Wellness plans and pet insurance are two distinct options for reducing the cost of your pet's healthcare. Both of these options have distinct advantages, but it's critical to understand the distinctions between them. Our Poway veterinarians discuss wellness plans and pet insurance in greater detail here.
Protecting Your Pet's Future
While both wellness plans and pet insurance policies provide benefits, they are quite different. It's critical to understand what services are and are not covered for your pet regardless of whether you choose a wellness plan or pet insurance. By being aware of these options, you will avoid being out of pocket when visiting your veterinarian or when planning payment for your pet's veterinary care.
What is a wellness plan?
Wellness plans make it easier for you to cover the cost of routine veterinary care and, unlike pet insurance, you only pay for the treatments and services you use throughout the year.
By paying a small monthly fee rather than a lump sum at each visit, wellness plans enable you to take a more proactive approach to veterinary care. These plans assist your veterinarian in identifying early signs of any conditions or diseases that may exist in your pet before they become more serious and expensive to treat.
What does a wellness plan cover?
Generally, wellness plans cover routine vet care including wellness exams, parasite preventives, annual blood testing, and vaccines. Improving and maintaining the standard of your pet’s overall health during their lifetime is easier because these plans spread out the cost of routine vet care.
What is pet insurance?
Should your pet require emergency veterinary care, pet insurance helps you to take care of the cost of treatment.
The reality is that emergency care or treating a chronic illness such as cancer or diabetes can become quite costly. If you have pet insurance, you will receive financial assistance to cover the costs of any conditions or accidents covered by your policy.
What does pet insurance cover?
While pet insurance policies vary, they typically cover treatment for illnesses or emergency care following accidents. Certain policies may also cover prescription medications and the treatment of hereditary, congenital, and orthopedic conditions.
How do I choose which option to buy?
Educating yourself on the specific benefits of wellness plans and pet insurance can assist you in determining which is the best fit for you and your pet. While some pet owners opt for either a wellness plan or pet insurance, others opt for both to ensure their pet receives comprehensive coverage.
If you aren't sure which coverage is right for you, ask your vet. They can help you decide based on your pet's particular needs and concerns.