Last updated: September 18, 2025
Introduction
Routine veterinary care is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for pet owners in the UK. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, microchipping, and regular health checks all add up. Many pet owners ask: can you get pet insurance that covers routine care?
This article takes a close look at routine care pet insurance in 2025. We’ll explore what’s included, what’s excluded, the pros and cons, typical costs, and which providers offer this type of policy. You’ll also see how it compares with standard accident, illness, and lifetime insurance.
By the end, you’ll know whether routine care pet insurance is worth it for your pet.
What Is Routine Care Pet Insurance?
Routine care pet insurance is designed to cover preventative and everyday treatments that keep pets healthy, rather than unexpected accidents or illnesses.
This may include:
- Annual vaccinations and boosters
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention
- Microchipping costs
- Dental check-ups and cleaning
- Annual health checks with a vet
Unlike lifetime or maximum benefit cover, routine care insurance is about helping you budget for predictable, recurring expenses.
For a clear overview of supported preventative care for eligible owners, see the PDSA Pet Care scheme.
Do UK Insurers Offer Routine Care Cover?
In the UK, routine care is not always included in standard pet insurance. Most traditional policies focus on accidents and illnesses. However, a small number of providers offer add-ons or specialist products.
Examples in 2025:
- Animal Friends: focus is primarily accident/illness, routine care not included.
- ManyPets: some wellness add-ons in certain markets, but routine care is still limited in the UK.
- Waggel: includes some preventative care perks (discounted flea and worming subscriptions, vet video calls).
- Pet Health Plans (via vets): not insurance, but subscription plans offered directly by practices for vaccinations and check-ups.
For most owners, routine care is paid out of pocket, with insurance covering only accidents/illnesses.
What Routine Care Does Not Cover
It’s important to know what routine care insurance or wellness add-ons usually don’t cover:
- Emergency surgery
- Chronic illnesses (diabetes, arthritis, etc.)
- Specialist referrals
- Hospitalisation and scans
These remain part of comprehensive policies like Lifetime or Maximum Benefit (see: Lifetime Pet Insurance UK 2025 and Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance UK 2025).
Costs of Routine Care Pet Insurance in 2025
Pricing varies, but routine care plans are far cheaper than accident/illness policies.
Typical costs:
- Routine care plans (through vets): £10–£20 per month
- Routine care add-ons (if available via insurers): £6–£15 per month
- By comparison:
- Lifetime cover: £25–£70+ per month
- Accident-only cover: £6–£12 per month
Example: Vaccinations (£50), flea/worming (£150), dental cleaning (£200 every couple of years). Without a plan, a cat or dog could cost £250–£400 annually in routine vet bills. A £15/month plan (£180/year) could make sense if you use all included benefits.
Pros and Cons of Routine Care Pet Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps budget for expected costs | Not widely available in the UK |
| Covers vaccinations, flea/worming | Doesn’t cover accidents or illnesses |
| Peace of mind for preventative care | May cost more than paying directly |
| Encourages regular vet visits | Limited choice of providers |
Routine Care vs Other Insurance Types
Routine care insurance should not be confused with medical insurance for pets.
- Lifetime Insurance → Covers accidents + illnesses for life. (See: Lifetime Pet Insurance UK 2025)
- Maximum Benefit → Covers each condition until a financial pot runs out. (See: Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance UK 2025)
- Time-Limited → Covers illnesses/accidents for 12 months only. (See: Time-Limited Pet Insurance UK 2025)
- Accident-Only → Cheapest, covers injuries only. (See: Accident-Only Pet Insurance UK 2025)
Routine care is a supplement, not a substitute. Most pet owners combine it with one of the above.
Is Routine Care Pet Insurance Worth It?
Routine care insurance is only worth it if:
- Your vet offers a plan that bundles vaccinations, flea/worming, and check-ups at a discount.
- You prefer to spread predictable costs monthly.
- You know you’ll use all included services.
If you’re disciplined at saving, you may be better off paying for routine care directly, while holding a Lifetime or Maximum Benefit policy for unexpected events.
FAQ
Is routine care included in standard pet insurance?
No. Preventative treatments like vaccinations and flea/worming are excluded from pet insurance.
Is routine cover worth it?
Yes, if you keep up with annual check-ups and treatments. It can save money and keep pets healthier.
Can I have both pet insurance and a routine cover plan?
Yes. Many owners combine them for complete protection – routine care for general wellness, insurance for accidents and illness.
What’s the difference between routine care cover and lifetime insurance?
Routine care covers everyday care. Lifetime insurance covers illnesses, accidents, and long-term conditions.
Do routine cover plans include dental care?
Some include routine scale and polish, but not major dental surgery. For that, see our Dental Cover Guide.
Key Takeaway
Routine / wellness cover in the UK 2025 is not a replacement for pet insurance but a helpful add-on that makes preventative care more affordable. By combining wellness plans with a Lifetime Policy, owners can achieve complete protection — routine care for everyday needs, and insurance for unexpected vet bills.