Whether you are a competitive rider, an amateur equestrian, or just a happy owner of a stud, you must have encountered a brain-bending process when shopping for horse insurance. The oldest type of pet insurance, horse insurance is available in so many types and forms that you need extensive knowledge and expertise to choose the right policy – or you can use this all-encompassing guide on equine insurance.
Let’s see what options you have in the UK and US.
On a different note: we’ve got an outline explaining pet insurance for you. Click the link to explore cat, dog, and other types of pet insurance.
| Plan | Coverage, up to the limits of the policy |
| Horse Mortality Insurance (Death or Slaughter) | Death caused by disease, illness, or injury, as well as theft and straying |
| Short-Term Mortality | Death within 30 days or other specific timeframe |
| Renewal Coverage | Mortality coverage cannot be denied upon renewal due to a condition that has appeared and has been reported during the duration of the policy |
| Theft or Straying | Theft or straying |
| Medical & Surgical | Medical and surgical services |
| Equine Transit | International transit |
| Loss of Use (Disability) | A percentage of the mortality cost – usually 60% to 100% – if the horse is disabled due to injury, illness, disease, or accident |
| Permanent infertility | Permanent infertility caused by a disease, sickness, or accident |
| Expected or Guaranteed Foal | Short-term or long-term foaling coverage |
| Plan | Coverage, up to the limits of the policy |
| Horse Liability | Damages to third parties and costs arising from the use of the horse |
| Personal Accident | Death, disablement, loss of sight, loss of hearing, and loss of limbs |
| Veterinary Fees (Vet Insurance) | Vet treatment: physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, shoeing, etc. |
| Dental Coverage | Dental treatment |
| Stable Coverage | Damage to the stable, or if the stable is destroyed |
| Colic Coverage | Costs of colic surgery |
The division between basic and optional coverage is conditional and entirely depends on the provider. Optional benefits can be included in a basic plan and vice versa, so you have to thoroughly research plans before taking action.
When choosing between different policies, take into account the value of your horse, their health, age, usage, as well as your risk tolerance, and whether the insurer is licensed in your state. For example, if you own a valuable stud, then you will likely need both mortality and medical insurance.
Note, however, that you shouldn’t choose the policy based on price alone. Consider these factors:
Balancing these factors will help you choose the right policy.
The most common exclusions are preexisting conditions, age, medical prerequisites, and hospitalization. Also, there might be a 14-day exclusion period, which is the period from the inception of cover, during which the horse is not covered.
All breeds can be covered. However, the available coverage and its price vary depending on the breed and multiple other factors, such as the horse’s age, health, use, and more.
Yes, you can insure your horse equipment with saddlery and tack coverage. This coverage will pay the cost of saddlery and tack if the equipment is damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed. Note, however, that most saddlery and tack plans won’t cover wear and tear.
If you take out a loan on a horse, then you have to make sure that the existing coverage (if any) is enough. If the horse is not covered, then you can buy the coverage you need. Otherwise, you may suffer unnecessary financial losses – for example, if the horse needs vet treatment, but it doesn’t have the respective coverage.
The average cost of horse insurance in the UK is around £30 per month. The average cost of horse insurance in the U.S. is around $25 per month.
However, the real cost of equine insurance depends on the horse’s breed, age, health, gender, use (different activities bear different risks), value, as well as the type of policy. For example, the annual cost of mortality coverage is up to 4% of the horse’s value.
| Company | Plans |
| ASPCA: most affordable coverage |
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| Blue Bridle: all-encompassing coverage with proven track records; licensed in most states |
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| Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency: extensive coverage with educational materials |
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| Kay Cassell Equine Insurance: the broadest choice of coverage |
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| Company | Plans |
| Animal Friends: flexible and affordable coverage |
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| The Insurance Emporium: the most extensive coverage on the European market |
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| Harry Hall: extensive coverage with membership bonuses |
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| Petplan Equine: time-tested coverage with transparent limits |
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Oleksandr is an expert in deep research. He covers various insurance topics across verticals, adopting to every local law.
