In this episode, I interview the person who started the very first successful pet insurance company in the United States - Dr. Jack Stephens.
We talk about:
- A famous TV star who was the first dog insured in the United States.
- Why some pet insurance companies fail and why VPI was successful.
- What are the factors today that have led to the recent explosive growth of pet insurance that weren't factors when he started the first company in 1982.
- Claim reimbursement that are paid based on a percentage of invoice versus usual and customary or a benefit schedule.
- The likelyhood of new pet insurance companies entering the market.
- Why pet insurance companies change underwriters from time to time and what this means for policyholders.
- Pets Best new policy offerings.
- Pets Best direct deposit program.
- Medical record review to determine if there are any pre-existing conditions that will be excluded from coverage.
- The North American Pet Health Insurance Association and its purpose.
- The future of pet insurance in the United States.
- Filing claims, sending medical records, and receiving reimbursements electronically.
- Why veterinarians shouldn't fear pet insurance turning into managed care like the human health insurance model.
- The Skeeter Foundation.
Click the Streampad player below to listen to the podcast on this page.
Right click to download episode
Download Transcript of Interview with Dr. Jack Stephens
Other helpful links:
Pets Best pet insurance company
