wellness providers and their offerings, read the policies closely to understand what exactly they can cover, any limitations they have, and how this plan matches up" to what your pet's wellness needs are, says Bean.
2. Ask Your Vet for Advice
3. Enroll Your Pet at a Younger Age
Your pet’s wellness needs may increase as they age. “However, some insurance companies will ‘lock in’ your premium if you enroll your pet when they’re younger,” says Koehler.
While it may be tempting to wait until they're older, especially if money is tight, doing so can lead to higher premiums in the future and cost you more in the long run.
4. Remember: You’ll Usually Have to Get Accident-and-Illness Coverage
Pet wellness plans are usually available as add-ons to accident and illness coverage.
“Make sure to familiarize yourself with accident-and-illness coverage and how it works,” says Koehler. “Keep in mind that pet insurance companies can deny claims for pre-existing conditions.”
5. Save for Pet Wellness in a Dedicated Account
If pet wellness plans aren't for you, consider opening an account and adding money regularly to save for routine vet bills. This way you won't have to worry about taking out a loan, going into debt, or derailing your other financial goals every time your pet needs a checkup or vaccine.
FAQs
Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth it?
If you’re looking for a way to save on wellness services for your pet, such as vaccines and blood work, pet wellness coverage may be worthwhile.
What's the Difference Between Pet Insurance and Pet Wellness Plans?
Pet insurance companies often offer pet wellness plans as an add-on to a standard pet insurance policy, like an accident-only or accident-and-illness plan.
How Much Is a Wellness Check at the Vet?
On average, a wellness check at the vet ranges from $25 to $186, according to CareCredit.
