Have an Exotic Animal? Pet Insurance May Still Be an Option

Are you out of luck if you don't have a dog or a cat?

Many pet insurance companies market their products to owners of dogs and cats. These are some of the most popular pets in America, so it's no surprise that some insurers limit their coverage to these common animals alone.

But what about people who invite other animals into their lives? These animal companions can become just as beloved as a dog or a cat, and they can also develop expensive medical needs that owners may struggle to afford. 

The good news is, exotic animal owners may actually be able to put insurance protection in place. Here's what they need to know. 

Some insurers cover exotic animals

Some pet insurers stick to covering dogs and cats only, but there are other companies out there that will insure a wide variety of exotic animals ranging from bunnies to birds to potbellied pigs to gerbils and goats. 

For owners of non-traditional animals, it's important to seek out these companies and get a policy from a specialized insurer as soon as possible after adopting a pet. This is especially true because it may be necessary to go to specific vets that treat exotic animals and the price tag of providing care for them can be higher simply because not every veterinary practitioner is familiar with the services they need. 

When care is expensive, as it often is, no person with an animal companion wants to be forced to deny treatment to their pet simply because they don't have the money to pay for it. 

Finding an insurer that covers exotic animals and getting a policy in place before pre-existing medical problems develop can be the key to avoiding this. The insurer will pay for any issues that occur and that are covered by the policy, so owners will only have deductible and coinsurance costs to worry about. 

It's important to shop around and read the fine print 

Since not every insurer covers exotic animals, it will be especially important to shop around for coverage. Pet owners will want to make sure there are no exclusions or limitations that could result in the insurer denying the care their animal needs -- especially if it's a type of non-traditional care that more common pets such as dogs and cats wouldn't unusually require. 

Pet owners may also wish to look for an insurer that specializes in covering the specific type of exotic animal. That way, the company will be more familiar with common claims and is less likely to deny coverage. 

With a more limited pool of insurers, it will also be especially essential to shop around to get coverage at the best price possible. Pet insurance is usually pretty affordable for most owners, but there's no reason to pay higher premiums than necessary -- especially since even insurers covering exotic animals usually allow owners to get quotes online so they can compare costs and policy terms. 

By taking the time to find a pet insurance policy that has reasonable premiums and provides comprehensive coverage for their exotic animal, owners can protect even the most unusual pet from medical calamities by ensuring treatment is available and affordable.