Many rabbit owners are interested in knowing more about rabbit pet insurance. Rabbits are among the most popular household pets in the U.K. Recognising this, pet insurers have come forward with rabbit insurance packages that address different needs and lifestyles.
The key advantage of purchasing rabbit insurance is feeling confident that you will be able to afford veterinarian fees should your pet become injured or ill. Insurance covers most veterinary costs, such as examinations, tests, medications, surgery, and hospital stays. Some packages also cover complementary services–such as massage, physiotherapy and acupuncture–now offered by some veterinary clinics. Having pet insurance ensures that you will be able to provide your pet with excellent health care.
Pet insurance for rabbits protects you from other major costs. Your pet may have been a major investment. Some policies provide a lump sum death benefit equal to the purchase cost. Other costs that can be covered include vet fees paid outside of the U.K., advertising when your pet is lost or stolen, and boarding fees in the event you are suddenly hospitalised. If you enter your pet into competitions, ask about special provisions to cover these events.
When you decide to purchase a policy, your first decision will be whether to purchase life or time-limited cover. Life cover protects you for the whole life of your rabbit. Time-limited protection covers each illness or injury for a specific period of time, often one year. Time-limited cover is less expensive than life cover and helps you with at least the initial costs of veterinary treatments. Both types of cover usually pay up to £2,000 to £3,000, per illness, in a twelve-month period.
While choosing your policy, take into account your financial situation, the age of your rabbit and its health needs. If you need an economical option, consider a time-limited policy, with a lower level of cover, and a higher excess. Having some support when your bunny needs veterinary care will be much better than none at all.
Predicting health requirements is not always easy. Talking to a veterinarian may be helpful. One thing you can be sure about is that any rabbit can develop a health problem, no matter how well you care for it. As a rabbit ages, its risk of getting a chronic condition or serious ailment increases.
Deciding on an insurance strategy early in your pet’s life is important for a number of reasons. Base premiums go up as a rabbit ages. Policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so once your rabbit starts to develop a problem, the problem may not be covered if you buy a plan afterwards. If you are interested in life cover, you will need to purchase it before your bunny reaches its 5th birthday.
Rabbit pet insurance policies have features that enhance your purchase. Some insurers offer a 24-hour helpline staffed by veterinary nurses, who can answer questions about your bunny’s care. Discounts are available when you enrol more than one rabbit and when you apply online. Easy-to-read descriptions of policy terms help you to select the best package and take advantage of its features.
Should you decide to purchase a rabbit insurance policy, the process is very easy. You can enrol online or over the phone, knowing that if you change your mind within 14 days you will be able to cancel at no cost. Once you sign up, it will take only a few weeks for your policy to come into effect and for you to know that you will be able to handle any major rabbit care costs.