Rabbit insurance: What you need to know

They're cute, they chew your furniture, and—plot twist—they're not cheap when something goes wrong.

Getting the right insurance for your cotton-tailed friend is a great way to give yourself peace of mind. Because your bunny might be small, but vet bills aren't.

This guide will help you protect your bunny (and your bank account) before they chew another charger.

Why is rabbit insurance important?

Getting pet insurance for your rabbit acts as a shield against unexpected costs. We don't like to think about our animal friends falling ill, but it's always best to be prepared.

Rabbits are susceptible to a variety of common health issues, that can lead to huge vet bills. And because they're so small, it can be harder to operate on them compared to larger pets.

Some of the most common health issues in rabbits include:

• Dental problems: Look out for overgrown or misaligned teeth. Dental issues can make it harder for your bunny to eat, and cause further complications if left untreated. It's a good idea to check their teeth weekly so they can go on munching carrots to their heart's content.
• Digestive issues: These can stem from dehydration, a lack of exercise, poor diet, and even stress.
• Myxomatosis: Look out for swelling around the eyes and face, trouble eating or drinking, or high fever. Myxomatosis is a severe, often fatal, viral disease in rabbits. It's usually caused by mosquitoes and fleas. Staying on top of your rabbit's vaccinations are the key to prevention.
• Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD): Particularly common in older rabbits, this disease causes high fever, liver damage, and internal bleeding. Get your bunny vaccinated to prevent this disease.

Buying an insurance policy can put your mind at ease knowing your rabbit (and your wallet) are being looked after.

Types of rabbit insurance policies

As always, it's best to shop (or hop) around when looking for the right insurance policy for your rabbit. Let's take a look at the different levels of insurance you'll come across:

Lifetime

Lifetime pet insurance gives you ongoing cover for your rabbit's health - and renews every year.

This is your most comprehensive option. So if you want full coverage that doesn't have a time limit, this might be the best choice.

Time-limited

This type of policy pays a fixed amount for each illness or injury, normally over a 12 month period.

This is usually one of the cheaper options for bunny insurance. But when the time limit is up, your cover ends.

Accident-only

This policy covers your rabbit if it gets accidentally injured.

As the most basic level of cover, you might find that illnesses caused by accidents aren't always included.

How much does rabbit insurance cost?

Like all types of insurance, the price can depend on a number of factors:

• Your rabbit's age: Older pets are more costly to insure, as they're more likely to need vet care and treatment.
• Breed: Not all bunnies are the same - some rabbit breeds are more prone to certain illnesses and conditions, which could hike up the price.
• Location: Your postcode also factors into the cost. If you live in an area with typically higher vet costs (like London), you could see your insurance premiums rise too.
• Pre-existing conditions: If your fluffy friend has a pre-existing medical condition, they'll normally be more expensive to insure.

How can I get cheaper rabbit insurance?

Insuring any animal can be pricey, so it's good to know some of the tips for easing the strain on your wallet:

• Increase your excess: Choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay if you claim) can reduce your monthly premiums.
• Take your rabbit for regular check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help identify potential health issues before they become serious. Make sure you stay up to date on their routine appointments. For example, worming, nail clipping, and grooming.
• Compare different rabbit insurance policies: Shopping around is the best way to find the cheapest deal.
• Monitor your rabbit's diet and exercise: Prevention is always the best policy when it comes to keeping your rabbit fit and healthy. Make sure your rabbit is getting lots of exercise and is enjoying a healthy, balanced diet. Being a responsible owner means it's less likely your rabbit will fall ill and need vet care.
• Compare multi-pet insurance: This means you can cover all your furry friends under 1 policy. This can be a cheaper option than lots of separate policies.

What does rabbit insurance typically cover?

Pet rabbit insurance typically includes:

• Vet fees: This applies to treating accidental injuries as well as illnesses.
• Loss or theft: If your rabbit goes missing or even gets stolen, your insurance policy can contribute towards the cost of finding them.

But there are some exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions: This is any illness your rabbit had before the policy started and needs continual treatment for. You'll have to pay for any treatment related to this condition.
• Routine check-ups: Routine procedures like vaccinations, spaying, neutering, worming, or flea removal, usually aren't covered.

Always make sure to read your policy documents carefully when buying insurance.

Tips for choosing the right rabbit insurance

It's always best to shop around when looking for the right rabbit insurance. You'll want to think about your own individual needs and personal budget.

You'll want both the best price and the best level of care for your bunny. So it's also worth checking customer service quality and claim processes. Take a look through other customer's testimonials and reviews to get a better idea of the insurer's track record.

Is rabbit insurance worth it?

Though rabbits are small, keeping one as a pet isn't always smooth sailing. Their size means they're harder to operate on, so vet bills can be surprisingly pricey.

For example - if your bunny develops ear problems, the RSPCA estimates that you could be looking at paying around £1,000 for surgery or a CT scan.

It's always worth weighing up the potential risks against the cost of insurance.

When should I buy rabbit insurance?

You can buy rabbit insurance whenever you like - it isn't mandatory. But it's generally recommended to buy insurance early to make sure you're covered from the start of your bunny's life.

Rabbits generally live for around 5 - 8 years, depending on their environment and their breed. But some can live for as long as 12 years.

Some policies or providers might have upper age limits though. This means you might struggle to find a new policy if Flopsy's reaching his twilight years. Many insurers won't cover existing medical conditions, so hop to it if you want to find a good deal.