Hamster Insurance Now Availalbe!

The day has finally come- hamster health insurance is now available! Click here to find out more.

Is it worth it? Let’s say you pay $250/year for hamster insurance. Many hamsters might not need $250/year of health care -they might just need a nail trim ($20/per trim) and a yearly wellness exam ($60-80).

But, let’s say you have a hamster like my little Laverne. At about 1 yr of age, Laverne developed an abscess that remained with her for the remainder of her life (an additional 1 - 1/4 years). Laverne had three surgeries (I spent approx $1000 on her three surgeries), countless vet apts ($60-80 each), plus medication at about $60/bottle (although it lasted for several months).

My other hamsters did not have as many costly medical expenses, thankfully! So I was able to make it work. But she did cost a lot more than I realized a hamster could or would ever cost!

A more typical hamster might be little Shirley. Shirley (Laverne’s sister), was fairly healthy for her first year of life. Then she developed a tooth issue and had to have her teeth clipped monthly (approx $20/per trim). She also ended up getting pneumonia and needing x-rays at the end of her life ($200 for xrays plus $100 in emergency vet fees). During her last few months of life she went to our regular or emergency vet fairly frequently, I would imagine I spent about $400-$500 on her during her last days. Of course, every penny was worth it to me as I wanted her to be comfortable and happy. But… pet insurance would have come in handy!

Right now I just have little Oscar the Roborovski to keep me entertained. I think, with just one hamster, I can afford to take on the risk of his medical expenses. But if/when I get a second hamster, (particularly a rescue dwarf or Syrian hamster, as they tend to have more medical issues due to poor breeding) I will probably be acquiring pet insurance, and I’ll give you all my full review!

What do you think? Would you get hamster insurance? Do you think it’s worth it?