Guinea Pig Insurance

long haired guinea pig being checked by a veterinary specialist

Visits to the vet can get expensive, not to mention the treatments that you may also have to purchase. It all adds up and can be difficult to pay all at once if your guinea pig does suddenly develop a health problem.

For this reason it is a good idea to consider taking out some kind of pet insurance so that you have the peace of mind in case your cavy does get sick. 

What are the Options?

  • Take out an guinea pig health insurance plan (either for one pet or to cover all your pets)
  • Self-insure (put money in a savings account of your own on a monthly basis)

Taking out an Small Pet Insurance Plan

The cost of insurance policy for your guinea pigs will vary depending on where you insure them. But you might find that the peace of mind in knowing they are covered makes it worth the monthly charges. An insurance plan can help meet the cost of any unexpected treatments from injuries as well as pay towards any ongoing treatments. 

Insurance costs can increase as your pet ages and you may end up paying more for an older pet. However, as older guinea pigs can have more health issues, it may save you money in the long run.

Multiple Pet Insurance

If you have more than one guinea pig or you have other pets as well, you might be able to get a multiple insurance policy that covers them all at a discounted price.

White faced Abyssinian guinea pig next to tunnel
Baileys, an Abyssinian guinea pig

Self-Insure

If you choose not to take out pet insurance, it is advisable to self-insure. Many people now do this and it can often be a lot more economical. 

Self-insurance works by putting a certain amount of money into a separate bank account each month so that you have a “vet fees fund” should you need one. It is a good idea to open a new bank account for this to keep it separate from any other savings you might have. 

Using this method means you are not paying for a service you might not use but, at the same time, the money is there should you need it.

Peace of Mind

Once you have an insurance plan in place, you will have the peace of mind so that if you have an emergency where your guinea pig’s life is in danger, if they need an operation, or if they are simply a little unwell and you need to get them checked out, you know you can take them to the vet without the fear of a huge bill.

Where Can I Get Pet Insurance for Guinea Pigs?

If you are looking online, rather than looking specifically for “guinea pig insurance”, try searching for “small pet insurance” or “small mammal insurance” as the insurance companies often classify them under any of these categories. You could also try searching for “guinea pig health insurance”.

It can be useful to look at the comparison websites too. They will compare the prices of several companies that offer pet insurance so that you can find the best insurance policy at the right price.

In summary, whether you decide to take out an insurance policy for your guinea pigs is entirely your choice but whatever you do decide, bear in mind that there is going to be a time when your pet does need veterinary treatment. The cost will depend entirely on what is wrong with them and what treatment is required. So it is advisable to either self-insure or arrange insurance through a company.

Find out about how to care for your guinea pigs and common health problems.