Bird insurance

Cockatiels, canaries, and budgies are some of the UK's most popular birds to keep as pets. So whether you've got a chatty parrot or a doting pair of lovebirds, it's a good idea to get the right cover.

So enough of the squawking - let's take a look at what a bird insurance policy might look like, and why it's worth considering.

Why consider bird insurance for your feathered friend?

Getting bird insurance is a great way to protect yourself financially against unexpected costs. One of the main reasons owners buy pet insurance is the high cost of vet bills.

Birds have a unique set of needs, separate from mammals, so you'll want an insurance policy that reflects that. For example, because they can fly, your bird could injure themselves accidentally in your home. Bird insurance cover the cost of getting your pet to a specialised vet if necessary.

What are the most popular birds to keep as pets?

Here are some of the most popular bird species kept as pets in the UK:

• Parrots
• Budgies
• Chickens
• Ducks

Do I need to register my bird of prey?

Some birds of prey need to be registered with Animal Health (DEFRA), under Section 7, Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.These include:

• Golden eagle
• White-tailed eagle
• Osprey
• Honey buzzard
• Peregrine falcon
• Goshawk
• Merlin
• Marsh harrier
• Montagu's harrier

For birds classified as wild, you may have to apply for a wild bird license. You can find out more at GOV.UK.

Types of bird insurance policies available in the UK

There are a number of different bird insurance policies available in the UK. The type you choose depends on your individual pet as well as your personal circumstances.

• Accident only: This covers vet treatment if your bird's been in an accident. Illnesses aren't covered with this type of pet insurance.
• Time-limited: This covers your pet for a set period (usually 12 months) and only covers a certain amount. Your pet insurance stops covering you either at the 12-month mark, or when your pet's treatment reaches the cover limit.
• Maximum benefit: This type of policy covers your bird against illness or injury without time constraints. As long as you don't exceed your monthly limit, you can continue to claim for the same condition each year.
• Lifetime coverage: Lifetime pet insurance will protect your pet in the event of illness or injury year after year. Even if they're diagnosed with an ongoing condition, you'll still be able to claim.

What does avian pet insurance typically cover?

Birds can easily get injured or become unwell. Avian pet insurance typically covers the cost of veterinary bills if your feathered friend needs it.

Birds have their own unique set of needs as well as potential health risks. A typical avian pet insurance policy will cover you financially if Polly the parrot hurts a wing - or needs other veterinary care.

Some common health issues that affect birds include:

• Feather picking / loss
• Fractured limbs or wings
• Trauma
• Cloaca stone
• Soft tissue trauma
• Runny nose

Avian pet insurance also typically covers:

• Loss or theft: This covers you if your bird flies away or gets stolen.
• Death: If your pet bird sadly passes away due to injury or illness, you could be covered for the related costs

Always read the fine print of your policy details, and make sure you understand all the terms.

How much does bird insurance cost?

The cost of bird insurance can depend on several factors. Let's take a look:

• Age: Insuring an older pet is typically more expensive because they're more likely to have health issues. Bird life expectancy varies, so always check with your insurer to find out what age they consider to be a senior animal.
• Species: Some species of bird need specialist care, which hikes up the cost of insuring them. You might want to consider exotic pet insurance for birds of prey, as they might not be covered under a standard bird insurance policy.
• Medical history of the bird: If you're getting a new pet insurance policy and your pet has any pre-existing condition, any treatment for it won't be covered.

Can I get parrot insurance?

Yes - you can get insurance policies specific to parrots.

Parrots are often a lifetime commitment. They may live anywhere from 15 to over 50 years depending on their unique species and level of care. So it makes sense to have a suitable policy in place to cover against vet bills or other related issues.

Parrots are known for their high intelligence and ability to mimic our speech, making them popular pets in the UK and beyond. But perhaps less well known are their specific needs, and some of the common health issues they can face:

• Respiratory infections
• Feather plucking
• Digestive disorders
• Infectious diseases
• Feather and skin disorders
• Vitamin A deficiency

Can I get budgie insurance?

Yes, you can get budgie insurance. These small birds can incur huge vet bills, so having a suitable policy in place is worth considering.

Exotic Direct estimate that budgie insurance with £1,500 vet fee cover would cost you roughly £9.20 per month - spread over 10 instalments.

The price for budgie insurance depends on the type of bird you have though, and how much it's individually worth.

Tips for choosing the best bird insurance policy

When deciding what bird insurance policy is right for you and your pet, there's a few things you'll need to consider:

Your bird's details

• Species and value: Is your bird a high-value or rare species (e.g. African Grey, Macaw)?
• Age: Some insurers won’t cover very young chicks or older birds (usually over 5–10 years depending on species).
• Health history: Pre-existing conditions may affect coverage.

Understand what's covered

Not all bird insurance policies are equal. You'll then want to consider the various types of insurance options:

• Vet fees
• Death/theft
• Public liability
• Complementary therapies
• Transit & weather

Do you want full coverage or just vet fees? Are you taking your bird outdoors or traveling?

Tip: Look for policies that cover both illness and accidents, not just one or the other.

Bundle or multi-pet discounts

If you have multiple pets, some companies offer multi-pet insurance discounts, which can help lower your premium.