Must admit I put money aside every month for my rainy day fund, this also doubles up as my vet fund, the girls probably cost me more generally than my dog.
Saying that I'm lucky-I don't drink, smoke or have children so my pets get a bigger chunk of my wages than people can give with lots of hobbies.
Years ago I looked into insuring when I had 3guineas & it was at least £15-£20 per pig, per month, with a big excess... One of my Guineas was a senior. So I just put in similar savings per month.
When I insured my first dog the premiums gradually increased until he was 11yrs & then they ramped it up each year afterwards & increased the excess substantially.
I only ever made one claim for 2x teeth extractions (rotten through & through - real whiffy breath!) when he was 14, they replied that due to it being a 'cosmetic' issue they wouldn't normally pay, but to my surprise offered to cover the claim as a 'good will gesture' if I paid the excess!
I can't imagine exotics direct being that generous?
Or any insurance company these days?
I stopped insuring him at 15 & he crossed rainbow Bridge at nearly 17yrs.
I think some vets will do a payment plan/account, that you pay in '£x' each month & the cost of treatment is covered with what you've already paid them. They're more likely to treat over your balance in an emergency if required as they know you pay in regularly. Might be worth checking with your vet.
Insurance is invaluable if you have guineas that have developed illnesses after you've started paying the premiums though, but won't usually cover any form of pre-existing medical issues.
If you do purchase it, please read thoroughly through the small print first!
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