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Equine Insurance

Understand equine insurance – what it covers, why you need it, and how to choose the best policy for your horse.

What is equine insurance?

Equine insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect horse owners from financial losses associated with unexpected events related to their horses. This can include accidents, illnesses, theft, mortality, and liability.

Is major medical included in equine insurance?

Major medical (and surgical) coverage is a separate type of equine insurance policy. It's designed to help cover the cost of expensive veterinary treatments, including surgeries, hospitalization, and diagnostics. It may or may not be included in a basic equine insurance package.

What is the difference between full mortality and named perils equine insurance?

  • Full mortality offers the most comprehensive coverage, insuring your horse against death from accidents, illnesses, and necessary euthanasia. 
  • Named perils cover only specific causes of death, such as fire, theft, or transportation accidents.

What factors affect the cost of equine mortality insurance?

Premiums are influenced by your horse's age, breed, value, intended use (competition, breeding, leisure), and your chosen deductible.

Can I get equine mortality insurance for an older horse?

Yes, but coverage options and premiums may be different for senior horses. Some insurers have age limits or require a veterinary exam before coverage.

Does equine mortality insurance cover the cost of euthanasia?

Most full mortality policies cover necessary euthanasia performed by a veterinarian.

What types of damage does horse trailer insurance cover?

Coverage typically includes accidents, collision, fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Some policies may offer coverage for living quarters within the trailer.

Does my auto insurance cover my horse trailer?

Most standard auto policies provide limited or no coverage for horse trailers. It's essential to get a specialized horse trailer insurance policy for comprehensive protection.

Does horse trailer insurance cover injuries to my horse during transport?

No, horse trailer insurance covers physical damage to the trailer itself. You'll need equine mortality and/or equine medical insurance to cover injuries sustained by your horse while in transit.

Does equine insurance cover colic surgery?

Yes, colic surgery is often covered under major medical or surgical insurance, which is a type of equine insurance policy. However, coverage limits and deductibles can vary between policies. Some policies may have specific exclusions for certain types of colic or pre-existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Question about Insurance


What does equine insurance cover?

Equine insurance offers a range of coverage options. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Mortality Insurance

    Covers the horse's death due to accident, illness, or necessary euthanasia.

  • Major Medical/Surgical Insurance

    Helps pay for expensive veterinary treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization.

  • Loss of Use

    Provides compensation if your horse becomes permanently unable to perform its intended use due to an injury or illness.

  • Liability Insurance

    Protects you financially if your horse causes bodily injury or property damage to others.

Why do I need equine insurance?

Horses are valuable assets, both financially and emotionally. Equine insurance offers these key benefits:

  • Financial protection

    Covers costly veterinary bills, potential losses due to death or theft, and liability claims if your horse causes injury or property damage.

  • Peace of mind

    Knowing you have a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances provides reassurance.

  • Mortgage or lease requirements

    Some lenders or boarding facilities may require you to have equine insurance.

Does equine insurance cover mortality?

Yes, mortality insurance is a core component of many equine insurance policies. There are two main types:

  • Full Mortality

    The most comprehensive option, it covers death from accidents, illnesses, and necessary euthanasia by a veterinarian.

  • Named Perils Mortality

    Coverage is limited to death resulting from specific causes listed in the policy, such as fire, theft, or transportation accidents.

Can I get loss of use coverage with equine insurance?

Yes, loss of use coverage is an optional add-on to some equine insurance policies. It provides compensation if your horse becomes permanently unable to perform its intended use (e.g., competition, breeding) due to an injury or illness covered by the policy.

Does equine insurance cover liability?

Yes, liability insurance is another important type of equine insurance. It protects you financially if your horse causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Liability coverage may be included in a comprehensive equine insurance policy or purchased separately.

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