There are two different options available that can help make your cat or dog's healthcare easier to afford, pet insurance and healthcare plans. Here, our Groton vets discuss the benefits of each option and help you learn their differences.
Planning Your Pet's Health
Healthcare plans and pet insurance policies each have their own benefits however, they are different. Before making your decision, you need to understand the types of services your cat or dog is and isn't covered for whether you're leaning towards a healthcare plan or pet insurance. By fully knowing your options you won't be left out of pocket when you go to your veterinary appointment or need to plan the payments for your pet's medical care.
What is a healthcare plan?
Healthcare plans make it easier for you to cover the cost of routine veterinary care and, unlike pet insurance, you only pay for the treatments and services you use throughout the year.
Healthcare plans allow you to adopt a more proactive approach to veterinary care by paying a one-time amount rather than a lump sum each visit. These plans help your vet spot early signs of any conditions or diseases your pet may have before they become more serious, and more expensive to treat.
What does a healthcare plan cover?
Our healthcare plans cover routine vet care including routine exams, vaccines, and tests such as blood tests and urine analysis. This makes improving and maintaining the standard of your pet’s overall health easier during their lifetime because our plans bundle the costs of routine vet care.
What is pet insurance?
In the case where your cat or dog does require emergency care, pet insurance can help you take care of the treatment fees.
The truth is that emergency treatment or treating an illness like cancer or diabetes can become very expensive. If you have pet insurance, it means you will have financial help to pay the bills for any conditions and accidents that are covered by your pet insurance policy.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance policies differ, but they generally cover treatment for illnesses or emergency treatment required after accidents. Some policies may also include prescription medications and the treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions as well as orthopedic conditions.
How do I choose which option to buy?
Making sure you know exactly how healthcare plans and pet insurance can benefit you and your pet can help you make the decision on which option is right for you. Some pet owners choose either a healthcare plan or pet insurance, while others subscribe to both to make sure their furry friend has full coverage.
If you aren't sure which coverage is right for you, ask your vet. They can help you decide based on your pet's particular needs and concerns.