logo
Exotic pet insurance: How it works

Exotic pet insurance: How it works

Yahoo14-07-2025
Your ferret, iguana, parakeet, or tortoise might not seem so exotic to you. In fact, you might consider your pet part of the family — just like cat and dog owners think of their pets as fur babies.
However, when it comes to getting pet insurance for your bird, reptile, amphibian, or small mammal, they're considered exotic in the eyes of insurers. That means if you want coverage to help pay for veterinary care, you need to understand the ins and outs of exotic pet insurance.
Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide.
Exotic pet insurance reimburses you for certain costs of medical care if your pet has an accident, injury, or illness. However, only a few insurance companies offer coverage for exotic pets.
Although most pet insurance providers solely cover cats and dogs, MetLife and Nationwide offer insurance for exotic pets as well. Pet Assure also offers a wellness plan that reimburses routine exotic pet care expenses.
Learn more: MetLife pet insurance review
If your pet needs medical treatment, you can use a veterinarian of your choice, then submit a claim to be reimbursed for expenses your policy covers. Typically, you'll be required to include a detailed invoice from your vet visit and your pet's medical records with your claim.
To be clear, not all medical expenses are covered, and the reimbursement you receive is determined by the following:
Annual deductible. This is the amount you must pay for your pet's medical expenses before insurance starts providing reimbursement.
Reimbursement percentage. This is the portion of your vet bill the insurer will pay for covered expenses once you've met your deductible. For example, Nationwide offers reimbursement options of 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% for its exotic pet insurance plans.
Maximum annual benefit. This is the total amount your insurance will pay each year for all claims.
Example: Let's say your pet swallows something, and the vet bill to remove it is $1,000. If your deductible is $300 and your reimbursement rate is 80%, you would be reimbursed $560 ($1,000 - $300 x 80%).
'Exotic pet' is a term used to describe animals that aren't domesticated. Technically, an exotic animal is a wild animal that comes from a different continent than where you live, according to the American Humane Society.
For insurance purposes, pets other than cats and dogs — birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals — are considered exotic pets. Whether your specific exotic pet will be covered depends on the insurance company. But here are a few examples of what some pet insurers offer:
Amphibians and reptiles
Birds
Ferrets
Goats
Hedgehogs
Opossums
Pigs
Rabbits
Small rodents
Amphibians and reptiles (including lizards, snakes, and tortoises)
Birds
Ferrets, hedgehogs, rodents, and other small mammals
Goats
Guinea pigs
Mini pigs
Every member of the animal kingdom is covered under its wellness plan.
Endangered or threatened species
Fish
Horses
Livestock
Endangered or threatened species
Poisonous or venomous species
Species kept in flocks
Species that are hybrids of domesticated and wild animals
Species that are illegal to own or require a permit, license, or registration by state or federal law
The types of conditions and treatments that are covered can vary depending on the type of pet and insurance company. In general, though, exotic pet insurance covers costs related to the following:
Bladder infections
Cardiovascular disorders
Dehydration and constipation
Diagnostic tests
Diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders
Emergency dental treatment
Excessive egg laying
Eye infections
Infectious diseases
Internal parasites
Medications
Prescription food
Skin and shell disorders
Upper respiratory infections
Nationwide offers wellness coverage only for birds, which can help cover the cost of physical exams, beak trims, wing trims, nail trims, parasite tests, parasite prevention, parasite treatment, and more, according to a Nationwide spokesperson. Pet Assure doesn't cover unexpected accidents or illness, but its Mint Wellness plans reimburse for routine care, such as wellness visits, vaccinations, blood work, fecal tests, and dental care.
Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers
Like pet insurance for cats and dogs, exotic pet insurance generally won't cover preexisting conditions. A preexisting condition is typically defined as a condition your pet showed signs of, was diagnosed with, or was treated for before the start of your policy or during the waiting period.
However, if your pet has a curable condition and has been symptom-free for a certain period of time, the insurer might cover the condition. For example, Nationwide allows policyholders to request reviews of preexisting conditions that have been cured.
Also, exotic pet insurance typically doesn't cover:
Routine preventive care
Cosmetic and elective procedures
Grooming
Injuries or illnesses resulting from neglect or intentional acts
Injuries or illnesses resulting from the commercial use of an animal or racing
Obedience training
Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines?
Exotic pets can have different medical needs compared to domesticated pets like cats and dogs. Plus, illnesses and conditions can vary greatly depending on the species. Some common medical problems among exotic pets include:
Abscesses
Bladder stones
Feather picking and loss
Foreign body ingestion
Intestinal issues
Mouth rot
Pneumonia
Pet insurance policies typically have waiting periods before coverage begins. MetLife has a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage and no waiting period for accidents and injuries. Nationwide states that coverage for most plans begins after a 14-day waiting period.
The cost of exotic pet insurance can vary depending on the coverage you choose, your location, and the type of pet you have.
MetLife pet insurance policies are customizable, so prices vary, according to a MetLife spokesperson. Call 877-570-1173 for a quote.
Nationwide states on its website that plans start as low as $9 a month, but the most popular plans are about $20 a month. Call 844-397-8937 for a quote.
Pet Assure offers three Mint Wellness plans:
Basic reimburses up to $350 in care costs for $18 a month
Essential reimburses up to $650 in care costs for $34 a month
Premium reimburses up to $1,100 in care costs for $57 a month
Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide.
Yes, both MetLife and Nationwide allow pet owners to cancel their policies. If you cancel a MetLife policy within 30 days and haven't filed any claims, you'll get a full refund of your premium. With Nationwide policies, you can get your money back if you haven't filed any claims and cancel within a certain period of time that varies by state, ranging from 10 to 30 days.
Owning certain exotic pets can pose risks because their behavior can be more unpredictable. If your pet were to injure someone else, you could be on the hook for their medical bills or potentially face legal action. Exotic animal liability insurance can help cover these costs.
For example, Prime Insurance and XInsurance offer liability policies that will cover costs if your exotic pet injures someone or damages their property. And it will help cover legal costs if you go to court. Pets covered include big cats and monkeys, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other more common nontraditional pets.
According to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, caring for an exotic pet can be more expensive than caring for a cat or dog. Plus, vets are less likely to provide care for exotic pets, so exotic pet owners might have to travel longer distances to get care for their animals, adding to the overall cost of pet ownership.
Learn more: The best pet insurance companies
Because it can help offset the cost of unexpected accidents and illness, and the wellness plan from Pet Assure can cover routine care costs, exotic pet insurance might be worth the cost. Consult with your vet to understand what care expenses you might face with an exotic pet to determine whether exotic pet insurance makes sense for you.
Tim Manni and Jamie Young edited this article
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Major Bank Thinks Bitcoin Is Going To Get Less Volatile — Is It Time To Invest?
Major Bank Thinks Bitcoin Is Going To Get Less Volatile — Is It Time To Invest?

Yahoo

time3 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Major Bank Thinks Bitcoin Is Going To Get Less Volatile — Is It Time To Invest?

If you've been on the sidelines watching bitcoin's wild price swings with caution, you're not alone. For years, bitcoin has had dramatic ups and downs, making everyday investors nervous about jumping in. However, this might be changing. As reported by CoinDesk, a report from Deutsche Bank suggests that bitcoin's volatility is likely to continue falling. It pointed to growing mainstream acceptance and an increase in the digital currency's adoption by companies, retail investors and governments. Read Next: Learn More: And if the trend continues, bitcoin could become more like traditional assets and even more attractive to long-term investors. What does this mean for conservative investors? Is it time to invest? Why Bitcoin's Volatility Is Easing Up Since its creation, bitcoin's price has been nothing but a wild ride. However, according to Deutsche Bank, several key factors are helping reduce volatility. For one, there's growing institutional adoption. More companies, retail investors and governments are embracing bitcoin, not just as a speculative asset but as a long-term investment. Second, there's more regulatory clarity. During the recent U.S. Crypto Week in Washington, D.C., the GENIUS Act, which aims to set a regulatory framework for stablecoins, was signed into law. The CLARITY Act, which would establish regulatory guidelines for cryptocurrencies, has also passed in the House. Check Out: A More Mature Market Could Attract Long-Term Investors Deutsche Bank sees the decline in volatility as a sign of a maturing market. If bitcoin continues on this path, it may start to look more like a digital version of gold — a stable store of value rather than a risky bet. That shift could attract more conservative investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, who previously stayed away due to high risk and regulatory uncertainty. Is It Time To Invest? Bitcoin becoming less volatile doesn't guarantee that prices will only go up. It means the market could behave more predictably over time. If you've been hesitant about buying bitcoin because of the wild price swings, this trend toward stability might offer a more comfortable entry point. Still, it's important to remember that bitcoin is not without risk. It remains a high-risk, high-reward asset, and it's still influenced by news, regulatory decisions and shifting investor sentiment. But if Deutsche Bank is right and bitcoin's volatility is declining, then we may be looking at a new chapter for crypto — one where long-term investors can invest in the crypto with a bit more peace of mind. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on Major Bank Thinks Bitcoin Is Going To Get Less Volatile — Is It Time To Invest?

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal
Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

Yahoo

time3 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a $16.245 million signing bonus in his restructured Dolphins deal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins agreed Sunday to a restructured contract that adds a $16.245 million signing bonus to the All-Pro safety's deal. Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the restructured deal, which was first reported by ESPN. The Dolphins acquired Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Steelers last month that sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick, who became one of the top safeties in the NFL with the Steelers, returned to the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2018 and traded him away at his request in 2019. There previously was no guaranteed money left on Fitzpatrick's contract that runs through 2026. No years were added, but Rosenhaus said they're seeking a multiyear extension. The Dolphins cleared $11 million in cap space in the restructured deal by converting part of Fitzpatrick's salary to a bonus, according to NFL Network. Fitzpatrick had $2 million of his 2026 salary moved up to this coming season. He is now due $17.5 million in 2025 and $15.6 million in 2026. Fitzpatrick had signed a four-year extension with the Steelers in 2022 that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time and gave him $36 million in guarantees. ___ AP NFL: Alanis Thames, The Associated Press

TACO not on the menu: Howard Lutnick says tariffs start August 1 with no extensions
TACO not on the menu: Howard Lutnick says tariffs start August 1 with no extensions

Yahoo

time3 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

TACO not on the menu: Howard Lutnick says tariffs start August 1 with no extensions

Tariffs are coming on August 1 and there will be no more extensions, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. President Donald Trump imposed his 'Liberation Day' tariffs in April, causing a rollercoaster stock market. A week later, he announced a 90-day pause, which has now expired, with many set to take effect Friday. Although the world may have gotten used to Trump announcing sweeping levies before backing out of them shortly thereafter, this time, there's no risk of TACO — the shorthand for "Trump Always Chickens Out" — the commerce secretary suggested. "No extensions. No more grace periods. August 1, the tariffs are set. They'll go into place," Lutnick said on "Fox News Sunday.' World leaders are still more than willing to talk to Trump after the August 1 deadline. 'Between now and then, I think the president's going to talk to a lot of people. Whether they can make him happy is another question, but the president is definitely willing to negotiate and talk to the big economies,' Lutnick continued. Lutnick's announcement of the hard deadline contrasts with the message of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent days earlier, when he suggested the tariff deadlines were flexible. 'The important thing here is the quality of the deal, not the timing of the deals,' Bessent told CNBC on Monday. The hard deadline comes months after the president earned the TACO acronym after he backed out of his sweeping tariff plan. On April 2, which he's dubbed Liberation Day, Trump declared the day would 'forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again.' Stock market turbulence ensued. The NASDAQ broke a record with its largest single-day point drop in the market's 50-year history as investors responded to Trump's tariff plan. Just one week after Liberation Day, he walked back on his grand plan and the stock market surged. That's when the acronym TACO emerged. Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong coined the term to describe the president's pattern of implementing trade policy threats, which investors predicted would cause the market to tumble, before he walks back on that policy, leading to a market rebound. Last month, he delayed the July 9 tariff deadline to August 1. Trump is meeting with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to try to avoid a potential trade war. "We're working very diligently with Europe, the EU," Trump told reporters before he left for Scotland on Friday. "I would say that we have a 50-50 chance, maybe less than that, but a 50-50 chance of making a deal with the EU." Lutnick also commented on Sunday's meeting. Speaking on 'Fox News Sunday,' he remarked: 'The question is, do they offer President Trump a good enough deal that is worth it for him to step off of the 30% tariffs that he set.' Trump has announced trade deals with several countries, including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. He's said letters had been sent out earlier this month to dozens of countries with tariff rates. 'We'll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15 percent and 50 percent," Trump said this week. "We have 50 [percent] because we haven't been getting along with those countries too well." Economic experts have warned that consumers could pay the price for the new levies. "Now that the Trump administration is concluding deals that would see the tariff rate facing most trading partners settling at between 15% and 20%, with even higher rates levied on Chinese imports, we suspect retailers will be forced to finally raise the prices paid by consumers,' Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist with Capital Economics, said in a research note, CBS News reported. Some companies have preemptively taken action. Trump has threatened a 50 percent tariff on Brazil. The steep levy threats against the country have prompted a New Jersey-based orange juice manufacturer to sue the Trump administration, arguing that the 50 percent tariff could result in a $70 million hit to its business. Sign in to access your portfolio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store