Pets Best Insurance Shares Top 5 Most Bizarre Summertime Pet Insurance Claims

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) July 13, 2012

Dr. Jack Stephens, who presented the first pet insurance policy to celebrity TV dog Lassie in 1982, said he’s seen some peculiar summertime ailments in his tenure as both a practicing veterinarian and Pets Best Insurance President and Founder.

“The accidents and dangers pets encounter never cease to amaze me,” Dr. Stephens said. “We want pet owners to remember that as the weather warms and they’re spending more time outside, they should be extra cautious.”

*Some of the more unusual summertime pet health insurance claims the agency has received include:

1. Sunburn- That’s hot
A Boston Terrier may have enjoyed the summertime rays a bit too much, as Pets Best Insurance received a claim for his sunburn. “Pet owners often forget or perhaps aren’t aware that pets can easily sunburn too,” Dr. Stephens said. “Ears, noses and light colored pets are particularly susceptible. Pets also run the risk of developing Melanoma, which can require expensive treatments like surgical removal, chemotherapy and even radiation therapy. Limit your pet’s time in the sun and talk to your veterinarian about sunscreen application.”

2. Eating a Golf Ball- Pass the Salt
A very hungry Golden Retriever probably regretted his decision to turn this small, white ball into an unsatisfying appetizer—or at least his owners did, after filing a claim for over $1,400. “Pets Best sees numerous foreign body ingestion claims and surgical removal can cost thousands of dollars without pet insurance,” Dr. Stephens said. “Luckily, this dog’s family had a policy and we were able to reimburse over $1,100. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet if he has a tendency to chew on things that are inedible.”

3. Bee Stings- What’s the Buzz?
An unlucky Miniature Pinscher, ironically named Daisy, got into a battle with a bee and ended up with a nasty sting that cost her owner almost $500 at the veterinarian. “Pets Best Insurance paid nearly $400 of her treatment for the battle with the bee,” Dr. Stephens said.

4. Heat Stroke- Hot Cars Are Not for Pets
Each year Pets Best Insurance receives numerous claims for heat stroke. This dangerous condition occurs when a pet severely overheats—often caused by owners leaving pets in the car. “Even just 5 minutes in a hot car can turn deadly,” Dr. Stephens said. “People forget how hot it can get, even if the windows are down. Never, ever leave your pet in the car.”

5. Boating Accident- Dog Overboard
Pets Best Insurance dog Piper was enjoying a day on the lake with her humans when she bounded off the dock after her favorite fetch toy—but not before she got her leg tangled in a dock tie, which resulted in a painful broken back leg. “Fracture repairs can cost pet owners thousands of dollars to treat,” Dr. Stephens said. “This is another reason why pet insurance is so important. Accidents like this can occur at any time.”

*Different deductible amounts and reimbursement percentages may apply based on the policy options selected and available in the insured’s state. The claim examples illustrate conditions that were determined not to be pre-existing for the animal insured. Claim administration is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy.

About Pets Best Insurance
With the goal of reducing economic euthanasia and his commitment to the safety, health and well being of all pets, Pets Best Insurance leader, Dr. Jack Stephens, founded pet health insurance in the United States in 1981. In fact, Dr. Stephens presented the first pet insurance policy ever to famous television dog, Lassie. A true industry visionary, Dr. Stephens today leads the Pets Best Insurance team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. The Pets Best Insurance team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value.

Pet insurance plans offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware Insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an insurance organization composed of Independence Holding Company, a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and its operating subsidiaries. The IHC Group has been providing life, health and stop loss insurance solutions for nearly 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit http://www.ihcgroup.com. In states in which Independence American Insurance Company’s new policy form has not yet received regulatory approval, Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut will underwrite policies. Each insurer has sole responsibility for its own products. To determine the applicable underwriter in your state visit http://www.petsbest.com/underwriter or please call Pets Best at 1-877-738-7237.

For more information, visit Pets Best Insurance at http://www.petsbest.com or phone 877-PetsBest (738-7237). You may also follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/petsbestinsurance.

Dr. Jack Stephens is available to answer questions about founding the US pet insurance industry. He is also available for interviews.

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