Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 7, 1994 TAG: 9406070090
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SALT LAKE CITY LENGTH: Medium
Of course, pet health insurance did not exist in the book's fictional past. And in real life, it is uncommon; only one major multistate carrier provides nationwide coverage, though smaller plans are springing up.
``We find that the vast majority of pet owners don't really take proper care of their pets. A lot of times, the option that people choose is euthanasia,'' said Dr. Scott Matheson, medical director for the Family Veterinary Hospital's All Pet Complex in Taylorsville.
``That's frustrating when perhaps 80 percent of all euthanasias are unnecessary. We would rather be able to treat these animals and get them back to their families,'' he said. In a country that spent nearly $7 billion on veterinary care for dogs and cats in 1991, pet health insurance might seem to be a logical growth industry.
Last year, Family Veterinary Hospital launched a three-tiered dog and cat health plan. So far, more than 200 pet owners have signed up, and Matheson expects enrollment to reach 400 to 500 by year's end.
A $10-a-month plan offers vaccinations, other routine treatments and savings on spays and neuters. For $7.50 more, the plan extends discounts to medical, surgical, prescription and laboratory services. A $25 a month payment covers the full cost of medical, surgical and lab work up to $500, and half the cost above that.
The nation's largest pet health insurer, Veterinary Pet Insurance of Anaheim, Calif., has issued more than 500,000 policies in 39 states since it was founded 14 years ago.
Premiums average $75 a year.
by CNB