By definition, exotic pet animals refer to the animals that are not indigenous to the UK. Pet ownership of exotic pets like Bearded dragons, corn snakes, ferrets, and budgerigars are now on the rise. However, rearing exotic animals is not as simple as taking care of common domestic pets such as cats and dogs. Their specific requirements entail simulating their natural life in the wild.
“Make sure you think carefully about the likely costs that are going to be involved before you take any pet on because that gives you the best chance of being realistic about what they are going to require each month,” says Sean Wensley, a senior vet from the PDSA charity.
Owners are opting to acquire insurance for exotic pets as well as other pet animals to ease their mind with unexpected medical bills.
Exotic pets covered
What types of exotic pets are possible to be insured? Here is a general list of animals that are relatively easy to get insurance for:
- Birds of prey
- Large birds such as parrots
- Small birds such as parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds
- Exotic small mammals including the African Pygmy hedgehog
- Exotic medium-sized mammals including the Kune-Kune pig or the Pygmy Goat
- Guinea pigs and other small mammals
- Lizards including iguanas and geckos
- Rabbits
- Terrapins and turtles
- Tortoises
You may have noticed that the list excludes the family of arachnids such as tarantulas. This is due to the limited source of insurance and veterinary treatment offered for them.
What you can get from an exotic pet insurance
Exotic pet insurance is not too different from regular pet insurance. Though some exotic pet insurance may offer additional benefits, its coverage usually includes:
- Loss or theft
- Public liability
- Injuries/wounds
- Illnesses
- Death through an illness or injury
Further, exotic pets have special needs which not all standard vets can fully accommodate. The ideal vet for exotic pets should have expertise which may cost more than regular vets. Having your exotic pet insured saves you the trouble of making tough decisions in the future as you already have it covered.
Insurance for exotic pets: exclusions
Exotic pet insurance has certain exclusions. The common restrictions on the policies are the following:
- Commercial exposure of the exotic pet
- Medical complications accumulated from poor quality of maintenance and care
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Exotic pet insurance value
Insurance covers may vary based on the type of animal you are getting insured. In most cases, exotic birds including parrots may cost as high as £5,000 upwards whilst lizard pet insurance may cost about £1,000.
However, premium plans may vary based on the details below:
- The age of your exotic pet.
- The general health of your pet.
- The level of coverage you can get.
- The market value of your exotic pet.
Companies with exotic pet insurance
Exotic Direct
Exotic Direct is a renowned company offering insurance to exotic pets for over 20 years. They are underwritten by Allianz Insurance plc. They provide news section and threads of positive reviews on their website. Visit Exotic Direct here.
Cliverton Exotic Pet Insurance
Cliverton offers help to pets and other animals for more than 40 years. The company is part of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group or the Lycetts Insurance. This is a company based in Norfolk. Visit Cliverton here.
E&L Insurance
The Equine and Livestock or the E&L Insurance Company provides pet, horse or caravan insurance for more than 70 years. It is one of the members of the Association of British Insurers and the Financial Ombudsman Service. Visit E&L Insurance here.
Points to consider in choosing the best exotic pet insurance
Before making a decision of getting insurance, consider the worth of the company that you will be partnered for years. Here are some points to consider:
Compare pet insurance providers.
Do your own research. It is wise to make a comparison of the insurance companies you are considering. This way, you can see the similarities and differences in expertise, plans, premiums, exclusions, and other additional benefits.
Research the company’s track record.
It is best to choose a well-established company. Read reviews and recommendations as well as ask friends and families with personal experiences with the insurance companies.
Get the coverage that answers your needs and fulfils your requirements.
Talk with your veterinarian or breeder about the pet’s overall health. Ask about the common health conditions of your exotic pet. With that, you will be able to choose the plan that covers those possible conditions in the future.
Analyse cost and value.
Weigh in all your options. Cheap pet insurance with limited coverage may not be the best option for your pet. The reimbursement amount and monthly premium will depend on the acquired type of coverage. Think about the cost as well as the coverage it offers.
Enrol pets whilst young and healthy.
It is important to get insurance whilst pets are young and healthy. The older the pet is, the more they are likely to have health issues that will be considered as pre-existing conditions, which are not covered in the insurance.
What about insurance for your furry friends? Check out Ways to Help with Vet Bills for Low-Income Family now.
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