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Bearded Dragon Insurance

Bearded dragons require consistent check-ups, medication, and care. Learn how exotic pet insurance for bearded dragons in New Zealand can help you.

Different Types of Bearded Dragon Insurance in New Zealand

Owners of bearded dragons as pets in New Zealand have different needs. Pet insurance providers understand this and provide insurance options that cater for the different needs of these pet parents. Following are the main types of bearded dragon insurance policies you can choose.

 

Lifetime Coverage

Lifetime coverage is the most popular insurance option for bearded dragon owners in New Zealand. It includes complete financial coverage for eligible treatment, veterinary visits, medication, and more, depending on the policy’s benefits. These policies are valid throughout the pet’s life, so long as there is no break in coverage and can provide the pet’s parents with good care options. The premium costs for these kinds of policies may be relatively higher.

 

Limited Time Coverage

The limited-time coverage policies provide care for bearded dragons in New Zealand for a specific period (6 months to 12 months), depending on the policy type. It’s a great option for temporary insurance coverage. You can then choose to renew the policy at the end of the time period.

 

Accident Only Coverage

The accident-only coverage provides pet owners coverage in case their pets undergo accidental injuries. Other instances like food poisoning, car accidents, etc., are also included in the accident-only coverage policies.

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Benefits of Pet Insurance for your Bearded Dragon New Zealand

The insurance policies available for bearded dragons provide pet owners with many benefits. Some of the most common ones pet owners should keep in mind for their next insurance purchase include:

Pick a Vet of Your Choice

The experience of your bearded dragon vet matters a lot because it determines their chances of treating your pet properly.

Yes, you can choose any vet, but an experienced one can care for your bearded dragon better. The insurance policies can cater to the high costs of veterinary fees without damaging the pet parent’s wallet.

Peace of Mind

An insurance policy with suitable financial coverage ensures pet owners have sufficient peace of mind. Pet owners don’t have to worry about the affordability of their pet’s treatment, medication, operations, and other procedures. They can take the pet for treatment directly and avoid any stress.

Breed Specific Coverage

There are two breeds of bearded dragons that can be kept as pets in your home in New Zealand. These are the Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and the Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata). However, caring for each of these breeds requires specific environmental conditions and care for each to live a happy and healthy life.

The main focus is to provide your pet with breed-specific care. For instance, some breeds of the bearded dragon are more at risk of developing certain health conditions than others. You can discuss specific health conditions your bearded dragon is prone to and get treatment for them timely.

Better Budget Management

Providing a bearded dragon with medical treatment can cost owners thousands of dollars. Most New Zealanders don’t want to spend too much on veterinary expenses, so insurance policies make for a great option to manage their budget.

Insurance policies allow pet owners to plan ahead by knowing the cost of their monthly premiums, if an unexpected accident or illness happens, they are able to still get the best care options without the financial burden.

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Fun Facts about Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons have unique personalities and characteristics. Here are some fun facts about the pet to keep in mind.

  • The name “Bearded Dragon” derives from the “beard” of scales that encircle their neck.
  • Bearded dragons cannot regrow their tails, but they can regrow their teeth!
  • The colour of the Bearded Dragon’s skin can also change, although it is not as immediately noticeable as a chameleon’s.
  • They acknowledge other lizards and their owners by waving.
  • Bearded dragons love to sunbathe.
  • While defending territory, they make a hissing noise.
  • Bearded dragons signal their interest in a mate by bobbing their heads up and down.
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Common Health Conditions that Bearded Dragons Develop

Bearded dragons are typically rather resilient, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience major health problems. The likelihood of developing health problems grows with age, so insurance premiums for older bearded dragons cost more. Here is a list of some common health conditions for bearded dragons that you should consider.

  • Metabolic Bone Disease
  • Yellow Fungus
  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • Parasites
  • Cancer
  • Infectious Stomatitis (Mouth Rot)
  • Paralysis
  • Impaction
  • Dysecdysis (Retained Shed)
  • Tail Rot
  • Diarrhea

The following can weaken the immune system of your bearded dragon:

Malnutrition or an improper diet

Similar to humans, bearded dragons can become unwell and frail when they don’t receive the right nutrients. An infection that might have been fought off in the past will thrive in this environment.

Inadequate temperature and humidity levels in the cage

When your bearded dragon lives in an environment with unfavourable conditions, its immune system can be compromised, making them more susceptible to health conditions.

Stress

Stress is the cause of a variety of health problems, but it is most commonly responsible for Mouth Rot. The appearance of dark patches or marks on your dragon’s chin, neck, and belly is one of the most prevalent and clear indications of stress. When your bearded dragon is under stress, it will have a harder time fighting off fungus and bacteria that are growing in its mouth.

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Why Pet Owners Love Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons have a long lifespan and whilst they will happily (and should) live alone, they do enjoy human companionship. The peaceful and calm temperament of bearded dragons helps them get along with any age group, but should be handled with care to avoid catching salmonella.

They are beautiful creatures that come in a wide range of colours to choose from. They come in a rainbow of colours, from red to yellow to white to purple, and even more unique forms, or “morphs,” that can be particularly intriguing.

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Receive Our Award-Winning Service

Pet insurance is a great option for your bearded dragon, getting the right insurance policy with a reputable company is challenging.

An award-winning service like ours at Petcover is the best option for your bearded dragon insurance policy. With the aid of our insurance partners, we can help you get affordable coverage and instant assistance. We recommend you contact our team to discuss your insurance policy expectations immediately.