New Hermann's tortoise owner, pet insurance?

[Franco F]

Hi everyone. My name is Franco and I live in New York City. At the end of month, I'll be the owner of baby western Hermann's tortoise, which I'll name Massimo. When he arrives, I'll post a new thread with pictures!
I've basically done two years worth of research leading up to owning a Hermann's tortoise, and there is still one question that I have, which is, should I get a pet insurance policy for my tortoise? I've heard some conflicting opinions from family and tortoise owners that I know, but I'm still unsure where I stand on the matter. Also, if I do decide to open an insurance policy for my tort, does anyone have any recommendations for which company to open a policy with? I've been told Nationwide Pet Insurance is relatively decent.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi Franco

 

[wellington]

I didn't know you could get pet insurance for a tortoise. However, I wouldn't waist my money on it. If you buy your tort from a reputable breeder that starts them out right. You raise them in the right conditions like you will find on this forum, you should never have to take your tort to the vet unless something you could foresee happens. My torts have never seen a vet and I have had my first one since 2011. That's a lot of money I would have spent on pet insurance for nothing.
When I used to have pet insurance on my dog. It helped some, but it still cost me thousands out of pocket. They only covered pretty much what I paid them in the 5 years or so that I had it. Most won't cover the same issue twice either.

 

[Franco F]

I didn't know you could get pet insurance for a tortoise. However, I wouldn't waist my money on it. If you buy your tort from a reputable breeder that starts them out right. You raise them in the right conditions like you will find on this forum, you should never have to take your tort to the vet unless something you could foresee happens. My torts have never seen a vet and I have had my first one since 2011. That's a lot of money I would have spent on pet insurance for nothing.
When I used to have pet insurance on my dog. It helped some, but it still cost me thousands out of pocket. They only covered pretty much what I paid them in the 5 years or so that I had it. Most won't cover the same issue twice either.

I've always taken the 'better safe than sorry approach', but you make a really good point that, even with insurance, there's still a possibility that I would have to pay a great amount of money out of pocket anyway. Thank you for your advice!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, Franco, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and Massimo, when he arrives.

 

[JoesMum]

Hello Franco and congratulations on your imminent new arrival

If you want us to check over your enclosure and lighting before your tort arrives, please post pictures and we will be happy to help.

Sadly there is a lot of outdated information widely available on the internet and from pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets too. If you're in any doubt, I advise you to go by the TFO care sheets as they're right up to date!

I agree that insurance is a waste of money. Invest the premium money in a savings account and then you have it put by should you ever need it. We managed to go close to 40 years of ownership before we ever needed a vet!

Also, some plans will tie you to which vets you can see. Tortoises need a vet with specialist knowledge - one that is only used to treating furry pets is likely to do more harm than good.

 

[Franco F]

Hello, Franco, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and Massimo, when he arrives.

Thank you!

 

[Franco F]

Hello Franco and congratulations on your imminent new arrival

If you want us to check over your enclosure and lighting before your tort arrives, please post pictures and we will be happy to help.

Sadly there is a lot of outdated information widely available on the internet and from pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets too. If you're in any doubt, I advise you to go by the TFO care sheets as they're right up to date!

I agree that insurance is a waste of money. Invest the premium money in a savings account and then you have it put by should you ever need it. We managed to go close to 40 years of ownership before we ever needed a vet!

Also, some plans will tie you to which vets you can see. Tortoises need a vet with specialist knowledge - one that is only used to treating furry pets is likely to do more harm than good.

I've built the enclosure and I've pretty much gotten everything I need, but I haven't set it up yet. I'll definitely post pictures as soon as I set it up.

The tortoise will be arriving from a reputable breeder who I believe is a well-known member on this forum (Chris from Garden State Tortoise); he has an in-depth care sheet that I'll be following: http://www.hermannihaven.com/care-sheet

I appreciate your advice about the pet insurance. I think I'm leaning towards not getting it at this point.

Thank you

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome.
I also wouldn't worry the insurance.

 

[Franco F]

Welcome.
I also wouldn't worry the insurance.

Thank you

I think I'll set aside some emergency money just in case I ever do need to take my tortoise to the vet.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!