Pet insurance is no longer a niche product. It’s becoming a part of the conversation around pet health and financial planning. As more people view their pets as true family members, the need to protect them from unexpected medical expenses is gaining momentum. In this episode we dive into what’s really happening in the pet insurance space and why it’s growing so fast especially post pandemic.

Our guest today is Robert Capobianco, a seasoned expert in the pet insurance industry and board member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Robert brings a ton of experience and knowledge to the table and shares the challenges the industry faces, how data and technology are shaping the future and why collaboration with veterinary practices is more important than ever. He also debunks common myths pet owners have about insurance and how the industry is working to improve the claims process and customer experience.

We also talk about promising legislation like the PAW Act which could make veterinary care more affordable by allowing pet expenses to be paid through HSA or FSA accounts. It’s a big conversation full of great info for veterinary professionals, pet owners and anyone interested in the future of animal care. If you’ve ever wondered where pet insurance is headed or how it could fit into your practice or personal life this is the place to start.

Show Notes: 

[00:48] We dive into the latest updates and trends of pet insurance with Robert Capobianco.

[03:05] We learn about Hank, Robert’s cat. 

[03:52] NAPHIA started about 15 years ago. It’s intended to represent the pet insurance industry and members with the goal to advance and grow pet insurance.

[04:54] They focus on what’s important for pet owners, pet providers, and the pets themselves.

[05:12] The annual report for the pet insurance industry should be out in a couple weeks. They should be at about a 4% penetration rate. Since 2020, the pet insurance industry has been growing about 20% you’re over year.

[06:59] The trajectory of the pet insurance industry is positive.

[08:33] Pet insurance in Britain has been around for a long time and is often combined with pet liability insurance which can be required.

[09:52] Contributing factors that support the growth of the pet insurance industry in the US.

[12:27] Once they get to the double digit penetration rate the message will be much more ubiquitous.

[14:53] Pet insurance is in the property and casualty space.

[17:08] The biggest challenge is getting people to think of pet insurance as a long-term investment.

[18:41] Unpacking how pet insurance works today.

[21:34] There is hope that AI solutions will make coding and communication and payments much easier.

[23:18] Medical records need to be seamless in order to communicate better.

[27:14] An update on the PAW Act. This would allow veterinary services and insurance premiums to be paid out of HSA and FSA accounts.

[32:23] How rate adjustments work and how it’s tied to veterinary inflation.

[34:54] NAPHIA is very interested in collaborating with other members of the pet health community.

Links and Resources:

Independence Pet Group

Robert Capobianco – LinkedIn

Robert Capobianco – NAPHIA

H.R.9508 – PAW Act of 2024