BOISE, Idaho, December 16, 2008 Pets Best Insurance LLC announced today that effective December 12, 2008, new pet insurance policies will be underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut (AICC) in Alabama, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota and Texas. The change will strengthen Pets Best’s overall position in the industry and provide a better platform for the continued growth of its mission to protect pets throughout the U.S. Existing policy holders will be automatically notified when policies roll over to AICC-underwritten coverage.
“This will be a seamless transition for our existing customers and will allow us to provide more options for pet owners, including increased coverage and additional deductible levels,” said Jack Stephens DVM, President of Pets Best Insurance. “In these uncertain economic times, we want pet owners to know that they don’t have to deal with pet accidents and illnesses alone. Now more than ever, we want people to know about their options for protection.”
Pets Best plans will remain competitively priced, with reimbursements based on a straightforward 80% of veterinary bills after the deductible. Premium rates with AICC will be based on experience by breed, pet age and the typical veterinary costs within each policy holder’s local area.
Pets Best and AICC will work together to extend outreach to pet owners, communicating the value of budgeting for unexpected accidents and illness through reliable, affordable insurance. Plans will include a choice of higher deductibles for pet owners who want to lower the cost of their premiums. The expanded range of options will give policyholders the ability to design plans around their budget and risk tolerance.
Importantly, Pets Best plans underwritten by AICC have earned the exclusive recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (AVMA GHLIT). "The veterinary profession is a trusted source of information and education for pet owners. Increasing awareness and usage of pet insurance will increase the overall health of pets by providing an additional financial resource so that needed care can be affordably delivered,” said Gary R. Holfinger DVM, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AVMA GHLIT.
“As the new underwriter for Pets Best policies, we look forward to working closely with Pets Best and the AVMA GHLIT to extend the reach of the pet insurance industry to bring trusted, affordable pet health insurance products to pet owners nationwide,” said Gretchen Spann, Aetna’s head of pet insurance.
About Pets Best Insurance
Pets Best Insurance administers an insurance plan that reimburses pet owners for a straightforward 80% of veterinary services after a deductible, with no benefit schedules or fee restrictions. Pets Best plans do not include age restrictions and allow the pet owner to choose their veterinarian. Any pet can have guaranteed acceptance for accident-only policies so that even seriously ill pets can be insured against unexpected costs from accidental injury. The Pets Best Insurance team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. As the creator of the oldest and largest pet insurer in the United States, Jack Stephens DVM is the pioneer of pet health insurance and brings 26 years of experience in helping pet owners afford quality care for their pets. Insurance plans offered and administered by Pets Best are underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut (AICC) and recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (AVMA GHLIT). Visit Pets Best Insurance at petsbest.com or phone 877-PetsBest (738-7237).
About Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut
Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut (AICC) is a subsidiary ofAetna, one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies.
About AVMA GHLIT
Since 1957, AVMA GHLIT has been committed to providing insurance coverage that is right for veterinarians at every stage of their lives and careers, from veterinary school and on into retirement. They serve the veterinary profession by providing health, life, disability and related insurance services to more than 33,000 veterinarians and their families nationwide. In addition, the AVMA GHLIT provides medical plans for veterinary staff members in selected states.
###