Pet Health Insurance One of Fastest Growing Employee Benefits

BREA, Calif., June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the U.S. job market recovers, employers are strengthening their benefits package by offering employees one of the fastest growing voluntary benefits – pet health insurance. Today, one in every three Fortune 500 companies offers Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance.

More than 3,400 companies and organizations have added VPI Pet Insurance (a Nationwide Insurance company) to their voluntary benefits portfolio, including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Deloitte LLP, Delta Airlines, T-Mobile and Zynga, Inc.

"With the job market improving, it makes sense for companies to strengthen their voluntary benefits portfolio to attract top talent," said Deana Single, director of group accounts for VPI. "Adding pet insurance will incentivize prospective pet lovers and retain current pet-owning employees."

As the popularity of pet health insurance expands, many companies are subsidizing a percentage of their employee's cost, with some companies now paying as much as 100 percent of their employee's pet insurance premiums.

When a company adds VPI Pet Insurance to its benefits package, employees are eligible for a five percent discount on their medical policy premium. Plan options and premiums vary, but start at approximately $14 per month and average $25 to $35 monthly, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000. Many companies allow employees the opportunity to pay their premiums via payroll deduction, with no administrative responsibilities for employers. 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 (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard^® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). 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