What is the best exotic pet insurance in Canada?
verified information
Information verified by Alexandre Desoutter
Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.
Discover the methodology
Having a hard time finding good options for exotic pet insurance in Canada? If yes, this guide is for you. Owning a pet is one thing, but owning an exotic pet is a different game altogether — it’s a unique and rewarding experience. If you own an exotic pet, you would agree that it comes with its own set of risks and challenges.
Just like any other pet, exotic animals require proper care, attention and medical treatment when needed. That's where exotic pet insurance comes into the picture.
In this guide, we will explore the concept of exotic pet insurance and highlight some of Canada's best providers of exotic pet insurance.
Exotic pet insurance: 5 key takeaways
- Exotic pet insurance is a specialized form of coverage designed specifically for exotic animals
- It offers financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs, accidents and illnesses
- Petsecure, Pets Plus Us, PC Insurance and Trupanion are some of the leading providers of exotic pet insurance in Canada
- Each offers great coverage options with some add-ons
- The cost may depend on several factors, such as the type and age of your exotic pet
Top 2024 exotic pet policies in Canada
Nationwide: most reknown exotic pet insurer on the market
With more than 780,000 insured pets, Nationwide pet insurance is the first and largest insurer in North America. With its plan "Avian and Exotic pet health insurance", Nationwide offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of pets beyond traditional dogs and cats.
Understanding that exotic pets require specialised care, Nationwide has extended its coverage to include certain exotic animals like reptiles and birds, for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries.
With Nationwide exotic pet insurance, you can rest assured knowing that your unique companion is protected.
To file a claim, simple, log in to your Nationwide pet insurance account and follow the claims' process indicated.
Pros of Nationwide pet insurance:
- Coverage for a wide range of pets
- Comprehensive coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions and wellness care
- Flexible deductible and reimbursement options
- Additional benefits for alternative therapies and optional riders
- Exceptional customer service
Cons of Nationwide exotic pet insurance:
- Premiums can be expensive.
- Some pre-existing conditions may not be covered.
- Certain procedures or treatments may have limitations or exclusions.
- Requires thorough documentation for claims.
- Reimbursement delays.
Petsecure: A wide range of exotic pets covered
Petsecure Pet Insurance, established in 1989, is one of Canada's largest and most trusted providers of pet insurance. It offers comprehensive coverage and preventive care through four levels of insurance, reimbursing up to 80% for treatments and veterinary services.
They cater to dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, as well as for exotic animals such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
Pros of Petsecure pet insurance:
- Petsecure's exotic pet insurance covers veterinary fees for accidents and illnesses, including diagnostic tests, treatments, surgeries and medications.
- Additionally, they also offer coverage for emergency boarding fees, should the need arise.
- Online chat support.
- Easy-to-navigate online portal.
Cons of Petsecure exotic pet insurance:
- Only up tp 80% reimbursement
- No direct vet payment
Pets Plus Us: Exotic pet policy with emergency medical coverage
Pets Plus Us pet insurance is a well-established company celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023. Over the past decade, they have had a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 beloved pets. Pets Plus Us also happens to offer coverage for exotic pets in Canada.
Their exotic pet insurance plans cater to a wide variety of species, including reptiles, birds, small mammals and more.
Pros of Pets Plus Us pet insurance:
- Pets Plus Us provides coverage for accidents and illnesses, including veterinary fees, medications and surgeries.
- Emergency medical coverage.
- 24/7 PetHelpFone and Pet Poison Helpline.
- They also offer optional add-ons, such as coverage for wellness care and dental treatments.
- Multi-pet discount code
Cons of Pets Plus Us exotic pet insurance:
- Site is not easy to navigate.
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Maximum coverage is $15,000.
Trupanion: comprehensive exotic pet health insurance
Trupanion Pet Insurance Canada is a comprehensive policy and popular insurance offering coverage for both dogs and cats. While they primarily focus on traditional pets, they also provide coverage for certain exotic animals, such as reptiles and birds.
Their insurance does not contain any tricks or hidden surprises and they are clear about where coverage starts and ends.
Here are the pros and cons that we have identified for Trupanion:
Pros of Pets Plus Us pet insurance:
- Trupanion's exotic pet insurance covers veterinary fees for accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, medications and diagnostic tests.
- Direct billing
- Easy online sign-up.
- Unlimited claims
- Allows you to choose your veterinary provider
Cons of Pets Plus Us exotic pet insurance:
- Behavioural and alternative therapies are not included in the basic package
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Before choosing any of the above mentioned pet insurer, be sure to compare the best offers currently on the market:
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
What is pet insurance for exotic pets?
Exotic pet insurance is a specialised form of insurance coverage designed specifically for exotic animals. Unlike traditional pet insurance, which primarily covers dogs and cats, exotic pet insurance extends coverage to a wide range of unique pets, including:
- Amphibians
- Bearded dragons
- Birds
- Chameleons
- Chinchillas
- Ferrets
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Iguanas
- Lizards
- Mice
- Other reptiles
- Pigs
- Rats
- Rabbits
- Short hair cats
- Snakes
- Sugar gliders
- Tortoises
- Turtles
What does exotic pet insurance cover?
Exotic pet insurance offers financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs, accidents, illnesses and other health-related issues that may arise during the ownership of an exotic pet. This can include expenses such as diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications and hospitalization.
While coverage may vary depending on the specific insurance provider and policy, here are some common elements that exotic pet insurance in Canada may cover:
- Veterinary expenses
- Surgical procedures
- Medications
- Hospitalization
- Emergency care
- Chronic conditions
- Wellness and preventive care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Therapeutic treatments
- Behavioral consultations
- Beware though, much like most pet policies, exotic animal policies rarely cover pre-existing conditions/
How much is exotic pet insurance?
Just like the price of any pet insurance, the cost of exotic pet insurance in Canada can vary depending on various factors, including:
- Insurance provider
- Type of exotic pet
- Age of the pet
- Any pre-existing conditions
- Extent of coverage
- You're location (Ontario, Alberta, BC, etc.) does not influence the cost of insurance for exotic animals.
As pricing can change over time and may be specific to individual circumstances, it is best to contact the insurance providers directly or visit their websites to get accurate and up-to-date pricing information for exotic pet insurance in Canada. They will be able to provide personalised quotes based on your specific requirements.
Here's a sample quote table for exotic pet insurance in Ontario:
| Insurance provider | Exotic pet type | Age of pet | Coverage options | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petsecure | Reptile | 2 years | Accident & Illness Coverage | $35.99 |
| Pets Plus Us | Bird | 1 year | Accident & Illness Coverage + Wellness Care | $45.99 |
| PC Insurance | Small Mammal | 3 years | Accident & Illness Coverage | $29.99 |
| Trupanion | Reptile | 4 years | Accident & Illness Coverage | $39.99 |
Is exotic pet insurance worth it?
When it comes to owning an exotic pet, it is crucial to consider their specific needs, including healthcare:
- Exotic pet insurance offers peace of mind by providing financial protection against unexpected veterinary expenses.
- Moreover, it provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected veterinary expenses.
The cost of veterinary care for exotic pets in Canada can vary greatly depending on the type of pet, the nature of the condition or injury, and the specific veterinary clinic. Without insurance, the expenses can quickly add up.
For example
Let's consider a common scenario of an exotic pet, such as a reptile, requiring surgical intervention for an obstructed digestive tract. The cost of such surgery can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the duration of hospitalization.
Without exotic pet insurance:
- The entire financial burden will fall on you.
- This can be a significant financial strain and may lead to difficult decisions about the pet's care or even the pet's well-being.
With exotic pet insurance:
- You typically pay a monthly premium, and the insurance provider covers a portion of eligible veterinary costs, depending on the coverage limits and deductibles outlined in the policy.
- You can budget for regular premiums and have financial protection when unexpected veterinary needs arise, allowing you to provide the best care for your exotic pets without facing substantial financial hardships.
Now that you know how exotic animal policies work, time to get an exotic pet insurance quote using our free comparison tool below:
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
