Insurance For Tortoise

[BobbyBobBob]

I am looking to get a tortoise as a pet and Im looking for insurance.

It would be a Herman's tortoise and I would want cover for theft and if the tortoise gets ill and needs treatment.

What sort of figure would I be looking at? ( I have been told to expect about £100 a year)

Any advice would be grateful.

Thanks

[hc4361]

Try here
https://www.exoticdirect.co.uk/tortoise-insurance

[BobbyBobBob]

Thanks but I've looked there already and you have to fill out all your details before you get a quote.

[gingejbee]

...you'll probably have to shell out a fair amount.....

[Sycamore3House]

Not a helpful answer but my friend has one of these and he woke up again this year for the 39th time.

[BobbyBobBob]

Very cleaver ginge

Sycamore, I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

[hc4361]

I filled in the details giving the purchase price of £130.

The quote is:
Death, theft, fire, weather perils, £2500 vet fees - £133.88 inc tax
£2500 vet fees only - £117.18 inc tax
Death, theft, fire, weather perils only - £41 tax inc

[Sycamore3House]

My friends tortoise his name is Herman hibernates each year in a box in the shed. When my friend thinks it is time for him to wake he opens the box so Herman can just crawl out. Apparently you don't know if they are still alive when in hibernation. This year he woke again he is in his 39th/40th year. So if you are going to get one it could be for a lifetime. Hope that explains

[wolf63]

I know that some vets specialise in cats, dogs etc so it may be worth checking to see if getting a vet for your tortoise.

Good luck

[smurfchops]

Instead of lining the pockets of the insurance company, why not put a few pounds away separately each month, so it is there if and when you need it.

[askyourgran]

I wouldn't imagine it would cost much to look after a tortoise, just put some money aside in case you need to seek the vet. My tortoise used to wander off now and again, just make sure the gates and fences are escape proof. Henry was quite old I'd put him in his box to hibernate and took him out in spring, but for the last two years he could have been dead for all I knew. Not much fun tortoises.

[Mamyalynne]

You can get the Microchipped, which is a good idea too.

[Prudie]

Is that per annum hc or month (Gulp)? Microchipping would be a very good idea, I thought the greatest risk to tortoises was getting pinched now they are so expensive (and rare).

[hc4361]

That's per annum :)

[wolf63]

My two moggies are about £20 per month for their Tesco insurance.

Frankie has to get monthly steroid shots so for me it has certainly been a good move.

[rsvp]

BBB you've had some good advice re insurance and well done you for thinking ahead.
There's a lot of outdated ideas about tortoise keeping and much new research has been carried out on how to make their lives better for those who live in this country - which is of course is not a natural environment for them.
I would strongly suggest you visit The Tortoise Table and/or The Tortoise Trust web sites. Both are excellent, knowledgeable sites with forums packed full of advice on every aspect of tortoise husbandry.
Good Luck

[lankeela]

A lad who comes to my dog training group is involved with a Tortoise group in Norfolk. They have an open day on 8th June and I am sure there must be groups in other areas. They have just done two days at the Suffolk Show and are going to be at the Royal Norfolk Show at the end of June with their stand to promote the care and welfare of Tortoises.

[lankeela]

http://www.tortoiseclub.org/events.php