"Pet owners want the best treatments available when their pets become ill or injured, but sophisticated treatments can be costly. The new VPI policies offer higher benefits that will help New Yorkers pay for the care their pets need," said Rebecca Lewis, vice president of marketing and communications for Veterinary Pet Insurance.

Ms. Lewis said the firm is also the first insurer to offer health insurance coverage for the state's "birds and exotic pets."

The company said the VPI Superior Plan increases benefit payouts for many conditions and treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and anesthesia.

The VPI Avian & Exotic Plan offers coverage for illnesses and injuries common to birds and exotic pets. Several optional riders are also available.

The company said a vaccination and routine care coverage rider assists with the cost of an annual exam, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, prescription flea control and heartworm testing, with no deductible.

A cancer rider further protects pets that develop cancer by doubling the benefit payout for cancer treatments.

Veterinary Pet Insurance, founded in 1980, said it has approximately 350,000 policies in force covering dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional vaccination and routine care coverage is also available.

Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company. VPI's parent company is Veterinary Pet Services, Inc.