The AVMA endorses the concept of pet health insurance that provides coverage to help defray the cost of veterinary medical care.

The AVMA recognizes that viable pet health insurance programs will be important to the future of the veterinary profession's ability to continue to provide high quality and up-to-date veterinary service. These programs should comply with the following guidelines.

Pet health insurance programs should:

1. Require a veterinarian/client/patient relationship in which the veterinarian monitors health maintenance of the animal.
   
   
2. Be acceptable to organized veterinary associations, individual veterinarians, insurance providers, the animal owning public, and others interested and involved in promoting the welfare and well being of animals.
   
   
3. Have clearly specified protection for the animal owner. The animal insurance provider should disclose to the consumer the coverage provided which may be of most benefit in reducing the financial burdens resulting from medical problems requiring extensive veterinary medical care, as well as the option for coverage for routine and/or wellness health care.
   
   
4. Allow animal owners the freedom to select a veterinarian of their choice, and allow for referrals.
   
   
5. Meet the rules and regulations of the insurance commission of the state in which the insurance is sold, be readily available to the public, and provide coverage using ethical standards that are approved by the insurance industry.
   
   
6. Be consistent with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.
   
   
7. Allow each veterinary facility to establish its own fee structure.
   
   
8. Reimburse the animal owner, in a timely manner, for fees previously paid to the veterinarian.
   
   
9. Commit to assure that animal owners are aware of how the terms and conditions of their policy will impact their coverage and reimbursement. This includes the type and amount of monetary coverage and concurrent financial obligations such as co-pay, deductible, and other risk-management charges (e.g. surcharges, exclusions) that are integral components of the insurance contract.