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Pet Insurance for Rabbits
Find out about insurance options for your rabbit.
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Savvy Editorial TeamFact checked
As with any other pet, the health and well-being of your rabbit will be a top priority. Pet insurance can help ensure your bunny is taken care when in need, providing financial support for veterinary care and medical expenses.
What does pet insurance for rabbits cover?
Rabbit insurance is a specialised form of pet insurance designed to provide cover for the health and well-being of pet rabbits in Australia. Cover may include:
- Veterinary fees: the cost to treat your pet's injury and illness.
- Specialist treatment: the cost of specialist vet care.
- Diagnostic tests: the cost of diagnostic examinations.
- Dental care: coverage for dental check-ups, dental cleaning and other issues.
- Advertising and reward expenses: advertising costs and reward if your pet is stolen or goes missing.
- Third-party liability: coverage for compensation and legal costs if your rabbit is in an incident causing damage or injury.
Are there any limitations or exclusions on pet insurance for rabbits?
While rabbit insurance offers valuable protection, it’s essential to be aware of potential limitations and exclusions that might affect the extent of coverage you receive. Restrictions may include:
- Pre-existing conditions: these are health issues your rabbit had before the policy’s start date.
- Age limits: you may only be able to take out new insurance for rabbits within a certain age range.
- Waiting periods: this is a set amount of time that must pass before coverage becomes active for specific conditions or treatments..
- Location: coverage might vary based on your location within Australia – for example, rabbits cannot be kept as pets or insured in Queensland.
- Annual limits and benefit percentage: most policies have annual coverage caps, and insurers might reimburse a percentage of eligible expenses.
- Excess: you may need to pay a set amount for each claim, which you’ll need to pay before the insurance coverage kicks in.
- Availability: limited options might be available for rabbit insurance in Australia due to the unique nature of exotic pet coverage.
Is it worthwhile taking out pet insurance for my rabbit?
Deciding whether to take out pet insurance for your rabbit is a significant consideration for any responsible pet owner. However, keep in mind that even if you take excellent care of it, your rabbit, like any other animal, can face unexpected health challenges that can be costly to treat. Health issues your rabbit could face include:
- Dental problems such as overgrown teeth and dental abscesses.
- Respiratory infections such as “snuffles”.
- Hairballs, caused when hair is swallowed during grooming.
- Parasitic infections caused by creatures such as fleas and mites.
- Myxomatosis and calicivirus, which are fatal viral diseases spread by contact with contaminated rabbits, items or insects.
Veterinary care can be expensive, but having pet insurance for your rabbit can provide coverage for health issues, providing financial peace of mind and helping you address your rabbit’s healthcare needs when needed.
Types of pet insurance you can choose from
This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.
This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.
This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.
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Top tips for looking after your rabbit’s health
Desex your rabbit
Spaying or neutering is vital for your rabbit's health, preventing illnesses and ensuring a longer, happier life. It can curb hormone-related issues and protect against diseases like uterine cancers.
Regular vet visits
Schedule routine check-ups with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for preventive care, early detection of issues, and expert guidance on your rabbit's well-being.
Balanced diet
Prioritise a diet of hay, fresh vegetables and controlled portions of pellets to maintain proper nutrition and strong teeth.
Appropriate housing
A suitable habitat is essential for your rabbit's physical and mental well-being. Provide spacious, clean and safe living quarters that allow your rabbit to stretch, hop and move comfortably.
Dental care
Monitor your rabbit's teeth regularly for alignment and smoothness. Encourage natural chewing behaviour to prevent dental problems, and visit the vet if you observe any issues.
Frequently asked questions about pet insurance for rabbits
You can own and insure a domestic rabbit in all Australian states except for Queensland. In Queensland, it is illegal to keep rabbits, including as pets.
Most insurers allow you to choose your own vet, though it is important to check your policy to be sure. If you have an exotic animal such as a rabbit, you may want to consider a specialist vet with experience treating creatures other than cats and dogs. A specialist vet who focuses on small mammals like rabbits can provide tailored care, understanding their unique needs and potential health issues.
Microchipping is not a legal requirement for pet rabbits but it can be a valuable safety measure to identify your rabbit if it escapes or gets lost, helping to reunify you with your pet.
Apart from rabbits, other exotic pets that may be insurable in Australia include reptiles, birds and small mammals.