Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccines?

Pets bring us endless joy, cuddles, and the occasional surprise vet bill. As responsible pet parents, we want to keep our furry family members healthy, and that includes routine vaccinations. But with the cost of vet care on the rise, you might be wondering, does pet insurance cover vaccines?

Most standard pet insurance plans cover unexpected accidents and illnesses, but preventive care, like vaccines, annual check-ups, and flea prevention, typically falls outside of that. However, some insurers offer wellness add-ons that help cover routine care costs.

So, what should you be budgeting separately for those jabs, and why are they so important for your pet’s health? Let’s dig in!

Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccines? What's Covered

Whether pet insurance will cover vaccinations typically depends on the kind of plan you have.

Standard pet insurance

Think of standard pet insurance like a safety net for life’s unexpected curveballs – like when your dog eats something they shouldn’t or your cat suddenly decides that the great outdoors is a fun place to explore at 2 a.m.! These plans are designed to cover accidents, injuries, and unexpected illnesses – basically, those moments when your pet needs urgent medical attention.

However, most standard pet insurance policies don’t include coverage for routine care like pet vaccinations, annual check-ups, or dental cleanings. Vaccinations are considered preventive care rather than an emergency, which is why they’re generally not included.

Wellness plans

Wellness plans are where things get a bit more flexible! Some pet insurance providers offer these plans as an add-on to standard coverage, allowing you to tackle both the unexpected and the routine.

Wellness add-ons typically cover a portion of preventive care, such as vaccinations, annual check-ups, flea treatments, and dental cleanings. While these wellness riders will increase your premiums, they can be a good option for spreading out some of the vaccination costs to avoid large upfront payments.

vet smiling as they examine a grey and white cat

Does Furkin Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations?

Furkin Pet Insurance doesn’t cover vaccines as these are considered preventive care. Instead, our plan is for those "uh-oh" moments, like an emergency surgery, an illness, or an accident.

Our simple plan is purr-fect for Canadian pet owners who prefer to keep their premiums lower by budgeting for routine care, like vaccinations, separately from their policy.

Furkin offers $20,000 of annual coverage at an 80% reimbursement rate for unexpected illnesses, accidents, and emergencies. Our single plan makes enrollment quick and easy so you can get your pet insured in less time. Grab a quote today and join the family!

7 Reasons Why Pet Vaccines Are Important

Whether you cover your pet’s shots separately or you include a wellness add-on as part of your standard pet insurance policy, vaccinations are important for many reasons, including:

They prevent serious diseases: Vaccines protect your pet from dangerous, sometimes life-threatening diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. These conditions can be costly to treat and, in some cases, fatal, but vaccines offer a simple and effective line of defence.
They keep your pet healthy: Regular vaccinations help maintain your pet's overall health by boosting their immune system and making sure they’re protected from common infections. Healthy pets are happy pets!
They protect other animals: Vaccinating your pet isn’t just about keeping them safe – it’s also about protecting other animals in your community. By preventing the spread of infectious diseases, you’re doing your part to safeguard local pets and wildlife.
They reduce vet bills: While vaccines might have an upfront cost, they’re far more affordable than treating a preventable disease. They’re a small investment to save you from expensive treatments down the road.
They’re required by law: In Canada, certain vaccinations are legally required for pets – especially the rabies vaccine. Different provinces and territories may have specific regulations, but most require pets to be vaccinated against rabies, and failure to comply could lead to fines.
Travel ready: If you're planning to take your pet on a trip or leave them at a kennel, many places require up-to-date vaccinations for boarding or travel. Staying current makes sure your pet’s ready for any adventure that comes their way!
Peace of mind: Last but not least, knowing your pet is vaccinated provides peace of mind. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it gives you confidence that you’re doing everything possible to keep your furry family member safe.

small puppy on vet table being examined

How Much Do Pet Vaccines Cost?

The cost of dog vaccinations can vary depending on their age, the region you live in, and the vet clinic you visit. For an adult dog’s routine vaccines, according to the Canadian Kennel Club, you’ll likely pay anywhere between $60 and $150 CAD for the core vaccines.

Cat vaccinations are somewhat cheaper for the core set, according to the Canadian Kennel Club, they average around $50 to $90 CAD every 1-3 years. Cats typically need fewer vaccines than dogs, and the frequency of boosters is spread out over a longer period.

New puppies and kittens require more shots than adults because their immune systems are still developing, so they need extra booster shots. Additionally, if your dog or cat receives the non-core vaccines, the total vet bill can increase.

Annual dog vaccines

If you prefer the idea of budgeting for your dog’s routine and preventive care instead of including it in your pet insurance policy, here are the rough costs you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars.

Vaccine	Description	Cost (CAD)
Rabies	Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through bites, and it’s mandatory in most Canadian provinces for pets.	$20-60
DHPP	The DHPP is a combination shot which includes the core vaccines: Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.	$20-40
Bordatella (kennel cough)	Bordetella protects against a common respiratory infection, especially important for dogs who socialize in places like dog parks or kennels, but it's not mandatory in Canada.	$20-40
Leptospirosis	Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both pets and humans and while it's not required by law in Canada, it’s recommended for dogs at risk.	$20-50
Lyme Disease	This vaccine protects against Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, and while not mandatory in Canada, it’s highly recommended in areas where ticks are prevalent.	$30-50
Canine Influenza	Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus, and while not required in Canada, it’s recommended for dogs who are at higher risk, such as those in doggy daycare.	$35-60

Annual cat vaccines

Below are the rough costs of cat vaccinations you can expect to pay each year in Canadian dollars.

Vaccine	Description	Cost (CAD)
FVRCP Combo	The FVRCP combo vaccine covers three major feline diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus, and panleukopenia (distemper). It’s a core vaccine typically required in Canada.	This can be as low as $25-37 in lower-cost vets, depending on the region, though more expensive clinics may charge more.
Rabies	Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted through bites. It’s mandatory for cats in most Canadian provinces to be vaccinated against rabies.	Typically around the same cost as the FVRCP vaccine.
Feline Leukemia Virus	FeLV is a serious viral infection that weakens the immune system, and while it’s not mandatory in Canada, it’s strongly recommended for at-risk cats, especially those that go outdoors.	Around $28-35.
Chlamydophila Felis	This bacterial infection causes conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), and the vaccine is optional and not mandatory in Canada.	Around $35-60, depending on the clinic.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica	Bordetella causes respiratory infections in cats, particularly those in crowded environments, and it’s optional in Canada, and not required by law.	Similarly, around $35-60, depending on the vet.

Final Thoughts

Vaccinations are a simple yet crucial way to keep your pet healthy and safe from preventable diseases. Whether you're opting for routine care or focusing on unexpected vet bills, making sure your pet is properly vaccinated is a step toward a long, happy life together.

If you’re looking for pet insurance that covers the unexpected, check out Furkin Pet Insurance today and get pet insurance that works fur you and your family!

FAQs

What does pet insurance not cover in Canada?

In Canada, pet insurance typically doesn’t cover routine or preventive care like vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, or annual check-ups. Most plans exclude pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or elective surgeries as well, so always read the fine print before signing up.

Does pet insurance cover flea and tick prevention?

Most standard pet insurance plans don’t cover flea and tick prevention, as it’s considered preventive care. However, some wellness add-ons may cover these treatments, so it’s worth checking with your insurer if that’s something you’d like included.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccines? Find Out What’s Covered!