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pet insurance vs. preventive care package: what’s the difference?
It’s easy to get confused about whether your pet needs insurance, a preventive care package, or both.
Pet insurance typically helps with unexpected illnesses or accidents, but can also include coverage for preventive care, while a preventive care package often includes routine services like exams, vaccines, and screenings Think of them as two different tools that work together to support your pet’s health throughout every stage of life.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is designed to help cover the unexpected — from accidents and sudden illnesses to emergencies and chronic conditions. Insurance steps in when your pet needs diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing treatment for serious health issues. Some pet insurance plans may also cover some preventive care services.
Here’s how it usually works: you pay a monthly premium, and when your pet needs care, you typically pay the vet up front. Then, you’ll submit a claim and receive reimbursement based on your plan’s coverage. Most policies include a deductible (the amount you pay before coverage kicks in) and have exclusions, like pre-existing conditions.
For example, if your dog swallows a sock and needs emergency surgery, insurance can help cover thousands of dollars in vet bills. Or, if your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it can offset the cost of ongoing medication and treatment. Pet insurance offers financial protection to help with unexpected vet bills that can be a burden on your budget.
What is a preventive care package?
A preventive care package includes routine preventive care services for your pet. Instead of paying for each service separately, you generally pay a fixed monthly or annual amount for key services like comprehensive exams, core vaccinations, and diagnostic screenings. Unlike insurance, there’s no claims process. Services are included upfront, making it simple and predictable.
Our Optimum Wellness Plans® (OWPs) set the standard for preventive care packages. They include pet preventive care along with unlimited office visits, 24/7 access to Pet Chat™, and options that include a dental cleaning, spay/neuter, and parasite prevention.
Explore Optimum Wellness PlansPreventive care packages are valuable for all pets, especially puppies and kittens who need frequent visits and vaccines, and adult pets to help catch any problems early. They’re also a smart choice for pet owners who want affordable, predictable costs and peace of mind. There are certain times we wouldn’t recommend a preventive care package for your pet, such as if they’re near the end of their life. Talk to your veterinary team to see if a preventive care packages is a good match for your pet.
Key differences at a glance
| Category | Preventive care package | Pet insurance |
| Typical services | Routine exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, diagnostics, preventive screenings | Accidents, illnesses, emergencies, surgeries, sometimes preventive care |
| Cost structure | Fixed monthly or annual amount that bundles services; predictable billing | Monthly premium varies by pet’s age, breed, and coverage level |
| Claim process | No claims process — services are included upfront | Pay vet bill, submit claim, get reimbursed (minus deductible and exclusions) |
| Primary purpose | Preventive care and helping to keep pets healthy day to day | Financial protection for unexpected, high-cost medical events |
| Best for | Owners wanting predictable costs and thorough preventive care | Owners wanting a safety net for emergencies or expensive illnesses |
Should you get pet insurance, a preventive care package, or both?
The right choice depends on your pet’s needs and your budget. We always recommend getting your pet a preventive care package because it makes preventive care like checkups, vaccines, and diagnostics more affordable. Monitoring your pet’s health also supports early detection of health issues. (OWPs can help you save more then 30% on preventive care!*)
Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans® like Early Care Plus plan for puppies and kittens can be especially helpful since it includes core vaccinations, a spay or neuter procedure, and unlimited office visits for when they get sick or have tummy trouble as their immune systems develop.
Pet insurance, on the other hand, can help with the financial stress of emergencies, illnesses, or chronic conditions that require specialty care. Certain pet breeds that are prone to hereditary issues or senior pets at higher risk for illness may benefit most from insurance coverage.
It can be a good option for large breed dogs that are prone to joint disease (hip dysplasia), breeds that may have an increased risk of developing cancer, and high energy (or working) pets who may be prone to ligament injuries. The cost of insurance can be higher for these breeds, but preventive care packages are the same price for all dogs or all cats.
For many owners, combining both provides the most peace of mind: a preventive care package helps your pet stay healthy day to day, while insurance is there for life’s unexpected moments.
Completing your pet's care with a Banfield wellness plan
Our Optimum Wellness Plans are preventive care packages that help support your pet’s health at every stage of life. Our veterinarians have designed options like Early Care for puppies and kittens, Active Care for healthy adults, Special Care for pets with chronic issues, and Senior Care for aging companions. See which OWP is right for your pet
Instead of paying out of pocket for each exam, vaccine, or diagnostic test, OWPs bundle services into a predictable monthly cost. With OWPs, you enjoy a minimum average savings of over 30% compared to the retail cost of the plan services.* Every plan includes unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™ support, and essential diagnostics that make preventive care easy to stay on top of.
FAQs about pet insurance vs. preventive care packages
Do I need both?
It depends on your needs! We always recommend a preventive care package because it includes preventive petcare. If your pet would likely benefit from pet insurance that protects against accidents or illnesses, and it fits in your budget, this could be a good option for you. Many pet owners choose both for predictability and peace of mind.
Does pet insurance cover vaccines?
Most insurance plans don’t cover vaccines, as these are considered preventive care. However, most vaccines are often included in preventive care packages and all Banfield OWPs.
Does a preventive care package include emergency visits?
No, preventive care packages are designed for preventive care like checkups, vaccines, and diagnostics. Emergency visits and urgent treatments fall under pet insurance.
What’s excluded from pet insurance?
Pet insurance often excludes pre-existing conditions, routine exams, vaccinations, and preventive medications. Always review your policy carefully to understand its limitations.
What’s included in Banfield’s OWP?
Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans include unlimited office visits, comprehensive exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and 24/7 Pet Chat™. Plans are tailored by life stage and can include dental cleanings or other customizations. Explore OWPs
Can I use my insurance at Banfield?
Yes! You would pay Banfield at the time of service, then submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement based on your policy.
Ready to keep your pet healthy?
Choose a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan.
*Minimum average savings of 30%. Savings are based on our individual service prices compared to discounted service prices in an Optimum Wellness Plan. Savings are based on using all services included in a plan.
Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.