Best Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets (2024 Guide)
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Most pet insurance companies only cover dogs and cats, but they’re not the only pets that need vet care. Owners of birds, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, turtles, and other exotic animals also need help covering the costs of vet bills. Though the options are limited, there are a few providers that insure exotic pets.
We researched 20 of the best pet insurance providers to see which offered exotic pet insurance and what their policies include. See our top recommendations below.
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Worth It?
Who Are the Top Pet Insurance Companies for Exotic Pets?
Here are the top pet insurance providers based on our in-depth review:
- Nationwide: Best Exotic Pet Coverage
- Pet Assure: Best Exotic Pet Insurance Alternative*
*Pet Assure is not a pet insurance company but rather a discount program for vet care that includes exotic pets.
How Do Other Pet Insurance Companies Compare?
These insurers don’t offer exotic pet insurance but have great insurance for non-exotic pets.
| Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Coverage | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23.22 | accident and illness, wellness | VISIT SITE | ||
| $45.75 | accident and illness, accident only, wellness | VISIT SITE | ||
| $43.29 | accident and illness, accident only, wellness | VISIT SITE | ||
| $57.19 | accident and illness, wellness | VISIT SITE | ||
| $48.65 | accident and illness | VISIT SITE |
How Much Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cost?
Nationwide is currently the only insurance company that covers exotic pets. Its rates vary depending on your pet’s species and age as well as your location. You’ll need to call the provider to receive a quote, but we found that rates average between $13 and $50 per month based on the quotes we requested. This aligns with the average cost of pet insurance for dogs and cats, which is typically $30 to $50 for dogs and $15 to $30 for cats.
What Is Exotic Pet Insurance?
Exotic pet insurance helps pet owners with less traditional pets save money on vet health care. It generally covers common vet care related to accidents and illnesses. If you have a pet insurance plan, you’ll pay out of pocket when you visit the vet. Then, you’ll file a claim with your pet insurance provider for that vet bill. If your provider approves your claim—meaning that your policy covers the vet service your pet received—your provider will reimburse you at your chosen rate via direct deposit or a mailed check.
Learn more about how pet insurance works.
What Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cover?
Nationwide’s exotic pet insurance plan covers all of what you’d get under a standard accident-and-illness plan for any pet type. That includes accidents, such as broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects or toxins, and other common injuries. It also includes illnesses such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, ear and eye infections, heart conditions, and respiratory infections.
Nationwide then breaks down its exotic pet coverage as follows:
Birds
- Diarrhea
- Excessive egg laying
- Feather picking/loss
- Runny nose
- Soft tissue trauma
Small Mammals
- Bladder infections
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Overgrown teeth
Reptile and Amphibians
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Internal parasites
- Soft tissue trauma
What Doesn’t Exotic Pet Insurance Cover?
Nationwide’s exotic pet plans don’t cover the following:
- Boarding or transport expenses
- Breeding costs
- Congenital or hereditary diseases
- Diseases preventable by vaccines
- Elective procedures
- Food and supplements
- Orthodontics
- Preexisting conditions
- Wellness coverage, meaning preventive care such as vaccinations and diagnostics
Nationwide also won’t cover:
- Endangered species
- Hybrids of domesticated pets with wild species
- Species that are kept in flocks or on display
- Species that require licensure or permitting by law
- Species that are illegal to own by law
- Venomous or otherwise poisonous species
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying Pet Insurance?
Consider these factors to get the best coverage at a cost-effective price:
Budget
Pet insurance is supposed to help you financially. Don’t overextend with a plan that drains your wallet. Calculate how much your pet’s care will cost without insurance coverage and consider any illnesses it may be predisposed to. Weigh that against the cost of a policy. Opt for a standard plan without a lot of bells and whistles to keep costs low.
Fine print
Most providers have a sample policy on their website. Read it carefully to understand their policies on preexisting conditions, exclusions, age limits, claim requirements, and more.
Plan types and add-ons
Most providers have accident-and-illness plans, but some also offer accident-only and wellness plans. Review plans and available add-ons carefully to get the coverage you desire.
Your pet’s needs
If your pet doesn’t need it, don’t pay for it. Look for a provider and plan that caters to your pet’s needs and any extras you prefer.
What Are Common Exotic Pet Laws?
Owning an exotic pet means abiding by certain laws and requirements. Most laws are set at the state and local levels, so check these government sites before purchasing your pet. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the import of exotic animals at the federal level to prevent foreign pests and diseases from entering the country. The USDA also encourages contacting your local humane society to understand how to care for your exotic pet properly.
Should You Get Insurance for Your Exotic Pet?
Unfortunately, exotic pet owners don’t have the same pet insurance options as those with dogs and cats. However, Nationwide and Pet Assure do provide ways to save money at the vet. Before enrolling in either, read coverage details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered. We also recommend speaking with a representative to get a sample quote for your pet and answer any questions you may have.
If you have a dog or cat in addition to exotic pets, check out our guide on the cheapest pet insurance providers for more ways to save.
FAQs About Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets
Does Geico have exotic pet insurance?
No, Geico does not have exotic pet insurance. As of February 2023, Nationwide is the only insurance company that provides exotic pet insurance.
How does exotic pet insurance work?
Exotic pet insurance works similarly to pet insurance for traditional pets. You’ll pay your vet bill out of pocket at checkout, then file a claim with your provider for reimbursement. The provider will direct deposit or mail you your reimbursement funds, usually within two weeks.
Can you get pet insurance on reptiles?
Yes, you can get pet insurance on some reptiles. Nationwide offers pet insurance for reptiles including geckos, iguanas, lizards, snakes, and turtles.
Is pet insurance for exotic pets expensive?
We got several quotes for exotic pet insurance by phone with a Nationwide representative and found that coverage averages between $13–$50 per month, depending on species. Reptiles and other amphibians were the cheapest on average, and small mammals were the most expensive.
Our Rating Methodology
We are dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:
- Coverage (25)
- Plan options (20)
- Monthly cost (20)
- Company reputation (15)
- Customer service (10)
- Species eligibility (10)
Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
