Pet Insurance for Routine Care: Is it Worth It?

As a pet parent, you want to ensure your fur baby lives a long and healthy life. Part of that commitment involves routine care, which can include vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea and tick treatments, and regular check-ups. However, the cost of keeping up with all these essentials can add up. This is where pet wellness plans come in. But many pet parents wonder if pet insurance for routine care is really worth it.

Let’s dive into what pet wellness plans offer and whether or not they make financial and practical sense.

What Are Pet Wellness Plans?

Pet wellness plans are designed to cover the cost of routine care and preventative services. Unlike pet insurance, which primarily helps cover unexpected medical emergencies, wellness plans focus on the proactive side of pet healthcare. They typically include coverage for:

• Annual check-ups
• Vaccinations
• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
• Spaying/neutering
• Blood tests and fecal exams
• Dental cleanings
• Nutritional counseling

These plans are not part of the base policy, but can be added on for an extra monthly charge.

The Financial Aspect: Is It Worth the Money?

When pet parents ask if pet insurance for routine care is really worth it, what they want to know is basically – will they get out what they put in. Do wellness plans actually save pet parents money over the long term?

To determine whether a wellness plan is worth the monthly expense, pets parents must compare the total cost of the plan with the individual cost of each service if they paid out of pocket.

As an example, Let’s say a basic wellness plan costs an additional $30 per month, which amounts to $360 per year. And now let’s say this plan will cover:

• A yearly check-up ($60)
• Vaccines ($90)
• Dental cleaning ($150)
• And flea/tick prevention ($60) 

The total for these services, if paid individually, would be around $360, meaning you break even. Of course, where you live often determines the cost of care. For instance, someone in Los Angeles will most likely pay higher out of pocket costs than someone in a small town in Vermont, and so the wellness package add-on would make more sense. 

Something else to keep in mind, some plans, especially higher-tier options, may include extra services like bloodwork or dental exams, which could push the value even further.

We always recommend pet parents speak with their vet before enrolling into any pet insurance plan. This way you can get a better idea of the services your fur baby will likely need in the upcoming year. You can then compare these service fees to the cost of a wellness plan to see if it’s worth your investment. 

And speaking of comarisons, Pet Insurance Review makes is really easy to compare pet insurance providers in a side-by-side comparison.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

In addition to financial savings, convenience is a big selling point for wellness plans. By paying a set fee each month, you don’t have to worry about unexpected spikes in expenses when it’s time for routine care. Many pet parents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pet’s basic needs are already covered. It also promotes regular vet visits, which can lead to the early detection of potential health issues. That is a HUGE plus!

Customization and Flexibility

Another important factor when considering a pet wellness plan is whether it can be tailored to your pet’s specific needs. For example, younger pets may require more vaccinations and routine care, while senior pets might need more frequent check-ups, dental exams, or advanced screenings.

Some wellness plans offer flexibility in terms of services, allowing you to customize the plan according to your pet’s age, breed, or health condition. However, not all plans are this flexible. Some are one-size-fits-all, which could mean paying for services your pet doesn’t need. For this reason, it’s important to look for plans that offer customization or tiers of coverage so you ensure you’re only paying for services you will actually use. 

Final Thoughts on Pet Insurance for Routine Care

Ultimately, whether a pet wellness plan is worth it depends on your pet’s health, your financial situation, and how you prefer to manage your pet’s care. For many, the peace of mind and convenience of spreading costs over the year can make these plans valuable. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits, read the fine print, and speak with your vet about your pet’s unique needs before committing.

By considering the above factors and taking a proactive approach to your pet’s healthcare, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision that works for both you and your pet.

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.