As well as vet fees, rabbit insurance usually includes boarding fees for your bunny if you’re taken to hospital. Some insurers also contribute towards the cost of finding your lost or stolen rabbit.
Check the policy summary, or contact the insurer to confirm what’s covered, if you’re not sure.
Rabbit insurance provides coverage for a range of medical expenses related to the health and well-being of your pet rabbit. As rabbits are considered exotic pets, the cost of veterinary care can be significant, making insurance a wise investment for many rabbit owners. Coverage plans vary, but here’s an overview of common inclusions:
Accident and Illness Coverage
This is the core feature of most rabbit insurance policies. It covers the costs associated with diagnosing and treating unexpected injuries or illnesses. If your rabbit gets hurt or sick, accident and illness coverage may pay for:
- Veterinary consultations and exams: The cost of vet visits for diagnosing injuries or illnesses.
- Surgery and hospitalization: Procedures needed for recovery, such as dental surgeries or fracture repairs.
- Medications and treatments: Pain management, antibiotics, and other necessary treatments for recovery.
- Laboratory tests and diagnostics: X-rays, blood work, and other diagnostic tools used to pinpoint health issues.
Examples of illnesses that may be covered include gastrointestinal stasis (a common and life-threatening condition in rabbits), respiratory infections, ear infections, and dental problems. Coverage for accidents can include broken limbs, wounds, or trauma from mishaps around the house or garden.
Chronic Conditions
Many policies provide coverage for chronic conditions, such as arthritis or persistent respiratory issues, as long as these conditions are not pre-existing when the policy is purchased. This means your rabbit can receive long-term care and medication if needed.
Dental Coverage
Dental problems are a frequent issue for rabbits. Because their teeth grow continuously, malocclusion (misaligned teeth) can occur, causing pain and difficulty eating. Some rabbit insurance policies offer dental coverage, which can include the cost of tooth trimming, extraction, or treatment for dental abscesses.
Preventive Care (Optional)
Preventive care, also known as wellness coverage, is often an add-on feature. It typically covers:
- Annual check-ups: Routine exams to monitor your rabbit’s overall health.
- Vaccinations: Protection against diseases like rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) or myxomatosis.
- Parasite control: Flea, tick, and mite prevention treatments.
- Nail trimming and grooming: Services to maintain your rabbit’s hygiene and comfort.
Wellness coverage helps you manage the ongoing costs of keeping your rabbit healthy but is usually separate from accident and illness coverage.
Specialized Treatments
Some comprehensive policies may also cover specialized treatments like:
- Complementary therapies: Acupuncture or physiotherapy recommended by a vet to aid in recovery.
- Behavioral treatment: If your rabbit develops stress or behavioral issues requiring professional help.
Exclusions
While rabbit insurance covers a wide range of treatments, there are exclusions to be aware of. Most policies will not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Health issues your rabbit had before the policy start date.
- Elective or cosmetic procedures: Such as neutering, spaying, or cosmetic dental trimming not tied to medical necessity.
- Breeding and pregnancy-related issues: Complications from breeding are usually excluded.
- Experimental treatments: Unproven or non-standard therapies may not be covered.
Policy Limits and Reimbursement Rates
Rabbit insurance policies often come with annual or per-condition limits, meaning there’s a cap on how much the insurance company will pay. Reimbursement rates vary and typically range from 70% to 90% of vet bills, depending on the policy. You’ll need to pay any remaining costs out-of-pocket.
