Small mammal insurance

Find out why small mammal insurance is a worthwhile investment for your furry little friend.

The thought of buying pet insurance might seem excessive when you first bring a tiny new animal home.

After all, many parents agree to a small pet such as a hamster or guinea pig because they're easy to care for and relatively inexpensive, so is there any point in splashing out on insurance?

Unfortunately, vet fees for injured animals, no matter how small they are, can be anything but inexpensive.

And if your pint-sized pet escapes, the cost of advertising around your neighbourhood in a bid to get him back can really add up.

What is small mammal insurance?

Small mammal insurance protects your pet - and your pocket! - if something unexpected happens.

The kinds of small mammals this sort of policy is ideal for include chinchillas, gerbils and guinea pigs.

Having insurance in place means you won't have to worry about the cost of treatment if your small animal becomes ill or gets injured, as it will pay up to a specified amount - such as £2,000 - towards vet fees.

Some policies include additional extra benefits such as the cost of advertising if your pet escapes or is stolen, and weather perils such as wind or storm damage to a hutch or cage.

Some insurers also offer death cover, and will pay out a lump sum on the death of the animal.

How do I buy small mammal cover?

As dogs and cats are the most popular animals in the UK, some pet insurers only offer cover for these.

If you're looking to insure a small mammal, you'll have to seek out specialist insurers that can cover rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters and other pets.

There are many advantages of buying a small pet, especially if you don't have much space at home or lack the time to walk a dog.

Read our guide to great small pets for children to find out more about some of the most popular and take a look at our infographic to find out what your should feed your future furry friend.

By Rebecca Lees