Pet insurance for rabbits

[JR]

We have had our 2 rabbits for 2 years. Insurance renewal is up and the price has shot up by about 50% per bunny. I’ve done a quick search and had a couple of other quotes that are also up. Around 24-25 GBP per month for the pair of rabbits.

It’s not a massive amount I know, but it does seem excessive to me. Anyone got any better deals, or suggestions.

[Sirius&Luna]

You’re in the UK I assume?

I use Help U Cover, and they’ve always paid out with absolutely no quibbles. The buns started off at about £10 each a month, and in the second year have gone up to around £13/14 each. I’m waiting to see what the bunny who I’ve never claimed for’s increase will be like… I would hope less.

As far as I’m aware, there’s only 3 companies that insure rabbits in the UK – PetPlan, exotics direct (I think?) and Help U cover. When I was researching, Help U cover was the cheapest and most comprehensive.

The other thing to be aware of is pre existing conditions. If you swap plans, and have already claimed for something like GI stasis or an ear infection then it counts as a pre-existing condition and you won’t be allowed to claim for it ever again. Which is why companies can put up prices I guess, they know you don’t really have many options.

I spend £40 a month roughly (I have 3) on insurance, and while it’s not cheap, it means that a vet emergency is never stressful for money reasons at least. I personally think it’s worthwhile for the peace of mind. I have had a £1200 bill paid, and felt confident telling the vet to do everything they could withoutworrying that it would bankrupt me.

[Q8bunny]

Green with envy. Canadian insurers don’t cover bunnies

[Sirius&Luna]

It’s ridiculous that it’s such a rarity!

Although even in the UK, it’s not great – they mostly don’t cover dental problems. One of my friends is having an issue because her bunny had stasis before she insured him. Then, after insurance he got a blockage of fluff, and had to be operated on. But because it initially presented as stasis, they’re classing it as stasis and not paying out. Of course, almost everything presents as stasis first in buns so it’s ridiculous – its more of a side effect than a condition in itself :/

[LittlePuffyTail]

Also an envious Canadian.

[JR]

Thanks. I am currently with Help U Cover. It seems my quotes are in line with your prices. I agree it is bizarre that most insurers only seem to cater for dogs and cats. If nothing else, it’s an untapped market and you would think Finance bods would be all over this.

[LittlePuffyTail]

It’s probably because some places vet care for bunnies is higher than cats and dogs due to them being listed as “exotic”. There is also no health insurance here for horses, which would have been nice as I had a diabetic horse years ago. You can have life insurance only for horses.

[Q8bunny]

So sad, especially considering that Canada likes to pride itself on its environmentalism and animal welfare etc. What a bunch of hogwash. I’m trying to get something organised to start lobbying for equal legal rights for buns – starting with having them recognised legally as common pets like cats and dogs, and hopefully stretching to airline treatment. It’s tough, though, as it takes so much time and resources

[Author]

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