AVMA News

AVMA Trust merging LIFE, PLIT

AVMA members have long relied on AVMA LIFE for life and disability insurance and AVMA PLIT for professional liability, business, and personal insurance.

The AVMA Trust, which oversees both entities, has a goal to unify and expand the overall experience for all members—regardless of product, area of specialty, or practice type.

In that vein, the Trust announced it is merging AVMA LIFE and AVMA PLIT together in partnership with Pearl Insurance, in a February 3 announcement.

A group of medical professionals huddle with their hands in the middle
A one-stop shopping experience for insurance from the AVMA Trust’s life, health, and professional liability insurance programs will soon be possible according to the Trust’s recent announcement.

“This new partnership’s goal is to create a universal experience for AVMA members, one that will enhance and expand the member experience through a seamless platform that will cater to the unique needs of the veterinary community,” said Dr. Robert Knapp, a member of the Trust’s board of trustees and AVMA Board of Directors chair.

Veterinarians insured through Trust programs do not have to act right now, according to the announcement, and no changes will occur to insurance offerings or member service through at least 2025.

An FAQ document says members’ premiums and insurance representatives will not change because of this transition.

The Trust and Pearl Insurance plan to update members on the process and any changes that will impact them during the transition, according to the announcement.

Once the merger is completed, Pearl Insurance, a subsidiary of One80 Intermediaries, will help the Trust administer its professional liability program and associated products, including business owner’s policy, employment practices liability insurance, and workers’ compensation.

The insurance broker has served as the third-party administrator for AVMA LIFE since 2017.

Gary P. Pearl, chair and CEO of Pearl Companies, said in the announcement, “We are excited to partner with the AVMA Trust to establish a new foundation for growth and unparalleled member value by creating a central, unified member experience that offers seamless solutions, efficiencies, and engagement.”

In 2018, AVMA PLIT and AVMA LIFE unified under an umbrella trust with the eventual goal of being merged into one. Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA CEO, said that the trusts were set up separately, but with changing times, the trusts can collaborate in creative ways to enhance member service, according to a JAVMA News article at that time.

Members with questions about the merger can call the Trust’s customer service line at (800) 621-6360 or email customerserviceatavmalife [dot] org (customerservice[at]avmalife[dot]org).

A version of this story appears in the March 2025 print issue of JAVMA