While many top pet insurance companies primarily cover dogs and cats, exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals also face accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific health issues.

Finding veterinarians who specialize in exotic pets can be challenging, and their services are often more expensive than those for dogs and cats. As a result, caring for exotic pets can be costlier.

Exotic pet insurance is designed to cover veterinary expenses for non-traditional pets such as parrots, rabbits, chameleons, ferrets, and pygmy goats. It operates similarly to standard pet insurance but has some distinct differences tailored to the needs of exotic animals.

What is exotic pet insurance?

Exotic pets, despite their differences from traditional four-legged companions, require regular veterinary care and treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries.

Exotic pet insurance offers specialized coverage to help pet owners manage the often high costs of veterinary care for non-traditional pets. Unlike standard pet insurance, which primarily covers dogs and cats, exotic pet insurance is tailored to a range of animals beyond the usual pet categories.

Types of pets covered

Exotic pet insurance can provide coverage for a diverse array of animals, including:

  • Birds: Canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrots, and other avian species.
  • Horses: Equine coverage, offered by companies like ASPCA.
  • Rabbits: From mini lops to Flemish giants and more.
  • Reptiles and Amphibians: Bearded dragons, chameleons, frogs, turtles, snakes, and others.
  • Small Mammals: Pot-bellied pigs, goats, chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders.

Species not covered by exotic pet insurance

While exotic pet insurance covers a wide range of non-traditional pets, some animals are usually excluded. These exclusions can vary by insurer but commonly include:

  • Aquatic Animals: Marine animals such as certain types of sharks and marine invertebrates are often not covered. Some policies may cover specific fish and amphibians.
  • Dangerous or High-Risk Animals: 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: Animals that are protected by law or endangered may be excluded due to legal restrictions and complex care requirements.
  • Farm Animals: Animals classified as livestock, such as pigs, goats, and chickens, are typically not covered and may fall under livestock insurance instead.
  • Venomous Species: Venomous snakes, spiders, and other dangerous creatures are often excluded due to their specialized care needs and risks.
  • Wild or Non-Domesticated Animals: Many insurers exclude wild-caught reptiles or birds and large exotic cats (e.g., tigers, lions) that are not considered domesticated pets.

For specific coverage details and exclusions, consult with your insurance provider, as offerings can differ. Some insurers might also offer customized plans for less common pets, so it’s worth asking if you have a unique animal.

Coverage options for exotic pets

Exotic pet insurance offers a range of coverage options tailored to different species. For example, Nationwide provides specific policies for various types of exotic pets:

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 infections

Coverage for small mammals

  • Abscesses
  • Bladder infections or bladder stones
  • Dehydration/Gut stasis
  • Eye infections
  • Overgrown teeth
  • Upper respiratory tract infections

Exotic pet insurance exclusions

Exotic pet insurance policies often have specific exclusions, which may include:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions that existed before the policy’s start date.
  • Routine or Preventive Care: Typically not covered unless explicitly included in the plan.
  • Certain Species: Some species might not be covered at all.
  • Breeding or Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Issues arising from breeding or pregnancy may be excluded.
  • Specific Behaviors: Coverage may not extend to self-inflicted injuries or problems caused by inadequate care.

It is essential for pet owners to carefully review their insurance policy to understand both the covered conditions and any exclusions.

Insurance companies that offer exotic pet insurance

Finding insurance for exotic pets can be more complex than securing coverage for dogs and cats. Here are some top insurers that offer pet insurance for animals beyond the typical cat and dog:

  • ASPCA: In addition to insurance for cats and dogs, ASPCA provides equine coverage, including policies for colic under both accident-only and accident-and-illness plans. They also offer a preventive care add-on for horse wellness.
  • MetLife: MetLife covers birds, ferrets, rabbits, and reptiles in 19 states, offering tailored insurance options for these exotic pets.
  • Nationwide: Provides a comprehensive insurance plan for birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets, covering both accidents and illnesses.
  • Pet Assure: Offers a discount plan that provides savings on veterinary services for a wide range of pets, including exotic animals.

Exotic pet insurance costs

The cost of exotic pet insurance varies based on factors such as your pet’s species, age, location, and the level of coverage you choose. Here are some examples of what you might expect to pay:

Nationwide

Exotic pet insurance plans typically start at around $21 per month.

ASPCA

ASPCA offers customizable equine insurance plans. Coverage options include limits of $3,000, $5,000, or $7,000; deductibles of $100, $250, or $500; and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. A colic and accident plan starts at approximately $15 per month, while an accident and illness plan with the highest reimbursement rate costs around $90 monthly. Optional preventive care can be added, with the Routine Preventive Care add-on costing $9.95 per month and the Platinum Preventive bundle an additional $24.95 monthly.

MetLife

MetLife’s exotic pet insurance details are not publicly available, but coverage typically includes:

  • Maximum annual limit of $10,000
  • Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
  • Reimbursement rates of 50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%
  • Around 80% of claims processed within 10 days or less

Pet Assure

Pet Assure offers Mint Wellness Plans with three levels of scheduled wellness care reimbursement for exotic pets. Monthly costs are $18 (Basic), $34 (Essential), and $57 (Premium).

When to consider insurance for exotic pets

When deciding whether to purchase insurance for an exotic pet, consider the following factors:

Availability of specialized care

If you live in an area with limited access to veterinarians who specialize in exotic animals, insurance can help cover the costs of traveling to specialists or emergency facilities.

Cost of veterinary care

Exotic pets often need specialized care, which can be expensive. Insurance can help offset these costs.

Financial stability

If you prefer to manage expenses with predictable monthly payments, insurance premiums may be more manageable than unexpected large veterinary bills.

Peace of mind

Insurance can offer reassurance that financial constraints won’t limit the care your pet receives, which is particularly important for exotic pets with potentially more complex and costly treatment needs.

Pet age and health status

The age and health of your exotic pet can affect your decision. Younger, healthier pets may qualify for lower premiums and broader coverage.

Species-specific health risks

Exotic pets have unique health risks based on their species. For instance, reptiles may be prone to metabolic bone disease, while birds can experience respiratory infections.

Alternatives to exotic pet insurance

For exotic pet owners who find traditional pet insurance coverage either unavailable or unsuitable, there are several alternative options to manage veterinary care expenses:

1. Pet wellness plans

These plans cover routine veterinary services such as check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and screenings. They are useful for managing regular care costs and catching potential health issues early.

2. Savings accounts

Setting up a dedicated savings account for your pet’s medical expenses can be a practical alternative. This self-insurance method provides funds for emergencies or routine care, offering financial flexibility without monthly premiums. However, it requires discipline and may not cover large, unexpected expenses immediately.

3. Credit options

Utilizing credit cards or lines of credit to cover unexpected veterinary costs is another option. Specialized medical credit cards, like CareCredit, can be used for veterinary expenses and may offer low or no-interest promotional periods. Be mindful of the terms and potential interest rates if the balance isn’t paid off promptly.

4. Veterinary payment plans

Some veterinarians offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over several months. This can be a convenient option if insurance is unavailable or insufficient for your pet’s needs. Discuss the terms, interest rates, and any fees with your vet.

5. Pet assistance programs

Various organizations and charities provide financial assistance for veterinary care to pet owners in need. These programs can help cover emergencies, surgeries, or treatments for serious conditions. Research local and national resources to find programs available to you.

6. Home care and preventive measures

Investing in preventive care at home can help reduce the likelihood of costly veterinary bills. This includes providing a proper diet, ensuring a safe home environment, keeping up with regular health check-ups, and avoiding known hazards. Understanding your exotic pet’s specific needs and potential health issues can help prevent expensive medical problems.

In Conclusion

Exotic pet insurance can be an essential tool for managing the specialized health care needs of non-traditional pets. Deciding whether to purchase this type of insurance involves evaluating your pet’s potential health care requirements, your financial situation, and your readiness to handle potential risks.

By carefully considering these factors, you can determine if investing in exotic pet insurance is the right choice for your unique companion.