Wellness plans are 'packages' that include routine vet care services offered at a discounted rate. Today, our Echo Park team tells you the benefits of wellness plans, and some things to take into consideration.
Benefits Of Wellness Plans
In a perfect world, every pet owner would have insurance for their pets, but there are a number of things to take into account. Factors like cost, type of coverage, and your pet's health at the time of starting a policy can all greatly affect your monthly payments.
Additionally, 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 option lets more pet parents afford comprehensive vet care and avoid future expensive treatments from preventable conditions going undiagnosed.
- Monthly or annual payment options
- Often include discounts on certain products and services
- Easier budgeting for pet care
Customization & Flexibility
At Echo Park Veterinary Hospital, our Wellness Plans cover canine companions and feline friends of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Most clinics offer plan options for small, medium, large, XL, and giant dogs, as well as cats, as well as a range of preventive annual and biannual wellness procedures (e.g. pet 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.
Senior cats and dogs, puppies and kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues and other pets with special needs can benefit from routine vet care including early detection screenings, important preventive vaccinations, and physical examinations.
Factors To Consider
As is true with just about any choice, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to deciding 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 seems to be doing just fine. Although for most, it is better to have coverage and not need it than otherwise, healthcare decisions - whether for humans or their companion animals - are intensely personal and should be made with the pet's best care in mind.
Necessity 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. Different clinics may offer different services in their wellness plans, and it's important to keep in mind that these plans are for ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team and do not cover illness, surgeries, or some 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.