Guide To Pet Insurance For Reptiles

Though pet insurance for reptiles is widely available it is not included in standard policies. So what should you look for from pet insurance for a reptile and where can you find the cover you need?

Where to find pet insurance for reptiles

Most pet insurance providers offer cover for cats, dogs and other small pets such as rabbits and ferrets. However, some insurers will cover reptiles – they are generally known as exotic pet insurance companies.

A comparison website is a great place to start to compare pet insurance policies in terms of both the premiums to pay and the features included. Some comparison websites carry their own recommended insurers for exotic animals.

What is covered in pet insurance for reptiles?

Just as with regular pet insurance, there are three types of pet insurance cover available for reptiles:

Cover for a set period: This is the cheapest form of pet insurance cover and will cover a reptile for a specified period, usually 12 months. At the end of the policy however, all payouts will stop even if the reptile is in the middle of treatment.

Cover limit per condition: This provides a cover limit, per condition. Once you reach this limit no further payouts will be granted.

Lifetime cover: These policies offer a cover limit, per condition and will renew every time your policy is renewed. Though this is the most expensive form of cover it is also the most reassuring as your reptile will remain covered as long as the policy stays active.

Once you have decided what type of policy you want it's important to shop around between insurers as the types of cover and cover limits may vary widely. Some of the features to look for are:

Veterinary fees: Reptiles can be notoriously difficult to treat, which can cause vet fees to sky rocket. So look for cover for veterinary fees that occur as a result of accidental injury or illness. Examine the terms and conditions carefully for exclusions too – for example, your reptile may not be covered for cosmetic treatments; while treatments relating to any pre-existing conditions will automatically be excluded.

Death benefit: Some reptiles can be worth £100s or even £1,000s, which is why a death benefit can be particularly useful. Generally with this cover you will receive a payout in case your reptile dies as the result of an accident or illness during the policy period. Read the terms and conditions carefully because exclusions will apply and also be aware that the more expensive the pet is, the higher your premiums will be if you take out a death benefit.

Fire/weather perils: Many reptile pet insurers will offer automatic payouts if your reptile dies as a result of a fire or a weather peril such as wind, storm, lightning or flooding.

Theft: Exotic pets, such as reptiles, with a high market value are often targeted by thieves. It is possible to take out pet insurance cover to protect you against this risk but provisions may apply. For example, an insurer is unlikely to pay out if you are deemed to be negligent – such as by leaving the door of your home unlocked with the pet unattended.

Pet housing/enclosure cover: Many reptiles need expensive enclosures, which is why it is reassuring to take out cover for the pet's housing in case it is damaged or stolen.

Holiday cover: Imagine if your reptile fell ill while you were on holiday and you were forced to cancel or curtail your trip – some insurers will help cover these costs.

Shows and exhibitions cover: This is specialist cover in case you plan to enter your reptile into a show or exhibition and will usually include cover while the pet is in transit.

Other features to look out for

When comparing pet insurance for reptiles also look out for the following:

Age restrictions: Some insurers will not cover pets that are under or over a certain age; or there may be restrictions that apply based on age, such as a lack of a death benefit.

Cancellations: With most exotic pet insurance policies you can cancel without charge within 14 days (periods vary) of taking a policy out. However, once this period expires, if you want to cancel you may have to pay all outstanding premiums and premiums for the remainder of the month.

Excess levels: If you need to make a claim, you pay the excess with the insurer paying the remainder. Raising the excess could lower your premiums but you should keep it at a comfortably affordable level.

Exclusions: Circumstances in which your pet is not covered that should be outlined in the policy's terms and conditions.

Maximum benefit: The maximum amount an insurer will pay for an individual claim.