Horse & equine insurance

A practical guide to protecting your horse

Horse insurance is designed to help with the financial impact of illness, injury, theft, or death. For many UK owners, it sits alongside good stable management and veterinary care as part of responsible ownership. With vet fees rising and claim costs increasing, cover can offer stability when you face unexpected bills. The goal is simple - support your horse’s welfare and protect your budget.

The UK equine market is growing as more people ride for leisure and compete locally. Mortality cover remains the cornerstone - particularly for high-value horses used for breeding and sport - while many owners add veterinary fees and third-party liability for everyday risks. Recreational riders now form the largest customer base, and insurers have responded with flexible, mixed cover that balances cost and protection.

Insurance is not a shortcut to better horse care. Policies have limits, exclusions, and excesses. Understanding them matters. This guide explains common cover types, how claims work, and the factors that influence premiums in the UK. We will keep the language plain and the focus on the facts, so you can compare options confidently and decide what fits your horse, your riding, and your budget.

Insurance can help safeguard your horse and your finances - but only if you understand what is and is not included.

What is covered - and how policies operate

Most policies are built around mortality insurance, which pays out if a horse dies, is stolen, or must be humanely destroyed on veterinary advice. This is often the first layer of protection for breeders, competition yards, and owners of valuable bloodstock. Many owners then add veterinary fee cover to help with diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing treatment. Third-party liability is also common to protect against claims if your horse injures someone or damages property. For some, loss of use may be relevant where a horse can no longer perform its insured activity, subject to strict veterinary criteria.

Policies usually exclude pre-existing conditions, routine care such as vaccinations or dentistry, and elective procedures. Time limits and monetary caps often apply per condition. For example, a policy might pay up to a fixed sum for vet fees per incident within a 12-month window. If a horse develops a chronic condition, future renewals may exclude that condition.

Claims typically require prompt notification, veterinary reports, photographs, and proof of ownership and value. In a straightforward scenario - such as a leg injury confirmed by a vet - you pay the excess and the insurer reimburses eligible costs up to the limit. In more complex cases, such as loss of use, additional assessments and second opinions may be required. Always check what counts as an emergency and when prior authorisation is needed for surgery or advanced diagnostics to avoid disappointment.

Who benefits most from this cover

Horse insurance is valuable for UK owners who would struggle to absorb large, unexpected vet bills or the financial loss of a horse. It is especially relevant for competition and breeding horses, riding school mounts, and leisure horses whose owners want predictable budgeting. With vet costs rising - and leg injuries a frequent source of claims - many riders prefer the reassurance of a clear limit and excess rather than open-ended exposure.

Some owners of low-value, retired, or companion horses may choose more limited cover, or prioritise third-party liability over comprehensive medical benefits. Self-funding can work for those with robust savings, but it should be an informed choice. If you opt out, consider how you would handle a significant surgery, prolonged rehabilitation, or a liability claim. Balanced decisions start with a realistic view of your financial cushion and your horse’s health and workload.

Choosing a level of protection

1. Basic - Mortality only

   • Covers death, theft, and humane destruction. Often the minimum for high-value horses.
   • Lower premiums but no help with vet bills. Suits breeders or owners focused on asset protection.

2. Standard - Mortality plus veterinary fees

   • Adds cover for illness and injury up to a set limit per condition and policy year.
   • Good balance for most leisure riders needing help with diagnostics and surgery.

3. Comprehensive - Mortality, vet fees, liability

   • Includes third-party liability for injury or property damage and higher vet limits.
   • Suitable for riders mixing hacking with clinics, camps, and unaffiliated competitions.

4. Performance-focused add-ons

   • Loss of use for horses permanently unable to perform their insured activity.
   • Increased limits for advanced imaging, surgical colic, referral hospital stays.

5. Flex options for leisure and riding schools

   • Lower per-condition caps with affordable premiums for broad day-to-day risks.
   • Rider-only personal accident can be added where appropriate.

6. Usage-based and telematics features

   • Some UK insurers use activity data to tailor pricing and cover.
   • May reward lower-risk use or careful yard management practices.

Start with the risks you cannot afford to carry yourself - then add sensible extras.

What it costs - and why prices vary

Premiums have risen due to increasing vet fees and claim costs, especially for leg conditions. Expect pricing to reflect your chosen benefits, horse value, and recent claims. Usage-based models are emerging and may help some owners align cost with actual risk. Treat quotes as estimates until the insurer has full medical history and proof of value.

Can you apply - and what insurers ask for

Most UK residents who own or care for a horse can apply. Insurers usually require the horse’s age, breed, use, passport details, purchase price or agreed value, and a truthful health history. You may be asked for recent veterinary records, proof of ownership, and yard information. For high-value horses, expect stricter evidence of value through purchase invoices, competition records, or professional appraisals.

Common reasons for declinature include undisclosed pre-existing conditions, incomplete medical history, unclear ownership, or horses outside eligible age ranges. Some policies restrict cover for certain activities or impose waiting periods. If your horse has had significant injuries, future claims for the same limb or condition may be excluded. Clear documentation and full disclosure improve your chances of getting the right cover on fair terms.

From quote to claim - the simple path

1. Gather passport, medical records, and value evidence before requesting quotes.
2. Compare cover limits, per-condition caps, and excesses side by side.
3. Pick a level that matches real risks you cannot self-fund.
4. Complete the application truthfully - disclose prior conditions and treatments.
5. Review policy documents carefully before paying the first premium.
6. If an incident occurs, contact the insurer promptly and follow their guidance.
7. Provide vet reports, invoices, and photos to support your claim.
8. Pay the excess and keep records until the claim is fully settled.

The balance sheet - benefits and trade-offs

Aim for cover that protects genuine risks without paying for features you will not use.

Read this before you buy

Check how excesses apply - per claim, per condition, or per policy year. Confirm monetary limits for vet fees, diagnostics, and hospitalisation, and whether sub-limits apply to specific procedures like MRI or colic surgery. Understand waiting periods for illness, how long each condition is covered, and what happens at renewal if your horse develops a chronic issue. Review exclusions for pre-existing conditions and any activity restrictions. For mortality and loss of use, note the evidence required to prove value and medical necessity. Keep your horse’s passport, microchip details, and recent vet notes handy to avoid delays when you need to claim.

Alternatives and related cover

1. Third-party liability only - for owners prioritising public liability where self-funding vet costs is viable.
2. Personal accident for riders - covers rider injuries when horse cover is minimal.
3. Yard and business insurance - for riding schools, livery yards, or breeders needing wider commercial protection.
4. Trailer or horsebox insurance - for transport risks not covered by motor policies.
5. Colic-only or surgical-only policies - targeted protection when budgets are tight.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need mortality cover if my horse is a low-value companion? A: Not always. Some owners choose liability only and self-fund vet care. Consider whether you could afford euthanasia costs and the financial impact of loss before deciding.

Q: Are pre-existing conditions covered? A: Usually not. Insurers commonly exclude conditions that appeared or were treated before the policy started. New issues may be covered, subject to waiting periods and the policy’s limits.

Q: How are vet fee limits applied? A: Most policies set a maximum per condition within a 12-month period, plus an overall annual cap. Sub-limits can apply to advanced imaging or referral hospital care. Always check the schedule.

Q: What affects the price most? A: Horse value, activity level, age, medical history, and your chosen vet fee limit and excess. Recent claims and rising veterinary costs in the UK also influence renewal premiums.

Q: Is loss of use worth it? A: It can be for high-performance horses, but criteria are strict and evidence-heavy. Consider the premium, potential payout, and whether partial loss of ability would be covered under the wording.

Q: Can I switch insurers after a claim? A: Yes, but the new insurer may exclude the treated condition or adjust pricing. Compare terms carefully and ensure continuous cover to avoid gaps.

Q: Do usage-based policies reduce costs? A: They can for some owners by aligning premiums with actual risk and activity patterns. Savings are not guaranteed and depend on the data the insurer collects and how you use your horse.

What to do next

Take a moment to list your horse’s real risks, your budget, and the cover limits you would need in a worst-case scenario. Compare at least three UK policies side by side, focusing on exclusions, limits, and excesses. If anything is unclear, ask the insurer for written clarification before you buy. You stay in control.

Important notice

This guide provides general information only and is not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the full policy wording and schedule, and seek qualified advice if you are unsure about suitability.