Introduction
Routine care is an essential part of keeping your dog healthy — from annual checkups and vaccinations to flea prevention and dental cleanings. But when it comes to pet insurance, many dog owners wonder: Does pet insurance cover routine care for dogs too?
The short answer is: not usually in standard plans, but many insurance providers offer optional wellness add-ons that do. In this article, we’ll break down what routine care means, how wellness coverage works, and whether it’s worth including in your dog’s insurance policy.
What Is Considered Routine Care for Dogs?
Routine or preventive care includes the regular, non-emergency services that keep your dog healthy. These are essential for early detection of health issues and for maintaining overall wellness.
Typical routine care services include:
- Annual wellness exams
- Core vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvo, etc.)
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Dental cleanings
- Spaying or neutering
- Microchipping
- Fecal and blood tests
- Nail trimming and grooming (in some plans)
These services are usually predictable and scheduled, as opposed to accidents or illnesses that require urgent care.
Does Standard Pet Insurance Cover Routine Care?
No, most standard dog insurance plans only cover unexpected costs, such as:
- Accidents and injuries
- Sudden illnesses
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
- Prescription medications
Routine care is considered preventive maintenance, and for this reason, it’s not included in typical accident and illness policies. However, many insurance providers allow you to purchase a wellness plan or preventive care package as an add-on to your core policy.
What Is a Wellness Plan Add-On?
A wellness plan is an optional upgrade that covers routine and preventive care for your dog. It works alongside your accident and illness coverage but focuses on reimbursing you for expected, non-emergency services.
Common items covered under wellness add-ons include:
- Annual physical exams
- Vaccines and booster shots
- Flea/tick and heartworm medication
- Teeth cleaning
- Routine blood work
- Health screenings
- Deworming
Some wellness plans also offer fixed annual allowances — for example, up to $150 for vaccines or $100 for dental cleanings.
How Do Reimbursements Work for Routine Care?
Unlike accident and illness claims that require meeting a deductible first, wellness claims are usually reimbursed up to a set amount per service, regardless of whether you’ve met a deductible. You pay the vet bill upfront, submit the receipt, and get reimbursed based on your plan’s limits.
Example:
If your wellness plan allows $100 per year for dental cleanings and your cleaning costs $90, you’ll get the full amount back. If it costs $120, you’ll get reimbursed $100, and cover the remaining $20 yourself.
Is It Worth Adding Wellness Coverage?
That depends on your dog’s age, health needs, and how often you use routine services. Wellness plans are best suited for:
- Puppies who need multiple vaccinations and initial care
- Senior dogs that require more frequent checkups
- Owners who want to budget monthly for predictable vet expenses
- Dogs prone to dental issues or needing annual cleanings
If you already schedule yearly vet visits and maintain preventive care, a wellness plan can help you offset those costs through reimbursements.
However, if your dog rarely needs anything beyond vaccinations, it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.
Typical Cost of a Wellness Add-On
In 2025, wellness coverage typically adds $10 to $25 per month to your existing pet insurance premium. Plans often come in tiers, such as:
- Basic Plan: Covers exams, vaccines, and flea prevention
- Premium Plan: Includes dental cleanings, bloodwork, and more advanced care
Choosing the right tier depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health risks.
What’s Not Covered Under Wellness Plans
Even with a wellness plan, some services may be excluded:
- Emergency or accident-related visits
- Treatment for illnesses
- Chronic condition management
- Cosmetic procedures (e.g., ear cropping)
- Behavior training (unless specified)
Always read the fine print to understand coverage limits and annual caps.
Conclusion
So, does pet insurance cover routine care for dogs? Not by default. Most standard policies focus on accidents and illnesses. However, with a wellness add-on, you can get reimbursed for many routine expenses — including checkups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments.
If you’re committed to maintaining your dog’s health with regular vet visits, a wellness plan can help you manage those costs and avoid surprise bills. As always, compare providers, read the details, and choose a plan that suits your dog’s needs and your budget.
