FAQ:
What About Bird and Exotic Pet Insurance?




How do I evaluate insurance for my bird or exotic pet?

At the time of this writing (1/30/2024), there are two companies that provide pet insurance for birds and exotic pets. Those companies are Nationwide (available in all states) and MetLife (only available is certain states).

Unlike dog and cats, birds and exotic pets tend to have recurring themes when it comes to their illnesses.

Many bird and exotic pet illnesses are related to diet and/or environment. Their diseases can be predicted more easily than dogs and cats. Occasionally there will be unexpected ailments, but for the most part, their diseases are more predictable.

So...when evaluating bird and exotic pet insurance coverage, make sure the plan covers the most common diseases associated with that species. Then, make sure the monetary payout will help cover the costs associated with your geographical location.


Most common ailments:

ferrets Ferrets

  • Gastrointestinal Foreign Body
  • Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma
  • Splenomegly
  • Adrenal Disease
  • Insulinoma
  • Mast Cell Tumors
  • Ear Mites
  • Gastro-intestinal Diseases (ulcer, viral, bacterial, inflammatory)
  • Heart Disease
  • Teeth Issues
  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Other Cancers
  • Rectal Prolapse
  • Vaccinations (canine distemper, rabies)


reptile Reptiles

  • Metabolic Bone Disease
  • Gastro-intestinal Parasites
  • Mouth Rot
  • Gastro-intestinal Foreign Body
  • Gastro-intestinal Diseases
  • Skin/shell Diseases (Burns, Mites/Ticks, infection, trauma)
  • Respiratory Diseases
  • Cloacal Prolapse
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Kidney Disease
  • Abscess


rabbit Rabbits

  • GI Stasis/Obstruction/Ileus
  • Liver Disease
  • Teeth Issues (overgrown teeth, tooth root abscesses)
  • Uterine Cancer
  • Other Cancers
  • Skin Issues (trauma, parasites, infection, abscess)
  • Respiratory Issues
  • Eye Disorders
  • Ear Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Neurologic Disorders
  • Urinary Tract Infection/Obstruction/Stones/Crystals


guinea pig Guinea Pigs

  • Teeth issues
  • Respiratory Issues
  • Abscess
  • Cancer
  • GI Stasis/Obstruction/Ileus
  • Urinary Tract Infection/Obstruction/Stones/Crystals
  • Cystic Ovaries
  • Other Reproductive Diseases
  • Vitamin C Deficiency


rat Hamster/Gerbil/Rats

  • Enteritis/Wet Tail
  • Teeth Issues
  • Respiratory Issues
  • Cancer
  • Skin Issues (parasites, infection, etc)



bird Birds

  • Gastro-Intestinal Diseases
  • Egg Laying/Binding
  • Cloacal Prolapse
  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Other Reproductive Disease
  • Heart/Circulatory Disease
  • Infectious Diseases (psittacosis, aspergillosis, polyoma, etc)
  • Broken Blood Feathers
  • Feather Picking
  • Other Feather/Skin Issues
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Beak Issues
  • Neurologic Disorders
  • Poisonings/Toxicities
  • Behavioral Issues


What does Nationwide and MetLife Cover:

Unfortunately at the time of this writing, detailed, written information about the medical and monetary coverage for bird and exotic pet insurance from these companies is thin.

If you decide to purchase a policy, make sure you are clear on what monetary and medical coverage you can expect.





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