Avian Pet Insurance
It's For The Birds!

Is there a need for avian pet insurance?

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.1 millions homes. Sixteen million of these pets were birds. In 1991, consumers spent $37.7 million on veterinary costs for birds. By 1996, that number had grown to $91.2 million. Today it has crossed the billion dollar mark.

I don't mean to get all statistical on you, but yes, I would say there is a need for avian (bird) insurance. Surprisingly, I found there are still very few companies that insure birds and other exotic pets.

In the United States, I found only one company who insures birds and other exotic pets. Should you hear of any others, please fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

Veterinary Pet Insurance does offer avian insurance in the US and is the oldest insurance carrier in the nation. The plan covers thousands of medical problems relating to accidental injuries and illnesses and they offer an optional coverage for routine wellness care.

The United Kingdom has seen the need for pet insurance long before the rest of the world. Avian pet insurance is not as popular as dog and cat insurance in the UK, but it is gaining popularity.

Part of this is due to more countries signing up to the Convention on International Trade, which makes it illegal to remove many birds from the wild. This has resulted in the most ordinary parrot being worth £500 on the black market. With the number of bird thefts continuing to increase in the UK, it has become more necessary than ever to insure valuable birds.

In the United Kingdom, E&L Insurance has been providing avian insurance for over five years. Bird insurance from this company provides a choice of plans that can include veterinary fees and theft coverage. They also offer a "lowest price guarantee."

Another avian pet insurance carrier in the UK is Golden Valley Insurance. Their Birdcover policy has run since 1982 and is the longest established bird insurance in the UK.

PHA Pet Insurance and Exotic Direct are two other avian insurance companies in the UK. In association with Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd, they offer cover for exotic birds, birds of prey and small birds. The policy terms and conditions appear to be the same so I have grouped these two companies together.

1st Quote Insurance is an online avian pet insurance resource offering Petline. Whether you own a single parrot or have a large collection of rare and unusual animals, you can insure them with exotic pet insurance from 1st Quote insurance. They provide varying levels of cover for reptile insurance, bird insurance or any type of specialist pet insurance.

They offer cover to protect against theft and veterinary costs; the death of your pets as a result of an accident, sickness or disease, and against the threat of fire, lightning and storms. In addition, they offer an optional add-on to extend cover while taking your pets to shows and exhibitions.

Last, but not least, Healthy Pets UK is another provider of avian pet insurance. They claim to have experienced growth rates in excess of 100% every year and pride themselves on their client renewal rate.