Posted 22-Jun-2019 01:14:24
Category: Broadstone Equine

Horse Insurance 101

Let's face it, insurance falls way to the bottom of the list of topics any horse owner wants to talk about.  Discussing worst case scenarios doesn't exactly make for enjoyable barn aisle or ringside small talk.  Unfortunately, as in many areas of life, what you don't know can hurt you.

So without being too morbid, but in the interest of helping you protect your investments--following is some information that might help you consider putting "Get Horse Insurance" on your to-do list. And if you would like a free Quote, click Here.

The Basics
The basic idea behind insurance is that you are paying a fee to an insurance company in order to transfer your risk of a possible loss to them, and the fee you are paying is significantly less than the amount the company has agreed to pay you in the event such a loss happens.  So, if you cannot afford to replace your horse in the event the horses passes away, and/or if you cannot afford the ever-rising costs of veterinary care in the event your horse suffers a serious illness, injury, or lameness, insurance can be a cost effective way to mitigate your risk.

For many of us, our horses are best friends and family, and we absolutely do not want to be in a situation where financial considerations dictate the quality of care that we're able to provide.  And even if we have the funds on hand to absorb these losses, we may still choose to invest a much smaller amount each year on insurance premiums so that we are not forced to tap into our savings if the unexpected happens.

The Experts
Deciding what coverage to purchase is important.  While the basics are similar, the actual coverages vary depending on which insurance company provides it.  The number of insurance companies in the U.S. that offer horse insurance policies barely reaches into the double digits, though the number of agencies (the organizations that you will usually work with to see about getting coverage) is much higher.  Therefore, the insurance agency you work with is very important.

It can be helpful if the agency has access to several companies' programs so they have options to find a policy that fits you best, from both a cost and coverage standpoint.  Look for an agent who is willing to answer your questions promptly and clearly, responds to emails and voice mails in a timely manner, and will provide you with a binder as proof of coverage until the actual insurance policy is sent to you.  And most important--find an agent who is also an experienced horse person.  They need to know the difference between combined driving and combined training, understand conditions from EPM to OCD, and recognize breeds from Arabian to Zangersheide. You want someone who understands your passion.  

Full Mortality Insurance
When it comes to horse insurance, there are several options. For the purposes of this blog, I will concentrate on the two most common:  Full Mortality and Medical/Surgical.  The equine Full Mortality policy is the equivalent of life insurance for your horse. It provides coverage in the event the insured horse dies during the policy period from a covered accident, injury, illness, or disease, and includes provisions for humane destruction, theft, and usually include some limit of coverage for expenses related to colic surgery, providing the horse does not have a history of gastro-intestinal issues.

Depending on the insurance company, Full Mortality coverage is available for horses ranging in age from 24 hours up to 20 years old. Premiums are based on the horse's age, breed, use, level, and insured value.   The rates for Full Mortality coverage for the average pleasure or competition horse--uses that would include English/Western Show, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Cutting, Reining, Roping, Barrels--age 1-15 years, generally range from 2.9%-3.7% of the horse's insured value. So the Mortality premium for a horse in that age range insured at a value of $10,000 would average between $290 - $370 a year. Rates for some uses, such as eventing, fox hunting, and endurance, are usually slightly higher, from 3.7% - 4.75%, so still reasonable.   

As noted above, the Full Mortality policy also usually includes a free Emergency Colic Surgery endorsement (for horses without a history of gastro-intestinal issues) of between $2,500-$5,000 to assist with expenses related to colic surgery, depending on the horse's insured value and the insurance company offering the coverage. 

Full Mortality coverage is very comprehensive, but exact coverage terms vary by company. Common exclusions (reasons that could cause a claim to be denied) include, but are not limited to: pre-existing conditions, purposely harming the horse, not utilizing the services of a licensed veterinarian, late reporting of a loss, not following company requirements with regard to a loss, and some pretty farfetched possibilities such as war, destruction of the horse due to government order, and nuclear radiation. Fora  quick emailed Quote for your horse, go to the Broadstone Quote page.

IMPORTANT: You must contact the insurance company immediately in the event of a loss, and follow their instructions with regard to the submission of paperwork and the possibility of the need for a necropsy, the cost of which would not be reimbursed. Consult your policy wording for details.

Major Medical/Surgical and related Coverages
Major Medical/Surgical, Veterinary Assistance or Medical Assistance (depending on the insurance company) are the most popular coverages that horseowners add by endorsement to their Full Mortality policy, and are not available on a standalone basis. They help reimburse for covered veterinary expenses (medical and/or surgical) in the event the horse suffers a covered accident, injury, illness, or disease during the policy period.  For as little as an additional $200 annual premium (depending on the insurance company), these endorsements can provide for a limit of $5,000 for the policy period, with deductibles as low as $300 per claim.  Higher limits of $7,500, $10,000, $12,500 and $15,000 are also available with many companies, with varying deductibles, and annual premiums ranging from $300 to $675 or higher.

These coverages do not provide for routine health maintenance or preventative care such vaccinations, deworming, dental or farrier care. Other common exclusions (though this is not an exhaustive list) include: pre-existing conditions, elective or cosmetic surgery, performance enhancing treatments, joint injections, integrative therapies (such as chiropractic, massage and acupuncture), congenital conditions, the veterinarian's call charge, or transportation costs.   

So if your horse colics, founders, runs through a fence, gets kicked, develops a lameness, or suffers many of the other countless injuries or illnesses that can keep you up at night, Medical/Surgical coverage should help reimburse for covered expenses after the deductible is met.  The actual coverage details vary depending on the insurance company, so it's a good idea to educate yourself about exclusions, co-pays or co-insurance (especially for diagnostic tests, and lameness treatments such as shock wave and regenerative therapies), treatment time limits, and extension periods.

Think your horse wouldn't be a candidate for these coverages because he is used for just pleasure and/or you only paid a couple hundred or a couple thousand dollars for him? While some companies will not offer the coverage on lower valued horses, there are a few that we work with that do not have insured value restrictions on the amount of Medical/Surgical coverages they will offer, so we typically have options for everyone.

For more information on, go to the Broadstone Protect Your Horse, FAQs, and Get a Quote pages.

Caveat Emptor
A few "let the buyer beware" items for consideration.  Horse insurance is very different from human health insurance.  For example, pre-existing conditions are not covered, even if the horse was insured when it first contracted the disease or condition.  So, if for example your horse develops a lameness or requires colic surgery while he's insured, expect to see an exclusion for that health issue on the next year's policy if you renew. This is because the policies are reviewed and underwritten each year, therefore the condition would be considered pre-existing and therefore excluded on the next year's new policy.

That being said, there are typically extension periods built into the policy for issues that continue beyond the policy's expiration.  Also, as mentioned earlier, it is very important that you contact the insurance company as soon as a health issue presents itself. The policy requires it, and you could jeopardize your coverage if you fail to promptly report the issue. It is also in your best interest to do so because the claims adjuster can explain your coverage in detail so you can work with your vet and make a plan with that information in mind.

Something to Think About
Noo doubt, pondering all the worst case scenarios of horse ownership is uncomfortable at best, nightmare inducing at worst, which is another reason to consider insurance. Knowing that you're covered in case of the unthinkable buys you more than financial security. It also gives your peace of mind.

**These blogs are for basic information purposes only, and do not constitute advice from Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency. Contact our office directly at 888-687-8555 or info@BroadstoneEquine.com to speak with an agent for complete and current information regarding all coverages.

Related Entries:
Winter Safety