Pet Health Plan or Pet Insurance: What’s the Difference?

Since launching our Essentials Pet Health Plan at Weybridge Vets, many owners have had a similar question: Do I still need pet insurance on a health plan? It's a fair thing to wonder, so our team at Weybridge are here to clear the air on the difference between a pet health plan and insurance, and why you need both. 

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

Our team explain that a pet health plan is built around the predictable routine check-ups and treatments you would normally include as a part of regular pet care throughout the year.  

Pet insurance, on the other hand, is there for the things you can't predict, such as emergencies, accidents and illnesses. These are things the Essentials Health Plan doesn't cover as it focusses purely on preventative care. 

What does the Essentials Pet Health Plan include? 

Our Essentials Pet Health Plan covers the care your pet needs, to help them stay healthy. This includes:  

• 2 free vet consults 
• 2 free nurse consults 
• Annual vaccinations 
• Flea & worm treatments 
• 10% off dental treatment 
• Free insurance claim processing - if you do have a policy alongside the plan, our team takes care of the paperwork for you 

What does pet insurance cover? 

A quality pet insurance policy provides your pet with more options for when they're needed most. When it comes to emergency surgery or treatment for a new health condition, costs can mount up. That's why claiming through insurance can help you provide the care your pet needs while easing the financial pressure. 

There are four types of insurance policy available: 

1. Lifelong cover - typically there is an amount you can claim per condition every calendar year, this will then renew annually. 
 
2. Maximum benefit policies - you will have a maximum amount to claim. 
 
3. Annual policies - these cover a condition from its start date for 12 months which will be excluded after the 12 months end. 
 
4. Accident only cover - covers your pets for accidents and excludes any type of illness 

Check out our page on insurance advice for more information. 

Why do you need both? 

Pet insurance serves as a safety net if something unexpected happens, while our health plan covers routine care, ensuring your pet is healthy year-round. Together, they give you full cover for your pet's health and some much-needed peace of mind. 

If you'd like the full details on what's included in our Essentials Health Plan, including monthly costs and how it works, it's all covered here.

Not sure whether your current policy is enough alongside the pet health plan? Our friendly team at Weybridge Vets can talk you through your options.