Which company covers exotic pets?

Currently, Nationwide is the only major insurer in the US offering comprehensive accident & illness coverage for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

How much does exotic pet insurance cost?

Premiums are surprisingly affordable, often ranging from $10 to $40 per month depending on the species and age.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

No. Just like dog/cat insurance, any medical condition present before enrollment is excluded.

Can You Insure a Parrot or Lizard? The Ultimate Exotic Pet Insurance Guide

When people think of pet insurance, they think of dogs and cats. But what about the 6 million households with birds or the 4.5 million with reptiles?

If you own a Macaw, a Bearded Dragon, or a Ferret, your veterinary bills can be just as high—if not higher—than a dog owner’s. Specialized care means specialized prices.

Who Offers Exotic Pet Insurance?

In the United States, there is one primary player: Nationwide.

While some smaller companies offer “wellness plans” (discount clubs), Nationwide is currently the only major provider offering true Accident & Illness insurance for exotics.

Eligible Species

Nationwide covers a vast array of “nontraditional” pets:

Birds: Parrots, Cockatoos, Macaws, Canaries.
Small Mammals: Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Sugar Gliders, Chinchillas used.
Reptiles: Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises, Lizards (Iguanas, Geckos, Chameleons).
Others: Pot-bellied pigs, Goats.

Note: They generally do not cover venomous species, endangered species, or hybrids (like Wolf-hybrids).

What Is Covered?

The coverage is similar to a standard dog/cat policy.

✅ Covered

Accidents: Broken wings, shell fractures, heat stroke.
Illnesses: URI in rabbits, egg-binding in birds, metabolic bone disease in reptiles (if not pre-existing).
Diagnostics: X-rays, bloodwork, fecal tests.
Treatments: Hospitalization, surgeries, prescriptions.

❌ Not Covered

Pre-existing conditions.
Breeding costs.
Parasites (internal/external).
Routine care (unless you buy a wellness rider, if available).

Cost Examples

Exotic vet care is niche. A “general” vet often cannot treat a sick iguana. You need a board-certified specialist, and they charge specialist rates.

1. The Egg-Bound Parakeet

Emergency: Bird is lethargic, fluffed up.
Diagnosis: Egg binding (dystocia).
Treatment: Calcium injections, incubator stay, manual extraction or surgery.
Cost: $800 - $2,500.
Without Insurance: You pay all.
With Insurance: You pay deductible + 10-30%.

2. The Rabbit with GI Stasis

Emergency: Rabbit stops eating (fatal within 24h).
Treatment: IV fluids, painkillers, gut motility drugs, 3 days hospitalization.
Cost: $1,200 - $3,000.

3. The Iguana’s Broken Tail

Incident: Tail caught in cage door.
Treatment: Amputation surgery, antibiotics.
Cost: $1,500.

Is It Worth It?

For many exotic owners, the answer is a resounding YES.

Low Premiums: Insuring a rabbit often costs less than $20/month. A single ER visit pays for 5 years of premiums.
Long Lifespans: Large birds (Macaws, Amazons) live 50-80 years. That’s decades of potential medical needs.
Fragility: Small mammals and birds hide illness until they are critical. When they crash, they need immediate, expensive intervention.

How to Get a Quote

Since Nationwide is the main provider, you typically have to call them directly (800-USA-PETS) as their online quoting tool for exotics is limited compared to dogs/cats.

Do you have an exotic pet? Don’t gamble with their health. Even a $20 hamster deserves life-saving care.