Insurance vs. Wellness Pet Insurance Plans
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Dec 19, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 19, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
When you decide to enroll in a new pet insurance policy, there are different levels of coverage.
There are comprehensive policies that cover all accidents and illnesses, as well as wellness plans that cover preventative or routine care.
While both plans offer very valuable procedures as well as benefits, they are very different.
It’s important to understand the difference before signing up with either plan.
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Pet Insurance Plan Coverage
With pet insurance, you get covered for all accidents and injuries and the comprehensive plan is the most well-rounded and inclusive.
An accident-only plan is structured a bit differently and is real coverage for only accidents.
Most pet insurance policies cover a minimum of the following:
- All accidents and illness
- Surgeries
- Specialist Care
- Alternative Therapy (some at an additional cost)
- Emergency care
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Prescription medications
- Orthopedic issues
- Diagnostic exams
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Pros of Pet Insurance
If your pet injures his paw, suddenly has diabetes, or is rushed to the emergency room, you know that most of your vet bill will be covered and even up to 90% (if you chose that reimbursement level).
You always want your pet to get only the best level of care and with pet insurance, you usually can do that.
It’s scary enough to have to deal with the emotional trauma of your pet becoming ill or hurt and to have the financial part covered is a huge relief.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Cons of Pet Insurance
It is similar to human health insurance in that regard. You are paying a monthly premium just in case you need that extra vet visit or emergency treatment.
Some pet insurance companies, like Embrace, offer a healthy pet discount which is a discount in the event that your pet is healthy all year long and you haven’t received any reimbursements.
Some people prefer to put money aside each month in an emergency fund for their pets for just these reasons.
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Wellness Plan Coverage
Wellness plans are generally coverage for preventative care procedures or routine procedures that are not offered under pet insurance plans.
Not all pet insurance companies have pet wellness plans.
Healthy Paws, for example, doesn’t offer a wellness plan because they want all your money to go towards accidents and illness coverage.
Wellness plans are an add-on to a pet insurance plan.
Therefore, you need to sign up for a pet insurance plan to then subsequently sign up for a wellness plan.
Only Nationwide pet insurance offers a stand-alone wellness plan.
Wellness plans usually cover the following:
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Vet visits
- Parasite prevention
- Dental care
- Deworming
- Wellness exams
- Routine screenings
- Behavior training
- Grooming
Pros of Wellness Plans
While the prices are less expensive than pet insurance plans and generally range from $15 to $20 a month, they are an additional fee to your pet insurance plan.
And each plan has a payout limit per year.
If the added expense, as well as the amount of coverage you get from the wellness plan, is less than your normal routine procedure costs than wellness plans can be beneficial to you.
For example, if your wellness plan is an additional $150 a year and offers you up to $200 worth of preventative care and you know you will spend that $200 than a wellness plan would work for you.
Puppies and kittens are also good candidates for wellness coverage.
With their vaccinations and extra vet visits as well as spaying and neutering options, a wellness plan could save you money.
Cons of Wellness Plans
But, they are an added expense to a pet insurance policy. And most of these expenses are easily payable out of pocket.
Wellness plans do offer dental coverage, but only a very limited amount.
For instance, most will offer a stipend of $400 to $600 for dental care and one-teeth cleaning could cost well over that.
Summing Up Insurance vs. Wellness
Now that you know the difference between wellness and pet insurance plans, you can decide the best option for you and your pet.
Not all pet insurance providers offer wellness plans but if it is of interest to you, make sure to look for a pet insurance company that does like Embrace or Pets Best.
Our top 10 pet insurance companies of 2019 offer a detailed list of the best companies and which plans they have to offer.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Pet insurance is similar to other insurances but does have some major differences as compared to your health insurance. Below you will find a definitive list of frequently asked pet insurance questions to help in your decision.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Pet Insurance Explained
Insurance vs. Wellness Pet Insurance Plans
Is Pet Dental Insurance Worth the Extra Cost
Best Pet Insurance Plans with Shortest Waiting Periods
Pet Insurance Coverage Exclusions and Limits
Pet Insurance Benefit Limits Explained
How to Make a Claim on your Pet Insurance
Is my Pet too Old for Pet Insurance Coverage
Top Reasons to Purchase Pet Insurance
How much does Pet Insurance Cost
Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets
Pet Insurance that Covers Spaying and Neutering
Does Pet Insurance Cover Shots
Pet Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pet insurance and wellness plans?
Pet insurance covers accidents and illnesses, providing comprehensive coverage, while wellness plans focus on preventative and routine care. Pet insurance is more extensive, including accidents and injuries, while wellness plans are add-ons for specific routine procedures.
What does pet insurance typically cover?
Pet insurance offers coverage for accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It reimburses a significant portion of vet bills, ranging up to 90%, providing financial relief in unexpected situations.
What are the key benefits of pet insurance?
Pet insurance ensures that a substantial portion of vet bills, up to 90%, is covered in case of accidents or illnesses. It provides financial support, allowing pet owners to provide the best possible care for their pets.
How do wellness plans differ from pet insurance plans?
Wellness plans are specifically for routine or preventative care, covering procedures like vaccinations and dental cleanings. They are add-ons to pet insurance plans and have payout limits per year.
Are wellness plans necessary in addition to pet insurance?
Wellness plans are optional and depend on individual needs. They can be beneficial for covering routine care costs, especially for puppies and kittens with frequent vet visits. However, they are an additional expense.
Do all pet insurance providers offer wellness plans?
No, not all pet insurance providers offer wellness plans. Some, like Healthy Paws, focus on accident and illness coverage. Nationwide is an example of a provider that offers a standalone wellness plan.
What does a wellness plan typically cover?
Wellness plans cover routine care procedures, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and spaying/neutering. They are designed to address preventative care needs that may not be covered by standard pet insurance.
Are wellness plans cost-effective compared to pet insurance?
Wellness plans are generally less expensive than pet insurance and may range from $15 to $20 per month. Whether they are cost-effective depends on individual needs and whether routine procedure costs exceed the plan’s expense.
Can wellness plans cover dental care?
Wellness plans may offer limited dental coverage, typically with a stipend ranging from $400 to $600. However, the coverage is generally less extensive than what is provided by comprehensive pet insurance plans.
How should I decide between pet insurance and a wellness plan?
Consider your pet’s needs, potential routine care costs, and your budget. If you prioritize coverage for accidents and illnesses, pet insurance is more comprehensive. If routine care is a focus, a wellness plan may be a suitable addition to pet insurance.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.