Exotic Pet Insurance UK 2025 – Cover for Rabbits, Birds and More

Cover for Rabbits, Birds and More

Most people think of pet insurance as something for cats and dogs, but many UK households keep rabbits, parrots, reptiles, or even more unusual animals. These are all classed as “exotic pets” in the insurance world. While not every provider offers cover, specialist exotic pet insurance is available in 2025 to help with unexpected vet bills.

This Exotic Pet Insurance UK 2025 guide explains what exotic pet insurance is, which animals are covered, the pros and cons, and when it makes sense to take out a policy.

What Is Exotic Pet Insurance?

Exotic pet insurance provides financial protection for animals outside the traditional cat-and-dog market. Policies are often more limited, with fewer providers willing to underwrite unusual species.

Typical animals covered include:

Rabbits
Birds such as parrots or cockatiels
Reptiles (lizards, snakes, tortoises)
Small mammals like guinea pigs, ferrets, and chinchillas

Because veterinary care for these animals can be highly specialised, the cost of treatment can be steep. Insurance helps to reduce the risk of sudden large bills.

Which Providers Offer Exotic Pet Insurance – UK 2025?

Mainstream providers such as Petplan focus mainly on cats and dogs, but they also have a long-standing rabbit insurance policy, covering vet fees, boarding, and even complementary treatment.

Specialist insurers like Exotic Direct insure parrots, reptiles, and a wide range of small pets, including tortoises, snakes, and ferrets. They are one of the UK’s only providers dedicated exclusively to exotic pet insurance.

Independent brokers also exist, tailoring bespoke policies for birds, reptiles, or unusual mammals depending on the owner’s needs.

Because cover options are narrower than for cats and dogs, comparing providers is essential before committing.

How Much Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cost?

Premiums depend on the animal, age, and health condition. As a guide:

Rabbit insurance may start from around £10–£15 per month. Petplan’s rabbit cover is one of the more affordable options in this category.
Parrot cover can be £15–£25 per month depending on species, with Exotic Direct providing policies for African greys, cockatoos, and other long-lived birds.
Reptiles vary widely, with tortoise cover often cheaper than snakes or lizards due to lower veterinary risk.

Because of the specialist nature of treatment, premiums can rise quickly with age or chronic illness.

What Does Exotic Pet Insurance Cover?

Policies vary, but typical cover includes:

Veterinary fees for accidents and illness
Death or theft of the animal
Third-party liability (mainly for larger pets like parrots)
Some boarding fees if you are hospitalised

Not all insurers include dental care, routine check-ups, or specialist surgeries. The Financial Conduct Authority advises pet owners to review exclusions carefully before taking out a policy.

Pros and Cons of Exotic Pet Insurance

Pros

Helps cover expensive vet bills for less common animals
Provides peace of mind for pets with long lifespans (e.g. parrots, tortoises)
May include extras like boarding cover or theft protection

Cons

Fewer providers in the market compared to cats and dogs
Limited policy options, often accident-only or capped cover
Exclusions are stricter, especially for pre-existing conditions

FAQs for Exotic Pet Insurance UK 2025

Can I insure a rabbit in the UK?

Yes. Petplan offers rabbit insurance starting at around £10 per month.

Do insurers cover reptiles and snakes?

Specialist providers like Exotic Direct may offer cover, though availability depends on the species.

Is exotic pet insurance more expensive than dog or cat insurance?

Not always. Rabbits are often cheaper, but parrots and reptiles can cost more due to specialist treatment.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

As with cats and dogs, most exotic pet policies exclude pre-existing conditions.

Do I really need insurance for small pets?

If you’re comfortable paying vet bills yourself, you may not need it. But for animals with long lifespans or high treatment costs, insurance provides valuable protection.

Conclusion

Exotic pet insurance is a niche but important part of the UK market in 2025. While fewer providers are active compared to cat and dog cover, owners of rabbits, birds, reptiles, and small mammals do have options.

For inexpensive pets with short lifespans, self-funding vet costs might make sense. But for animals like parrots and tortoises that can live for decades and may require specialist care, insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection.