What is exotic pet insurance?

When it comes to pet insurance, your bearded dragon deserves the same protection as any golden retriever. Yet, while cats and dogs easily find coverage, exotic pet owners face the challenge of finding insurance for their exotic pets. From rabbits to parrots, these uncommon companions come with unique healthcare needs — and often, steeper veterinary bills.

Finding a vet who can treat your chinchilla’s health issues isn’t as simple as locating a cat clinic. These specialized veterinarians are rare and typically charge premium rates. That’s where exotic pet insurance comes in, offering a financial safety net for the worries of caring for non-traditional pets.

What is exotic pet insurance?

Specialized exotic pet insurance works similarly to traditional pet coverage but with important distinctions tailored to these unique animals. In a world where emergency vet bills can quickly escalate, it’s becoming an essential consideration for responsible exotic pet owners.

While they may seem hardy, wild and indestructible, exotic pets can suffer unusual health issues. Reptiles can succumb to fungal lesions or abscesses, while small mammals are prone to respiratory infections, dental issues and even ear infections.

Exotic pet insurance protects pet owners from the high costs of veterinary care for these non-traditional pets. Unlike standard pet insurance, which typically covers dogs and cats, exotic pet insurance caters to various animals that fall outside the common pet categories.

Types of pets covered

Exotic pet insurance can cover a range of obscure pets, including:

• Birds: Canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrots and other bird species.
• Horses: Equine coverage from companies like ASPCA.
• Rabbits: From Mini Lops to Flemish Giants and everything in between.
• Reptiles and amphibians: Bearded dragons, chameleons, lizards, frogs, turtles, snakes and more.
• Small mammals: Pot-bellied pigs, goats, chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and sugar gliders.

It’s essential to check with individual insurers, as the definition of “exotic” can vary. Some companies may cover more specific or unusual species.

Species not covered by exotic pet insurance

Before you consider a monkey as a pet, it’s important to note that certain animals are ineligible for coverage. Exclusions can vary by insurer but often include:

• Aquatic animals: While some policies may cover certain fish and amphibians, coverage for marine animals, including certain types of sharks or marine invertebrates, is often excluded.
• Dangerous or high-risk animals: Certain large reptiles (e.g., crocodiles, alligators), primates (e.g., monkeys, apes) and large birds of prey may not be eligible for coverage.
• Endangered or protected species: Species protected by law or endangered may not be covered due to legal restrictions and the complexity of care.
• Farm animals: Animals typically classified as livestock or farm animals, such as large pigs, goats and chickens, are generally not covered under exotic pet insurance policies. These animals often fall under different insurance categories, like livestock insurance.
• Venomous species: Venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders and other dangerous creatures are often excluded due to the specialized care requirements and risks.
• Wild or non-domesticated animals: Many insurers exclude animals not considered domesticated pets, such as wild-caught reptiles or birds and large exotic cats (e.g., tigers, lions).

Check with the specific insurance provider for its list of covered and excluded species, as this can vary. Additionally, some insurers may offer custom plans for less common pets, so it’s worth inquiring if you have a unique animal not typically covered.

Coverage options for exotic pets

Policies for exotic pet insurance can be as diverse as the animals they cover. Insurers cater to various needs, species and conditions. Most of the time, accidents and illnesses are covered, with preventative care as an add-on.

Nationwide offers exotic pet insurance with policies tailored to each pet species they cover. Here is an example of what the company offers:

Coverage for birds

• Diarrhea
• Excessive egg-laying
• Feather picking
• Foreign body ingestion
• Runny nose
• Soft tissue trauma

Coverage for amphibians and reptiles

• Constipation/diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Internal parasites
• Soft tissue trauma
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Coverage for small mammals

• Bladder infection
• Dehydration/constipation
• Eye infection
• Overgrown teeth
• Upper respiratory infection

Exotic pet insurance exclusions

Exotic pet insurance exclusions refer to specific conditions or situations the insurance policy does not cover.

Common exclusions may include pre-existing conditions, routine or preventive care (unless specifically included in the plan), certain species and conditions related to breeding or pregnancy. Some policies might also exclude coverage for specific behaviors, such as self-inflicted injuries or issues stemming from inadequate care.

Research to find an insurance policy that will adequately cover your furry (or scaly) friend.

Insurance companies that offer exotic pet insurance

Here are some top insurers that provide pet insurance for animals other than cats and dogs:

• ASPCA: Alongside its cat and dog insurance, ASPCA offers equine insurance focusing on colic in its accident-only and accident and illness policies. The company also has a preventive care add-on for horse wellness costs.
• MetLife: MetLife provides coverage for birds, ferrets, rabbits and reptiles in 19 states.
• Nationwide: Offers a comprehensive plan for birds, reptiles and other exotic pets, covering accidents and illnesses.
• Pet Assure: This company offers a discount plan that provides savings on veterinary services for many pets, including exotics.

Exotic pet insurance costs

As with 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.

Here are some examples of what you might expect to pay.

Nationwide

Exotic pet insurance plans typically start at $21 per month. Reimbursements are limited depending on the agreed-upon coverage limit.

ASPCA

ASPCA pet insurance allows for considerable customization of its equine insurance plans. Horse lovers can adjust their coverage limits ($3,000, $5,000 or $7,000), annual deductibles ($100, $250 or $500) and reimbursement percentages (70, 80 or 90 percent) to suit their budgets.

A colic and accident plan starts at approximately $15 per month. Conversely, an accident and illness plan with the riders set to the highest reimbursement will cost roughly $90 monthly. Horse owners have the option of adding preventive care to their coverage, which starts at $9.95 per month.

MetLife

MetLife doesn’t provide cost details for its exotic pets coverage. However, the policy riders are similar to its standard pet insurance policies:

• The maximum annual limit for exotic pet coverage is $10,000.
• Deductible options range from $0 to $2,500.
• Reimbursement rates of 50, 70, 80, 90 and 100 percent are available.
• Approximately 80 percent of claims are processed within 10 days or less.

Pet Assure

The Mint Wellness Plans offer three levels of scheduled wellness care reimbursement. These discount plans provide savings on routine veterinary services for a wide range of pets, including exotics. The monthly costs are $18 (Basic), $34 (Essential) and $57 (Premium).

When to consider insurance for exotic pets

Deciding whether to purchase insurance for an exotic pet depends on several key factors, including the type of pet, the potential costs of care and your financial situation. Here are some things to consider when deciding if you want pet insurance.

Availability of specialized care

If you live in an area with limited access to veterinarians who specialize in exotic animals, having insurance can make it easier to afford travel to specialists or emergency facilities.

Cost of veterinary care

Exotic pets often require specialized veterinary care, which can be costly. Insurance can mitigate these expenses.

Financial stability

For pet owners who prefer budgeting with predictable expenses, paying a monthly insurance premium can be easier to manage than large, unexpected veterinary bills. Insurance can provide a more manageable financial plan if you’re concerned about how to afford a sudden, costly procedure or emergency care.

Peace of mind

Pet insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that financial considerations will not dictate the level of care your pet receives. This can be particularly important for exotic pets, whose treatment options may be limited or more complex, requiring more expensive care.

Pet age and health status

Your exotic pet’s age and current health status can also influence your decision to get insurance. Younger and healthier pets may be eligible for lower premiums and broader coverage options.

It’s often beneficial to insure pets early in life before pre-existing conditions arise, as these can be excluded from coverage.

Species-specific health risks

Certain exotic pets are more prone to specific health issues due to their biology, environment or diet. For example, reptiles might be susceptible to metabolic bone disease, while birds can suffer from respiratory infections.

Alternatives to exotic pet insurance

Some exotic pet owners may find traditional pet insurance coverage unavailable or unsuitable. In that case, several alternatives can help you manage the financial risks associated with veterinary care.

1. Savings accounts

Setting aside money in a dedicated savings account for your pet’s medical expenses can be a practical alternative.

This self-insurance approach allows you to have funds for emergencies or routine care. While this requires discipline and may not cover all expenses immediately (especially in the case of a sudden large expense), it provides financial flexibility without the need for monthly premiums.

2. Credit options

Some pet owners use credit options, such as credit cards or lines of credit, to cover unexpected veterinary costs.

There are also specialized medical credit cards, like CareCredit, which can be used for veterinary expenses. These cards often offer low or no-interest promotional periods, which can help manage large, unexpected bills. However, it’s important to remember the terms and potential interest rates if you don’t pay the balance on time.

3. Veterinary payment plans

Some veterinarians may offer payment plans for their services, allowing pet owners to spread out the cost of treatment over several months. This option can be convenient if insurance is unavailable or the coverage doesn’t fully meet the pet’s needs.

Discuss these options with your vet to understand the terms and conditions and any applicable interest or fees.

4. Pet assistance programs

Some organizations and charities provide financial assistance for veterinary care to pet owners in need. These programs can help cover the cost of emergencies, surgeries or treatments for serious conditions. Availability and eligibility vary, so researching local and national resources can be beneficial.

The bottom line

Your pet is unique, and so are its healthcare needs. While insurance for your bearded dragon or sugar glider might seem unusual, it could be the difference between stress-free care and difficult financial decisions when health challenges arise.

If you’re worried about your ability to cover unexpected medical costs for your exotic pet, insurance may be worth a closer look. Consider your pet’s specific needs, weigh them against potential specialist vet costs, and decide if the peace of mind is worth the investment. After all, your extraordinary companion deserves extraordinary care.