Veterinary Pet Insurance Poll Reveals Insured Pets Visiting the Doctor More Than...
Veterinary Pet Insurance Poll Reveals Insured Pets Visiting the Doctor MoreThan People96 Percent of Respondents Take Pets to Veterinarian at Least Once a Year
BREA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), thenation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently pollednearly 4,000 policyholders and Web site visitors to find out how often theyproactively take their pets to the veterinarian. Approximately 96 percent ofthose who participated in the poll visit the veterinarian for routine care atleast once a year and 43 percent of those make multiple visits over the courseof a year. In comparison, a 2005 survey by the Center for Disease Controlfound that 83 percent of adults in the United States had contact with a healthcare professional within the year.
"This data further reinforces the fact that pets are becoming integralfamily members," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinarymedical officer for VPI. "More people are becoming attuned to the medicalneeds of their pets, which include everything from emergency care topreventive procedures such as vaccinations and physical exams."
In 2006, wellcare visits for physical exams were among the most commonpreventive care claims VPI received. A wellcare visit often consists of aphysical exam and a discussion about a pet's food and water intake, nutrition,behavior, weight assessment, and activity levels, which all provide theveterinarian clues about the presence of health problems. Physical examsinclude an assessment of a pet's general appearance and a systematic approachto all of the anatomical systems.
The age of the pet, as well as history and physical exam findings, willdetermine if more specific tests are needed such as blood analysis, aurinalysis, radiographs, specific tests for the eyes, or needle testing forlumps in the skin. Physical examinations aid in early detection and treatmentof serious health conditions, potentially prolonging the life of a pet andreducing treatment costs. Depending on the age of the pet, pet owners shouldtake their dog or cat in for wellcare visits once to twice a year.
"In the past, many pet owners viewed a veterinarian's primary role ashealing sick pets," said McConnell. "Today, more pet owners are takingadvantage of the veterinarian's ability to keep their pet healthy with regularphysical examinations, vaccinations and other wellcare procedures."
While VPI's comprehensive medical policies defray costs for the testingand treatment of multiple accidents and illnesses, nearly 75 percent ofpolicyholders also enroll in a Pet WellCare Protection(SM) plan to help covera portion of the cost of routine veterinary care. VPI's Pet WellCareProtection plans reimburse pet owners for physical exams, vaccinations, fleaand/or heartworm preventive, microchipping, and diagnostics. Some plans alsoreimburse for dental cleaning or spay/neuter.
"Visting the veterinarian should not be exclusively for emergencies andneither should pet insurance," said McConnell. "Planning ahead with regularphysical examinations and medical coverage in place to help pay for thoseexaminations is a sensible strategy. People go to great lengths for theirpets, and VPI is here to help. Our goal is to protect and preserve the bondthat people have with their pets."
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldestand largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace ofmind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice ofAmerica's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI PetInsurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medicalproblems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries.Optional Pet WellCare ProtectionSM for routine care is also available.
Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employeebenefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company inCalifornia and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 ratedcompany in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance,call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.SOURCE Veterinary Pet InsuranceBrian Iannessa of Veterinary Pet Insurance, +1-714-989-5662, cell,+1-714-981-2056
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