What is the difference between pet insurance and a pet wellness plan?

Pet insurance and wellness plans are two options you have to make your pet's healthcare more affordable in different ways. There are benefits unique to both options, but it is important to familiarize yourself with their differences. Here, our Simi Valley vets explain more about wellness plans and pet insurance.

Protecting Your Pet's Future

Wellness plans and pet insurance both offer benefits to the cost of your pet's healthcare,  but they do so very differently. it's key to understand what kinds of veterinary care and services you pet will and will not be covered for with a wellness plan or insurance plan. 

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. 

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.

Wellness plans let you adopt a proactive approach to your pet's healthcare by paying a small monthly fee rather than a large lump sum with each veterinary visit. These plans allow your veterinarian to identify  health issues in your pet before they become more serious and more expensive to get treated.

What does a wellness plan cover?

Generally speaking, wellness plan cover routine veterinary care such as wellness exams, parasite prevention,  blood tests 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.

Fact is that, emergency treatment or treating an illness like cancer or diabetes can become very expensive. If you have pet insurance it means you will have financial help to pay the bills for any conditions and accidents that are covered by your pet insurance policy.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance policies can differ, but they generally cover treatment for emergency situations and illnesses or accidents. Some policies may include treatment for hereditary or congenital conditions and orthopedic conditions alongside prescription medications.

How do I choose which option to buy?

Making sure you know 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.

Our annual Wellness Plans help keep pets healthy. Choose the Wellness Plan that's right for your pet.