The services of a regular veterinarian are included in wellness plans as part of "packages" that are sold at a reduced price. In today's East Coweta Veterinary Hospital blog post, our East Coweta Veterinary Hospital team talks about the advantages of wellness plans, as well as some things to keep in mind.
What are some benefits of wellness plans?
Even though it would be ideal for every pet owner to have insurance for their animals, there are a number of considerations that must be taken into account before purchasing insurance. Your pet's current health, the cost of the coverage you choose, and the type of coverage you select can all play a significant role in determining the number of your monthly premium payments.
In addition, many pet insurance plans exclude preventive and wellness care such as vet checkups and routine vaccinations, which are especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments in the first place.
Convenience & budgeting
Because Wellness Plans are "bundles" of veterinary services, this means that there will be less of a strain on your finances when it comes time to take your pet in for the preventive care services that have been recommended by their veterinarian. Because of this payment option, more pet owners will be able to afford comprehensive veterinary care for their animals, which will help them avoid potentially expensive treatment costs caused by conditions that could have been prevented.
- Can be paid monthly or annually
- Usually includes discounts on certain products and services
- Makes budgeting for pet care easier
Customization & flexibility
At East Coweta Veterinary Hospital, our Wellness Plans cover canine companions and feline friends of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Most wellness plans have options for small, medium, large, XL, and giant dogs, as well as cats, and offer a range of preventive annual and biannual wellness procedures (e.g. wellness exams, bloodwork, parasite testing). As your vet team gets to know your unique pet, they will be able to recommend wellness plans to keep them happy and healthy - and potentially spare your wallet in the long run.
Routine veterinary care, which may include early detection screenings, important preventive vaccinations, and physical examinations, is beneficial for animals with special needs such as senior cats and dogs, new puppies and kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues. These animals include new puppies and kittens.
What are some potential downsides of wellness plans?
As with just about any decision, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing whether a wellness plan is right for you.
Frequency of use
If your pet is young, healthy, and appears to be in good health in all other respects, it might seem counterintuitive to sign up for a wellness plan for them. Although for most people it is preferable to have health insurance but not use it, we recognize that decisions regarding healthcare - whether for humans or their companion animals - are intensely personal and should be made with the patient's well-being in mind and with the counsel of a trained medical professional.
Need for additional coverage
You should be aware of what your vet clinic's wellness plans cover in the same way that it is important to know what is covered and what is not covered by your pet's insurance policy. The ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team is covered by wellness plans. Wellness plans do not cover illness, surgeries, or any other emergency or chronic healthcare needs. In the end, having an open and honest conversation with your veterinarian about the requirements of your pet as well as your financial situation can be a good opportunity to learn more about the options that might be most suitable for both you and your pet.
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.