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PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance Now Helping Protect Dogs and Cats in California

Posted on: Wednesday, 22 April 2009, 10:45 CDT

SAN ANTONIO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc. today announced that pet owners in California can now help give their dogs and cats a lifetime of care with the introduction of PurinaCare, the first pet health insurance under the Purina brand. PurinaCare offers two easy-to-use, high quality and comprehensive plans that are designed to help dog and cat owners in California take advantage of the latest advances in veterinary medicine with less worry about the financial implications. PurinaCare is focused on easing the burden of increasing pet healthcare costs by providing quality coverage for pet owners, who according to a 2007 survey number approximately 71 million.(1)

The plans offered by PurinaCare meet two specific needs. The first plan option, PurinaCare(R) plus Preventive Care, covers eligible accidents and illnesses for your pet as well as routine expenses like annual exams, eligible vaccinations, flea and heartworm control, and dental scaling/polishing. The PurinaCare without Preventive Care plan insures your dog or cat against the unexpected. It covers treatment of eligible accidents and illness, including those arising from hereditary conditions, and helps you provide high-quality care for your pet should unexpected issues arise.

"For over 85 years, Purina has been a premier name associated with pet care," said David Goodnight, DVM, president and chief operating officer of PurinaCare Pet Insurance Services, Inc. "As pet owners ourselves, we know that dogs and cats are very much a part of your family. That's precisely why we created PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance to help pet owners provide better preventive care and also address unforeseen issues that may arise with their beloved dogs or cats."

PurinaCare Insurances Services, Inc., which is currently one of only two U.S. companies to have received the American Animal Hospital Association Seal of Acceptance for its high-deductible policies, provides an easy-to-navigate Web site (www.purinacare.com) designed for pet owners to compare plans, instantly receive policy quotes, and apply for coverage. The Web site also has a comprehensive Pet Health Library with articles and videos on various pet health issues. Pet owners can also call 1-877-8PURINA to learn more about the pet health insurance plans and receive a free, no-obligation quote. They also can complete an application for insurance online.

With either PurinaCare plan, pet owners can choose an annual deductible from various levels. There is only a 20-percent co-pay once the annual deductible has been met and PurinaCare pays the remaining 80% of eligible expenses. All of the plan inclusions and exclusions are clearly outlined in each policy. In addition, PurinaCare plans allow owners to visit their choice of any veterinarian licensed in the state in which service was provided, including veterinary specialists. PurinaCare directly reimburses clients for all covered claims.

While all dog and cat owners and their four-legged friends can benefit from PurinaCare pet health insurance, there are added benefits for insuring puppies and kittens early in their development. PurinaCare plus Preventive Care provides coverage for certain early-life veterinary procedures including vaccinations, spaying/neutering and micro-chipping. In addition, younger pets can be covered if an accident, illness or hereditary condition covered under the policy occurs unexpectedly. PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance coverage is available for puppies and kittens who are eight weeks of age or older. Like all insurance, there are some limitations and exclusions that apply based on the precise terms of the policy.

(1) Source: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), "U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook," 2007

About PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc.

PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc. (PISI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestle Purina PetCare Company - one of the leading global players in the pet food industry. As part of the Nestle Purina PetCare family, PISI promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. PISI markets and sells PurinaCare(R) policies as a licensed insurance agency. www.purinacare.com

SOURCE PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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