New for 2026: Pet Benefits for Employees
Caring for your pet is an important part of your life—and your budget. The University of Iowa partners with Corestream to offer voluntary pet benefits through the UI Benefits Extras platform, giving you convenient and affordable ways to support your pet’s health.
With easy payroll deduction, you can enroll in coverage that helps manage costs throughout the year. These pet benefit options are designed to support both routine care, like preventive visits, and unexpected veterinary expenses, helping you plan ahead and reduce financial stress.
Whether you’re maintaining your pet’s wellness or preparing for the unexpected, these benefits provide added peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most—keeping your pet healthy and happy.
- Learn more: 2026 Pet Benefits Overview (PDF)
Eligibility
Regular benefits-eligible faculty and staff working 50% or greater and house staff are eligible to enroll.
Pet Wellness Program
The Pet Wellness Program helps make everyday pet care more affordable. It reimburses you for routine expenses like exams, vaccinations, and more.
Key Features
- Fast reimbursements, often within 24 hours
- Reimbursement through Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfer
- Use any licensed veterinarian in the United States
- No waiting periods or deductibles
- 24/7 virtual veterinary support
- Guidance for nutrition, behavior, and overall wellness
- Discounts from partner pet brands
- No age, breed, or pre-existing condition restrictions
Ideal for employees who:
- Want help budgeting for routine pet care
- Have pets needing regular checkups, vaccines, or grooming
- Prefer quick reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses
- Want access to virtual pet care support
- Prefer flexibility without provider networks
Pet Health Insurance
Pet Health Insurance helps protect you from unexpected veterinary costs due to accidents or illness. Plans offer flexible coverage and let you visit any licensed provider.
Key Features
- Coverage for accidents and illnesses
- Flexible plan and reimbursement options
- Includes prescriptions, treatments, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline
- Lost pet recovery support
- Use any veterinarian, specialist, or emergency provider
- Coverage options for birds and some exotic pets
Ideal for employees who:
- Want protection from large, unexpected vet bills
- Need financial support for illness or injury
- Prefer the freedom to choose any provider
- Want peace of mind about pet care costs
- Have dogs, cats, birds, or exotic pets
Which Option Is Right for You?
| Pet Wellness Program (Wagmo) | Pet Health Insurance (Nationwide) |
|---|---|
| Covers routine and preventive care | Covers accidents and illnesses |
| Reimburses everyday expenses | Helps with large, unexpected costs |
| No deductibles or waiting periods | Multiple coverage options available |
| Includes virtual vet support | Includes 24/7 vet helpline |
| Best for ongoing care | Best for financial protection |
What Are the Costs?
The cost of pet coverage depends on the benefit option you choose:
Pet Wellness Program
The cost of the Pet Wellness Program is based on the number of pets you enroll. Your payroll deduction will vary depending on how many pets are covered under the program.
Pet Health Insurance
Pet health insurance premiums are customized for each pet and household. To receive a quote, you'll be directed to Nationwide, where you'll provide information such as:
- Type of pet
- Breed
- Age of pet
- Your location
Based on this information, Nationwide will generate a personalized premium quote for your pet's coverage.
Note: Pet health insurance rates vary by pet and location, so costs may differ from one employee to another.
Whether you enroll in the Pet Wellness Program or Pet Health Insurance, your payroll deductions will be made on a post-tax basis.
Request a Quote and Enroll
Visit the UI Benefit Extras website at Uiowa.corestream.com to learn more about Corestream's pet benefits and explore your coverage options.
- Create an account on the UI Benefit Extras (Corestream) website.
- Once logged in, locate Pet Health and select Learn More.
- Review the available pet benefit options, including Pet Wellness and Pet Health Insurance.
- To receive a personalized insurance quote, provide information about your pet, such as the pet type, breed, age, and your location.
- Compare coverage options and costs, then enroll in the program that best fits your needs.
These benefits are available year-round.
Certain eligibility and program restrictions apply.
For help, call (319) 224-5554 or uiowasupport@corestream.com