Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Mar 22, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 22, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Most animal lovers know that when you bring a dog or cat into your home, it is important to consider pet insurance.
Birds, gerbils and exotic pets are no different.
All pets, even small ones, need to see the vet for vaccinations, check-ups and any other medical issue that can arise.
And that’s when exotic pet insurance can be necessary.
Table of Contents:
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
- Other/Exotic
- Pet Insurance for Sporting and Show Animals
- Pet Insurance for Special Needs Pets
- Pet Insurance for Small Mammals
- Pet Insurance for Reptiles
- Pet Insurance for Rare and Endangered Pets
- Pet Insurance for Indoor/Outdoor Cats
- Pet Insurance for Farm Animals
- Pet Insurance for Exotic Mammals
- Pet Insurance for Exotic Birds
- Pet Insurance for Birds of Prey
- Pet Insurance for Aquatic Pets
- Pet Insurance for Amphibians
- Pet Insurance for Birds
- Reptile Insurance
- Pet Insurance for Horses
- Rabbit Pet Insurance
- Pet Insurance for Snakes | Is it Worth The Price?
- Baby Bearded Dragon
Pet Insurance For Exotic Pets
Exotic pets, rats and all birds are prone to get sick just like any other pet. In fact, birds especially are more susceptible to parasites and other avian diseases.
And when a bird or any exotic pet gets sick, its immune systems are not as strong as dog and cats and they need to be treated right away.
Exotic pet insurance can then help pay for these medical bills.
Some exotic pets, like reptiles, can be easily affected by the weather or climate. If a snake gets really cold, it can easily get sick while other exotic pets could get heatstroke in the summer.
Even rats love to put electric cords or other household items in their mouths.
Chewing on wires or anything else can be extremely harmful to their little bodies and you will find yourself at the vet or even animal hospital for emergency care.
And pet insurance will cover those costs.
Read more: Pet Insurance for Exotic Birds
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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How Can You Find Pet Insurance For Your Exotic Pet?
The good news and the bad news is that there is only one pet insurance provider that covers exotic pets in the United States and that’s Nationwide Pet insurance.
The good news is that you have only one company to call if you want exotic pet insurance.
The bad news is that the more companies you have, the more choices you have on pricing and coverage plans.
List Of All Exotic And Other Pets That Can Be Insured
- Amphibians
- Bearded Dragons
- Birds
- Chinchillas
- Ferrets
- Geckos
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Iguanas
- Lizards
- Mice
- Opossums
- Potbellied Pigs
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Reptiles
- Snakes
- Turtles
Read more:
Coverage For Exotic Pets
Pet insurance plan coverage for exotic pets is very similar to those offered for dogs and cats.
The more comprehensive coverage will include all accidents, injuries, and illness that might occur in your exotic pet.
Read more: Pet Insurance for Indoor/Outdoor Cats
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Some of the treatments and procedures that will be covered are:
- Injuries, illness, and accidents
- X-rays and diagnostics
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital care
- Specialist coverage
- Prescriptions
- Surgeries
- Medication
- Congenital, hereditary conditions
Your exotic pet or bird might need a form of alternative treatment and as long as the therapy is from a licensed veterinarian, your pet will be covered.
In fact, exotic pets have very specific care and treatment procedures.
If you have a ferret or a gecko lizard, you will probably have to go to a specialized vet that treats your specific pet.
With specialized care, your veterinary costs could increase as there are fewer veterinarians that treat those pets.
And this is another reason to look for exotic pet insurance. Those specialist bills are higher!
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
What Isn’t Covered With Exotic Pet Insurance?
- Pre-existing conditions
- Any cosmetic procedures
- Internal or external parasite
- Endocrine tumors or disorders.
Cost Of Pet Insurance For Your Exotic Pet
Nationwide’s average cost for most exotic pets to be insured is $9 per month.
The price to insure your pet can vary depending on the type of pet it is, the age of your pet and where you live.
This is similar to all pet insurance policies.
- Bird insurance typically costs $16 a month
- Exotic pets typically cost $9 a month
- Reptiles can be insured for $9 a month
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Nationwide’s Exotic Pet Insurance Reimbursements and Deductibles
With Nationwide’s avian and exotic Pet plans, they will reimburse you up to 90% of your eligible benefit allowance after the $50 per-incident deductible up to the policy maximums.
Nationwide Benefit Schedules
Nationwide has only a per-incident benefit schedule for your exotic pet.
This means that each condition or illness has a specific set amount that the insurance will pay each calendar year.
Most dog and cat insurance policies allow you to pay off the actual vet bill.
The per-incident maximum payout is $2,500 with an annual maximum of $9,000.
Exotic Pet Insurance Questions and Answers
How old does your pet need to be to enroll?
Your exotic can be enrolled at three months old and you must have owned the pet for at least 60 days.
Is there a waiting period to enroll?
Similar to most pet insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period which is called the free look period.
This means you have 30 days to decide if you want to insure with Nationwide.
How are claims handled?
You can submit a claim online or via fax.
Make sure to have copies of your invoices and the usual turn-around time is 30 days for you to get reimbursed for your bill.
Are there any other benefits when enrolling in Nationwide?
When enrolling in Nationwide, you also have access to a 24/7 vet helpline which is a nice bonus to have.
If your exotic pet isn’t feeling well and you aren’t sure you need to take your pet to the vet, they can help guide you or answer some of your questions.
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Summing Up Exotic Pet Insurance
Owning an exotic pet can be a very rewarding experience, but can also be an expensive one if your pet gets hurt or injured.
If you have a reptile or bird that tends to have common illnesses or conditions, it could be worth the small amount per month to make sure you are covered.
Talk to your vet to see what kind of illness or condition that can occur with your exotic pet and what the typical costs might be for that condition.
And then you can call Nationwide at 1-800-874-0362, or go to Nationwide to see if their pet insurance is a good fit for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
Pet insurance for exotic pets, including birds, gerbils, and other non-traditional animals, is essential. While these pets may be smaller or less common than dogs and cats, they still require veterinary care, vaccinations, and treatment for illnesses or injuries. Exotic pet insurance can help cover the costs associated with their unique medical needs.
How Can You Find Pet Insurance For Your Exotic Pet?
Currently, Nationwide Pet Insurance is the only provider offering coverage for exotic pets in the United States. You can contact Nationwide to inquire about plans and coverage options for your specific exotic pet.
What Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cover?
Exotic pet insurance coverage is similar to that for dogs and cats. It typically includes accidents, injuries, and illnesses. The coverage may extend to alternative treatments, specialized veterinary care, and specific procedures related to the exotic nature of the pet. However, coverage details can vary, so it’s important to review the policy.
What Isn’t Covered With Exotic Pet Insurance?
While exotic pet insurance covers a range of conditions, there may be exclusions or limitations. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered. It’s crucial to carefully read the policy to understand any specific exclusions or restrictions that may apply to your pet.
How Much Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of exotic pet insurance varies based on factors such as the type of pet, its age, and your location. Nationwide’s average cost for insuring most exotic pets is around $9 per month. It’s advisable to get quotes from the provider and compare them to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your pet’s needs.
How Are Claims Handled with Exotic Pet Insurance?
Nationwide allows you to submit claims online or via fax. Ensure you have copies of your invoices, and the typical turnaround time for reimbursement is around 30 days.
What Benefits Come With Nationwide Exotic Pet Insurance?
Enrolling with Nationwide provides access to a 24/7 vet helpline, offering guidance and assistance if your exotic pet is unwell. This additional benefit can be valuable when you’re unsure about whether immediate veterinary attention is needed.
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Worth It?
Exotic pet insurance is worth considering, especially if a pet is prone to specific illnesses or conditions. Veterinary costs for exotic pets can be higher, especially when specialized care is required. Insurance helps alleviate the financial burden, ensuring your pet receives the necessary treatment.
Remember to consult your vet to understand potential health risks and associated costs for your exotic pet, making an informed decision about whether insurance is the right choice for you.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.