Our Top Pick
Best Digital Experience
Monthly Cost for Dogs
$46
Monthly Cost for Cats
$21
Best for Lifelong Protection
Monthly Cost for Dogs
$46
Monthly Cost for Cats
$23
Most Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly Cost for Dogs
$49
Monthly Cost for Cats
$24
Our Pick for Wellness Plan Coverage
Monthly Cost for Dogs
$47
Monthly Cost for Cats
$26
Key Takeaways
According to our research, Embrace, Lemonade and Spot offer the best wellness plans as add-ons to their traditional pet insurance coverage.
Wellness plans typically charge a fixed monthly or annual rate in exchange for partial coverage of routine and preventive care services.
Wellness plans can include things like wellness visits, exams, vaccinations and parasite prevention.
What Pet Insurance Company Has the Best Wellness Plan?
Wellness plans are add-ons to standard pet insurance plans that can cover routine items like vaccinations, exams and check-ups. We evaluated wellness plans offered by top pet insurance providers and found that Embrace offers the best wellness plan on the market. We also pulled wellness plan quotes from each of our top picks to provide estimated costs. Here is the complete list of our plan picks:
Our Pick for Wellness Plan Coverage
Embrace
Details
Why We Recommend Embrace
Pros and Cons
Embrace Wellness Plan Coverage
Annual Limits:
$2,000 to Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates:
70% to 90%
Average Accident/Illness Cost:
$26 to $47
Average Wellness Cost:
$23 to $56
Embrace is our pick for wellness plan coverage because of its unique Wellness Reward plan. The package offers up to $700 in coverage with no limits on specific services, giving pet parents ultimate control over how wellness dollars are allocated. Pet owners can immediately use their funds for items that most other plans exclude, such as grooming, training, nutritional supplements, activity monitors and more.
According to the several quotes we pulled from this provider, Embrace Wellness Rewards plans cost between $23 and $56 per month and provide total benefit amounts of up to $300, $500 or $700 annually. These plans cover all services specified in the wellness policy up to the annual maximum — and, unlike many competitor plans we reviewed, there are no per-service reimbursement limits. The entire benefit amount is available to Embrace Wellness Rewards policyholders at the beginning of each policy term, similar to a pre-funded human health FSA.
Here is a breakdown of the plan options and their cost:
Wellness Plan
Monthly Cost
Wellness Rewards – $300 Annually
$23
Wellness Rewards – $500 Annually
$40
Wellness Rewards – $700 Annually
$56
When you sign up for the top-tier wellness plan, the following services are eligible for reimbursement:
Wellness exam fees
Vaccinations and titers
Flea, tick and heartworm preventives
Spay or neuter surgery
Fecal and routine blood tests
Microchipping
Nutritional supplements
Grooming
Medicated shampoos
Toenail trimming
Routine anal gland expression
Wearable pet activity monitors
Cremation or burial
Gastropexy
Preventive teeth cleaning
Prescription food
Training
Best Digital Experience
Lemonade
Details
Why We Recommend Lemonade
Pros and Cons
Lemonade Wellness Plan Coverage
Annual Limits:
$5,000 to $100,000
Reimbursement Rates:
70% to 90%
Average Accident/Illness Cost:
$21 to $46
Average Wellness Cost:
$16 to $47
Lemonade provides a unique digital experience with AI chatbots that can help users customize their plans and can process claims within minutes. It also has no waiting periods on accident plans. Lemonade offers three wellness plan options to keep your pet healthy during every stage of its life. Owners of adult dogs and cats can choose between Lemonade’s Routine Vet Care and Routine Vet Care Plus packages, which include an annual wellness exam, heartworm test, vaccines, bloodwork and more. Those with puppies and kittens can sign up for Lemonade’s package tailored to young pets, including spay or neuter surgery and microchipping.
Lemonade offers three preventive care plans: Routine Vet Care and Routine Vet Care Plus, geared toward adult pets, and Puppy and Kitten Routine Care for pets 2 years old and younger. Here’s an estimate of costs and coverage:
Coverage Area
Routine Vet Care
Routine Vet Care Plus
Puppy and Kitten Routine Care
Monthly cost
$16
$24
$47
Annual benefit amount
$355
$580
$825
Wellness exam
$70
$70
$140 (up to 2 exams)
Vaccines or boosters
$105 (up to 3 vaccines)
$105 (up to 3 vaccines)
$210 (up to 6 vaccines)
Wellness testing*
$180
$180
$220
Spay or neuter surgery
Not covered
Not covered
$135
Microchip
Not covered
Not covered
$45
Flea, tick or heartworm medications
Not covered
$75
$75
Dental cleaning
Not covered
$150
Not covered
*Lemonade bundles parasite, heartworm and blood tests under what is known as “wellness testing,” which provides a combined coverage limit for all three services.
**We retrieved this cost data by pulling several quotes from this provider.
Most Comprehensive Coverage
Spot Pet Insurance
Details
Why We Recommend Spot
Pros and Cons
Spot Wellness Plan Coverage
Annual Limits:
$2,500 to Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates:
70% to 90%
Average Accident/Illness Cost:
$24 to $49
Average Wellness Cost:
$10 to $25
Spot offers two choices for preventive care that you can add to an accident and illness or accident-only policy. With up to $450 in annual benefits, Spot’s wellness plans cover dental cleanings, spay and neuter coverage, vaccines and more. Spot’s accident and illness plans are some of the most comprehensive we’ve seen, covering exam fees and microchipping for no additional fee.
Spot’s wellness plans come in two tiers: Gold and Platinum. The Gold plan provides up to $250 per year in benefits, while the Platinum provides up to $450 in benefits and covers additional services. Check out cost estimates and maximum reimbursements for each service:
Coverage Area
Gold Plan
Platinum Plan
Monthly cost
$9.95
$24.95
Annual benefit amount
$250
$450
Dental cleaning
$100
$150
Spay or neuter surgery*
N/A
$150
DHLPP Vaccine
$20
$25
Rabies/Lyme Vaccine
$20
$25
Wellness exam
$50
$50
Fecal test
$20
$25
Heartworm test
$20
$25
Deworming
$20
$25
Blood test
N/A
$25
Urinalysis
N/A
$25
Health Certificate
N/A
$25
Flea/Heartworm Prevention
N/A
$25
Bordetella Vaccine
N/A
$25
*Spot’s Platinum plan combines dental cleanings and spay or neuter procedures under a single $150 limit.
**We retrieved this cost data by pulling several quotes from this provider.
Best for Lifelong Protection
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Details
Why We Recommend ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Pros and Cons
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Wellness Plan Coverage
Annual Limits:
$2,500 to $10,000
Reimbursement Rates:
70% to 90%
Average Accident/Illness Cost:
$23 to $46
Average Wellness Cost:
$10 to $25
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers two comprehensive wellness plans that can help cover the costs of key vaccines, dental cleanings and even spay and neuter procedures. It also doesn’t limit or restrict coverage for senior pets, unlike most other companies. When you pair an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance accident and illness plan with one of its wellness plans, you have solid coverage for your pet, no matter its age — which is why we named it the best provider for lifelong protection.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers two wellness add-ons. The Basic Plan costs about $10 per month and provides up to $250 in annual routine care coverage. In contrast, the Prime Plan offers up to $450 in benefits for $25 per month. Here’s a breakdown of the two plans:
Coverage Area
Basic Plan
Prime Plan
Monthly cost
$10
$25
Wellness exam
$50
$50
Dental Cleaning
$100
$150
Spay or neuter surgery*
N/A
$150
Deworming
$20
$25
Health certification
N/A
$25
Flea and heartworm prevention
N/A
$25
Heartworm test (only for dogs)
$20
$25
Blood test
N/A
$25
Urinalysis
N/A
$25
Fecal test
$20
$25
Vaccines (vary by plan)
$40
$75
*ASPCA Pet Health Insurance combines dental cleaning and spay/neutering under a $150 limit in the Prime plan.
**We retrieved this cost data by pulling several quotes from this provider.
Best Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance
Details
Why We Recommend AKC
Pros and Cons
AKC Wellness Plan Coverage
Annual Limits:
Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates:
70% to 90%
Average Accident/Illness Cost:
$28 to $46
Average Wellness Cost:
$16 to $29
AKC is the only pet insurer we’ve reviewed that offers coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. It has two affordable wellness plan options that can absorb some of the preventive care costs your pet incurs. These plans help cover the costs of microchipping, spay and neuter procedures and teeth cleaning. In addition, it offers a rare stipend for a preventive gastropexy (bloat) procedure through the company’s highest plan tier — which is ideal for owners of great danes, German shepherds and other breeds who are susceptible to bloat.
Two add-on wellness plans are available through AKC: Defender and DefenderPlus, which offer up to $305 and $735 in benefits, respectively. Both plans cover many basic preventive care treatments, but DefenderPlus provides additional coverage for dental cleanings and spay or neuter surgery. See a breakdown of coverage here:
Coverage Area
Defender
DefenderPlus
Monthly cost
$12 to 16
$22 to 27
Spay or neuter surgery*
N/A
$150
Dental Cleaning
N/A
$150
Rabies vaccine
$15
$15
Flea/tick/heartworm prevention
$80
$95
Vaccinations
$30
$40
Wellness exam
$50
$50
Heartworm or FELV test
$25
$30
Blood, fecal or parasite exam
$50
$70
Microchipping***
$20
$40
Urinalysis or ERD test
$15
$25
Deworming
$20
$20
Preventive gastropexy (bloat prevention)
N/A
$200
*AKC combines dental cleaning and spay/neutering under a $150 limit in the DefenderPlus plan.
**We retrieved this cost data by pulling several quotes from this provider.
***Microchipping may not be available in all states.
Compare Top Pet Insurance Wellness Plans
Compare the average cost of pet insurance and base-level wellness add-ons across our top provider picks in this review down below.
Data Updated as of Dec 2025
What is a Pet Wellness Plan and How Does It Work?
A pet wellness plan typically covers routine veterinary treatments, such as annual vet checkups, lab work, blood work, vaccines, dental care, physical exams and more. These routine treatments and checkups are essential to maintaining your pet’s health. A pet wellness plan often only covers preventive care and doesn’t include accident and illness coverage.
How to Use Pet Wellness Coverage
In general, you’ll schedule your pet’s services, like vaccinations and bloodwork, ahead of time. When the time comes, you’ll pay for these services up front and then submit a claim to your wellness plan provider for reimbursement.
Most preventive care plans don’t have a deductible, but be sure that you’ve read through your plan documents so you fully understand the specifics of what is and isn’t covered. In addition, keep any receipts from your vet that detail the services provided to your pet, as you’ll need them for documentation to submit your claim.
What Do Pet Wellness Plans Cover?
A complement to your base pet insurance plan, a wellness plan can offer basic or comprehensive coverage.
Basic Pet Wellness Coverage
The difference between a basic wellness plan and an upgraded or comprehensive plan depends on the specific provider. We found that basic plans cover the following services:
Wellness visits
Vaccines
Fecal test
Heartworm or FIV or FeLV test
Deworming
Comprehensive Wellness Plans
Comprehensive and upgraded wellness plans may provide higher reimbursement rates than basic coverage and may have an expanded list of covered services, including:
Microchipping
Health certificates
Spay or neuter surgery
Dental cleanings
Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
Wellness blood and urine profiles
Grooming
Supplements
Alternative wellness care
What Is Not Covered by Pet Wellness Plans
Pet wellness plans and pet insurance policies offer complementary coverage. As pet insurance alone doesn’t provide coverage for routine wellness services, a preventive care add-on won’t pay for expenses related to emergency veterinary care for an accident or illness.
How Much Do Pet Wellness Plans Cost?
According to our analysis, the average price for a pet wellness plan is $180 annually or around $15 per month. However, your exact costs will depend on the provider and the amount of coverage included.
When you add the cost of a wellness package to the cost of a basic pet insurance policy, you can expect to pay between $48 to $76 per month.
What is the Difference Between Pet Insurance and Pet Wellness Plans?
Pet insurance is designed to help pet parents pay for veterinary care due to an accident or illness. Pet wellness plans can help cover costs associated with planned routine care. In most cases, wellness plan service reimbursements are not subject to a deductible or copayment.
Do Pet Wellness Plans Have Waiting Periods?
Where state law permits, pet insurance policies enforce a waiting period before coverage begins, which can also apply to wellness plans. However, we’ve found that some providers, such as ASPCA and Embrace, allow you to use the plan’s benefits as soon as you enroll. If your pet needs wellness care soon, consider enrolling in a pet insurance policy with an additional preventive care plan before starting routine care to receive coverage.
Do Pet Wellness Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
No, pet wellness plans don’t typically cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. However, some routine treatments covered by these plans may help prevent or cure these conditions.
Some pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses related to curable pre-existing conditions, and AKC is the only provider we’ve reviewed that also covers incurable pre-existing conditions.
Some pre-existing conditions are more common among certain species and breeds than others. Dr. Rodney Steven Bagley, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, a professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests doing some research on your pet to learn what conditions it is particularly at risk for.
“All breeds can potentially have specific diseases, and equally, there are myriad diseases that are not breed-associate or dependent… [but] just because you find information about a disease in the breed you have doesn’t mean your dog will actually get that disease.”
Pet Wellness Plans Near Me
Looking for local pet insurance or hospitals with routine care coverage plans? Select your state below to get a full list of our top-recommended pet wellness plans near you.
Find Pet Insurance Providers in Your State
Is a Pet Wellness Plan Worth It?
According to health care financing company Care Credit, vet exams, core vaccinations, spaying or neutering and microchip implantations can total $2,800 in a puppy’s first year. The first-year cost for a kitten is nearly $2,500. A pet wellness add-on can help ease the burden of these costs for new pet owners, especially if you anticipate struggling to pay these expenses in a lump sum.
However, if you think you’ll fail to use all of the wellness services you’ve paid for by the end of your contract term, you’ll likely lose money by paying for unused benefits. A pet wellness plan may not be worth adding to your pet insurance policy in these cases.
Ask The Experts
“Establish a good relationship with a veterinarian and the clinic. When looking for a new pet, veterinarians are great resources for types and breeds that would work well for the home. Follow preventive recommendations… Also, early obedience training can encourage positive behaviors for lasting relationships for pets and their families.”
Expert insight from Jessica Bell, DVM
“I typically break down the main preventive measures into [a few categories, including]:
Preventives: Most dogs benefit from monthly, year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention. This can vary based on geographic location but your vet can help you cater a plan to your specific geographic location.
Vaccines: Core vaccines include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and rabies. Based on geographic location and exposure risk, optional vaccines should also be considered to help prevent certain serious diseases such as Lyme disease and leptospirosis.
Dental: Starting an at-home dental care regimen early can be very important to maintain dental health. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush is the best thing you can do, ideally daily. You can also use a [veterinarian] approved toothpaste to add flavor. You should not use human toothpaste. If brushing is not an option, you can visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for a list of approved treats, and additives that can help reduce plaque or tartar.”
Expert insight from Amy Nichelason, DVM, DABVP
“Do research before getting a breed so you know what it is prone to. Visit your vet at least once a year for a checkup so they can find problems before they become a big deal…Keep your pets [at a] healthy body weight! Overweight pets live shorter lives. Use the calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance for how much to feed your pet.”
Expert insight from Sarah Proctor, DVM, MPH
“Establish a good relationship with a veterinarian and the clinic. When looking for a new pet, veterinarians are great resources for types and breeds that would work well for the home. Follow preventive recommendations… Also, early obedience training can encourage positive behaviors for lasting relationships for pets and their families.”
Expert insight from Sarah Proctor, DVM, MPH
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Wellness Plans
Below are some commonly asked questions about pet wellness plans:
Do all pet insurance companies offer wellness plans?
No, not all pet insurance companies offer wellness plans. However, it is a common offering that most companies extend to pet owners.
How do I enroll in a preventive care plan?
With most pet insurance companies, you can enroll in a wellness plan online or over the phone. The best time to obtain this coverage is when you sign up for pet insurance or renew your policy.
Do wellness plans cover neutering?
Yes, many pet wellness plans cover some of the costs of neutering. However, the neuter or spay package is often included in a higher-tier preventive care plan or one made specifically for kittens or puppies. Be sure to check the coverage details of your plan before purchasing.
Is Lemonade pet insurance better than ASPCA?
We ranked Lemonade pet insurance higher than ASPCA in our review of the best pet insurance companies because of Lemonade’s quick and convenient customer experience.
Methodology
Many pet insurance providers offer comprehensive insurance options for pet owners, but few companies offer quality wellness plans that will guarantee savings. The MarketWatch Guides prides itself on providing the most accurate and up-to-date pet insurance cost information by manually gathering over 14,000 quotes and comparing pet ownership costs across providers. We used the following factors to help rank our top pet wellness plans:
Cost of wellness add-on: We analyzed the average cost to add a wellness plan to base insurance coverage for each provider. Companies with more affordable wellness care rates ranked above those offering expensive preventive care plans.
Base plan monthly cost: Since we know cost is an important factor to shoppers, pet insurance companies with cheaper monthly premiums ranked higher on our list. Our estimated costs were determined by requesting quotes from more than 20 pet insurance companies based on 10 sample pet profiles of both mixed-breed and purebred dogs and cats across all 50 U.S. states.
Two or more plan options: Providers that offer more than one wellness plan tier ranked higher than those with only one option. This allows pet owners who are only looking for pet wellness care coverage to select a plan more suited to their needs.
Preventive care coverage: Providers with more comprehensive wellness care coverage, such as covering two versus one vet exam, three or more vaccines and spay and neutering procedures, ranked higher than those with more limited coverage.
Special perks: We ranked companies that offer more perks to pet owners, such as teeth cleaning and microchipping, higher than those with basic routine care coverage.
Money-back guarantee: Given that the industry average money-back guarantee is 30 days, any company offering a longer guarantee earned a higher score in this category.
Our rating: Our team reviewed more than 30 pet insurance companies using our objective rating methodology. Pet insurance providers that earned higher overall scores ranked higher on this list.
For more information on how we review pet insurance companies, review our editorial guidelines.
