LAKEWOOD, Colorado – September 18, 2018 – Every veterinary team has been there: A patient needs life-saving care, but the owner is unable to pay for it. What’s a veterinary professional to do?

To provide more options for pet owners seeking to manage the cost of veterinary care, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and Petplan pet insurance have teamed up to launch the AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program, offered by Petplan.

The AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program, offered by Petplan, is specifically designed to help clients pay for unexpected expenses for illnesses and accidents. Under the agreement, Petplan will handle the enrollment, underwriting, administrative support, and claims management for the program as a preferred provider of AAHA. Petplan is a longtime AAHA supporter and one of the largest pet insurance providers in North America, with a 40-year heritage of protecting pets.

“When it comes to providing the best care for patients, a pet owner’s economic limitations can add stress to the equation,” said AAHA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (Emeritus). “Pet health insurance is important because it offers pet owners and practice teams another way to manage the cost of veterinary care and help pets get the care they need. At the end of the day, this helps reduce strain in the veterinary practice while simultaneously increasing pets’ access to care.”

The program is a key component of AAHA’s Healthy Workplace Culture Initiative, a strategic initiative designed to help relieve stress and advance team member wellbeing by promoting a healthy veterinary workplace culture.

“At Petplan, we want to help ensure that veterinarians are able to give pets the care they need,” says Steve Shell, co-CEO of Petplan. “In launching this new collaboration, we’re giving veterinary hospital teams the tools their clients need to understand the importance of pet insurance, and we’re providing a special offer to help the AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program offered by Petplan fit every budget. It’s our goal to ensure that more pets have worry-free illness and injury coverage from the start.”

Petplan pet insurance policies are simple, customizable, and easy to understand. Policyholders can receive up to 90% reimbursement of the cost of veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses — as well as associated diagnostic and examination fees.  Coverage is available throughout the US and most of Canada. Petplan’s Customer Experience Center can be reached 24/7 via their dedicated line for AAHA practices and clients at 800-212-2692; or go online to learn more or get a quote.