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?

Our most affordable policy, costs just £4.35 a month. It gives you cover for death and theft, making it a great choice if you’re looking for essential protection.

For more comprehensive cover, the Essential policy starts at £13.94 a month, and includes up to £2,500 for vet fees.

If you want our highest level of protection, the Premier policy is £15.62 a month, offering up to £2,500 of cover for vet fees, as well as cover for death and theft.

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 based on a Horsfield tortoise valued at around £150 and are correct as of November 2025.