Chewy launches digital platform, expands pet insurance

A Chewy toy arranged in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Chewy Inc. is scheduled to release earnings figures on June 10. Photographer:
A Chewy toy arranged in Tiskilwa, Illinois on June 8, 2021.
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

Chewy, Inc., an online retailer of pet-related products and pet pharmacy, has expanded its insurance offerings with the launch of CarePlus, which adds a number of pet health and wellness plans to the company's existing insurance offerings. This new addition to Chewy's insurance portfolio provides coverage currently available in 31 states, with plans to expand by the end of this year. 

Vice President of Chewy Health, Mita Malhotra, said in a company press release, "The launch of CarePlus is a significant step forward in our mission of making pet healthcare more affordable and accessible."

Veterinarians and clients connecting through CarePlus will receive the option of direct payments, through Trupanion's patented software, for participating clinics. These transactions cut costs down for out-of-pocket expenses,  and, by offering easier access to pet healthcare with various affordable options, boosts the volume of insured pets receiving care from animal clinics. Insurance policies include coverage for surgeries, accidents or illnesses, and wellness plan options include coverage for preventative care – including vaccines or annual check-ups. Full protection is offered through a bundle of both CarePlus insurance policies and wellness plans. 

Customers of CarePlus, including both veterinarians and pet owners, now have streamlined access to Chewy Pharmacy, an online pet pharmacy in which clients can order and purchase medications. Connect with a Vet, a telehealth platform that remotely connects veterinarians with pet owners, has also become available through CarePlus. Veterinarians also receive access to Chewy's Practice Hub – a marketplace platform for digital pharmacy and clinic management, with opportunities for growth in revenue. 

"Innovating to improve customer experience is the cornerstone of our customer strategy. Our thoughtfully designed and customized selection of wellness and insurance plans will empower pet parents to always say 'yes' to high-quality care that will help their pets live longer, healthier and happier lives," said Malhotra in the statement. 

Customers of CarePlus will also receive access to Chewy's customer service care team, which provides insurance information and ability to connect with veterinarians through the telehealth Connect with a Vet. Pet parents can also receive full costs covered for eligible veterinary diet foods and prescription medications or supplements on Chewy's website.

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Pet 2022 Digital Transformation Digital payments Customer experience 2022 Insurance
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