What is Exotic Pet Insurance?
Like cats and dogs, exotic pets require routine veterinary care and treatment for injuries and illnesses. Exotic pet insurance works the same way as a typical pet insurance plan. Plans typically cover costs related to your pet’s accidents and illnesses, such as vet exam fees, lab work and X-rays. Unlike human health insurance, you pay your vet directly at checkout and submit a claim for reimbursement from your provider later.
The term “exotic” refers to a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Below are common exotic pets that may be covered by a pet insurance policy.
- Amphibians
- Bearded dragons
- Birds
- Chameleons
- Chinchillas
- Ferrets
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Iguanas
- Lizards
- Mice
- Pigs
- Rats
- Rabbits
- Snakes
- Sugar gliders
- Tortoises
- Turtles
What Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cover?
Like pet insurance for cats and dogs, exotic pet insurance policies cover expenses related to injuries and common medical conditions with an optional wellness add-on for preventive care. As with standard pet insurance, preexisting conditions are excluded.
Policy specifics differ by species, but most exotic pet insurance coverage includes:
- Accidental injuries
- Chronic illnesses
- Common illnesses
- Hereditary issues
- Hospitalization
- Lab work
- Serious illnesses
How Much Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cost?
Like other pet insurance policies, the monthly premium for an exotic pet insurance plan depends on your pet’s species, age, location and the amount of coverage you select. Generally, the monthly premium ranges from $10 to $100.
Should I Get Exotic Pet Insurance?
Exotic pet insurance helps cover expensive vet bills when your pet gets sick or injured. With exotic pet insurance, you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs for necessary surgery, which could save your pet’s life in an emergency. Though it comes with a monthly premium, there are plenty of cheap pet insurance companies to match your budget.
Currently, only Nationwide Pet Insurance offers coverage for exotic animals. However, many companies offer pet insurance for cats and dogs. We recommend comparing multiple pet insurance companies if you own a dog or cat to ensure you choose a plan that fits your pet’s needs.
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Known for its work in the auto insurance industry, Nationwide offers an Avian and Exotic Pet Plan. This plan doesn’t offer the same options and customization levels as Nationwide’s plans for dogs and cats, but it does cover most types of birds and exotic pets, such as parrots, rabbits, turtles and hedgehogs. The company doesn’t share cost information for the Avian and Exotic Pet Plan on their website, but you can get a free quote from a Nationwide representative by calling 844-397-8937.
Nationwide Exotic Pet Insurance covers 70% of costs with a $250 deductible and $10,000 annual limit for covered illnesses and accidents, including vet exams, hospitalization, medications and more.
Pet Assure
Pet Assure is a veterinary discount plan rather than a pet insurance company and is available to all pets, including exotic pets. Pet Assure members receive a 25% discount on all medical care provided in-office by the veterinary staff, including wellness visits, sick visits, dental cleanings, allergy treatments, cancer care, diabetes management, emergency care, spay and neuter procedures, vaccines, surgical procedures and more.
However, veterinarians must be a Pet Assure participant for members to receive the discount. Members simply enroll their pet and immediately start receiving discounts on all veterinary health procedures. Members do not need to file claims, meet a deductible or wait for reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exotic Pet Insurance
Pet insurance for a reptile costs $10 to $100, the average range for any pet insurance plan. Our research shows that reptile insurance falls closer to $10, though.
While you are not legally required to get pet insurance for a rabbit, enrolling your rabbit in a pet insurance policy can provide financial protection and give you additional peace of mind when it comes to veterinary care costs.
Any pets that aren’t cats or dogs are usually classified as exotic. Exotic pets include amphibians, small mammals, birds and reptiles.