The History of Pet Health Insurance |

Surprisingly, Britain had the second highest level of pet insurance in the world, second only to Sweden (Wikipedia states 23%). By 2009, pet insurance in Britain had reached its peak. The first pet insurance policy was sold in Britain as early as 1947. Initially, these policies covered horses and livestock, and it was in 1890 that the first policy for pets was written by Claes Virgin, the founder of Länsförsäkrings Alliance, a Swedish insurance company that still exists today. Therefore, pet health insurance has a history of over 100 years.

US Pet Insurance.

In 1982, Lassie, the renowned television canine hero, became the inaugural pet in the United States to be registered for pet insurance. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), approximately 9% of cats and dogs in North America are protected by pet insurance. Established in 2007, NAPHIA is an organization that represents more than 20 distinct pet insurance brands available in the United States and Canada. The members of NAPHIA collectively insure over 1.6 million pets out of the 179 million pets residing in North America.

Timeline for Pet Insurance.

Notable achievements encompass the subsequent, provided by NAPHIA:.

  • In 1890, Claes Virgin, the founder of Länsförsäkrings Alliance, wrote the initial pet insurance policy.
  • 1924- The initial canine obtains insurance protection in Sweden.
  • In 1947, Britain begins issuing policies for pet insurance.
  • In 2009, Nationwide fully purchases the company and has been VPI’s underwriter since its establishment. VPI was the pioneering company to provide pet health insurance in North America – Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) in 1980.
  • In 1982, Lassie was awarded the first-ever pet insurance policy in the United States, which was provided by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI).
  • In 1989, Petplan, MediPet, and Petsure introduced pet health insurance to Canada.
  • 2007- The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) is founded to establish and maintain standards for the pet health insurance industry.
  • In February 2010, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance enrolled its initial pet.
  • Dr. Jack Stephens, the founder and president of PetsBest Insurance and the individual recognized for initiating pet insurance in North America, stepped down from his position in 2014.
  • Enter your pet’s details for a free quote. Before reading through our cat and dog insurance, is it worth checking out? Pet insurance can be a great news for pet parents who love their family pets, as it can help you save up to 90% on vet bills – even for major treatments that you may not be able to afford otherwise. Want to know more about how Healthy Paws pet insurance works?