How does exotic pet insurance work?

Vet bills can add up fast – even a seemingly minor problem can cost hundreds, if not thousands. Whether your exotic poet is a bird, mammal, reptile or amphibian, the right insurance policy means you won’t have to choose between your bank balance and your animal’s health.

Depending on the type of policy you choose, it will cover vet bills if your pet gets sick or injured. Some policies also include extras like alternative or complementary treatment.

Pet insurance policies can vary a lot in terms of what they cover. This page will help you understand what to look out for in the terms and conditions. Even better, make sure you compare insurers to find the right fit for you and your pet.

Why choose insurance for your exotic pet?

Looking after your exotic pet is always a serious financial commitment - but the day-to-day costs can be eclipsed by vet bills should something go wrong. Whether it’s a fairly routine illness or a serious illness or accident, the costs of investigations and treatment can quickly add up.

In fact, vet bills can be higher for exotic pets than similar treatments for cats and dogs. That’s because some exotic pets have needs that can only be met by highly specialist vets. These can be more expensive than those without specialist knowledge and experience.

This is why many exotic pet owners make sure they have suitable pet insurance in place. It makes it easier to say "yes" to the best treatment available.

So, depending on the type of policy you choose, and the treatment covered, you can see that exotic pet insurance gives you peace of mind. That means financially, and more importantly, knowing that your dog will get the care it needs.

What does exotic pet insurance cover?

This depends on the type of policy you go for – but in general, exotic pet insurance may include these as standard or as optional extras:

Typically covered

  • Vet fees for accidents and illnesses.

  • Surgery, scans and hospital stays.

  • Prescription medications.

  • Complementary/alternative treatments.

  • Third-party liability in case your pet causes injury or damage to others.

  • Loss of the pet due to going missing or dying.

  • Advertising and reward costs to help you find lost or stolen pets.

  • The cost of your holiday if you need to cancel it because your pet needs emergency lifesaving treatment near to your holiday beginning.

What isn’t covered?

  • Pre-existing conditions: Most policies won’t cover illnesses your pet had before you took out insurance.

  • Routine care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations are not usually included.

  • Pregnancy and birth: Complications or costs related to pregnancy are often excluded.

  • Waiting period: Some policies have a short wait before cover starts (e.g. 14 days).

  • Insurer-specific exclusions: Insurers and individual policies may have their own exclusions, such as limits on how much they will pay per condition.

When it comes to dental cover, insurers differ in terms of whether they include it, and if so to what extent. See our guide to pet insurance with dental cover for more details.

Always check the small print so you know exactly what’s included – and what’s not – before you buy.

How much does exotic pet insurance cost?

The cost of exotic pet insurance can vary a lot – it all depends on your pet and the type of policy you choose. Some of the key factors that affect the price include:

  • Policy limits: More generous cover limits will cost more.

  • Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) usually means lower premiums.

  • The type of pet: Animals that are more prone to health problems tend to cost more to insure. Also, some exotic pets can require specialist vets, and this can also mean higher premiums.

  • Age: Older pets usually cost more to insure (and some insurers may decline to accept pets over a certain age).

  • Where you live: Vet costs vary by location, which can impact pricing. For example, because vets in towns and cities typically charge more than those in rural areas this may be reflected in the policy premium.

  • Type of cover: The four main types of pet insurance (lifetime, accident-only, time-limited and maximum benefit) will differ - so make sure you choose the right type for your needs and your budget. Lifetime is typically the most comprehensive, and therefore the most expensive. See our guide for more info: What are the four types of pet insurance?

The best way to find out how much cover would cost for you is to compare quotes from leading pet insurance companies. That way, you can weigh up what’s included and make sure you’re getting good value.

How to keep costs down

Want to protect your pet without breaking the bank? Here are a few ways to keep your premiums manageable:

  • Insure early: Taking out a policy when your pet is young and healthy can lock in lower premiums.

  • Compare cover types: Accident-only cover is cheaper but limited. Lifetime is the most comprehensive, but the most expensive. Maximum benefit or time-limited might offer a good middle ground.

  • Consider higher excess: Choosing a higher excess can reduce your monthly cost - just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.

  • Look at multi-pet policies: If you’ve got more than one pet, a multi-pet plan could save you money.

  • Always shop around: Not all policies are created equal – it pays to compare.

Things to consider

Before you sign up for an exotic pet insurance policy, think about what you really need – and what you’re comfortable paying.

  • Lifetime vs time-limited: Lifetime cover costs more, but it offers ongoing protection for long-term conditions – ideal if you want full, lasting peace of mind.

  • Pre-existing conditions: These are usually excluded, but some insurers may offer cover after a symptom-free period.

  • Claim limits: Different policies have different claim limits – make sure you know what those are before buying.

  • Excess options: Make sure you understand how excess works on policies you are considering. For example, sometimes a policy will have a fixed excess, but as your pet gets older you’ll also need to pay a percentage of the treatment on top of the excess.

  • Cost vs benefit: As with most types of insurance, you may end up paying more in premiums than you ever claim for. But if you are unlucky enough to face big vet bills, you’ll be glad you have cover in place.

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Page updated on 12th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom