Tortoise Insurance

Owning a tortoise can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it also comes with important responsibilities. From providing the right diet to setting up the perfect habitat, and even considering tortoise insurance, every decision plays a crucial role in your tortoise’s health and wellbeing.

Part of responsible pet ownership includes registering with a vet to ensure your tortoise gets the care they need if they become unwell. However, vet bills can quickly add up, especially if your tortoise needs specialist treatment. That’s where tortoise insurance comes in.

Tortoise insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary costs, giving you peace of mind while making sure your shelled friend gets the care they deserve.

How much does it cost to insure a tortoise?

Basic cover for a Horsfield tortoise starts from £4.35 a month or £42.87 a year.*  

Essential cover for a Horsfield tortoise starts from £13.94 a month or £139.04 a year.* 

Premier cover for a Horsfield tortoise starts from £15.62 a month or £155.84 a year.* 

Ready to find out what you’d pay? Get a quote and tailor a policy that’s just right for your tortoise. 

At what age can I insure my tortoise?

For younger tortoises, cover can begin from 12 weeks. The upper age limit for a new policy is 50 years old.

But if you insure your tortoise before it’s 50, then cover can continue beyond, with no age restriction. This means that once you have cover, your tortoise can live to 60, 70 or even older, and still remain insured.

Can you insure tortoises that have recently been unwell?

We can’t cover your bird of prey if they’ve been to the vet for an accident or illness in the last 3 months. But don’t worry – once they’ve been treatment-free for 3 months and are fit and healthy, we can insure them. Pre-existing conditions won’t be covered in the first year, but after that, we’ll review them based on the policy terms, with no exclusions applied.

As always, cover is subject to our Policy Terms and Conditions.

Why buy tortoise insurance?

Tortoise insurance offers financial protection against those unexpected bills, should your tortoise become ill, or be injured. This can reduce the emotional strain felt from cost dependent choices. Leaving you to focus on getting the right care for your tortoise.

Like all insurance policies cover is subject to Terms and Conditions which you should read carefully before you buy your policy.

Caring for your tortoise

As a tortoise owner, you’ll know how important it is to provide the right food and environment for your tortoise. We have information on the correct diet for your tortoise, and suggestions on growing food at home. For example, dandelions are packed with nutrients and can be easily grown.

The correct environment, such as enclosure, hide, UV and heating, are all important, with heating and UV helping to stimulate your tortoise’s appetite.

Tortoise care isn’t just about the right setup though. Healthcare is equally as important and visiting a vet when your pet is ill is vital.

Conditions such as a respiratory infection often characterised by a runny nose, can quickly deteriorate, with a poor prognosis if not treated early.

*Prices are correct as of March 2026.