Petplan Launches North American Effort To Ensure Pet Parents Have A "Pet Plan" During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Company Provides the Most Comprehensive Coverage for Those Impacted by COVID-19 and Stay-at-Home Guidelines; Encourages Appointing a Pet Guardian; and Contributes to Purchase of Pet Readiness Kit

PHILADELPHIA, April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Given recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Petplan, the pet insurance provider with the most comprehensive coverage in North America, has enhanced its coverage to include benefits that are particularly relevant during the pandemic:

• Petplan covers Virtual Visits (i.e. video, phone, text, chat and email) with any vet in the U.S. or Canada at no extra charge;
• Petplan will reimburse the cost of boarding fees up to $1000 for subscribers infected with COVID-19 and hospitalized for four days or more; and
• Petplan was one of the first insurance providers to publicly state that its policy includes coverage of viruses including COVID-19 should cats or dogs become infected.

"We provide certainty in a world of uncertainty," said Paul Guyardo, President & Chief Executive Officer of Petplan North America. "Now more than ever, we're committed to giving our pet parents the ultimate peace of mind during this unprecedented time."

HAVE A "PET PLAN"
In addition to the enhanced coverage, Petplan is making it easy to add a "guardian" to an account in the event a pet parent cannot care for their pet due to COVID-19. Guardians may submit claims on the policyholder's behalf should the pet need veterinary medical treatment while under the guardian's care. Through Petplan, guardians will also have access to veterinarian contact information, vaccination records, and any notes that may help in caring for the pet.   

New subscribers who identify a pet guardian during enrollment will be given a $25 Amazon gift card to create a Pet Readiness Kit, which should include supplies such as food, medication, and essential information.

The CDC says "Protect pets if you are sick"
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 4/14/2020:

Protect pets if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with pets and other animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other alternate plans for seeing sick pets. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet's treatment and care.

For more information about how Petplan can protect your pets during this COVID-19 pandemic, visit GoPetplan.com or call 800-809-9300.

About Petplan
Petplan insurance policies are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (Fetch Insurance Agency, LLC in Michigan), d/b/a Petplan (Petplan Insurance Agency, LLC in California) and underwritten by XL Specialty Insurance Company, a Stamford, CT Insurance Company, A.M. Best rated A+ and AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a Chicago, IL Insurance Company, A.M. Best rated A+ and a member of the Allianz Group, in the U.S. and XL Specialty Insurance Company - Canadian Branch in Canada. Information accurate as of April 2020.

Coverage is subject to terms and conditions, less any applicable policy limits, deductible or co-pay, and pursuant to all policy exclusions. Policy terms and conditions may vary by state or province.

Virtual Visits are referred to in the policy as Telehealth treatments. Petplan will reimburse up to $1,000 for medically necessary telehealth treatments. Coverage is not available in all states and may vary.

Gift card offer valid on new policies only. Policy must be active for 30 days to be eligible to receive Amazon gift card. Renewals are not eligible for this promotion. Offers will be fulfilled within 6–8 weeks of policy inception. Gift card offer is not available in AK, IN, KS, MI, ND, OR or WA in the US. Not available in Canada except in AB, BC and MB. Not valid with any other offer. Not sponsored by Amazon. This offer is subject to change at any time without notice.

Contact: Robin Shallow
[email protected] 
m) 914-841-5572

SOURCE Petplan