Are routine checkups covered?
Basic pet insurance plans generally do not cover routine checkups, but you can add wellness riders to include preventive care for an additional cost. This helps manage regular vet expenses with peace of mind.
Your trusted Colorado and Utah pet insurance experts, providing clear guidance to protect your furry family members.
Complete Guide to Routine Checkup Coverage in Pet Insurance
Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents
In Colorado and Utah, pet owners cherish their furry companions and want to provide the best care possible. Routine checkups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments are essential for keeping pets healthy, but veterinary costs in our region are rising faster than many expect. Understanding what your pet insurance covers for these routine services is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure your pet receives continuous care.
- Rising Veterinary Costs: Veterinary expenses in Colorado exceed national averages by over 20%, making preventive care an important financial consideration.
- Preventive Care Benefits: Regular checkups help detect health issues early, reducing costly emergency treatments common in Colorado's active outdoor environments.
- Coverage Nuances: Most standard pet insurance plans purchased here focus on accidents and illnesses, often excluding routine care unless wellness coverage is added.
What Most People Get Wrong
Many pet owners assume basic insurance policies will cover annual exams and vaccinations, leading to surprise vet bills. In Colorado and Utah's pet insurance market, it's important to note that routine and preventive care are usually not included in standard policies.
Another common misconception is that wellness riders are prohibitively expensive or unnecessary. However, wellness add-ons often provide excellent value by covering vaccinations, dental cleanings, and regular checkups, which can otherwise add up quickly, especially with the region's higher vet fees.
The Complete Picture
Most basic pet insurance plans in Colorado and Utah are designed primarily to cover unforeseen illnesses and accidents—not routine care. This means services like annual physical exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings fall outside the scope of typical coverage.
To address this gap, many insurers offer wellness or preventive care riders that policyholders can add for an additional monthly premium. These riders cover routine checkups and preventive treatments, providing a more comprehensive safety net for your pet's health.
While adding a wellness rider increases your monthly premium—Colorado pet insurance dog premiums average around $56 per month—the overall investment can save you significant out-of-pocket costs from regular vet visits. This is particularly relevant for active pets in Northern Colorado or Utah areas where outdoor risks are higher and preventive care is critical.
Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents
Question 1: Does your pet have specific health risks or preventive care needs?
Consider your pet's breed, age, and lifestyle. Active dogs that hike Colorado trails or cats living indoors have different preventive care needs. Wellness riders can be a valuable addition for ongoing vaccinations and dental care.
- Assess breed predispositions and common local health conditions.
- Evaluate frequency and type of routine vet visits your pet needs.
Question 2: Can you comfortably manage unexpected vet bills without wellness coverage?
Think about your financial readiness to pay for regular checkups out-of-pocket. If routine care costs could strain your budget, adding preventive care coverage may be wise.
Question 3: How important is peace of mind regarding preventive care for your pet?
If you value the certainty that regular vet visits are covered, wellness riders provide that added security. Consider this especially if your pet is aging or living in regions with higher exposure to common external risks.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
Local knowledge, industry-leading protection
4.9/5 Stars
Google Reviews from real customers
97% Retention Rate
Fort Collins families and businesses protected
Independent
We work for you, not insurance companies
Local
Fort Collins owned & operated since 1992
Real World Examples
The Wellness Rider That Saved Bella's Annual Vet Visits
Background: In Fort Collins, Colorado, Sarah chose a basic pet insurance policy for her energetic Labrador, Bella, focusing on accident and illness coverage.
Coverage: Basic accident/illness plan without wellness rider initially.
Monthly Premium: $56.30/month ($675.60/year)
The Incident: Bella’s annual checkup including vaccinations and dental cleaning cost $450.
Total Claim Cost: $450 (routine care not covered under basic plan)
Sarah's Cost: $450 out-of-pocket to cover Bella’s routine care, since it was excluded from her plan.
"I thought the insurance would cover Bella's yearly checkups, but I learned I needed to add a wellness rider. After I added it, routine costs were fully covered, which was a relief for my budget."
Protecting Tucker From Unexpected Wellness Costs in Salt Lake City
Background: Sam insured his mixed-breed dog Tucker with a comprehensive accident and illness policy plus a wellness rider to cover routine care in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Coverage: Comprehensive plan with wellness rider covering vaccinations, checkups, and dental care.
Monthly Premium: $75/month ($900/year)
The Incident: During a routine vet visit, Tucker required vaccinations, blood tests, and dental cleaning totaling $600.
Total Claim Cost: $600 covered 90% after deductible under wellness rider.
Sam's Cost: $60 after deductible and coinsurance.
"Adding the wellness rider was worth the extra monthly cost. It saved me hundreds on Tucker's routine care and gave me peace of mind knowing he’s covered fully."
Maria’s Strategy for Managing Bella’s Chronic Condition in Denver
Background: Maria enrolled her senior cat Bella in a pet insurance policy in Denver with wellness coverage before Bella was diagnosed with diabetes.
Coverage: Comprehensive illness and accident policy plus preventive care rider.
Monthly Premium: $82/month ($984/year)
The Incident: Bella’s diabetes management requires routine blood testing, medications, and vet checkups costing about $1,800 annually.
Total Claim Cost: $1,800 with 80% reimbursement through insurance.
Maria's Cost: Approximately $360 out-of-pocket after reimbursements.
"Insuring Bella before her diagnosis meant we had coverage for her ongoing needs. The wellness rider helped me manage costs and keep her healthy without constant financial worry."
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Assuming Routine Care Is Included in Basic Policies
What People Do: Many pet owners think that their standard pet insurance covers annual checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings.
Why It Seems Logical: It’s natural to expect insurance to cover all health-related expenses, including preventive visits.
The Real Cost: In Colorado and Utah, routine vet visits can total $300-$600 annually out-of-pocket if wellness coverage is not added, straining budgets unexpectedly.
Smart Alternative: Add a wellness rider to your policy to ensure routine and preventive care are included, providing reliable coverage and financial predictability.
Mistake #2: Neglecting to Add Wellness Riders for Active or Aging Pets
What People Do: Owners with highly active pets or seniors often skip wellness coverage, underestimating the increased risk for preventive care needs.
Why It Seems Logical: Some assume wellness coverage is an unnecessary expense unless their pet is sick.
The Real Cost: In Northern Colorado and Utah, common conditions like dental disease or arthritis require regular care, with costs adding thousands if uninsured.
Smart Alternative: Evaluate your pet’s lifestyle and age carefully when selecting coverage; a wellness rider often prevents costly surprises.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Fine Print About Wellness Coverage Limits
What People Do: Some pet owners purchase wellness riders without fully understanding benefit caps, waiting periods, or excluded services.
Why It Seems Logical: Policy documents can be complex and confusing, and owners may rely on brief explanations from agents or websites.
The Real Cost: Unexpected limits or exclusions in wellness plans can result in denied claims and unexpected bills even when you thought you were covered.
Smart Alternative: Work with FoCoIns advisors to thoroughly review policy details, fine print, and rider terms to ensure complete understanding and optimal coverage.
FAQs On The Same Topic
Find answers to your most pressing insurance questions right here.