Using the words “Banfield Pet Insurance” can be misleading. It is not a traditional insurance plan. Banfield is actually a chain of the pet clinics that offer Wellness Plans.
Difference Between Traditional Pet Insurance and the Banfield Wellness Plan
The difference between pet insurance and Banfield Wellness Plan is that the wellness plan does not cover emergency situations or operations. It covers routine visits such as vaccinations, dental cleanings and checkups. In addition, all Pets enrolled on plan receive free office visits and discounts on veterinary services not included in traditional insurance plans.
Also, be aware that it is a yearly plan so if your dog passes away you still are obligated to pay the premium until the end of the term.
About Banfield Pet Hospitals
They are big on preventative care. Your dog is given an assessment and then offered a plan that is tailored to fit the age, breed and general health. Be aware that you are only covered at a Banfield clinic.
The website seems a little cluttered and the font size is very small which makes it very hard to read. And it took me a while to grasp the concept of what they actually offer. There is nothing on the website about costs. They want you to go into a branch and apply in person.
The web comments are positive and negative. Some people rave about the savings in vet bills and the ease of use, however the clinic service varies greatly from location to location.
In conclusion, it seems that the plan is great for newbie dog owners or dogs that have frequent visits to the vet. For those of you who are looking for coverage in case of expected bills I suggest purchasing an accident plan in addition to the wellness plan.