BREA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Louisiana pet lovers can now better protect themselves from costly veterinary bills through new VPI plans designed to be more comprehensive to policyholders and increase the benefit payouts for many medical conditions.
Veterinary Pet Insurance introduced two new plans for cats and dogs, the VPI Standard Plan and the VPI Superior Plan, which offer increased benefit payouts for many conditions and treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and anesthesia.
Plus, for the first time in Louisiana, the VPI Avian & Exotic Pet Plan is available. This new plan covers birds and a variety of exotic pets, including reptiles, rabbits and guinea pigs. The new Avian & Exotic Pet Plan offers coverage for illnesses and injuries common to birds and exotic pets. Several optional riders are also available on each of the plans.
For $99 annually, the Vaccination & Routine Care Coverage rider helps keep pets healthy by assisting with the cost of an annual exam, vaccinations, spay or neuter, prescription flea control and heartworm testing with no deductible and provides $213 in annual benefits. The Cancer rider further protects pets that develop cancer by doubling the benefit payout for cancer treatments.
"Pet owners want the best treatments available when their pets become ill or injured, but sophisticated treatments can be costly. The new VPI policies offer higher benefits that will help Louisiana residents pay for the best possible care their pet needs," said Rebecca Lewis, vice president of marketing and communications for Veterinary Pet Insurance. "We are also excited to be the first to offer health insurance coverage for the state's birds and exotic pets."
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance is the nation's oldest and largest health insurance plan for pets. The company was founded in 1980 to help end economic euthanasia and is committed to making the miracles of veterinary medicine affordable for all pet owners. Policies cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional vaccination and routine care coverage is also available.
Policies are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company, in Madison, Wisconsin and a subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. For more information about VPI policies, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit www.petinsurance.com.
VPI's parent company, Veterinary Pet Services, Inc., is an SEC-reporting company whose stock is not publicly traded.
Note: Each state's department of insurance must review and approve the plan filing before a new policy or a change in policy benefits can be implemented in that state. The process of approving a new plan is complex and can take a few months to several years.