Pet insurance plans that include routine healthcare benefits will not only ensure your pet leads a happy and healthy life but a longer one too.

One of the most heartbreaking things a pet owner experiences is the death of a pet. We all wish that our pets could live as long as we do, but sadly, this is never the case. 

As a pet parent, you will do anything for your pet. They bring immense joy and unconditional love into your life, that it’s only fitting to repay them with the same sort of love and care. 

Unfortunately, as with humans, pets can and will get sick. Which is why a growing number of pet owners are choosing to insure the health of their pets. Helping them to afford vet bills and ensuring their pet’s health is in the best possible hands. 

The benefits of pet insurance

One of the greatest benefits of pet insurance is that as a policyholder, you will never have to choose between your pet and your bank account. Pet insurance allows your pet to receive expert care and it means you will never have to opt for euthanasia as a result of high vet bills you simply cannot afford. 

There is a wide range of pet insurance providers, each one with their own unique plans, benefits and limits. 

One of the common questions I get asked by pet parents is “what kind of plan is best for my pet?” and the answer to this will depend on your pet, his or her health risks, the age of the pet and of course, what you can afford. 

Obviously, having some form of pet health insurance (even the most basic kind) is better than having none at all. But for those of you looking to kick it up a notch, you might want to do some digging into plans that include routine healthcare benefits. And here’s why…

Pet insurance and routine healthcare

Enabling your pet to lead a longer and healthier life

In addition to exercising and feeding your pet, there are other aspects of medical care that are needed throughout his or her life. Namely, routine healthcare for vaccinations, parasite control, dental care and sterilisation.

When you have pet insurance that includes cover for benefits such as these, this will promote regular vet visits, annual checkups and various routine healthcare procedures as your insurer will help cover the costs of these. 

Why routine healthcare is important

Many parents underestimate just how vital routine healthcare is to their pet’s health and lifespan. 

The same way that we need to go to the doctor, dentist and other healthcare professionals for annual checkups, our pets need the same kind of medical care. 

Adult pets need a complete physical exam at least once a year. Puppies and kittens should see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until they are roughly 4 months old. And older pets should visit the vet twice a year. The cost of a consult is roughly R350 to R500. Any medical treatment needed will be an additional cost to this. 

1. Detect underlying illnesses

During a routine check-up, your vet will be able to detect and quickly treat any underlying health concerns before they develop into more serious and more costly conditions to treat. 

2. Vaccinations

Vaccinations are able to protect your pet against deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, tick bite fever and parvovirus. All of which can be incredibly costly to treat. 

Having routine healthcare benefits in your pet health insurance plan will help cover the costs of vaccinations. 

3. Parasite control

Worms, ticks and fleas can all be kept under control and at bay through regular prevention methods, some of which can be administered at home. However, routine care benefits will include cover for these forms of treatment in order to prevent your pet from getting sick as a result of parasites. 

4. Dental care

Your pet will need dental care throughout his or her life. Infections linked to poor dental hygiene can put your pet’s life at risk. You can keep your pet’s teeth and gums in good condition by scheduling regular teeth scaling and polishing procedures with your vet. 

5. Spaying and neutering

All pets should be spayed or neutered. Many pet parents opt not to sterilise their pets in an attempt to avoid the costs of these procedures. In having pet insurance to help cover these costs, not only will you help your pet avoid serious health risks associated with pregnancy, but you can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing your budget does not have to take strain.

Read: Does pet insurance cover neutering and spaying?

How to find a pet insurer that offers routine healthcare

There are a number of great insurers who include routine healthcare at an additional cost to your pet plan. 

However, one insurer, in particular, Oneplan Pet does things a little differently. This insurer not only includes routine healthcare as a benefit in some of their plans, but they even front you with the cash you need BEFORE you see the vet. 

Routine care includes:

• Vet consultation
  
• Sterilisation
  
• Vaccinations
  
• Deworming
  
• Flea control
  
• Anal gland expression
  
• Dental scaling and polishing

The final word

Spend some time researching what options are available to you and ensure you do not choose an insurer based on price alone. Cheaper is NEVER better when it comes to pet insurance. 

The bottom line is that having pet insurance with routine healthcare benefits will not only protect your wallet from the costs of pet medical care, but it will also allow your pet to live a longer and healthier life through regular check-ups with your vet. 

Until next time, 

The Pet Insurance Team