BREA, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent analysis of more than 420,000 pets insured by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) uncovered what most pet owners and veterinarians might find warmly surprising: pet health insurance isn't solely for dogs and cats anymore. Aside from its nearly 355,000 dogs and 61,000 cats belonging to VPI's insured clientele roster, the company reports the 10 most popular pet types in the bird and exotic pet categories.

In-Force Policy Count Pet Type Insured (as of 1/31/07) 1. Rabbit 1,143 2. Ferret 815 3. Cockatiel 322 4. African Grey (parrot family) 256 5. Guinea Pig 253 6. Conure (large parakeet or small parrot) 131 7. Cockatoo 118 8. Rat 98 9. Macaw (parrot family) 89 10. Amazon (parrot family) and Chinchilla [tie] 87

"The fact that we have more than 90 different sub species enrolled with us speaks volumes about the unprecedented level of the human-animal bond," said Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education for VPI. "From pythons to pigeons and pot-bellied pigs to parrots, today's pet caregiver is truly treating their pets as members of the family by protecting their health with medical coverage."

VPI Pet Insurance coverage extends to reptiles, in addition to birds, exotic pets and the traditional dog and cat. Although shy of making the top 10 chart, iguanas represent the most popular reptile insured, with 55 pet lovers protecting their iguana with a VPI Pet Insurance policy. Connecticut policyholder Donna Richards owns two of the 55 iguanas insured, enrolling Mango and Sier in 2004. "I have just as strong a bond with my two iguanas as I do with my insured chocolate lab," said Richards. "And, considering that veterinary treatment can get just as pricey for them, it brings me comfort knowing that I have something to defray the costs." Richards has filed claims for both iguanas (Mango developed metabolic bone disease and Sier was injured in a spat with Mango) and has received significant reimbursements from VPI when compared to total veterinary charges on her invoice.
VPI began offering coverage to birds and exotic pets in 2000 with the launch of the VPI Avian & Exotic Pet Plan. One year later, the plan extended its coverage to rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and other exotic pets. "We responded to a portion of the pet-owning public that maintain special relationships with their feathered family members, pocket pets and scaled sidekicks," added McConnell. "This recent overview of all pets insured by VPI underscores that the human-animal bond has transcended beyond our nation's puppies and kittens."

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for thousands of medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Vaccination & Routine Care Coverage is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

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Ran across this and found it interesting. We do not have insurance for any of ours but have been considering it as several of mine are "special needs" birds.

Mike thanks for the info! Do you know if there are any restrictions to pre-exisiting conditions with this insurance?

That's probably the "kicker" and one of the things we still need to check into.

I looked into VPI two or three years ago, they didn't cover pre-existing then.

I ultimately decided with the cost of insuring multiple birds it was better to keep a savings account and/or credit card.

ALSO - they may have fixed this.... but they considered my 8 and 10 year old birds (at the time), ELDERLY SENIOR CITIZENS! (and charged more...)

4. African Grey (parrot family) 256

Emma Lynn is in that 256.

Yes, there are restrictions to pre-exisiting illnesses. And no, they dont cover much. There is a deductable each time you visit as well. I believe its $50.00
However, prices rack up quicker than one can imagine when at the vets, and something is better than nothing.
They also wont give you a list of what is covered and alotments for coverage untill AFTER you sign up.

I recall reading something in my AV's office about insurance. Not sure if it was VPI. But I did dismiss it because everything I have done for Kady and Kita has been care for pre-existing injury and illness.

I believe it was. I talked to dr w about it before I got it, she said they accepted it as well.