When shopping around for pet insurance, pet parents may instinctively compare it with human health insurance, approaching their research with the expectation that pet insurance plans should cover annual exams, preventative and routine care. Some pet insurance providers offer coverage for wellness care for an additional cost, but not all pet insurance companies have that option, and Healthy Paws falls into the latter. But why doesn’t Healthy Paws offer a wellness plan?
1. You can budget for wellness care
Unlike injuries and illnesses, wellness care costs are much more predictable, making them easier to calculate into your budget. You can collect pricing information for predictable costs like your pet’s exam, preventative care, and vaccines to get an idea of your annual wellness expenses.
Injuries and illnesses can arise quickly and unexpectedly with unpredictable medical care costs. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind with an expected monthly premium while helping to cover the costs of veterinary care to diagnose and treat your pet’s ailment. However, we have found that pet parents often prefer to budget for their pets’ recurring wellness plans themselves.
2. Wellness plans add cost without adding value
With a wellness plan, you’ll pay a pet insurance provider an additional monthly cost. This extra monthly cost adds up to an annual amount that could equal or exceed the actual costs of your pet’s wellness care. Given the way that insurers typically calculate insurance rates, it is possible that you end up paying more to an insurer for a pet wellness plan over the life of your pet than the reimbursement you might get back from the plan.
3. You don’t need a “middleman”
When it’s time for your pet to get an annual wellness check-up, you’ll have to pay your vet, file a claim, and wait for the insurance provider to reimburse you for the costs. Many pet parents ask themselves why they should pay extra on their monthly pet insurance premium for something they could easily manage on their own.
Ask your vet
Many veterinary hospitals offer annual well-care plans, which may include discounts for bundling services. If you are interested in a wellness plan, check with your local vet to see if they offer a plan that fits your needs.
