Aetna and Pets Best to Offer Pet Insurance Plans to Chamber of Commerce Members and Their Families

HARTFORD, Conn., July 16, 2009 —  Aetna (NYSE: AET) and Pets Best Insurance today announced an agreement with the Chamber Insurance Trust (CIT) to provide 50,000 local businesses and 79 working Chambers of Commerce in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts access to discounted rates on pet insurance plans. Pets Best Insurance is the administrator for plans underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut (AICC). These plans have earned the exclusive recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust.

“In these difficult economic times, many people are having difficulty keeping up with the rising cost of veterinary services,” said Gretchen Spann, Aetna’s head of pet insurance. “Some people might find that the predictability of a monthly premium helps them budget for the care their dog or cat might need in the future. Our agreement with CIT helps us expand the reach of pet insurance and provides valuable financial protection for chamber members and their pets.”

“This announcement with Aetna and Pets Best builds on our already successful collaboration offering Aetna Individual health insurance options to chamber members,” said Stephen Glick, president of the Chamber Insurance Trust. “We know that 60% of chamber members have a dog or cat, and offering pet insurance is just one more example of our efforts to make a chamber membership a valuable asset to business owners and their families.”

The plans reimburse 80 percent of veterinary bills after payment of the deductible. Monthly premium rates are based on breed, the pet's age and the typical veterinary costs within a policyholder's area. Plans are subject to limitations and exclusions, but there are no benefit schedules or fee restrictions. Plans do not include maximum age restrictions and allow pet owners to choose any licensed veterinarian. All pets can be covered with accident-only policies, which means that even pets with pre-existing conditions can be insured against unexpected costs from accidental injury.

“We are excited about this new offering and we’ve heard from many chamber members who have expressed interest in purchasing pet insurance for their own dog or cat and in offering pet insurance to their employees,” said John Leone, President of the Chamber Benefits Centers Leadership Cabinet.

About Pets Best Insurance
The Pets Best Insurance team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. As creator of the oldest and largest pet insurer in the United States, Jack Stephens, DVM, is the pioneer of pet health insurance. For nearly 30 years, he has helped pet owners afford quality care for their pets. Visit Pets Best at petsbest.com or call 877-PetsBest (738-7237).

About Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut
Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut is a subsidiary of Aetna, one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies.
About the American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust
Since 1957, the American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust has served more than 33,000 veterinarians and their families with health, life, disability and related insurance services. The group also provides medical plans for veterinary staff in selected states.

About Chamber Insurance Trust
Chamber Insurance Trust (CIT) is a voluntary alliance of all participating Chambers of Commerce across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Created to bring the combined buying power of thousands of Chamber members, CIT's complete range of insurance options offer small, mid-sized and large businesses competitively priced benefit packages. From its inception in 1992, CIT serves more than 10,000 businesses from the Chambers of Commerce in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  For more information about the Chamber Insurance Trust pet insurance offering, go to www.chamberpets.com.