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Press Release
Medica Fetches Distributor Role for Pet Insurance via Agreement with Pets Best
April 2, 2015
Minnetonka, Minn./Boise, Idaho — Beginning today, dog and cat pet parents have a one-stop shop for health insurance for all members of the family. Medica, a leading regional provider of individual and family insurance based in Minneapolis, and Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading U.S. pet insurance brand, have joined forces to offer a convenient way to learn about insuring cats and dogs.
Medica now can refer interested pet parents to Pets Best for a policy. Pet parents need not have a Medica policy to receive the referral. The referrals are made through Medica's individual and family business unit, which provides health insurance to people who purchase health coverage on their own.
"Although Medica can refer anyone to Pets Best for a pet policy, we developed this capability as a convenience for our members," said Craig Ashby, Senior Director of Product Development and Strategic Growth Initiatives. "We are creating a one-stop shopping experience for all of our members' health insurance needs, whether it be for themselves, their spouse, partner, children – or four-legged member of their family. Our agreement with Pets Best will help pet parents care and plan for their cherished cats and dogs by limiting the risk of hefty out-of-pocket expenses and providing coverage for unexpected events, just as we do with our individual and family health insurance policies."
With roughly 50 percent of U.S. households enjoying pet ownership, many families have sought a trusted partner to assist with their pet insurance needs. The Medica and Pets Best agreement brings established and recognized brands to the pet insurance category. Since the establishment of the first pet insurance company in the U.S. in 1981, the desire for pet insurance has grown significantly and is now a $650 million industry.
Pets Best is known for creating a straightforward and predictable pet-care experience. With four out of five pets experiencing a medical emergency in their lifetime, according to company data, having reliable coverage is critical. The insurance provided through Pets Best offers consumers a wide range of benefits and options, including: a reimbursement calculated from the actual veterinarian bill with knowledgeable experts who handle claims generally within two to five days. The comprehensive plans offered by Pets Best cover accidents and illness with flexible coverage options. In fact, Pets Best offers many plan options to ensure pet parents can choose the plan that best fits their needs, all while allowing customers to visit any licensed vet in the world. There are no upper age limits and the company does not require medical records or a vet exam to enroll. The Pets Best policies also cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for pets related to emergency visits, behavioral conditions, surgeries, hereditary conditions and more. Additionally, a wellness plan is available to provide coverage for routine veterinary expenses such as annual check-ups, vaccinations and teeth cleanings.
"A growing number of American pet owners are recognizing the financial and emotional benefits of insuring their four-legged family members," said Jack Stephens, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, founder of Pets Best and the pet insurance industry in the U.S. "We are excited to have reached an agreement with an established company that cares as much about the community as Medica, and we look forward to offering all of our customers our unique brand of service and support."
For more information and tips about pet insurance referrals by Medica, visit our pet insurance webpage.
About Medica
Medica is a health services company headquartered in Minneapolis and active in the Upper Midwest. With approximately 1.5 million members, the non-profit company provides health care coverage in the employer, individual, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Part D markets in Minnesota and a growing number of counties in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Medica also offers national network coverage to employers who also have employees outside the Medica regional network.
Medica's vision is to become the community’s health plan of choice, trusted for its integrity, respected for its service, and admired for its commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Connect with Medica on Twitter @Medica4Me and Facebook @Medica4Me.
About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn't afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance agency in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit www.petsbest.com for more information.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
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Contact
Larry Bussey, Medica
952-992-8013
[email protected]