-
Exotic pet insurance covers nontraditional pets, including rabbits, chinchillas, birds, reptiles, rodents and pets other than dogs and cats. Veterinary care for exotic pets is often more expensive because exotic pets require specialized care not offered by all veterinarians. As a result, exotic pet insurance is often a viable means of helping to cover the costs of expensive veterinary care.
Before you purchase exotic pet insurance, however, ensure that your veterinarian or the exotic veterinarians in your area accept pet insurance and, if they do, whether they accept the type of insurance you are considering.
Exotic pet insurance is similar to health insurance in that many pet insurance companies do not cover a pet's pre-existing conditions unless you can provide proof that the condition no longer exists or it is under control due to prior treatment. In addition, there are some pet insurance companies that will not provide coverage for exotic pets that have a chronic illness or diseases like cancer. -
There are several factors that will likely play a large role in the cost of your exotic pet insurance. Like health insurance companies, exotic pet insurance offers different care plans, which will largely determine your monthly premiums.
Those exotic pets that live outside or spend a large amount of time outdoors are going to be more susceptible to illness and injury than a pet that lives strictly indoors. As a result, you can expect the pet insurance to cost you more if your pet lives outside.
Another determining factor in cost is your exotic pet's age. Aging pets tend to have more health problems than younger pets. Some pet insurance companies do not insure older pets unless they have been insured since they were younger, and those that do insure older pets typically charge higher premiums. If possible, it's best to purchase pet insurance while your pet is still young to ensure continuing coverage as she ages. -
Because exotic pet insurance is an investment, take the time to compare exotic pet insurance companies to determine which is best for your pet's needs. Determine whether the pet insurance company has an age limit for enrolling a pet, if routine visits are covered and if the insurance covers any necessary medications.
Make sure you also ask about those diseases and illness that the exotic pet insurance will cover in addition to whether or not your pet insurance covers visits to the emergency room during non-business hours.
Find out the amount of the deductible you will be required to pay and whether there is a limit on how much the pet insurance company will pay out annually.
Take the time to compare several companies before committing to an exotic pet insurance company. Fortunately, exotic pet insurance is not your only option when it comes to paying for your pet's veterinary needs. Some veterinarians offer payment plans to their clients while there are also credit companies, like Care Credit, that offer alternative payment plans for exotic pets.
