BREA, Calif., Aug. 27, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Two new Veterinary Pet Insurance plans are now available to help New York pet owners with the ever-increasing costs of veterinary care.
The VPI Superior Plan increases the benefits and coverage for many medical problems and conditions in dogs and cats. The VPI Avian & Exotic Plan, covering birds and a variety of exotic pets such as reptiles, rabbits and guinea pigs, is available in New York for the first time.
"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 New Yorkers pay for the care their pets need," 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."
The VPI Superior Plan increases benefit payouts for many conditions and treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and anesthesia. The VPI Avian & Exotic Plan offers coverage for illnesses and injuries common to birds and exotic pets. Several optional riders are also available. 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. The Cancer rider further protects pets that develop cancer by doubling the benefit payout for cancer treatments.
Veterinary Pet Insurance is regulated by the departments of insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 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 reviewing and approving a new plan is complex and can take anywhere from a few months to several years.
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. Approximately 350,000 VPI policies are in force covering 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.