When we discuss pet insurance, we typically focus on coverage for cats and dogs. However, a variety of other pets, including exotic animals, birds, and horses, are cherished family members in households across the nation.
Categories of Exotic Pets
Exotic pets encompass a wide range of animals such as birds (avians), reptiles, amphibians, rodents, fish, and small mammals. Despite their diversity, these animals are usually grouped under the exotic pets category for insurance purposes, with horses being the exception.
Insurance Challenges for Exotic Pets
Most insurance companies are reluctant to offer policies for exotic pets. However, this doesn’t mean these animals are any less loved or less common than cats and dogs. In fact, in 2020, the number of exotic pets surpassed that of cats and dogs by approximately 24 million. Exotic pets require just as much medical attention as traditional pets, often needing immediate and specialized care.
Veterinary Costs for Exotic Pets
If you’re an exotic pet owner, you’re likely seeking ways to provide adequate medical coverage for your pets. Understanding the costs associated with owning and caring for exotic pets can help you make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
Birds
The cost of owning birds varies significantly based on their rarity and size. For example, finches and canaries can cost as little as $10, while African greys and Amazon parrots can range up to $1,000. Extravagant species like cockatoos and macaws can exceed $5,000.
Once you’ve chosen your feathery friend, consider their living environment. Setting up a suitable habitat, including a birdcage, feeding and cleaning equipment, toys, and supplies, can cost between $300 and $1,200. Additionally, bird food expenses range from $5 to $30 per month.
Birds are susceptible to various health issues, including injuries from flying, attacks by other pets, parasite infestations, and viral and bacterial infections. These health risks highlight the importance of having pet insurance for birds.
Fish
Fish ownership can range from simple goldfish costing a few dollars to exotic marine species worth hundreds. Setting up a basic aquarium can cost between $50 and $200, while more elaborate setups can run into thousands. Monthly maintenance and food costs are relatively low, averaging around $10 to $50.
Fish are prone to diseases such as ich, fin rot, and swim bladder disease, which can require specialized treatments. Insurance for fish is uncommon but could be beneficial for high-value species or extensive aquarium setups.
Fish are the the easiest to care for
Surprisingly, fish are the most numerous pets in the US. This is mainly because they’re the most affordable pet type and arguably the easiest to care for. Prices can range from $2-$30 for small goldfish, bettas, or tetras, and go up to $200-$300 for angelfish and tangs.
Some rare fish specimens like plecos, stingrays, and the arowana fish are always in high demand and usually come with a price tag of a few thousand dollars.
To build a decent aquarium, you’d spend about $200 for the main setup accompanied by pumps, heaters, and decorations, unless you plan to bring the whole seaworld inside your home. Large fish tanks can cost up to $5,000.
Food, on the other hand, is relatively cheap and costs about $8-$12 per month per fish.
Stress, inadequate food quality, and poor water conditions are the top reasons for poor fish health. They can get very sick because of a compromised immune system and usually show no symptoms until it’s already too late. Those living in communities can often attack and injure each other.
Veterinary treatment for the most common fish health conditions (velvet, nitrate, or ammonia poisoning, fin rot, columnaris, etc.) costs about $50-$100 for in-house procedures. You can also ask the vet clinic’s staff for an at-home appointment, which usually costs about $200-$300.
Rabbits and Rodents
Rabbits and rodents like guinea pigs, hamsters, and chinchillas are popular pets due to their manageable size and affectionate nature. Initial costs for these pets range from $20 to $100. Housing and equipment can cost between $100 and $300, with monthly food and care expenses around $20 to $50.
Common health issues for these animals include dental problems, gastrointestinal stasis, and respiratory infections. Veterinary care for these conditions can be expensive, making pet insurance a worthwhile consideration.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, frogs, and turtles, are fascinating pets. Their costs vary widely, from $20 for a small frog to several thousand dollars for rare snake species. Setting up a proper habitat with heating, lighting, and humidity control can cost between $100 and $1,000. Monthly expenses are typically around $20 to $50.
These pets can suffer from metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasites, requiring specialized veterinary care. Pet insurance for reptiles and amphibians can help cover these unexpected expenses.
Rabbits
These popular exotic pets are one of children’s favorite amusements. Rabbits can either be bought from pet shops or rescued from shelter services. The price for a store bunny can range from $10 to $40, but you can pay cheaper if you adopt ($5-$25). Some rabbits that are rescued can be already spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, hence they have a fee ranging from $50 to $70. Rare rabbit breeds are usually sold for about $200.
You can build your own rabbit hutch and save money or buy it for $150-$200. A cheaper alternative is a rabbit cage which can go from $40 to $100. Food, consisting of hay, vegetables, and pallets, shouldn’t cost you more than $20-$30/month.
When it comes to veterinary costs, routine care is essential for bunnies. You should regularly take your rabbit for a veterinary check-up once a year. That can cost about $50-$80 on average. It’s also recommended to spay/neuter your rabbit to prevent health/behavioral issues. This procedure can cost from $120 to $200.
Vaccinations, which are essential, can range from $40 to $100, and treating emergencies such as stasis, acute dilation, and urinary tract infection will result in vet bills of around $200-$300.
Reptiles and Rodents
If they used to be a real rarity only 20 years ago, rodents and reptiles are quite a common sight in American households nowadays. Gerbils and geckos, turtles and snakes, hamsters and guinea pigs – we all have at least one friend or relative that treats them as a family member.
So, if you’re planning to become one of those exotic pet owners, here’s how much it will cost you to purchase a reptile or a rodent:
- Reptiles:
- Snakes – $20-$1,000+;
- Geckos – $20-$150;
- Turtles – $20-$200;
- Tortoises – $60-$1,000+
- Bearded dragons – $40-$120.
- Rodents:
- Mice and rats – $7-$25;
- Gerbils – $15;
- Hamster – $20-$50;
- Guinea pigs – $50-$80;
- Chinchilas – $130-$200.
Constructing a hospitable living environment for these pets can cost you from $200 to $300.
Just like any other animal, both rodents and reptiles are susceptible to a plethora of health problems. Their most common enemies are internal parasites, cancers, bacterial infections, diarrhea and constipation, low mineral blood levels, respiratory infections, etc.
Whenever you must visit the vet clinic, an examination and diagnostics for a reptile or rodent can cost you from $50 to $100. If they need to undergo an emergency procedure, anesthesia and surgery might span from $150 to $400. Medications for these pet types cost about $200 on average.
Insurance Options for Exotic Pets
Even though insurance options for exotic pets are scarce in the US, we spent a lot of time digging deep and managed to discover ways so you can protect your friend without hurting your budget.
To be fair, we noticed that there’s only one American company that offers exotic pet insurance, which is why below, we cover insurance alternatives that can keep your companions happy and safe.
Nationwide
The Avian & Exotic Pet Insurance plan by Nationwide is the only insurance coverage available to exotic pets in the US. They cover almost all exotic pet types; even animals that aren’t included on their online lists. But, if you’re uncertain about your particular breed, give them a call to find out if they’d let your pet slide and get a custom quote.
Here’s what’s particular about Nationwide’s exotic pet insurance policies:
- Up to 90% reimbursement on any eligible vet bill;
- A 10% copayment on your side;
- A per-incident $50 deductible;
- A benefit schedule system listing fixed payout limits for each medical procedure and diagnostics;
- A maximum payout of $2,000 per incident;
- A maximum payout of $7,000 per year;
- No lifetime payout limit;
- 14 days waiting periods for both accidents and illnesses;
- Health coverage for any vet clinic in the world.
Nationwide offers routine care coverage for birds that’s meant as a wellness plan to assist your birds’ wellbeing. It’s only available as an add-on to the main accidents and illnesses coverage plan.
It’s important to mention that any of the following species are not allowed to enroll for a Nationwide exotic pet insurance policy:
- Any species that are venomous or poisonous;
- Any species that are in danger of extinction;
- Any species that you can’t own legally;
- Any species that you’re required to have a permit, registration, or license to own;
- Any species that you might keep in flocks, such as chickens or pigeons;
- Any species that are a result of breeding wild species with domestic pets.
What Does a Nationwide Policy Cover?
You’ll get successfully reimbursed on your vet bills for the following procedures with Nationwide:
- Laboratory examinations and test;
- Hospitalization;
- Anesthetics;
- Surgery;
- Prescribed medicines;
- Medical treatments for accidents and injuries;
- Successfully cured pre-existing conditions.
The wellness plan for birds by Nationwide will cover most preventive treatments, tests, and essential grooming for your pet bird.
What Doesn’t a Nationwide Policy Cover?
The following isn’t taken care of by the Avian & Exotic Pet Insurance plan:
- Pre-existing conditions;
- Hereditary conditions
- Congenital conditions;
- Reproduction and pregnancies;
- Pet food;
- Transport and boarding.
Exotic Pet Insurance Pricing Plans
Let’s overview how much you’ll need to pay if you decide to sign up with any of the above-mentioned providers.
Nationwide
Nationwide will insure your exotic buddy for an affordable monthly premium that depends largely on the animal’s size and breed. They have four different groups tailored for specific avian and exotic breeds. Here’s how much they’re priced:
- Group 1 – $6.65/month for a small animal: hamster, lizard, rat, mouse, amphibian, gecko, hedgehog, guinea pig, gerbil, chameleon, or small bird (weighing less than 50 grams);
- Group 2 – $9.50/month for a medium-sized animal: chinchilla, opossum, sugar glider, iguana, turtle, tortoise, rabbit, ferret, snake (small, medium, and large), or medium-sized bird (weighing between 50 and 300 grams);
- Group 3 – $12.35/month for a large animal: large bird (weighing from 300 grams to 10 kilograms);
- Group 4 – $15.69/month for an extra-large animal: pot-bellied pig, goat, extra-large snake (anaconda, python, boa constrictor), or extra-large bird (weighing more than 10 kilograms).
Note: If you don’t see your pet listed in the groups above, contact Nationwide to see if they might provide custom coverage for it.
We mentioned that Nationwide offers wellness coverage for birds on their Avian Supplemental & Routine Care Coverage for $99 on an annual policy term.
Nationwide grants up to 15% off on your monthly premiums if you add more exotic pets to your policy.
Pet Assure
Just like Nationwide, Pet Assure divides animals into two groups to build four different plans to offer their discounted services:
- Single Cat – $9.95/month ($78.96/year) for a small animal: bird, rabbit, turtle, rodent, reptile, ferret, sugar glider, guinea pig, or skunk;
- Single Dog – $11.95/month ($99/year) for a large animal: pot-bellied pig, llama, farm animal, or horse;
- Family – $16.95/month ($149/year) for 2-4 animals of any size;
- Unlimited – $21.95/month ($199/year) for every pet in your household.
Wells Fargo Health Advantage and CareCredit
These two credit programs cost $0 to enroll with and have no monthly fees. However, you’re obligated to pay back the whole amount that you spend for an in-house veterinary service with some added interest.
Does My Pet Need Exotic Pet Insurance Coverage?
A friend, even a cold-blooded one, is always worth being properly looked after. Putting yourself in a position where you have to decide whether to help them or take a hit to your bank account balance is not a fair situation for both parties.
The exotic pet insurance option that we reviewed above and its alternative companions are much more affordable than regular pet insurance plans, so you can see this as a real opportunity to get the best for your pet.
Having insurance will cover you in the cases of death, theft, or escape of an animal too. And while they’re there, being prepared to save your best friend’s life at any moment is certainly better than leaving them to their fate.
Conclusion
While acquiring exotic pet insurance might not be your priority right now, it could make all the difference to your special creature.
We know that options in this area are quite limited, but having little to choose from is no excuse to avoid being a responsible pet parent.
Nevertheless, we hope you feel more educated on the subject now and at least know where to turn to whenever the topic of pet insurance pops up.
F.A.Q.
Will my exotic pet get insurance coverage at every veterinary clinic in the country?
If you sign up with Nationwide, your exotic pet will be covered at every veterinary clinic in the world. However, Pet Assure, Wells Fargo Health Advantage, and CareCredit are available only at selected locations.
What’s the best exotic pet insurance provider out there?
There’s no best or worst when you’re the only candidate. Although Nationwide is the pet insurer for exotic animals, if we compare it to Pet Assure, we’d come to a realization that variety is still possible. Whether it’s better or worse than Pet Assure, it all depends on your pet’s needs and your budget to decide.
What information will the insurance company need to sign me up?
Nationwide would ask for your exotic pet’s details such as age, gender, species, breed, and size. They will specifically be interested in your pet’s medical history and search for any existing health conditions it may have to know what to exclude from your coverage. Pet Assure only needs the species of your exotic pet to know which plan will be right for you.
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