Pet Insurance for Routine Care

If you want a pet insurance plan that covers general care and preventative treatment, you can compare options offering routine care with Savvy.

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, updated on October 6th, 2023       

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Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget. 

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Disclaimer: Savvy is not advising or recommending any particular product to you. We provide general information on products for the purposes of comparison, but your personal situation or goals are not considered here. Although we try to make our comparisons as thorough as possible, we do not have information on all products on the market on our site.

Savvy earns a commission each time a customer buys a pet insurance policy through our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via the individual pet insurance companies.

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As a pet owner, ensuring your beloved companion receives the care it needs is a top priority. With veterinary costs on the rise, pet insurance is as a useful way to help manage health-related pet expenses. While many pet insurance plans focus primarily on accidents and illnesses, some plans also offer coverage for routine care.

If you are after a policy with routine care, you can compare a range of pet insurance options with Savvy. Our free online comparison tool can provide a range of quotes from our panel of trusted insurers, helping you find a deal that suits your and your pet’s needs. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!

What is routine care in pet insurance?

Routine care is generally a non-insurance benefit on select pet insurance plans that extends beyond traditional coverage to provide contributions towards services that can help keep your pet healthy and prevent problems. These services not only stop potential health issues from happening but can also help identify any hidden problems early on.

Routine care coverage can encompass an array of options, subject to variations between insurance providers and plans. Benefits that are often available under routine care coverage are:

  • Vaccinations and health checks: regular vaccinations and check-ups, which are pivotal in preventing diseases in pets.
  • Dental care: dental cleanings, oral examinations and even certain dental illnesses, though dental illness cover is often available as a separate optional extra.
  • Flea, tick and worm control: preventative medications to protect your pet against infestations of parasites like fleas, ticks and worms.
  • Desexing: spaying or neutering your pet, which helps population control and can have specific health benefits.     
  • Microchipping: microchipping of cats and dogs is compulsory in all Australian states except for the Northern Territory and significantly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if it is lost.
  • Heartworm prevention medication: medication to shield your pet from the harmful effects of heartworm infections, which can lead to serious heart and lung issues.
  • Alternative therapies: therapies such as acupuncture or physical therapy, which can help manage chronic conditions in pets.
  • Behavioural therapy: therapies to address behavioural issues, perhaps through a qualified behaviourist or veterinarian.
  • Prescription diets: coverage for the expenses of prescription diets recommended by veterinarians.
  • Cremation or burial: coverage for the expenses of cremation or burial of your pet if it passes away.

Is routine care available on all pet insurance plans?

No – routine care is generally only available on higher-tier plans as an optional add-on. Often referred to as comprehensive pet insurance, this level of insurance allows pet owners to add routine care to their coverage for an additional cost. Comprehensive insurance may also cover:    

  • Accidents, such as car accidents, fights with other animals, poisoning, snake and spider bites, and cuts and lacerations
  • Illnesses such as eye, ear and skin problems, cancer and gastrointestinal problems
  • Boarding fees
  • Advertising and reward cover
  • Third-party liability
  • Euthanasia

Do I need routine care cover for my pet?

It’s important to carefully assess your pet’s needs and your own budget when deciding whether to include routine care coverage in your pet insurance plan. While routine care coverage can be valuable for some pet owners, others might find that a basic accident and illness policy suits their needs adequately. Ultimately, the decision will depend on factors such as your pet’s age, health status and the likelihood of requiring routine care services.

When exploring pet insurance plans, take the time to compare coverage options. Consider your pet's specific health requirements and the potential benefits of routine care coverage. By making an informed choice, you can select a pet insurance plan that aligns with your pet's needs and provides you with peace of mind knowing that their routine care is adequately covered. If you are looking for pet insurance policies with routine care cover, you can compare a range of quotes with Savvy.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions. 

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

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Our comparison service is free to use, providing you with a range of pet insurance quotes at no cost.

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We’ve partnered with a range of pet insurers to give you more choice when selecting a policy.

Frequently asked questions about routine care on pet insurance

Are there any age restrictions for accessing routine care coverage?

Many pet insurance plans have age limits for taking out cover, usually between 6 or 8 weeks and 9 years for cats and dogs. These limits generally also apply for routine care benefits. However, if you enrol your pet in the policy while they are young and maintain continuous coverage as they age, routine care coverage might extend to them even as senior pets.

Is there a waiting period before I can use routine care coverage?

Waiting periods are the specified period after enrolling before you can access certain benefits or treatments. While most insurance plans have waiting periods for illness cover or dental illness, routine care often has no waiting periods, meaning you can access the benefits from day one of your policy.  However, waiting periods vary depending on the insurance provider so it is important to check your policy wording.

Can I use my preferred veterinarian for routine care services?

Many insurance plans allow you to choose your preferred veterinarian for routine care services. However, it is important to check the policy details to understand if you have the flexibility to visit your preferred vet.

Are pre-existing conditions covered under routine care?

No – pre-existing conditions are generally not covered under routine care. Pre-existing conditions are health issues that existed before your pet’s insurance coverage began. Insurance plans, including routine care coverage, typically exclude pre-existing conditions from reimbursement.