Most pet insurance companies focus exclusively on dogs and cats, but owners of exotic pets—such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and small mammals—face limited options. Exotic pets often require specialized veterinary care, which can cost thousands for issues like respiratory infections in birds or metabolic bone disease in reptiles. In 2025, only a handful of major providers offer dedicated coverage for these animals.
What Counts as an “Exotic” Pet for Insurance?
Insurers define exotic pets as any animals beyond dogs, cats, and sometimes horses. Common covered species include:
- Birds (parrots, cockatiels, canaries)
- Reptiles (lizards, turtles, snakes, bearded dragons)
- Amphibians (frogs, salamanders)
- Small mammals (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rats, mice)
- Others (pot-bellied pigs, goats in some plans)
Exclusions often apply to venomous species, primates, large cats, or illegal pets. Always confirm eligibility for your specific animal.
Top Providers for Exotic Pet Insurance
Two major companies dominate the market in 2025:
1. Nationwide (Avian & Exotic Pet Plan)
Nationwide stands out as the most comprehensive and widely available option for exotic pets. It covers a broad range of species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and even pot-bellied pigs or goats.
- Coverage details: Accidents, illnesses, injuries, diagnostics, surgery, medications, and hereditary/congenital conditions (after waiting periods).
- Reimbursement: Up to 90% in some plans.
- Annual limits: Vary by plan, up to unlimited in higher tiers.
- Deductibles: Typically $250–$1,000.
- Waiting periods: 14 days for illnesses; accidents often shorter.
- Premiums: Start under $21/month, depending on species and coverage level (e.g., $13/month reported for turtles).
- Availability: All 50 states.
- Pros: Longest experience with exotics; wellness options for birds (e.g., beak/wing trims).
- Cons: Some plans have per-condition limits; recent policy non-renewals affected some dog/cat owners (check status).
Nationwide pioneered exotic coverage and remains the go-to for many owners.
2. MetLife Pet Insurance
MetLife ranks highly for affordability and flexibility, especially for birds, rabbits, ferrets, and reptiles.
- Covered species: Amphibians, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, opossums, pigs, small rodents, rabbits, reptiles, and goats.
- Coverage details: Accidents (immediate in many cases), illnesses, exams, diagnostics, treatments, and medications.
- Reimbursement: Up to 90%.
- Annual limits: Up to $10,000.
- Deductibles: $0–$2,500.
- Waiting periods: 0 days for accidents; 14 days for illnesses.
- Premiums: Average $33/month across covered exotics.
- Availability: Select states (around 19–20).
- Pros: Low rates; quick claims; customizable.
- Cons: Not nationwide; limited species compared to Nationwide.
MetLife excels for budget-conscious owners in supported states.
Other Limited Options
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Primarily covers horses (equine plans for colic, accidents, etc.), not typical small exotics like birds or reptiles.
- Specialty liability providers (e.g., Prime Insurance, XInsurance): Focus on liability if your exotic pet injures someone or damages property—not medical coverage for the pet.
Major providers like Trupanion, Pets Best, Embrace, Healthy Paws, Figo, Lemonade, Spot, and Pumpkin do not cover exotic pets; they limit to dogs and cats.
Key Considerations for Exotic Pet Insurance
- Pre-existing conditions: Always excluded—enroll young and healthy pets.
- Specialized vets: Coverage applies at licensed veterinarians, but exotic care often costs more.
- Wellness/routine care: Rarely included or limited (e.g., Nationwide for birds).
- Costs: Exotic premiums stay lower than dog/cat plans but vary by species (e.g., higher for parrots prone to issues).
- Claims: Submit vet bills for reimbursement; no direct vet pay for exotics in most cases.
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Worth It?
Vet bills for exotics easily reach $1,000–$5,000+ for emergencies (e.g., egg-binding in birds or impaction in reptiles). If you lack a large emergency fund and would pursue advanced care, insurance provides valuable protection. However, options remain scarce—compare quotes carefully and read sample policies for exclusions.
Start with Nationwide for broadest coverage or MetLife if available in your state. Call providers directly for quotes, as online tools often exclude exotics. Your unusual companion deserves the same peace of mind as any pet!