In the event that you have an exotic pet such as a bird, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, reptile or any other animal, your choices are very restricted compared to having a cat or dog as your pet. This is because most leading pet insurance companies such as Healthy Paws, Lemonade and Pumpkin only provide insurance cover to cats and dogs. However, there are few insurance providers who will provide insurance to exotic pets, but the market for these services is fast-growing.
Quick Answer: Exotic Pet Insurance Providers
| Company | Species Covered | Coverage Model | Sample Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals | Benefit schedule (set payout amounts per condition, not percentage-based) | ~$10–$35/mo, ~$27/mo for reptiles |
| MetLife | Various exotic species (availability varies) | Percentage-based reimbursement | ~$24/mo for reptiles |
*Costs vary significantly by species, age, and location. MetLife’s exotic coverage is available in only 19 states. Always confirm current availability and species coverage directly with the provider.
The Evaluation of these Plans
In order to evaluate these plans, we took into consideration the plan details that are publicly available for those pet insurance companies that specifically include exotics within their coverage. What was considered was the species covered, whether or not the plan is based on a percentage, states offered, and estimated cost per species.
1. Nationwide — The Most Established Exotic Pet Insurer
Nationwide remains the most comprehensive option for exotic pet owners, covering birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals. Unlike most dog and cat insurance, Nationwide’s exotic pet plan operates on a benefit schedule — meaning the policy lists specific dollar amounts it will pay out for specific conditions or procedures, rather than reimbursing a percentage of your actual vet bill.
Pros:
- Covers the widest range of exotic species among major insurers
- Long track record specifically with exotic and avian veterinary coverage
- 5% multi-pet discount available across plan types
Cons:
- Benefit schedule means payouts are capped per condition regardless of your actual bill
- Premiums vary significantly by species — birds, reptiles, and small mammals are priced differently
2. MetLife — A Newer Entrant for Select Exotic Species
MetLife has entered the exotic pet insurance market with percentage-based reimbursement plans for various exotic species, though availability is currently limited to 19 states. For owners in those states, MetLife’s reptile coverage runs around $24/month ($289/year).
Pros:
- Percentage-based reimbursement (more similar to standard dog/cat plans than Nationwide’s benefit schedule)
- Competitive pricing for reptile coverage where available
Cons:
- Available in only 19 states
- Newer to the exotic pet space, with a less established track record than Nationwide
The Exotic Pet Insurance Market in 2026
The U.S. has an estimated 21.8 million insurable exotic pets — birds, small mammals, and reptiles — across roughly 12.9 million households, but only a small fraction of these owners currently carry insurance. The exotic pet insurance market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of around 13.4% through 2030, faster than the broader pet insurance industry, which suggests more providers and options may enter this space in the coming years.
Benefit Schedule vs. Percentage Reimbursement: What’s the Difference?
Most dog and cat insurance reimburses a percentage (commonly 70%–90%) of your actual vet bill after a deductible. Nationwide’s exotic pet plan instead uses a “benefit schedule” — a list of conditions and procedures, each with a maximum dollar amount the policy will pay regardless of your actual bill. For example, if your policy’s benefit schedule lists $500 for a particular surgery but the actual bill is $800, you’d receive $500 (or your applicable percentage of that scheduled amount) rather than a percentage of the full $800. This model is common for exotic pets because there’s less standardized cost data across the wide range of species and conditions involved.
What to Consider Before Insuring an Exotic Pet
- Check species eligibility carefully. Not every species is covered even by Nationwide and MetLife — confirm your specific pet (e.g., a particular reptile species or bird breed) is eligible before assuming coverage applies.
- Understand the benefit schedule. If you go with a benefit-schedule plan, review the specific dollar amounts for conditions common to your pet’s species, since these caps may not reflect actual local vet costs.
- Find an exotic vet first. Insurance is only useful if you have access to a vet experienced with your species — exotic vet availability varies significantly by region.
- Weigh self-insurance for lower-cost pets. For inexpensive pets (like a single guinea pig or small bird), setting aside money in a dedicated savings account may be more practical than a monthly premium, depending on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get pet insurance for a bird, rabbit, or reptile?
Yes, but options are limited. Nationwide is the most established provider covering a wide range of exotic species, and MetLife offers coverage for select species in 19 states.
Why don’t most pet insurance companies cover exotic pets?
Exotic pets cover an enormous range of species with very different health risks, treatment costs, and veterinary specialization requirements, making it harder for insurers to price and underwrite policies compared to the more standardized dog and cat insurance market.
What is a “benefit schedule” in exotic pet insurance?
It’s a list of specific conditions or procedures, each with a maximum dollar amount the policy will pay out, rather than a percentage of your actual vet bill. Nationwide’s exotic pet plan uses this model.
How much does exotic pet insurance cost?
Costs vary widely by species, but monthly premiums commonly range from about $10 to $35, with reptile coverage around $24–$27/month from the providers that offer it.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, species eligibility, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.