Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Steph Worsley — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:30:03 GMT

we did this at a previous practice, and had very little take up, we covered most of the above in our plans as well.

we did have a problem with a couple of people cancelling their DD and then appearing for their flea/wormers as we had a policy to collect 3 months DD's prior to the first meds being dispensed. luckily we got the statement every month from the company (as it wasnt paid direct to us) and we put flags on the clients who had cancelled their DD

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Fuzzyduck — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:29:45 GMT

I dont really think these schemes are very good but we have one at our practice.

They get all booster vaccines free

Flea treatment free

Worm treatment free

25% off long term meds ie insulin, metacam, and others that i cant think of right now.

Free 6 monthly checks

Free nurse consults which i believe would include nail clipping etc

10% off all petshop purchases

Think thats it as far as i can remember.

We do get a fair few takers, mainly people on very low income who cant afford to pay for their vaccines every year and would otherwise not get pet insurance.

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Leigh Hinsley RVN NCert(BDev) MBVNA — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:33:55 GMT

Oh don't worry, we reccommend pet insurance above and beyond anything else. And sadly, I know this is a money making scheme, but that is why I want to see schemes that have worked and clients have really gained from because at the end of the day, I know vets are a business and therefore need to make money to keep us in our jobs, I just want our clients to get value for money and service.

[quote user="sarahjune84"]

dont know if you'll find this useful, to see what other people offer. I use to work there and there was a lot of clients on the plan

http://www.abbeyvetcentre.co.uk/Abbey_Veterinary_Centre/Healthcare_Plan.html

[/quote]

Thanks Sarah, I'll check it out x

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:51:36 GMT

Best way that to my mind Nicky. And l dont like to treat for fleas unless there are any. And ticks, well unless in a tick are why treat and if in a tick area then just check them daily for the brutes.. and please dont make an excuse l have lived in to madly endemic tick countries that make the hottest tick areas in the uk look like a deserted country and know how easy that actually is. Why shove chemicals in/on unless needed. vaccinations are one thing flea/tick treatments a totally different kettle of fish.

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Nicola Smith — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:51:04 GMT

Hi, we wont do them as both would rather people spend ther money on a decent insurance as most folks cant afford both and most of our clients dont treat all year round for fleas etc. We do have some people come and pay money to us monthly which we just put on their account which they can use as and when for whatever they want, this helps to spread the cost for those who struggle to budget.

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Louise B — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:24:31 GMT

That's how I feel Caro. I looked into a practice health plan but decided that I a) didn't want to feel tied to one practice on a monetary basis (if I am bonded to the, practice it'll be based on how well they treat my animals/me and how convenient they are to get to!), b) didn't want to treat my dogs for fleas all year round, and c) didn't want a vet check up every 6 months and I definitely didn't want to pay for nurse check ups! I guess all I wanted was to spread the cost of vaccinations but I felt I would end up paying more and not less for a vaccination.

I think pet insurance is slightly different though. The health plans that I have seen really are an adjunct to to insurance and not designed as a replacement - although the early health plans that I saw a few years vaguely seem to remind me of replacement insurance policies. I remember thinking they were bad news - what if the patient needed referral? What happened then?

I think if you have the money and want all these services though then this is probably quite a convenient way of spreading the cost.

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:54:25 GMT

I personally prefer a proper insurance plan l feel the "health plans" are a swizz and nothing l have heard has convinced me anything but.

I cringe when l hear the staff launch into the virtues of them. The insurance may never be used but if a proper plan (by our fav company who l shall not name but call PP) it is to me much better than a health plan.

Re: Pet Health Plans, good vs evil?!

sarahjune84 — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:56:26 GMT

dont know if you'll find this useful, to see what other people offer. I use to work there and there was a lot of clients on the plan

http://www.abbeyvetcentre.co.uk/Abbey_Veterinary_Centre/Healthcare_Plan.html