PET INSURANCE DEFINITIONS

PREVENTATIVE CARE

Find the best pet insurance in minutes – easy comparison shopping.

DEFINITION • PREVENTATIVE CARE

← Back to all definitions

Preventative Care

Treatments and services aimed at maintaining your pet’s health.

Making the Most of Preventative Care

Preventative care keeps your pet healthy before problems arise—here's what it typically includes and how to use it wisely.

What Preventative Care Includes

Preventative care typically covers routine wellness visits, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, and dental cleanings. These services are designed to catch potential health issues early and keep your pet in optimal condition year-round.

Is Preventative Care Covered by Default?

Standard accident and illness pet insurance plans generally do not include routine wellness services. Preventative care is usually available as an optional wellness add-on or through a separate wellness plan, so it's important to review your policy details before assuming coverage.

Why Routine Visits Matter

Annual or bi-annual wellness exams allow your vet to establish a health baseline for your pet. Early detection of weight changes, dental disease, or early-stage conditions can lead to more effective—and often less costly—treatment before a condition becomes serious.

Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention

Core vaccinations protect against common and potentially fatal diseases, while parasite prevention—including flea, tick, and heartworm treatments—guards against conditions that can cause long-term harm. Staying current on these is one of the most cost-effective aspects of pet ownership.

Dental Health as Preventative Care

Oral health is often overlooked but directly connected to your pet's overall wellbeing. Routine dental cleanings and at-home brushing can help prevent periodontal disease, which if left untreated, may lead to more serious systemic health issues over time.

Budgeting for Preventative Services

Even when not covered by insurance, budgeting for preventative care visits annually is a practical strategy. The cost of a routine exam and vaccinations is typically far lower than treating an illness or condition that could have been identified and managed earlier.

Dog Cat Illustration

Your Pet, Your Companion, Your Pocket

Our dedication lies in connecting you with equitable and accurate pricing, tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and location. If you’re seeking further recommendations, feel free to contact us via our social media channels or by email at [email protected].

Do Not Sell My Information

Insurance services are offered through Pet Priority, LLC (NPN: 20883088), only where licensed.

While our opinions remain neutral, the compensation received, and comprehensive evaluations might affect how we are matching you with an offer.

If you have a visual impairment or any other disability and need assistance accessing our website, please reach out to us at [email protected] to discuss potential accommodations.

Disclaimer: The coverage amounts shown on this website are based on calculations for illustrative purposes using hypothetical scenarios. Coverage amounts, savings and cost may differ based on your location, the terms, conditions, and limits defined in in your individual pet insurance policy. For precise details regarding deductibles, reimbursement rates, coverage specifics, and any exclusions that may apply, please refer to your policy documents or reach out to the customer service teams of our partners. While Pet Priority, LLC is unable to directly process claims, we're more than happy to assist with any inquiries or guide you in the right direction. You can reach us via email at [email protected]

© 2026 Pet Priority™, All Rights Reserved.