Pet Health Insurance Experiences Record Growth as Employee Benefit in 2010

BREA, Calif., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While 2010 saw politicians argue the merits of human health insurance, there was little debate among employers as to the value of pet health insurance. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, saw demand among employers at an all-time high in 2010. Last year the company added nearly 400 large companies and associations to the list of more than 2,200 groups that offer pet insurance as a voluntary employee benefit. The addition of these group accounts made VPI Pet Insurance available at a discount to a record 13 million people for the year.

"When it comes to health insurance benefits, many companies are having to deliver bad news," said Deana Single, director of group accounts for VPI. "These costs are continually increasing for many companies and their employees. Fortunately, VPI Pet Insurance can be added to a company's benefits package at no cost to the business. That's good news for companies and good news for their pet-loving employees."

Some of the notable companies that began offering VPI Pet Insurance as a voluntary benefit in 2010 include Kohl's Corporation; Morgan Stanley; Hewlett-Packard Company; BMW North America, Inc.; McDonald's Corporation; The Boeing Company; Quiksilver, Inc.; and American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. At the end of 2010, one out of every five Fortune 500 companies offered VPI Pet Insurance as a voluntary employee benefit.

When a company adds VPI Pet Insurance to its benefits package, employees are able to enroll their pets at a 5 percent discount. Most companies allow employees the opportunity to pay their premiums via payroll deduction. Employers or brokers looking for more information about VPI Pet Insurance can contact the company at groupaccounts@petinsurance.com.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet CareGuard® for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. 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. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance