What Is The Difference Between Wellness Plans & Pet Insurance?
It would be ideal if every pet owner signed up for an insurance plan for their dog or cat but of course, there are a number of things to take into account. Factors such as cost, type of coverage, and your pet's health at the time of starting a policy can all greatly affect your monthly payments.
In addition, many pet insurance plans exclude preventive and routine care such as routine wellness exams and core vaccines, which are especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments in the first place.
That's where Wellness Plans come in. Pet insurance typically helps to cover the cost of emergency care and treatment for severe illnesses once they strike, such as cancer and heart disease, whereas a pet wellness plan can help to cover annual preventive care costs.
Great Reasons to Consider a Cat or Dog Wellness Plan for Your Pet
If you're not sure whether a Pet Wellness Plan is worth it for routine care, below are a few great reasons why they are worth considering.
Convenience & budgeting
Since Wellness Plans are 'bundles' of veterinary services, that means less financial pressure when taking your pet in for their vet-recommended preventive care services. This payment option enables more pet parents to afford comprehensive vet care and avoid potentially expensive treatment costs from preventable conditions going undiagnosed.
- Can be paid monthly or annually
- Usually includes discounts on other products and services at the veterinary clinic
- Makes budgeting for pet care more manageable and predictable
Customization & flexibility
Our Wellness Plans at Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital cover dogs and cats of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Most Wellness Plans have options for small, medium, large, extra large and giant dogs, as well as indoor and outdoor cats, and offer a range of preventive annual and biannual wellness procedures (e.g. wellness exams, bloodwork, parasite testing).
As your veterinarian gets to know your cherished pet, they will be able to let you know whether a Pet Wellness Plan could help you to save money while providing your pet with the preventive care they need and deserve.
Animals with special needs such as senior cats and dogs, new puppies and kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues benefit from routine vet care including early detection screenings, important preventive vaccinations, and physical examinations.
Things to Consider Before Signing Your Pet Up for a Wellness Plan
There are always important considerations when making any financial decision. Some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing whether a wellness plan is right for you.
Frequency of use
It may seem counterintuitive to subscribe to a wellness plan if your pet is young, healthy, or otherwise seems fine. Although for most, it is better to have coverage and not need it than otherwise, we understand that healthcare decisions - whether for humans or their companion animals - are intensely personal and should be made with the patient's best care in mind, with the advice of a medical professional.
Need for additional coverage
Just as it is important to know what pet insurance does and does not cover, you should also be aware of what your vet clinic's Wellness Plans cover.
Be sure to do your research before signing up. At Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital our Wellness Plans for dogs cover your pet's annual routine wellness exam, core vaccinations, fecal testing for parasites, Jr. bloodwork panel, and 12 months of parasite protection to guard your pup against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease.
Our Cat Wellness plans cover both indoor and outdoor cats and include their annual wellness exam, core vaccinations, fecal parasite testing, Jr. bloodwork panel and 12 months of parasite protection to guard your feline friend against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease.
Making The Right Choice For Your Pet
Ultimately, discussing your pet's needs and your budget openly and honestly with your veterinarian can be a good opportunity to find out more about what could suit you and your pet best.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.