Pet Insurance vs Wellness Plans

Pet Insurance VS Wellness Plans



Are you trying to figure out what type of care is better for your pet? Whether you’re considering pet insurance or a wellness care plan, you have to decide which path is best for you. Follow along as I walk you through the differences in both and how each one could be a benefit to you. Plus, we share our own thoughts on both options and why one was a better fit for us.

Pet Insurance vs Wellness Plans

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is for those “what ifs” of life. You never know when your pet will become sick or get hurt, and that’s when pet insurance comes in handy. Pet insurance is something that has recently became more popular in the last few years. The coverage of pet insurance really depends on which company you go through. Some pet insurance companies help cover the cost of anything from vaccinations to illnesses, others only cover major accidents.

Pet Wellness Care Plan

A pet wellness care plan is usually offered by the veterinary office itself. This type of pet care plan helps cover minor issues like vet visits and vaccinations. Wellness care plans are best associated with ongoing care for your pets. It’s like an affordable way to afford pet care without feeling nickled and dimed every time you go.

Differences
There are some major differences in pet insurance and wellness care plans. As you can see, wellness care plans help you to plan for every day care and pet insurance helps cover major issues along with some minor pet care details.

Which is Right for You
Choosing which one is right for you comes down to a personal decision. Do you want to have coverage for major accidents or just coverage for minor pet care? Some pet insurance options cover those minor details, but that is something you’ll need to look very closely at. Also, you have to outweigh the cost per month. How much is pet insurance going to run you every month? Could you just be putting that money back to save for when a pet emergency arises?

Our thoughts on Pet Insurance vs Wellness Plans!
For us Pet Insurance just seemed like a HUGE waste of money. Because Davinia and Indiana are Purebred dogs we get to pay extra for their coverage. Why? Because even though I could prove way back when they were young adults that they were bred with health in mind the insurance companies didn’t care. Indiana is now 9 years old and Davinia is just about to turn 11 years and both has a fantastic yearly vet visit. Which is why I don’t understand why with a medical and genetic health history why we would have had to pay more compared to a dog with completely unknown medical history. I understand why they have the set prices they do but I wish that there was some sort of wiggle room if you could produce the genetic testing and other results from the various certification organizations. The genetic health of both Davinia and Indiana is something that I knew before they came to live with me so I knew that they would not require some of the costly treatments that were being assigned to them due to breed alone. I know that not everyone is armed with this information and so being safe and getting the full coverage very well might be worth it and important to you.

I love the idea of a Wellness Care Plan! You pay for the services that you need and can change your plan as your pet gets older. Before now we have never really gone to a Vet that offered this service. Our vet Technically offers this service where you pay 1 set fee for the year but you pay upfront not on a monthly basis. Last year I think I got the Wellness package for Indiana but didn’t realize that we could have gone back at the 6 month mark for free so that they could do a wellness visit! This year I opted for a la cart for Davinia because when I brought her in it was to check on a weird bump on her tummy which has since completely disappeared but the Senior Wellness Package at our vet would have covered it all. Indiana I didn’t get the Senior Wellness Package because I didn’t feel that she needed an x-ray of her lungs and heart knowing that they are both healthy and it was cheaper to do the visit and her senior blood work on its own though they did say we could have used it for something else if we needed it which might have been attractive to someone if their dog has hip issues or joint issues so that the vet could get a better look. I guess I should ask if Davinia’s complete dental would have been covered under the package or if I would have had to pay for the extractions separate anyway.

I do think that the Wellness Packages are worthwhile and something to ask your vet about and make sure you understand everything that is included and how and when the various services can be used. If you don’t have all of the information you could be leaving services you might have considered going in for if you knew that they would be covered by the monthly or yearly fee that you pay!

How to find out if your Vet offers a Wellness Plan?
The first place to check would be online! They might have the options listed there for you to check over. If not give the office a call and see if they offer any Wellness Plans or Wellness Packages. If they do stop by the office to pick up a pamphlet so that you can go over the options and think about your decision. Ask if they will mark in the prices even if they have to write that they will only be honored for the next month or prices will change a year from this date. Let them know you really want to make the best decision for your Pet and that means having the right information at your fingertips!



I’d love to hear your opinions about Pet Insurance vs Wellness Plans!


Amazon Native Ads – Pet Supplies

Comments

  1. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    I don’t have insurance on my dog, but sometimes I think it would be a good idea.

  2. Jenna Wood says

    I never considered that the breed or pedigree of your pet mattered to your pet insurance rates, that’s crazy. We do a wellness plan with both of our pets- it’s a great way to stay on top of health issues before they turn into bigger ones.

  3. Amy Desrosiers says

    I never knew Pet Insurance existed until recently. My dog is currently on a Wellness plan from Banfield Pet Hospital.

  4. I’ve actually never used either one. I think if I had a puppy, I’d get the insurance IF I could find a good deal. Otherwise, a wellness plan would be good to get at least a little savings.

  5. I actually have a wellness plan for one of my dogs. It cost me a little up front to get the ball rolling, but I actually get more for less in the long run.
    Jennifer recently posted..The Power of Home EquityMy Profile

  6. Pet insurance is so tricky. I’ve heard of way too many people who buy it, but it never covers anything. I wish I could find a better plan for my pup!
    Chelley @ AisForAdelaide recently posted..5 steps to end the words “for just having a baby”My Profile

  7. I was unaware there was insurance or wellness plans for your pets. I will be looking into this.

  8. This is so needed in my household. I have 2 dogs and just check ups alone are terribly expensive. Being prepared is such a way to save. Thanks for sharing I will look into this 🙂
    Laura (Another Cent Saved) recently posted..Super Easy Funnel Cakes at Home: Video TutorialMy Profile

  9. This is just great information. Now that we are a family with two dogs, we need to get on the ball and a wellness plan sounds perfect.

  10. This is such a helpful post! I was wondering about both since we have a new CKC – you’ve helped a ton in my decision!
    Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted..Photographing a Cheer and Dance Competition #CanonLMy Profile

  11. I’ve been totally in the dark about this. I’ll have to ask my daughter if she has insurance or a wellness plan!

  12. Pet Insurance isn’t something we knew about right away. I’m glad people are starting to get he word out there!

  13. We had vet insurance with our dog and really got our money’s worth out if it. It was nice because we got some dental cleanings on our plan too! I think it is a great idea.

  14. I haven’t heard of pet insurance, but this is really a fantastic idea. I know there have been times we have hesitated on taking the dogs in because it was during the layoff season and money was tight. This would really be worth looking into for us.
    Shannon Stubbs recently posted..25 Non Candy Easter GoodiesMy Profile

  15. I never would have thought about Pet insurance! I have had friends who vet bills are overwhelming. Great information!

  16. I have never thought about pet insurance! I should look into it for our dog!

  17. I just recently learned about pet insurance. I think it’s a great idea. Vet bills can be so expensive. Almost as expensive as people medical bills.

  18. I have never used either of these. I never really knew much about them til now. I do think it would be a nice idea to have pet insurance through.

  19. I always wondered what the difference is between the two, or what options they each hold, but have been too busy to look into it! Thanks for the explanation! It is a great idea having insurance on your pets, the expenses can add up quickly!

  20. I’m going to have to lok into pet insurance – I have two cats and they can get expensive!
    Mary Larsen recently posted..Choosing More Natural Green Products For My Family And My PregnancyMy Profile

  21. Ann Bacciaglia says

    My sister recently had an emergency with her dog. She was looking at a possible $4000 surgery because it was after hours. Luckily the dog did not need it. I think my sister is looking at pet insurance now.

  22. I guess it would be like medical for adults, without it is is crazy expensive. Sounds like it would be worth to have.

  23. Great post! I think many people don’t know the difference. It is similar to non stop vs direct flights. People get the wrong thing for their situation all the time.

  24. I would have never thought about getting insurance for my pets. I think I would get a wellness plan for our next puppy!

  25. After having thousands in vet bills trying to save my senior dog, pet insurance was a must for me when I adopted Ruby and Boca and it has ended up being a livesaver. Boca recently had an eye problem that required surgery and the bills totaled $3800, 90% of which was covered by our insurance after deductible. I would never be able to save enough to cover emergency surgery or other catastrophic events so it’s essential for me. There are so many different companies and plans that it can be overwhelming, but with research I think anyone can find coverage to fit their budget.
    Lara Elizabeth recently posted..Boca’s Ocular Ordeal: Part IVMy Profile

  26. Thanks for this great piece of information, at the moment i have an insurance plan for my pet, but i think it will be worth it taking a closer look at the wellness plans and packages.

  27. My vet offers package deals for yearly check up visits and shots that will include a few extras like nail trims. I will have to inquire about wellness plans. I have never heard of them. My guess is that my vet just does not offer services in this way. I appreciate the information. When people post individual stories of how pet insurance has truly been a great thing for them in particular situations with their pet it does make me want to consider it. You article has got me thinking. Thank you for pointing out the options.
    I
    Rebecca recently posted..Dogs Who Should Have Measured FirstMy Profile

Copyright © 2024 · Two Little Cavaliers · All Rights Reserved · Design By RL Web Designs

%d bloggers like this: