Horse insurance

Horse insurance is often worth considering because unexpected vet bills, loss of use, or damage to valuable tack can quickly become expensive. It’s particularly useful if you’d struggle to cover emergency treatment costs, if you rely on your horse for income – for example, through competition, breeding or riding lessons – or if you own equipment that would be costly to replace.

That said, not every owner needs the most comprehensive policy. For instance, if you only use your horse for light hacking and already have savings set aside for routine or minor issues, a more basic vet fees policy may be enough. Likewise, if you don’t own high-value tack or a trailer, you may not need add-ons for equipment or transport.

The key is to match your level of cover to how you use your horse and the financial risks you want to protect against, taking into account the overall cost of a horse.

Horse insurance covers your horse – including vet bills, mortality, loss of use, and optional add-ons like tack or trailer cover. Rider insurance, on the other hand, protects you personally if you are injured while riding, and can provide liability cover if someone else is hurt while you are riding their horse.

Rider insurance is particularly useful if you ride frequently, compete, or allow others to ride your horse. Typical benefits include personal accident cover, third-party liability, and protection when riding horses you do not own. Even if your horse is fully insured, rider insurance ensures you’re covered for medical costs and legal risks that horse insurance doesn’t cover.

Riding on public roads comes with specific risks, including collisions with vehicles, sudden spooking, or accidental injury to pedestrians or damage to property. Even a calm horse can behave unpredictably in traffic, and without insurance, the resulting legal or compensation costs could be significant.

Third-party liability cover protects you by covering legal costs if you need to defend a claim, or the cost of compensating someone injured or whose property is damaged. Many horse insurance policies include liability cover as standard, or offer it as an optional extra.

While liability insurance is important, road safety is equally crucial. Riders are expected to follow legal and safety guidelines, such as wearing hi-vis clothing, using lights when riding in low visibility, and undertaking road safety training where possible. These precautions reduce risk and complement your insurance coverage.

No, there is no legal requirement to insure your horse. However, it is strongly recommended. Veterinary bills can be unexpectedly high if your horse falls ill or is injured. Also, underAnimals Act 1971 you are legally liable for any damage or injury your horse causes, even if you are not present.

Without insurance, you could face significant veterinary or legal costs. Horse insurance helps protect you financially against these risks, making it a sensible precaution even though it’s not compulsory.

Yes, many insurers offer cover for veteran horses, typically considered to be aged 15 and over, with some policies extending to 30 or beyond. Even as a veteran, your horse can remain fit and active, and insurance can help manage the financial risks of illness, injury, or loss.

Be aware that premiums for older horses are usually higher, and some insurers may impose exclusions for pre-existing conditions. You may also need to provide a recent veterinary report or health check before cover is agreed.

Veteran horse insurance often includes veterinary fees, third-party liability, and protection against loss through accident, theft, or straying. By comparing policies and optional add-ons, you can find a solution that balances cost with the level of cover your horse needs.

For horses competing in disciplines like dressage, show jumping, or eventing, a standard policy is often not enough. Competition horses face higher risks, not just during events but also in training, transportation, and stabling at venues. Specialist competition horse insurance usually offers higher vet fee limits, cover for complementary treatments or hospitalisation, and loss of use cover if your horse is unable to compete due to injury or illness.

Owners should check for discipline-specific exclusions and ensure they declare both training and competition days, as failing to do so could invalidate cover. While premiums are typically higher, the extra protection reflects the increased financial and performance risks associated with competition horses.

Yes, most horse insurance policies can cover veterinary fees, but the exact level of cover depends on your chosen policy. Policies usually have limits, excesses, and time restrictions:

• Vet fee limit: The maximum your insurer will pay per incident or per year. For example, a £10,000 annual limit means claims above that are your responsibility

• Excess: The amount you pay toward each claim. For instance, a £250 excess means the first £250 of a vet bill is paid by you

• Time limits: Some policies only cover treatments within a certain period after an injury or illness begins

You can often add optional cover for diagnostics, hospitalisation, complementary therapies, or specialist treatment, which can be especially useful for complex or long-term conditions. Comparing policies carefully ensures you get cover that matches the veterinary risks your horse might face.

Typical UK horse insurance policies offer £3,000–£6,000 per condition for vet fees on standard plans, while higher-tier or competition policies often provide £7,000–£10,000+. Budget or veteran policies tend to sit lower, around £1,500–£5,000, depending on the insurer and the horse’s age and use.

How ongoing conditions are dealt with depends on the type of cover:

• Time-limited policies: Cover a condition for 12 months from first symptoms, then permanently exclude i

• Per-condition (non–time-limited): Cover lasts until the monetary limit is used up, then the condition is excluded

• Annual/renewable cover: Cover continues each year as long as you renew and stay within the yearly limit, though insurers may still add exclusions at renewal

1. Check your policy: Confirm the issue is covered and note reporting deadlines

2. Notify your insurer quickly: Especially for illness, injury, surgery, or euthanasia

3. Collect documents: Vet report, invoices, proof of value/ownership, police report (if theft)

4. Fill out the claim form: Provide details of what happened; vet completes their section

5. Submit everything: Upload/email/post the form and documents; keep copies

6. Insurer reviews: They may request more info or contact your vet

7. Decision and payment: If approved, you’re paid minus your excess