Simply put, wellness plans are packages that include routine veterinary services at a discounted rate. Today, our New Hope Animal Hospital team discusses the benefits of wellness plans, and some things to take into consideration.
What are some benefits of wellness plans?
Although ideally, every pet owner would have insurance for their pets, 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 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
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 certain products and services
- Makes budgeting for pet care easier
Customization & flexibility
At New Hope Animal 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.
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.
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
It may seem counter-intuitive 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 be aware of what your vet clinic's wellness plans cover. Wellness plans are for ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team and do not cover illness, surgeries, or other emergency or chronic healthcare needs. 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.
