The newest benefit offered by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is for four-legged friends. Members get 5 percent off insurance plans for their pets.

“We’re always looking to expand on the insurance offerings that we have. We do believe this one will be popular,” said Gina Marie DiBattista, director of membership.

“Since West Hartford is such a pet friendly community, the Chamber’s pet insurance product has mass appeal,” said Chamber President Marjorie Luke.

The plan covers injuries, illnesses and accidents; X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans; surgeries and hospitalization; cancer treatments; prescription medications; and acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.

The insurance reimburses 80 percent of covered charges after a deductible. Owners can take their pet to any licensed veterinarian or specialist.

The basic plan is less than $20 a month while one offering more coverage is less than $30 a month. Rates are based on the animal’s breed, age and the typical veterinary costs in the area. There are limitations and exclusions, but there are no benefit schedules or fee restrictions.

All pets can be covered with accident-only policies so that even pets with pre-existing conditions can be insured against unexpected costs from accidental injury.

Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut is the underwriter of plan administered by Pets Best Insurance. The plans have earned the 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.”

The pet insurance “builds on our already successful collaboration offering Aetna Individual health insurance options to chamber members,” said Stephen Glick, president of the Chamber Insurance Trust, a voluntary alliance of chambers of commerce across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts that provides benefits. “We know that 60 percent 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.”

Individuals not affiliated with a business and not employed by a member company can join the chamber for $100 and take advantage of all the benefits, including insurance discounts and networking opportunities.

The most popular member benefit, DiBattista said, is the Staples discount that allows small businesses the buying power of a large company. Also popular is the discounted electricity available to members through Positive Energy.

The chamber is hosting a Member Benefits Expo on February 18 in the town hall auditorium, 50 South Main Street, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. 

“It will a great opportunity to learn more about all the benefits of joining the Chamber – for both businesses and members of the community,” Luke said.

Businesses that offer discounts to chamber members will be on hand to talk to members about how to take advantage of these savings.

The expo is paired with a business after hours networking event that typically draws more than 75 professionals conducting business in town. The evening is hosted by Aetna and Rizzuto’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Bar.

The evening is free for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Advance registration is preferred. To register on line, click here. Parking is available in the town hall lot. Tickets will be validated at the registration table.