Can you insure a 50-year-old tortoise?

It depends. Nationwide usually has age limits for new enrollment (often around 20-30 years for exotics), but once insured, coverage is lifetime.

What are common tortoise health issues?

Respiratory infections (runny nose), shell rot (fungal), and Vitamin A deficiency are top concerns.

Is Salmonella covered?

Insurance covers the PET's illness. If the turtle gives YOU Salmonella, that's a human health issue (not covered by pet insurance).

Turtle & Tortoise Insurance: Planning for a 50-Year Commitment

Owning a tortoise isn’t just a hobby; it’s an inheritance. With Sulcatas living 70+ years and Box Turtles living 50+, you are planning for a lifetime of care.

While turtles are hardy, their medical care requires specialized knowledge. A “simple” respiratory infection in a tortoise can require months of nebulization and injections.

🐢 Unique Health Risks for Chelionians

1. Respiratory Infections (Use Insurance!)

Turtles have complex lungs. A drafty enclosure leads to pneumonia.

Symptoms: Bubbles from nose, lopsided swimming, wheezing.
Treatment: X-rays, culture & sensitivity tests, injectable antibiotics.
Cost: $400 - $1,000.

2. Shell Rot & Fracture

Rot: Fungal infection eating the shell. requires debridement (cleaning).
Fracture: Being dropped, stepping on, or dog attacks.
Repair: Orthopedic shell repair using screws/wires/epoxy is specialized surgery.
Cost: $1,500 - $3,000.

3. Obstruction (Gravel Eating)

Like lizards, turtles eat things they shouldn’t.

Cost for Surgery: Cutting through a shell (plastronotomy) to remove a rock is extremely difficult and slow-healing. $2,500+.

⏳ The Age Factor

The biggest challenge with tortoises is their lifespan.

Lock in Coverage Early: If you buy a baby Sulcata, insure it NOW.
Why?: As they age, they develop chronic issues. If you try to insure a 15-year-old tortoise, any existing shell deformity or history of respiratory issues will be excluded.
The “Lifetime” Value: Paying $10/mo for 50 years is $6,000. One major shell repair surgery or a few bouts of severe pneumonia can easily eclipse that.

⚠️ Outdoor Hazards

Many large tortoises live outdoors. This exposes them to:

Predators: Dog bites, raccoon attacks.
Escapes: Getting hit by cars (shell repair).
Parasites: Heavy worm loads.

Insurance is essentially your “Trauma Policy” for outdoor tortoises.