Birds are one of Britain’s favourite pets. Whether it is the family budgerigar, a parrot or an exotic bird of prey, the value of these birds and the cost of their upkeep can be significant. With the cost of veterinary care and number of bird thefts on the increase, many people have turned to pet bird insurance to protect their beloved feathered friends.
Why should you consider bird insurance?
Pet bird insurance provides comprehensive insurance for your bird. Policies can be tailored to your specific needs and generally include cover for vets fees, equipment, aviaries and bird rooms, public liability and theft.
With vets fees often running into many hundreds of pounds, and equipment and aviaries also costing a significant amount, could you afford to meet the costs of these bills yourself in the event of anything happening to your bird?
Main benefits
Bird insurance policies have several main benefits.
1. Vets bills – The insurance covers the vet’s costs for necessary treatment following accident or illness.
2. Theft – The policy covers the value of your bird and also the costs involved in advertising for its return and a reward. (There must generally have been a forcible entry into your home to be able to claim under this cover.)
3. Equipment – cover is provided from accidental damage to aviaries or equipment caused by fire, theft or attempted theft, malicious damage, storm or flood.
4. Public liability – If you own a bird of prey, this cover ensures that you are protected against a claim from a third party for death, injury or damage to their property caused by the bird.
5. Attack – most policies include cover if your bird is attacked by vermin
Other factors to consider
If you have outside aviaries or bird keeping equipment, it may be worth contacting your home insurance provider to check whether these items are covered as ‘outbuildings’ under your home insurance policy. You may find that you can incorporate your bird rooms into your existing home insurance policy.
Pet bird insurance policies will generally not cover you in the event of your bird’s escape, unless it is as a result of theft or attempted theft or malicious damage to their aviary.
If you have a bird of prey, you may also be able to add ‘non return cover’ to your bird insurance for a small additional premium. This provides a payment in the event of the bird not returning to you when you are out flying it.