The type of horse insurance you’ll need depends on your own circumstances and the level of cover you want. It depends on your horse’s age, breed and what you do with them, whether that’s riding, driving, work or showing.
For example, if your horse’s breed is prone to certain medical conditions you might want to find a policy with adequate veterinary cover for that condition, just in case they’re diagnosed in the future.
There are a few cover options to choose from:
Standard cover
A regular horse insurance policy will usually cover one aspect as standard, say the vet fees, and then offer a range of optional extras you can add to your policy, like cover for death, straying or theft. You can get cover for your own horse or for one you have on loan. It’ll also usually cover your family for riding your horse. But if you ride other horses that don’t belong to you, you might want to think about a rider policy. Standard cover usually has age limits, for example for foals as young as 30 days, up until your horse is 20 years old.
Cover for older horses
You can get vet fee cover for injuries for mature horses aged 20 years and over – just check if there are any maximum age limits on your policy. Make sure you read your policy carefully to see how much it’ll pay out if your horse is injured or dies before you decide whether to insure your older horse.
Horse rider cover
Rider insurance includes cover for personal accident and dental fees, third party liability and custodial liability as well as emergency vet fees if you have an accident while riding a horse. Rider cover might have an age limit, say 18 to 75 years old, but you can also get young rider insurance for children. These policies will probably have age limits too, usually between five and 18 years old. Any pre-existing conditions that you or your horse have won’t be covered.
When it comes to insuring your horse, understanding the right coverage options is crucial to protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind.
The type of horse insurance you need depends on how you use your horse, its value, and the risks you’re willing to cover.
Mortality Insurance
Mortality insurance is similar to life insurance for your horse. If your horse dies due to accident, illness, or injury, this policy reimburses you for the horse’s value. Full mortality insurance covers a horse for any cause of death and often includes theft. It’s essential for owners who have invested significantly in purchasing or training their horse. Before purchasing this coverage, insurers will usually require a veterinary examination, especially for high-value horses.
Major Medical and Surgical Insurance
Major medical insurance covers veterinary costs related to illness or injury. This can include diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing treatments. Policies vary in coverage limits and exclusions, so it’s crucial to review terms carefully. For example, routine care and pre-existing conditions are typically not covered. Surgical insurance, on the other hand, specifically covers surgical procedures and associated expenses. If you want broader coverage for medical expenses beyond just surgery, consider combining major medical and surgical insurance.
Loss of Use Insurance
If your horse becomes permanently unable to perform its intended function—such as competing in shows, racing, or breeding—loss of use insurance can reimburse a percentage of the horse’s insured value. This coverage can be helpful for owners who depend on their horse for income or have invested heavily in the horse’s specialized training. However, the cost of loss of use insurance can be high, and insurers may require a thorough examination before issuing a policy.
Liability Insurance
Horses are powerful animals and, unfortunately, accidents can happen. Equine liability insurance provides protection if your horse injures someone or damages property. This is especially important if you own multiple horses, offer riding lessons, or have people frequently visiting your property. Some homeowner’s insurance policies offer limited liability coverage for horses, but a separate equine liability policy might be necessary for comprehensive protection.
Personal Horse Owner Liability Insurance
Even if your horse is kept at a boarding facility or used recreationally, personal horse owner liability insurance can be useful. It provides coverage if your horse causes injury or property damage, and it’s distinct from the liability insurance mentioned above. This is ideal for owners who participate in horse-related events or trail riding.
Care, Custody, and Control Insurance
If you board or train horses for other owners, care, custody, and control insurance is a must. This policy protects against liability claims if a horse under your care is injured, dies, or becomes ill. Many commercial equine facilities or trainers carry this insurance to cover risks associated with boarding and training horses owned by clients.
Choosing the Right Horse Insurance Coverage
When deciding on the right type of horse insurance, evaluate the primary risks your horse faces based on its activities and health history. A performance horse will have different needs than a retired pasture companion.
Always review policy exclusions, coverage limits, and deductibles to ensure you have comprehensive protection.
