Pet Insurance for Reptiles UK 2025 – Snakes, Lizards & Tortoises

Last updated: October 16, 2025

Reptiles are increasingly popular pets in the UK, ranging from small geckos and corn snakes to large tortoises and bearded dragons. While their day-to-day care can be simple, veterinary costs for reptiles can be surprisingly high. Exotic vets use specialist equipment and often charge consultation fees far higher than for cats or dogs. That’s where reptile pet insurance comes in — providing financial protection if your reptile becomes ill or injured.

This guide explains how reptile insurance works, what’s covered, and which UK providers offer the best options in 2025.

Why Reptile Insurance Matters

Reptiles often hide symptoms of illness until a condition becomes serious. When problems do appear — respiratory infections, metabolic bone disease, egg binding, or shell damage — they usually require exotic-trained vets. A single diagnostic visit can cost over £100, with x-rays and specialist medication quickly adding hundreds more.

Insurance ensures owners don’t delay treatment because of cost concerns. It also covers unexpected injuries such as burns, falls, or bites from tank mates.

Types of Cover Available

There are fewer insurers covering reptiles compared with cats or dogs, but several policy types exist:

Accident-Only Cover

Protects against accidental injury, such as falls or burns, but excludes illness. This is the lowest-cost option and can still be worthwhile for hardy species like snakes or lizards.

Time-Limited Cover

Provides cover for both accidents and illnesses for up to 12 months from the first claim. Once that time or cost limit is reached, the condition is no longer covered. Ideal for short-term protection.

Lifetime Cover

Offers ongoing protection for chronic or recurring conditions, renewing the benefit each year. These are the most comprehensive plans but also the most expensive. Lifetime cover is particularly useful for tortoises or long-lived reptiles.

Multi-Pet Cover

Some insurers let you group multiple reptiles under one policy, with a small discount per pet. This can simplify admin if you keep several snakes or lizards.

What’s Typically Covered

A good reptile pet insurance policy may include:

Veterinary fees for illness and injury
Diagnostic imaging (x-rays, blood tests, endoscopy)
Surgery and anaesthesia
Specialist exotic vet consultations
Prescription medication
Emergency boarding or euthanasia (depending on provider)

Routine care — such as feeding, shedding assistance, or temperature control — isn’t covered.

Key Exclusions

Before taking out a policy, always check the exclusions list carefully:

Pre-existing conditions are never covered
Preventive care (worming, nail trims, UV lighting) is excluded
Age limits may apply — especially for tortoises over 10 years
Some insurers require treatment from an exotics-qualified vet only

Average Costs in 2025

Premiums depend on species, age, and location. On average:

Snakes: £6–£12 per month (accident-only)
Lizards: £8–£18 per month (time-limited)
Tortoises: £10–£25 per month (lifetime or specialist cover)

The rarer the species, the higher the cost. Always compare quotes to ensure you’re not overpaying for limited cover.

Recommended UK Providers

A few UK insurers currently offer reptile cover:

ExoticDirect – Provides comprehensive cover for snakes, lizards, and tortoises, with lifetime and time-limited options. They specialise exclusively in exotic and small pets.
Nationwide Pet Insurance – Offers reptile cover under its exotic pet range, though availability may vary by species.
Agria Pet Insurance – Occasionally provides bespoke reptile cover upon request, often for tortoises or larger species.

If you’re comparing options, the team at ExoticDirect is usually the best starting point — their policy pages clearly list eligible species and outline what exotic vets are required for claims.

FAQs – Pet Insurance for Reptiles UK 2025

Do all insurers cover reptiles?

No. Only a few UK insurers, such as ExoticDirect, specialise in reptile cover. Many mainstream providers exclude them altogether.

Is reptile insurance expensive?

It’s typically cheaper than dog or cat insurance but varies by species. Larger reptiles and tortoises cost more to insure.

Can I get lifetime cover for reptiles?

Yes. ExoticDirect offers lifetime policies for several reptile species, including tortoises and bearded dragons.

Does reptile insurance cover routine care?

No. Routine costs such as feeding, UV lighting, or cleaning aren’t covered by any UK provider.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

No. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from all reptile insurance policies.

Conclusion

Reptile pet insurance may be niche, but it’s growing in importance as more UK owners keep snakes, lizards, and tortoises as companions. Vet costs for exotic species can be substantial, and having insurance ensures access to professional care without unexpected bills.

Always confirm your species is eligible, compare a few quotes, and review exclusions carefully. For most reptile owners, especially those relying on exotic vets, an appropriate policy is well worth the investment.