Pet Insurance for Rabbits: Is It Worth It?
Written by The Rabbit Hole Hay Team
When thinking about pet adoption, dogs and cats are usually top of mind, but adopting a pet rabbit can also be a good option. When someone decides to adopt a pet rabbit, they often don’t think about the care that’s involved or potential accidents that can occur. Owning a new pet rabbit is such an exciting time, that many people fail to consider the responsibilities that come with it.
Before you adopt a pet rabbit, a few questions you should consider are:
When thinking about pet adoption, dogs and cats are usually top of mind, but adopting a pet rabbit can also be a good option. When someone decides to adopt a pet rabbit, they often don’t think about the care that’s involved or potential accidents that can occur. Owning a new pet rabbit is such an exciting time, that many people fail to consider the responsibilities that come with it.
Before you adopt a pet rabbit, a few questions you should consider are:
- Will you be able to feed your rabbit the healthy, nutritious hay it needs?
- Will you provide the adequate living space your rabbit needs to live a high-quality, happy life?
- Will you be able to provide healthcare such as wellness exams, vaccinations, vet calls, and pet insurance to help cover costs if your pet rabbit is sick?
Often, the most overlooked of the topics mentioned above is pet insurance for rabbits.
Do all pet insurance companies offer pet insurance for rabbits?
While pet insurance for rabbits is similar to pet insurance plans for dogs and cats, Nationwide Insurance is currently the only insurance company that offers pet insurance for rabbits.
Rabbit insurance falls under the umbrella of Bird and Exotic Pet Insurance, which is primarily targeted at birds but also covers chameleons, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, Iguanas, lizards, snakes, turtles, rabbits, and more.
Is pet insurance for rabbits worth it?
Yes! Part of caring for a beloved animal is to seek medical assistance on a routine basis and in emergencies. Pet insurance can make a big difference in the cost of vet visits due to illness, injury, or an annual wellness exam. For example, Nationwide’s avian and exotic pet insurance coverage reimburses up to 90 percent of eligible veterinary expenses.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, such as injuries or illnesses that show up prior to your plan going into effect. However, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, you won’t be turned down for insurance.
How much does rabbit pet insurance for rabbits cost?
Through Nationwide, most insurance plans for rabbits start at about $10 per month, but it also depends on the plan you pick for your pet and your rabbit’s specific health needs. As an example, the top condition for small mammals is dehydration/constipation, which has an average cost of $483, and your net cost as a Nationwide member would be $48. Get a quote here.
Do I really need to take my rabbit to the vet?
Just like cats, dogs, and birds, rabbits need regular vet visits as well, and these are not something that you'll want to forgo if you want to keep your small pet happy and healthy. At the very least, you’ll want to consider spaying and neutering your rabbit, but there are also common health issues your rabbit may experience. Your rabbit will need a yearly wellness checkup even if no health issues are found.
Since rabbits are considered exotic pets, this means not every vet will have experience treating them. Make sure to contact your local veterinary offices to find out which ones offer services for rabbits. You may even want to do this before adopting your new bunny just to make sure services are available near you.
Responsible rabbit owners have pet insurance. Unexpected vet visits can become expensive. A pet insurance policy helps cushion the shock of unexpected emergencies, dental care, lab draws, x-rays, scheduled vaccines, and annual wellness visits. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your rabbit is taken care of in the event of a health emergency.
Vet visits are part of keeping your small pet happy and healthy. Keep them even healthier by feeding them grass hay that will help wear down their teeth and keep their digestion regular and functioning properly.
