Protecting Your Furry Friends: A Look at UCLA Employee Pet Insurance Benefits

For UCLA employees, the benefits of belonging to the UCLA and UC community extend beyond traditional health and welfare insurance plans and retirement savings. Among the various perks, discounts, and exclusive opportunities, pet insurance stands out as a valuable resource for managing the unexpected costs of pet care. This article will explore the pet insurance benefits available to UCLA employees, offering insights into coverage, providers, and the overall value of protecting your beloved companions.

The Rising Cost of Pet Care and the Need for Insurance

As any pet owner knows, the love and companionship our dogs and cats provide are invaluable. However, veterinary bills can be expensive and quickly accumulate, especially in emergency situations. Pet insurance is designed to help manage these unexpected costs, providing financial security and peace of mind. When Spot needs an emergency vet visit, pet insurance helps you manage these unexpected costs.

UC's Voluntary Pet Insurance

Recognizing the importance of pets in the lives of its employees, UC offers voluntary pet insurance. This allows employees to enroll in pet insurance plans, ensuring their furry family members receive the care they need without breaking the bank.

Nationwide Pet Insurance

UCLA provides access to pet insurance through Nationwide. Nationwide pet insurance products are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. It's important to remember that Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, Nationwide is on your side and VetHelpline are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Nationwide Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for various medical expenses, including:

Accidents and Injuries: Coverage for unexpected injuries, such as broken bones, cuts, and swallowed objects.
Illnesses: Coverage for a wide range of illnesses, from common infections to chronic conditions.
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Coverage for conditions that are genetically predisposed or present from birth.
Surgery: Coverage for surgical procedures, including anesthesia and hospitalization.
Medications: Coverage for prescription medications.
Diagnostic Tests: Coverage for tests like X-rays, blood work, and MRIs.
Alternative Therapies: Some plans may include coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Enrollment and Eligibility

UCLA employees can typically enroll in pet insurance during the annual Benefits Open Enrollment period. For example, the Benefits Open Enrollment was from Oct. 25, 2018, to Nov. 20, 2018. Eligibility for benefits, the timelines for Benefits Open Enrollment, and the required actions on the part of employees have not changed unless specifically noted.

Discounts and Preferred Pricing

UCLA staff can often access preferred pricing on pet insurance through Nationwide. Saving money is good. Saving money on things that are good for you - that’s even better. For instance, Anthem’s SpecialOffers, include discounts on products and services that help promote better health and well-being. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Get 5% off pet insurance. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Get 5% off pet insurance.

Other Pet Insurance Options

While UCLA partners with Nationwide, employees may also consider other pet insurance providers.

Other Benefits for UCLA Employees

The benefits of belonging to the UCLA and UC community go beyond our options for comprehensive medical insurance and retirement savings.

Wellness Resources

UCLA prioritizes the well-being of its staff, offering a variety of wellness resources. Affordable Recreation and Fitness Memberships are available for UCLA staff. FitWell offers a wide variety of free fitness, wellness, and health improvement programs for staff including the popular Bruin Health Improvement Program (BHIP) and a Diabetes Prevention Program U See LA Optometry accepts staff vision insurance (VSP), offering comprehensive eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. Staff & Faculty Counseling Center provides counselling, referrals, and other services to support staff mental health. Ergonomic Resources are available to support a healthy work environment.

Educational Opportunities

Eligible employees have access to various educational opportunities. Eligible employees who have been admitted to the University may enroll in regular UC classes through the reduced fee program, using the application for reduced fee enrollment. The usual discount is 2/3. Eligible employees can also get 25% off many courses offered through UCLA Extension. A wide variety of in-person and online training and professional development courses are available through the UC Learning Center. Additional online, asynchronous learning modules are available for free through Linked In Learning.

Family Care Resources

UCLA supports employees with family care responsibilities. Staff have access to a variety of Early Care and Education programs for young ones in their care. UC Employees have access to childcare and eldercare resources through Bright Horizons. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account is available during Open Enrollment to facilitate pre-tax payroll deductions for eligible care expenses. UCLA accommodates lactating staff, and offers resources for staff and their partners. Adoption Assistance provides reimbursements for eligible adoption expenses and does not require advanced enrollment.

Travel and Transportation Perks

UCLA offers various travel and transportation benefits. Bruin Commuter Club has information on a variety of perks related to your commute to and from campus-including subsidized Bus Passes and the employee Carpool Program Travel Discounts on car rentals, airfare, and more are available for personal travel booked using the Connexxus portal. Amtrak offers UC employees discounts on select routes. Click “Book Now” on the home page of the travel portal. Cartelligent offers UC employees a 20% discount on their car-buying service UCLA Staff have access to UCLA’s popular Bruin Woods family summer camp at Lake Arrowhead.

Financial and Insurance Resources

In addition to employee Health and Welfare insurance plans and the UC Retirement Program, staff have access to these programs and discounts for managing finances and preparing for the future: Identity Theft Protection from Experian, paid for by UC; Financial planning and education support through Fidelity; University Credit Union for banking, loans, and investment services; Auto, Home, and Renters’ Insurance through Farmers Insurance Choice SM; Preferred pricing on Pet Insurance through Nationwide.

Entertainment and Ticketing

UCLA provides entertainment and ticketing discounts. UCLA Ticket Office offers discounted movie tickets, theme park admissions, transit passes, and more. This is also where you can purchase tickets to performances of the UCLA Department of Theatre, School of Music, and Center for the Art of Performance (which offers $25 staff tickets to presentations at Royce Hall and the Theatre at Ace Hotel) UCLA Staff enjoy discounted Athletic Tickets on Staff Appreciation Days. Some sports offer free admission. Many businesses in Westwood Village offer discounts if you present your Bruin Card.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Technology Discounts

UCLA offers technology-related discounts. Software Central is UCLA’s hub for enterprise and discount software. The Apple Education Store highlights products that are discounted for university staff.

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