Insuring a Pet in OSRS A Comprehensive Guide for Players
In the vibrant world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), pets are more than just companions—they’re symbols of your achievements, from slaying fearsome bosses to mastering skills. But what happens if you lose one of these coveted critters? That’s where pet insurance comes in. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about insuring a pet in OSRS, ensuring your loyal followers stay by your side no matter what Gielinor throws at you. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new player, understanding the ins and outs of pet insurance can save you heartache and a hefty pile of gold.
Pets in OSRS, like the iconic Baby Mole or the elusive Tangleroot, are hard-earned rewards that showcase your dedication. Losing one due to an untimely death in the Wilderness or a misadventure can feel like a punch to the gut. Pet insurance, managed by Probita in East Ardougne, offers a safety net, ensuring you can reclaim your pet for a fee instead of losing it forever. Since pets don’t provide combat advantages and are purely aesthetic, their value lies in prestige and personal attachment, making insurance a no-brainer for most players.
The Risks of Not Insuring Your Pet
Without insurance, a pet lost upon death is gone for good unless you’re lucky enough to reclaim it under specific circumstances (like in Leagues, where mechanics differ). Here’s why skipping insurance is risky:
- Permanent Loss: Uninsured pets vanish if you die with them as a follower or in your inventory.
- Emotional Investment: Pets often represent hours, if not days, of grinding—losing one stings.
- Bragging Rights: Pets like the Skotos or Rift Guardian are status symbols in the OSRS community.
Automatic Insurance: A Modern Convenience
As of a 2022 update, pets are now automatically insured upon acquisition, a game-changer for forgetful adventurers. This means you don’t need to visit Probita to pay the initial 500,000 GP insurance fee upfront. However, you’ll still need to cough up 1,000,000 GP to reclaim a lost pet, so keeping some gold handy is wise. This update also applies retroactively—if a pet is in your Collection Log or bank placeholder, you can reclaim it from Probita, even if you never paid the original fee.
How to Insure and Reclaim Your Pet in OSRS
Navigating the pet insurance system is straightforward, but there are nuances every player should understand. Probita, located in East Ardougne next to Aemad’s Adventuring Supplies, is your go-to NPC for all things pet insurance. Let’s break down the process and what to expect.
Step-by-Step Guide to Insuring a Pet
While pets are now auto-insured, understanding the mechanics ensures you’re prepared. Here’s how it works:
- Acquire a Pet: Pets drop from bosses (e.g., Callisto Cub from Callisto), skilling activities (e.g., Beaver from Woodcutting), or unique methods like Clue Scrolls (Bloodhound).
- Automatic Insurance: Upon receiving a pet, it’s insured instantly—no need to visit Probita for the initial step.
- Check Insurance Status: Visit Probita to confirm which pets are insured, especially for older pets acquired before the auto-insurance update. This is also a requirement for the Easy Ardougne Diary.
- Safekeep Your Pet: Store pets in your bank or Player-Owned House menagerie to avoid risking them in dangerous areas.
Reclaiming a Lost Pet
If you die with an insured pet, don’t panic—it’s retrievable. Follow these steps:
- Visit Probita: Head to her bureau in East Ardougne.
- Pay the Reclaim Fee: Fork over 1,000,000 GP per lost pet. You can hold up to 250 reclaim tokens, so stock up if you’re accident-prone.
- Retrieve Your Pet: Probita returns your companion, ready to follow you again.
Pro Tip: If you’ve previously insured pets before the auto-insurance update, those 500,000 GP payments are converted into reclaim tokens or discounts, so you might get a free reclaim or two!
Costs and Considerations of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance isn’t free, and the costs can add up, especially if you’re collecting multiple pets. Let’s explore the financial side and whether it’s worth the investment.
Breaking Down the Costs
Here’s a quick look at the financial commitment:
| Action | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Insurance (Pre-2022) | 500,000 GP | No longer required; pets are auto-insured. |
| Reclaim Fee | 1,000,000 GP | Per pet, payable only if lost. |
| Duplicate Pet | Free Reclaim Token | Received if you get a duplicate pet drop. |
Is It Worth It?
For most players, the answer is a resounding yes. The 1,000,000 GP reclaim fee is steep but often dwarfed by the effort it takes to earn a pet. For example, the drop rate for a boss pet like Kraken’s Tentacle is around 1/1,000, meaning hundreds of kills might be needed. Compare that to earning 1M GP through skilling or slayer tasks, and insurance feels like a bargain. However, some argue the system is an outdated gold sink, with suggestions on forums like Reddit to remove it entirely for a more carefree pet experience.
Tips to Protect Your Insured Pet
Insurance is great, but prevention is better. Here are practical ways to keep your pet safe and avoid those costly reclaim fees.
Avoid Dangerous Areas
Pets are vulnerable in high-risk zones. Consider these precautions:
- Skip the Wilderness: PvP areas are a death trap for pets—leave them in the bank.
- Boss with Care: When fighting tough bosses, store your pet to avoid accidental losses during teleports or deaths.
- Use the Menagerie: Your Player-Owned House can store up to 61 pets, keeping them out of harm’s way.
Manage Your Inventory
Pets can’t be dropped if your inventory is full and you already have a follower, but skilling pets are prioritized over resources. If you’re grinding for a pet, keep a slot open to avoid missing out. For example, a Woodcutting pet like the Beaver might replace a log, but only if there’s space.
Stay Updated on Game Mechanics
OSRS evolves, and so do pet mechanics. For instance, Leagues players can reclaim pets via the League Tutor for free, but this doesn’t apply to the main game. Follow official OSRS news or community hubs like the 2007scape subreddit to stay informed on changes that might affect your pets.
Common Myths and FAQs About OSRS Pet Insurance
With a system as nuanced as pet insurance, misconceptions abound. Let’s clear up some myths and answer frequent questions to keep you informed.
Myth: You Need to Insure Pets Manually
Not anymore! Since June 2022, all pets are auto-insured, debunking the old belief that you must visit Probita immediately after getting a pet. However, checking your insured pets with her is still useful for peace of mind.
Myth: Pets Are Safe Without Insurance
False. Before auto-insurance, uninsured pets were permanently lost on death. Even now, while insured by default, you’ll still pay to reclaim them, so don’t assume they’re invincible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you un-insure a pet? No, once a pet is insured (automatically or otherwise), it stays insured. This protects against permanent loss, even if your account is compromised.
What happens if I get a pet with a full inventory? If you have a follower out and no inventory space, you won’t get the pet, but it’s still insured and reclaimable from Probita if it’s in your Collection Log.
Are all pets insurable? Probita only insures one-off pets (boss and skilling pets). Pets like kittens, which require feeding and care, follow different mechanics and aren’t part of her system.
Does insurance cost more for rarer pets? No, all pets have the same 1,000,000 GP reclaim fee, whether it’s a common Beaver or a rare Jal-Nib-Rek.
Can I insure pets in Leagues? Pets in Leagues are auto-insured and reclaimable for free via the League Tutor, not Probita, due to the mode’s unique rules.
Insuring a pet in OSRS is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings. With automatic insurance, the system is more accessible than ever, letting you focus on adventuring with your loyal companion by your side. Whether you’re chasing the next boss pet or skilling your way to a Rocky, knowing how to protect your pet ensures your achievements endure. So, bank that gold, visit Probita when needed, and keep exploring Gielinor—your pet’s got your back, and you’ve got theirs.