If you are the owner of a loyal pet, you understand that staying on top of their health should always be a top priority.While there is unfortunately no way to always predict whether a pet will develop a severe illness, regular wellness checkups can help in detecting underlying medical conditions that may lead to complications and costly vet bills if left untreated. Fortunately, many veterinarians and insurance carriers offer pet wellness plans that help pet owners save money while ensuring the health and well-being of their loving companions. By educating themselves on the types of plans available and the benefits offered, pet owners can make an informed decision on whether a pet wellness plan is the best option for their animal's particular health needs. 

Pet Wellness Plans vs Pet Insurance 

Pet wellness plans differ from standard pet insurance plans , as pet insurance plans typically require pet owners to pay veterinary costs up front and do not usually include preventative health care and maintenance services. Pet insurance plans do reimburse pet owners for emergency veterinary service costs, as long as the owners can provide valid receipts. With a pet wellness plan, pet owners pay monthly fees that allow for discounts on medical examinations, oral health checkups and care, vaccinations and other services. Pet wellness plans are often purchased to supplement pet insurance plans, as this can help save money on both preventative care and emergency veterinary care. 

Types of Pet Wellness Plans 

While specific costs can vary depending on species, location and the type of plan purchased, pet wellness plans typically range from basic to maximum, with maximum benefits ranging between $400 and $1,000 per year. All plans provide medical care up to a certain dollar amount. For example, a basic plan that costs between $12 and $18 per month may provide up to two $25 physical examinations per term, while a maximum plan costing between $28 and $34 may provide two $40 medical examinations per term. 

Services Offered

In addition to medical examinations, pet wellness plans provide a wide variety of low-cost maintenance and wellness services. Services can vary depending on the specific plan and veterinary facility, however, many plans include teeth cleaning, fecal testing, heartworm testing, microchip implantation and one screening test per term. Screening tests can include blood screenings, X-rays and electrocardiogram heart screenings. Depending on the specific plan carrier, wellness plans may also include 24 hour access to veterinary help phone lines. 

A Healthy, Happy Pet 

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and pet owners are obligated to ensure that their animal is healthy and safe at all times. Wellness plans provide low-cost continual care services, allowing for healthy and happy pets.