Wellness plans and pet insurance are two different options to help make your pet’s healthcare more affordable. In this article, our Austin vets discuss the differences between pet wellness plans and pet insurance.
Protecting Your Pet's Health
Wellness plans and pet insurance policies both offer benefits, but they are very different. It’s important to understand what types of services your pet is and isn't covered for whether you opt for a wellness plan or pet insurance. By understanding these options you won't be left out of pocket when you visit your vet or need to plan the payment for your pet's veterinary care.
Wellness Plans for Pets
Pet 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.
Wellness plans allow you to adopt a more proactive approach to veterinary care by paying a small monthly amount rather than a lump sum for each visit. These plans help your vet spot early signs of any conditions or diseases your pet may have before they become more serious and more expensive to treat.
What Wellness Plans Cover
Generally, wellness plans cover routine vet care including wellness exams, annual blood testing, and vaccines and parasite preventives. Improving and maintaining your pet’s overall health standard during their lifetime is easier because these plans spread out the cost of routine vet care.
Pet Insurance
Should your pet require emergency veterinary care, pet insurance helps you to take care of the cost of treatment.
The fact is that emergency treatment or treating an illness like cancer or diabetes can become very expensive. If you have pet insurance, you will have financial help to pay the bills for any conditions and accidents covered by your pet insurance policy.
What Pet Insurance Covers
Pet insurance policies differ but they generally cover treatment for illnesses or emergency treatment required after accidents. Some policies may also include prescription medications and the treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions as well as orthopedic conditions.
Choosing a Wellness Plan, Insurance, or Both
Knowing exactly how wellness plans and pet insurance can benefit you and 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 to ensure their pet has 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.