Exotic pet insurance typically covers expenses related to accidents and illnesses.
Jump to insightCoverage is often excluded for grooming, boarding and preexisting conditions.
Jump to insightIf exotic pet insurance isn’t an option for your pet, a veterinarian discount plan is a good alternative.
Jump to insightOur top 3 picks for exotic pet insurance
When it comes to pet insurance, dog and cat owners definitely have more options. There aren't nearly as many insurance companies willing to work with exotic pets, and the providers that do cover these animals can feel less than trustworthy. Still, it’s worth seeing if the three providers we discuss below can save you money while keeping your exotic pal healthy.
- Exotics covered:
- Rabbits, birds, pigs, goats, reptiles, ferrets and more
- Discounts:
- Undisclosed
- Notable features:
- Most comprehensive insurance option for exotics available
- Exotics covered:
- Fish, reptiles, monkeys, large cats, kangaroos and more
- Discounts:
- In-house medical services and procedures
- Notable features:
- App shows participating veterinarians
- Exotics covered:
- Horses, big cats, reptiles and more
- Discounts:
- Undisclosed
- Notable features:
- Customizable plans by reimbursement rate, annual payout limit and deductible
What is exotic pet insurance?
Exotic pet insurance is a policy that covers veterinary costs for a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions affecting exotic animals. Depending on your policy, you can get reimbursed for a large portion of the cost of diagnosing and treating eligible conditions.
As an alternative to an insurance policy, you can sign up for a discount plan. These plans usually provide up to 25% off your vet expenses. Unlike a traditional insurance policy, the discount program applies to preexisting conditions and services like grooming and dental care as well.
» COMPARE: Best pet insurance companies
Types of exotic pet insurance
Most pet insurance policies only cover dogs or cats. However, with an exotic pet insurance plan, you can get coverage for any of a variety of animals, such as:
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Mice
- Rats
- Hedgehogs
- Sugar gliders
- Guinea pigs
- Rabbits
- Chinchillas
- Ferrets
- Opossums
- Mini goats
- Potbellied pigs
- Birds
However, you generally cannot get coverage for all animals. Venomous creatures, endangered animals, hybrids and any species that requires a permit are often ineligible. You also cannot insure any exotic animals that are illegal to own.
What does exotic pet insurance cover?
Coverage typically reimburses for veterinary visits, diagnostics, surgeries and prescriptions related to accidents, illnesses and injuries. But not every provider covers all of these. The exotic pet insurance providers on our list will cover different aspects of exotic pet care, including:
- Accidents and common illnesses: Nationwide is the only provider that covers accidents and illnesses for exotic pets. Its Avian & Exotic Pet Plan covers trauma and abrasions, as well as dehydration, overgrown teeth, feather-picking/loss, many types of infections, diarrhea and internal parasites.
- Horses: ASPCA offers health insurance plans for horses that cover most causes of colic, accidents and illness. It covers cuts, hoof abscesses, poisoning and trailer accident-related injuries.
- Routine and preventative care: Pet Assure’s Mint Wellness covers routine care for all legal pets, including exotics. The most basic plan offers a wellness visit, vaccinations, routine bloodwork and a fecal/urinalysis test each year. You can opt in to more expensive plans that include dental care, grooming and preventatives. All plans also include access to the discount program.
- Discount programs: These programs apply to services received from participating vendors for routine care like dental cleanings, exams and X-rays, vaccines, cancer care, hospitalizations, allergies, emergency care, spaying and neutering, ultrasounds and parasite screenings.
» LEARN: What does pet insurance cover?
What doesn’t exotic pet insurance cover?
Currently, Nationwide does not offer routine or preventative care coverage. The Whole Pet and My Pet Protection plans exclude grooming, tax, waste disposal, boarding and preexisting conditions.
Pet Assure’s wellness plan excludes expenses related to sick visits or accidents. The 25% discount program doesn’t cover medications or preventatives. The discount program won’t apply if you take your pet to a nonparticipating service provider.
ASPCA’s health insurance for horses excludes routine care. The plans do not cover preexisting conditions, joint injections, navicular disease, arthritis, cosmetic procedures or breeding costs.
» MORE: Pet insurance statistics
How much does exotic pet insurance cost?
Exotic pet insurance plans range in cost, depending on the extent of coverage needed and financial considerations like annual payouts and reimbursement rates. Plans can range from $15 to $125 and up depending on the type of coverage that fits your nontraditional pet and budget.
Pros and cons of exotic pet insurance cost
Exotic pet insurance can provide access to better care suited to your pet’s unique needs. A policy can quickly be worth the premium if the worst happens and suddenly your bird, horse or ferret requires specialized, expensive care. However, this financial saving grace comes with a sometimes steep monthly price tag, gaps in coverage and few provider options.
Pros
- Tailored for exotic pets
- Affordable options
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- A financial safety net
Cons
- Comprehensive coverage costlier
- May not be worth the cost for lower-maintenance pets
- Limited exotic pet insurance coverage
- Tricky fine print and many exclusions
FAQ
When should I purchase exotic pet insurance?
Insurance for exotic animals works like regular pet insurance, but the costs are usually higher. To get the most value out of your exotic animal insurance, sign up right after purchasing your pet. Plans will not typically cover preexisting conditions. Since you cannot predict when illnesses or injuries will occur, it can make sense to maintain coverage for the life of your animal.
Is exotic pet insurance worth it?
Choices for exotic pet insurance are limited, so it can be hard to find a policy that works with your priorities and budget. We suggest comparing costs and coverage options to find the best exotic pet insurance for your needs.
Can I use any veterinarian for my insured exotic pet?
Most insurance plans allow you to use any licensed veterinarian. However, because exotic pets require specialized care, it's crucial to ensure that the vet has experience with your type of pet.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- American Veterinary Medical Association, "U.S. pet ownership statistics." Accessed March 28, 2024.
