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Pet Wellness Coverage

Pet wellness plans offer reimbursement for routine screenings and preventive care to help keep your cat or dog healthy.

Pet Wellness vs. Pet Insurance

Wellness coverage is different from pet insurance since it doesn't cover unexpected accidents or illnesses and is typically added onto a base plan.

Pet Wellness plans are preventive care plans intended to keep your pet healthy and catch any potential health issues early.

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What Does the Pet Wellness Plan Cover?

Plans through AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance company) offer coverage for vaccinations, microchip services, certain lab tests and blood work, parasite prevention (flea, tick, and heartworm), and much more.


  • Wellness Exam

    Comprehensive check-up for overall pet health and preventive care.

  • Urinalysis or ERD

    Routine diagnostic tests for urinary health assessment.

  • Rabies

    Vaccination to prevent deadly viral infection in pets.

  • Microchip

    Identification implant for lost pet retrieval and owner information.

  • Deworming

    Routine treatment to eliminate internal parasites in pets.

  • Spay/Neuter*

    Surgical procedure for population control and health benefits.

  • Heartworm Test or FeLV Screen

    Routine screening tests for heartworm disease or feline leukemia virus.

  • Vaccination/Titer

    Immunization or antibody level check for disease prevention.

  • Heartworm Prevention

    Medication to protect against heartworm infection in pets.

  • Blood, Fecal, and Parasite

    Routine diagnostic tests to assess blood, fecal matter, and detect parasites.

  • Flea/Tick Prevention

    Preventive measures against flea and tick infestation in pets.

  • Teeth Cleaning*

    Dental procedure to maintain oral health in pets.

*Available with DefenderPlus add-on

What Else Should I Know?


No waiting periods
Not subject to deductible, coinsurance, or annual limit
Policy automatically renews annually
Reimbursement amounts are annual

Benefits subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Click here for complete details.

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Pet Wellness Plan Benefits

You want to do everything you can for your pet, and custom pet wellness add-ons like Defender and DefenderPlus make it easier to prepare for everyday care.

  • Preventative Care Measures

    Budget for your pet’s future, and have peace of mind that you’re protecting them as best you can.

  • Routine Veterinary Check-ups

    Routine check-ups can help catch issues early, so they can be treated before they become severe.

  • Wellness Pet Insurance for Cats

    Early prevention is key for cats and kittens, since many don’t show signs of illness until it’s too late.

  • Year-Long Pet Prevention for Dogs

    Get reimbursed for preventatives that safeguard against fleas, ticks, and heartworm. 

Schedule of Benefits

Treatment/Procedure

Defender
$17/month*

DefenderPlus
$29/month*

Rabies Vaccination

$15

$15

Flea/Tick Prevention

$50

$65

Heartworm Prevention

$30

$30

Vaccination/Titer

$30

$40

Wellness Exam

$50

$50

Heartworm Test of FELV Screen

$25

$30

Blood, Fecal, Parasite Exams

$50

$70

Microchip

$20

$40

Urinalysis or ERD

$15

$25

Deworming

$20

$20

Spay/Neuter or Teeth Cleaning

$0

$150

Benefit Value

$305

$535

Your Cost

$204

$348

Total Savings

33%

35%

FAQs

Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It?

Pet wellness plans can be worth the price, since they offer assistance with bills related to routine care that can help prevent or hinder serious disease.

Do Wellness Plans Cover Spay and Neuter Costs?

Yes; AKC Pet Insurance’s optional DefenderPlus add-on reimburses for a portion of costs related to spaying or neutering a cat or dog.

Do Wellness Plans Cover Dental Care?

AKC Pet Insurance’s optional DefenderPlus add-on reimburses for a portion of costs related to teeth cleaning. Medically necessary extractions for permanent broken teeth are covered under the base Accident & Illness plan. Coverage is not provided for any other conditions related to teeth, including but not limited to gingivitis, periodontal disease, root canals, caps and crowns, vital pulpotomies, deciduous teeth, diseased teeth, and abscessed teeth.

How Much Do Wellness Plans Cost?

The Defender add-on costs $15 a month and covers costs related to wellness exams, microchipping, urinalysis, rabies, deworming, heartworm testing, FELV screening,  vaccinations, titers, heartworm prevention, blood, fecal, and parasite exams, and flea and tick prevention. The DefenderPlus add-on costs $28 and covers everything offered by Defender, as well as costs related to spay/neuter procedures and teeth cleaning.


Do Wellness Plans Have Waiting Periods? 

No; Wellness Plans through AKC Pet Insurance don’t have waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance amounts, or annual limits.


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