Vet-AI and FirstVet strengthen insurtech in pet insurance

Two new partnerships have been struck among insurtech firms innovating in the pet insurance space.

Startup Vet-AI, which gives pet owners access to affordable and convenient veterinary care, has partnered with pet insurer Animal Friends Insurance.

Vet-AI’s app, Joii, enables owners to check their pets symptoms, get advice on treatment or find out if they need to visit a vet clinic. Animal Friends is launching its pilot programme and will be looking to roll this out to more customers in the near future.

Paul Hallett, co-founder of Vet-AI, said of the partnership: “Animal Friends is a perfect partner for Vet-AI, not only do we share common goals around animal welfare and the profession as a whole, but strategically we are both laser focused on the customer.”

“In the coming few years we will support their customers by providing them with 24 hour expert-led care, at the click of a button. This will drive our business forward, helping us reach more pet owners and improve the care their pets receive.”

“Wes Pearson, managing director of Animal Friends, said: “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to provide our pet parents with innovative options to ensure their pet receives the best care. Being able to access professional advice from the comfort of their own home and at a time that suits them can dramatically reduce stress for both the pet and the pet parent.”

“We are excited to be working with Vet-AI and believe that the Joii app will bring expert knowledge and extra peace of mind to our customers.”

Insurtech firm FirstVet, meanwhile, has partnered with Waggel, a startup that offers fully digital pet insurance.

Through the the partnership, Waggel members can receive free appointments via their mobile devices, allowing them to receive expert advice on their pets from the comfort of their own home.

The Waggel announcement swiftly follows FirstVet’s partnership with LV= General Insurance to offer pet insurance customers access to free on-demand video consultations with vets.

David Prien, chief executive officer and co-founder of FirstVet, said: “We are delighted to join forces and partner with Waggel, a fellow startup with bold ambitions to revolutionise the pet insurance sector.

“This comes at the end of what has been a defining year for FirstVet, and we look forward to continuing this momentum into 2020, with global expansion, product development, and even more strategic partnerships at the top of our priority list.”

Andrew Leal, chief executive officer and co-founder of Waggel, added: “As a technology company it’s natural for us to partner with FirstVet, which provides a digital-first tool for the pet-related issues that our members face. It’s our ambition to delight our customers with everything we do, and to provide reassurance and solutions that make their lives easier so that they can continue to enjoy life with their pets, stress-free.”

Mark Dugdale