Pet insurance becomes available through Purdue on Monday

Purdue pet owners may be interested in a new voluntary benefit coming Monday (Aug. 26). Beginning that day, faculty and staff will be able to enroll for coverage through Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI).

"Employees have expressed interest in pet insurance for a number of years," says Luis E. Lewin, vice president for human resources. "We're pleased to add this insurance to our lineup of voluntary benefits." Unlike other coverage offered through Purdue's voluntary benefits program, pet insurance will be available also to Purdue students, retirees and alumni.

VPI plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for health problems and conditions related to accidents, illnesses and injuries. The company offers a variety of plan options, plus discounts when enrolling more than one pet.

"I'm very pleased to see Purdue add this offering," says Willie Reed, dean of Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine. "We know from resources like our own Center for the Human-Animal Bond that societal norms have changed to the point that more and more people view pets as members of the family. That perspective makes pet health care a necessity that must be provided for in family budgets, and pet health insurance is one of the tools available to help families plan for potential future health care costs."

VPI coverage lets pet owners use the veterinarian of their choice, including Purdue Veterinary Medicine's community practice and emergency care.

"The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to be the home of the Purdue Small Animal Hospital, which is a highly regarded referral facility capable of providing everything from routine wellness care to the most sophisticated veterinary medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology (cancer treatment), orthopedic surgery and 24/7 emergency services," Reed says. "The Small Animal Hospital welcomes patients with VPI coverage, and all Purdue employees are eligible for a discount of 10 percent on selected services, regardless of whether they have a VPI policy."

For more information on pet insurance and a price quote, faculty and staff may go to www.purdue.edu/benefits, choose Voluntary Benefits from the "Information" box on the left side of the page and then follow the Pet Insurance link. Quotes are also available by calling 877-PETS-VPI (877-738-7874). Cost depends on the type of pet, the breed and the pet's age.