Avoid vet bill worries for your pet

No pet owners want to choose between their budget and getting their furry friends the veterinary care they need. Pet insurance can help you avoid that situation.

Full-time faculty, staff, and bargaining unit members can participate in a voluntary benefits program to purchase pet insurance through Nationwide. You can enroll at any time; you do not need to wait until Annual Enrollment in the fall. It's a smart way to manage the rising costs of veterinary care and protect your budget against the impact of big vet bills.

With My Pet Protection from Nationwide, you can provide your pet with great care without worrying about the cost. Here are some features of the plan:

• You can use any vet, anywhere: No networks, no pre-approvals. Your pet can keep seeing the local vet you're already happy with.

• You get help with best-in-show coverage for eligible vet bills that include accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, behavioral treatments, and more.

• Flexible coverage options help you customize the level of protection to your budget and your pet's health situation. Choose 50% or 70% reimbursement.

• You get a low $250 annual deductible and $7,500 in annual benefits

• Access to the 24-hour VetHelpline (a $110 value) is included as a service to all members.

• Premiums can be paid through a convenient after-tax payroll deduction.

For additional plan details, to obtain a quote, or to enroll, visit the Johns Hopkins University Voluntary Benefits website at jhuvoluntarybenefits.com. If you wish to speak with a service representative, contact Mercer, the administrator of the university's voluntary benefits program, at 866-795-9362.