Wellness plans and pet insurance are two different options to help make your pet’s healthcare more affordable. There are distinct benefits to these options, but it's important to understand the differences between them. Here, our Irvine vets explain more about wellness plans and pet insurance.
Protecting Your Pet's Future
Wellness plans and pet insurance policies both offer benefits, but they are quite different. It’s vital to understand what types of services your pet is and isn't covered for depending on if you opt for a wellness plan or pet insurance. By understanding these options, you won't be left with out-of-pocket expenses when you visit your vet.
What is a wellness plan?
Wellness plans make it easier for you to cover the cost of routine care and, unlike pet insurance, you only pay for the procedures and services you use throughout the year.
Wellness plans let you adopt a more proactive approach to veterinary care by paying a small monthly amount rather than a lump sum. These plans help your vet spot early signs of conditions or diseases your pet may have before they become more serious and expensive.
What does a wellness plan cover?
Normally, wellness plans cover routine vet care, including wellness exams, parasite preventives, annual blood testing, and vaccines. Maintaining your pet’s overall health is easier because these plans spread out the cost of routine vet care.
What is pet insurance?
If your pet requires emergency veterinary care, pet insurance helps you to take care of the cost of treatment.
Emergency treatment, or treating an illness like cancer or diabetes can be expensive. If you have pet insurance, it means you will have help to pay the bills for any conditions or accidents covered by your pet insurance policy.
What does pet insurance cover?
Every pet insurance policy is different, but they broadly cover treatment for illnesses or emergency treatment required after accidents. Some policies may also have prescription medications and the treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions, as well as orthopedic conditions.
How do I choose which option to buy?
Knowing exactly how wellness plans and pet insurance can benefit your pet can help you decide which is right for you. Some pet owners choose either a wellness plan or pet insurance, while others subscribe to both for complete 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.
