Pet wellness plans and pet insurance plans can help you manage the cost of pet care. Below, our Seattle vets explain the differences between these two options and what the benefits of both pet wellness plans and pet insurance are.
Thinking ahead
Both wellness plans and pet insurance policies offer benefits, but they are very different. When it comes to your pet's veterinary care, it’s important to understand which services your pet is and isn't covered for. That way you won't be left unexpectedly out of pocket when you visit your vet or need to plan the payment for your pet's care and treatment.
What are pet wellness plans?
By paying a small monthly amount wellness plans can help you cover the cost of routine veterinary care. Unlike pet insurance, with wellness plans, you only pay for the treatments and services you use.
Wellness plans can help you to adopt a more proactive approach to your pet's veterinary care, and help your vet spot early signs of any conditions or diseases before they become more serious, and potentially very expensive.
What is covered by pet wellness plans?
Routine vet care such as microchipping, vaccinations and dental care are generally covered by wellness plans. The primary purpose of these plans is to help you to spread out the cost of improving and maintaining the standard of your pet’s overall health.
What is pet wellness insurance
Pet insurance takes care of any veterinary bills if your pet requires emergency veterinary care.
Treating an illness such as cancer or diabetes, or emergency treatment, can become very expensive. Pet insurance provides you with financial help to pay the bills for accidents and conditions covered by your pet's insurance policy.
What can pet wellness insurance help with?
Policies differ, but generally, pet insurance covers treatment for illnesses as well as any emergency treatment required after accidents. Some pet insurance policies may also include prescription medications, the treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions as well as orthopedic conditions.
How to decide which option is right for my pet?
Some pet owners subscribe to both pet insurance and wellness plans to ensure their pet has complete protection, while other pet owners opt for one or the other. Understanding how each of these options work can benefit you and your pet and can help you decide on what the best option is for you and your pet.
Ask your vet if you would like help deciding what is best for your pet based on their particular needs and concerns.