Benefits of a cat health plan

What is a cat health plan?

A subscription-based cat health plan is where you pay a monthly or annual fee and get regular products or services. Cat subscription plans take care of your cat's routine healthcare and make it easier to keep on top of your cat's preventative healthcare, like flea, tick and worming, by delivering to your home or vet practice. This gives you complete peace of mind that your cat will never miss an important treatment or vaccination.

What should your cat's health plan offer?

Cat health plans differ from provider to provider, but the least you should expect to receive is the following:

• Monthly flea treatments
• Monthly or quarterly worming treatment 
• Annual vaccinations

Some plans, such as Pet Health Club™, also offer:

• Six-month health checks
• Discounts on dental treatments 
• Discounts on cat food and medication
• Discounts on neutering and spaying 
• Nail clipping and anal gland expressions 

The best pet health care plan for you is tailored to your cat's needs and lifestyle.  

What are the benefits of a cat health care plan?   

1. Proactive response to cat care

Regular preventative healthcare is essential to the continued good health of your cat. It is far easier to prevent disease and illness than to treat it. Even when 100% prevention isn't possible, preventative health care like vaccines can minimise the symptoms and allow your cat to recover faster, leaving them happier.   
 
Regular check-ups also fall under preventative healthcare. They let your vet check your cat for any issues they may be at risk from or stop any medical problems from getting worse. This helps keep your cat healthy and happy and your wallet fuller. 
 
It may seem simple enough to go to your nearest pet shop and buy flea treatment every month. But what happens if you forget or get the treatment late? Flea infestations harm your cat and can jump species and invade your home. A pet plan means you are always up to date with your parasite prevention treatments, reducing the risk of infection. 

2. Assist with planning, budgeting and decision-making

Money doesn't go as far as it once did. With the cost of living crisis and rising bills, you need to start prioritising what you can and can't afford. Cat health plans help make that decision for you. 

Cat health plans help make the cost of routine healthcare a part of your monthly budget. You can set the direct debit to come out when the money is available, removing the worry of not being able to afford the flea and worm treatment or vaccinations that keep your cat healthy and happy. 

3. Don't have to talk about money in the consultation room

Vet visits aren't always fun, and they're made worse by figuring out how you'll pay for them. Preventative health plans mean you don't have to discuss money with your vet because it's all paid for in advance. As a result, you can concentrate fully on your cat's needs.
 
Remember, though, preventative health plans and subscriptions are not insurance. They won't help if your cat breaks a leg or needs urgent care.

4. Reassurance

Having your cat signed up as a member of a pet health plan gives you complete peace of mind that their preventative health care is taken care of. Monthly flea treatments and six-monthly health checks let you relax and enjoy your time with your cat.

5. Diet 

Many cat pet plans will offer discounts on selected, vet-approved diets to help keep your cat healthy and happy. Pet Health Club™, for example, offers savings on brands such as Purina, Hills and Nature's Range. These are designed to complement your cat's preventative health care, keeping them healthier whilst saving you money. 
 
Knowing you have a six-monthly check-up lets you discuss your cat's specific diet needs without spending money on an appointment. This helps you to make the right choice for your cat’s diet.

6. Never miss an important vaccination or treatment

Preventative healthcare is one of the most important aspects of your cat's healthcare. Never miss a vaccine or treatment with a pet health plan taking responsibility for booking and reminders, and relax knowing your cat will be free from parasites and disease. 

7. Spread the cost of essential treatments

The average year-round cost of flea and worm treatment is £126, and the average cost of annual vaccinations is £73. The average cost of a year’s cat health care plan subscription is around £191, split into 12 monthly payments. Spreading the cost of these treatments gives you more for less.

What is the difference between pet plans and insurance?

Cat health care plans are there for the routine, preventative health care of your cat. They take care of flea and worm treatments, vaccinations, nail clipping and dental health. Insurance is what you need for emergencies, like if your cat has a traffic accident or gets ill and requires overnight treatment. Insurance helps offset the high cost of emergency vet visits. 

Pet health plans are designed to work with your insurance policy. Preventative healthcare, such as vaccinations and flea and worm treatment, means your cat is at less risk of contracting certain diseases, such as cat flu, and parasitic infestations, like tapeworm. Because of this, your cat will be less likely to visit the emergency vet, resulting in much lower vet bills throughout the cost of their life. 

Many insurance companies will make microchipping and annual vaccinations compulsory for their policies, so pet health plans can even help you get the best cover.