What kind of pet insurance do you need for preventative care?

Caring for your pet’s health is more than waiting for something to go wrong and reacting. Instead, many professionals urge pet owners to take a proactive approach to their pet’s care. This is where wellness or preventive pet insurance plans can help. They can catch and treat potential issues early through routine exams, vaccines and procedures that prolong the life of your pet.

Understanding wellness care plans for pet insurance will allow you to make an informed choice about whether they’re financially beneficial. The main perk is that they can make preventive care more accessible for your furbaby.

Defining preventive care for pets

Preventive care for pets encompasses routine health services to prevent diseases or detect them early when they are easier to treat. This care includes regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, dental cleanings and other routine treatments.

Just like humans, pets benefit from these regular health interventions, which can extend their lives and improve their quality of life.

Some of the main elements of preventive care include:

• Dental care: Dental care prevents tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to more serious health issues.
• Parasite prevention: Preventive medications shield pets from parasites that can cause severe health problems, skin irritations and neurological symptoms.
• Vaccinations: Vaccinations protect cats and dogs from common and often deadly diseases.
• Vet exams: Regular veterinary visits allow for early detection of health issues such as obesity, dental disease and genetic conditions.

Wellness plans vs. traditional pet insurance

The difference between pet insurance and wellness plans is that while traditional pet insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical expenses like surgeries, emergency visits and treatments for illnesses, wellness plans are proactive. You get an allowance for regular preventive care in exchange for a small monthly premium.

This distinction means that wellness plans are more predictable and allow pet owners to plan their annual pet care budget more accurately. Some wellness plans can also be added to traditional pet insurance policies, providing a comprehensive coverage solution.

How pet wellness plans work

Pet wellness plans are designed to cover the costs of routine preventive care. Here’s how they generally work:

• Annual fee or monthly payments: Pet wellness plans usually require an annual fee or monthly payments, making budgeting for pet care more manageable.
• Bundled services: These plans bundle various preventive services, often at a discounted rate compared to paying for each service individually.
• Coverage limits: Most plans have annual coverage limits for each type of service.
• Discounts: Some wellness plans offer discounts on additional veterinary services and products.
• Exclusions: Not all wellness care procedures are covered, especially if they’re considered cosmetic.

Pet wellness plan coverage

While coverage details can vary between providers, most pet wellness plans cover a similar range of preventive care services.

Annual blood tests

Annual blood tests, one type of diagnostic testing, are crucial for monitoring your pet’s overall health. These tests can detect early signs of conditions like diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid problems. Regular blood work provides baseline health data, allowing veterinarians to identify any changes or anomalies early.

Just like with human health care, early detection is key to discovering issues. “Until recently, diagnostic testing has been focused on sick visits, but preventive care testing during wellness visits enables us to uncover underlying disease earlier so we can do more to help support longer, healthier lives for our patients.” said Adam Hechko, DVM, Vice President, AAHA Board of Directors

Dental cleanings

Dental health is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Professional dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease and gum disease. If left untreated, these problems can lead to more serious health issues.

For example, untreated periodontal disease is associated with kidney, liver and heart muscle changes. Regular cleanings can also prevent bad breath, abscesses and more. By maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene, you’re taking action against a common but preventable problem in pets.

Fecal tests

Fecal tests detect internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and giardia. If not identified and treated promptly, these parasites can cause dehydration, anemia, weight loss, malnutrition or even sepsis. Routine fecal exams are vital for maintaining your pet’s digestive health and preventing the spread of parasites.

Flea and tick prevention

Flea and tick prevention treatments are essential for protecting pets from these common parasites and their associated diseases. Infestations can cause topical conditions like flea allergy dermatitis or serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Wellness plans typically cover the cost of monthly treatments or preventive products.

Heartworm prevention

Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. Monthly preventive medications can protect your cat or dog from heartworm infection. Wellness plans usually cover these preventive treatments, ensuring pets are protected year-round.

Routine vaccinations

Vaccinations are critical for protecting pets from infectious diseases. Common vaccines included in wellness plans cover diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis for dogs and feline leukemia, calicivirus and panleukopenia for cats.

Keeping vaccinations up to date is vital for both your pet’s health and the greater public health.

Spaying/neutering

Spaying or neutering your pet has numerous health benefits and helps control the pet population. Pets live longer lives and are less likely to develop behavioral problems or diseases like reproductive cancers or uterine infections. Some wellness plans include these procedures or offer significant discounts.

Wellness exams

Regular wellness exams are the cornerstone of preventive care. These check-ups allow veterinarians to assess your pet’s overall health, monitor their development and catch any potential health issues early, especially from a young age.

Exams typically include a thorough physical examination, weight check and discussions about diet, behavior and preventive care.

Additional services covered by some plans

While pet insurers commonly include the above services in most pet wellness plans, some providers offer additional benefits. These may include:

• Behavioral consultations: Some wellness plans cover consultations with veterinarians or animal behaviorists to address behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression or inappropriate marking.
• Complementary or alternative treatments: Some insurers cover therapeutic or alternative treatments like acupuncture or homeopathy as part of their wellness plan if your vet suggests it for maintenance or preventive health.
• Cremation or burial: While not preventive, some pet insurance companies assist with these end-of-life costs as part of their wellness coverage.
• Grooming services: Grooming is essential to pet care, particularly for long-haired breeds. Some wellness plans include coverage for grooming services like baths, ear cleaning, haircuts and nail trims.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is a reliable method for identifying pets and reuniting them with their owners if they become lost. Some wellness plans cover the cost of microchipping or offer it at a discounted rate.
• Nutritional counseling: Proper nutrition is key to maintaining your pet’s health. Some plans include consultations with veterinarians to develop a balanced diet plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
• Senior pet care: For older pets, some wellness plans offer additional services tailored to senior pet health, such as more frequent exams, advanced diagnostic tests and treatments for age-related conditions.
• Specialized tests: Certain wellness plans may cover specialized diagnostic tests such as allergy testing, genetic testing or advanced imaging like X-rays and ultrasounds.

Pet insurance companies that offer wellness coverage

Many pet insurance companies now offer wellness plans or add-ons that can be included in your policy. Below are some of the most popular options.

Frequently asked questions

• Is preventive care automatically included in all pet insurance plans?

  No, preventive care is not automatically included in all pet insurance plans. It is generally offered as an optional add-on that you can purchase for an additional premium. These wellness plans cover specific preventive services and can vary significantly among insurance providers.

  It’s essential to review your policy details to understand what is covered and what additional costs may apply.

• Can I customize the preventive care coverage in my pet insurance plan?

  Many pet insurance providers offer customizable preventive care packages. You can often choose from different levels of coverage, ranging from basic to comprehensive.

  For example, some plans might cover only basic vaccinations and routine exams, while others may include dental cleanings, spaying/neutering and more extensive health screenings.

• Do I need preventive care coverage if my pet is healthy?

  While preventive care coverage is optional, it can be beneficial even if your pet is currently healthy. Regular check-ups and preventive treatments can detect potential health issues early, saving you money on more expensive treatments down the line.

  Additionally, preventive care can contribute to your pet’s overall well-being and longevity, ensuring they stay healthy and happy for years to come.