Are they the same thing? Do you need both?
At Union Pet Hospital, we get these questions all the time. So, let’s break it down.
What Is a Wellness Plan?
A wellness plan helps you budget and plan for your pet’s routine preventive care. It’s not insurance—it’s more like a membership that covers expected services throughout the year, such as:
- Unlimited scheduled exams
- Routine vaccines
- Annual bloodwork
- Nail trims
- Parasite prevention consultations
Wellness plans are designed to prevent problems before they start and help you spread out costs over time. They keep your pet on track with regular care and give you peace of mind knowing you’re not missing anything.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is for the unexpected: injuries, illnesses, emergencies, and surgeries. It works a lot like human health insurance. Here’s how it typically works:
- You pay your vet bill at the time of service (unless your plan allows direct pay, like Trupanion).
- You submit a claim.
- The insurance company reimburses you based on your plan’s coverage and deductible.
Most plans cover:
- Accidents and injuries
- Illnesses (including chronic or hereditary conditions)
- Diagnostics like X-rays and bloodwork
- Surgeries and hospital stays
What Isn’t Covered by Insurance?
Most pet insurance plans do not cover:
- Vaccines
- Annual checkups
- Routine nail trims
- Flea/tick or heartworm prevention
That’s where a wellness plan fills the gap.
Some companies offer wellness add-ons to their pet insurance policies, but coverage varies widely. Be sure to read the fine print.
Why You Might Need Both
Think of it this way:
- Your wellness plan keeps your pet healthy with proactive, routine care.
- Your insurance protects your wallet from unexpected illnesses.
Together, they give you full-spectrum support.
We’ve seen firsthand how combining regular wellness care with emergency preparedness can make all the difference. When a pet needs urgent help, being up to date on exams—and having insurance in place—can help families make fast, confident decisions.
Choosing the Right Options
Every pet is different—and so is every family’s budget. We recommend:
- Asking us about wellness plan options during your next visit
- Exploring pet insurance marketplaces like Pawlicy Advisor to compare plans
- Looking into direct-pay options like Trupanion if you prefer simplified claims
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
Still not sure what fits your pet’s needs? That’s okay. We’re here to help you sort it all out.
At Union Pet Hospital, our goal is to keep your pet healthy today and be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.