Historical May 1996 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Hillary Clinton seems a rudderless ship these days, what with the health care fiasco behind her and the shady Whitewater lawyer image refusing to dissipate: “Documents?! What fingerprints?”.
I wonder if she could be persuaded to tackle pet health care? Surely, (don’t call me that), she has learned invaluable lessons and would be loath to make the same mistakes. Increasingly sophisticated veterinary medical technology and client/owners’ desires to pursue detailed treatments for their pets, often times require a significant financial commitment.
A general medical work-up including examination, blood profile, urinalysis and radiographs for a moderately ill pet can cost as much as $200-$250. Pets that are “hit by cars” frequently require complicated orthopedic repairs. Performed by a Board Certified veterinary surgeon, the cost of these procedures often totals more than $1,000. Usually after their pet has recovered from a serious illness, or accident, a client will half-heartedly ask about health insurance for pets. Yes Louise, there is Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). Founded 15 years ago by University of Missouri graduate, Jack Stephens, VPI has outlasted several other pet insurance companies, and currently is the sole company providing health insurance coverage to pets. Early in its history, the company had a few problems: the turnaround time was slow; benefits were not always adequate, and paperwork was cumbersome.
I stopped recommending my clients consider VPI after a few were disappointed in their relationship with the company. Over the years I have kept track of, the company; they have-improved enough for me, again, to make my clients aware that health insurance is available for their pets through VPI. Currently, they offer four levels of coverage that are basically major medical coverage.
They are also researching the feasibility of providing a prepaid health maintenance program.
An annual premium of $109 will protect a 1-4 year old dog or cat.
After a $40 per incident deductible, the policy pays 80% of the first $180, and 100% in excess of $180 of the benefit schedule.
There is a $2000 per incident cap and an policy year cap of $7500.
For example: a $500 surgery expense would only cost the client $76. Current veterinary literature discusses the increasing recognition of the importance of the human/animal bond. Pet visits to children’s hospitals and retirement homes, pet companions to people living with AIDS, and psychologists whose use pets as part of their therapy are all evidence of the significant role pets play in our lives.
To some, the concept of pet health insurance is “over the top”; but to others, having their pet insured could remove the added financial strain of providing the medical care needed to sustain a pet through a crisis, thereby maintaining the emotional bond to the owner.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1996.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1996_05.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
