When most people consider pets, they think of dogs and cats. And that’s fair, as 85% of pet-owning households have either dogs, cats or both. But that stills leaves 15% of the population owning something else. Whether that be birds, rodents, or reptiles.
These pets need care just as much as the standard housecat or bulldog, which is why SDPEBA partners with Nationwide to provide Avian and Exotic Pet Insurance to its members.
For the most part, the plan for pets other than cats and dogs is quite different. While the cat/dog plan uses a coinsurance model, the Avian and Exotic plan uses a benefit schedule that varies from pet to pet. Pricing varies based on the type of pet as well. Check the chart below for coverage, (Note, these are priced per month, not per pay period).
Policyholders will have coverage for health issues, accidents, illnesses, exams, prescriptions, lab fees, x-rays, and hospitalization. Your benefit schedule will go into more information about how much coverage/allowance you have for each plan in particular, but it’s important to know that your plan has a $50 deductible and that it does not cover preexisting conditions. Meaning, if your Gecko has hip dysplasia, it will only be covered if it’s diagnosed after you sign up for Pet Insurance.
Alongside standard coverage for health treatments, policyholders also have access to the 24/7 Vet Helpline, lost pet advertising, and a dedicated agent who will help you through any claims you submit.
You can still receive discounts by enrolling multiple pets in your plan and sign up for additional wellness benefits that are tailored for your specific breed of pet.
Additional Wellness Coverage - A Unique Plan for your Unique Pet
Since this plan covers a wide variety of animal species, there are a lot of discrepancies based on which pet you’re signing up for wellness coverage. For example, birds get beak, nail, and wing trimming covered, which is not as necessary for pigs, who, to my knowledge cannot fly. Since this list is incredibly specific, it’s important to note that your wellness benefits essentially extend to: annual exams, blood profiling, spay/neutering, and most other veterinary wellness checks.
For more information about what’s specifically covered, you can contact Nationwide at 877-738-7874.
A lot of the information provided within this article was provided by two Nationwide Pet Insurance specialists, Monique and Tanya.
Check out Monique’s Webinar for Pet Insurance through SDPEBA by clicking here.
If you have any questions about our plans, the information within this article, or what Nationwide offers for your specific pet, you can contact Tanya, who is an expert in exotic pet insurance, her number is 844-244-3691, ext. 6260.