Skip to Main Content
Ask About Financing

Blog

What is the difference between pet insurance and a pet wellness plan?

What is the difference between pet insurance and a pet wellness plan?

If you are looking for a way to make your pet's healthcare more affordable you have two options available to you, Wellness Plans and pet insurance. Today our vets in Kinston discuss the differences between each option.

Protect the Future of Your Pet


There are benefits to both wellness plans and pet insurance policies however, they are both very different in nature. Before deciding on one, you need to understand the types of services your animal companion is and isn't covered for whether you choose pet insurance or a wellness plan. By understanding these options you won't be left out of pocket when you visit your vet or need to plan the payment for your cat or dog's veterinary care. 

What are Wellness Plans?

Wellness plans make covering the cost of your pet's routine healthcare a bit easier, not like pet insurance, you only pay for the services and treatments you use during the year.

Wellness plans let you take a more proactive approach to your pet's care by paying a small monthly sum rather than a lump amount every visit. These plans help your vet find early signs of any diseases or conditions your cat or dog might have before they get more serious, and more expensive to treat.

What do Wellness Plans Cover?

Typically, wellness plans cover routine veterinary care for your pet such as wellness exams, annual blood tests, vaccines, and parasite preventatives. Maintaining and Improving the standard of your pet’s overall health throughout their lifetime is easier because these plans spread out the cost of routine vet care.

What are Pet Insurance Policies?

If your pet needs emergency or urgent veterinary care, pet insurance can help you cover the cost of treatment.

The truth is emergency treatment or treating an illness such as diabetes or cancer can be 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 is Covered by Pet Insurance?

Every pet insurance policy is different however, they usually cover the cost of treatment for illnesses or emergency treatments required after accidents. Some policies could also include prescription medications and the treatment of hereditary and congenital conditions as well as orthopedic conditions.

How do I Know Which Option is Best For Me?

Making sure you know exactly how wellness plans and pet insurance can benefit you and your pet can help you decide which is right for you. Some pet owners choose either a wellness plan or pet insurance, while others subscribe to both to ensure their pet has complete 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.

Browse the plans we have available at Five Oaks Animal Hospital to help keep your cat or dog happy and healthy.

Always Welcoming New Patients

Five Oaks Animal Hospital is thrilled to be accepting new patients! Our qualified vets are passionate about the health of Kinston companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.

Contact Us

Book Online (252) 686-8601