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Cats might seem independent, but their well-being requires regular checkups, akin to humans. However, routine pet care can get expensive, often ranging from $500 to $2000 yearly for recommended wellness procedures, including exams, dental care, bloodwork, and more. To manage these costs, consider opting for a cat wellness plan. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
What Are Cat Wellness Plans?
Similar to health insurance for humans, these plans cover your cat’s yearly wellness visits for a monthly fee. They’re usually add-ons to traditional pet insurance policies or standalone plans offered by insurance companies or vet clinics. Wellness plans aim to encourage regular preventive care and assist in scheduling routine exams for your cat.
Coverage Included in Cat Wellness Plans:
- Examinations: Yearly checkups involving a thorough examination of your cat’s health.
- Routine Vaccinations: Covering vaccines against preventable diseases like FeLV, rabies, or panleukopenia.
- Fecal Testing: Screening stool samples for internal parasites.
- Parasite Prevention: Medications to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.
Some plans might also cover additional services like yearly bloodwork, dental care, or reimbursements for spay/neuter procedures.
How Do They Work?
You’ll take your cat for a wellness visit and file a claim afterward. Plans usually have annual claim limits and different coverage levels, like “Basic” or “Gold,” determining the reimbursement amount or capped values for specific procedures. Claims can be submitted online, via apps, or by email. After your vet visit, you’ll receive reimbursement for covered expenses, either partially or fully, based on your plan’s terms.
Cost of Cat Wellness Plans:
Monthly fees range from $10 to $30, varying based on coverage and company. Some plans offer annual payment options. There might be initial enrollment fees, which can be one-time payments or recurring annually if you re-enroll. Discounts may be available for multiple pets or promotional offers.
Should You Get a Wellness Plan for Your Cat?
Wellness plans ease the financial burden of preventive care, allowing for a structured payment schedule rather than occasional substantial bills. Depending on your cat’s age, the required wellness needs differ, from routine vaccinations for kittens to more comprehensive checkups for senior cats.
Signing Up for a Wellness Plan:
Select a plan aligning with your cat’s age and specific healthcare needs. Consult your vet for advice on your cat’s preventive care requirements.
Illustrative Scenario: Beth, adopting a 4-year-old cat, selects an accident-only insurance plan at $12/month and adds a wellness plan option, covering exams, vaccines, and dental care, for a total of $29/month.
Cat wellness plans streamline regular veterinary visits and help manage the cost of preventive care, ensuring your feline companion stays healthy and happy.
