Let’s Talk About Equine Insurance: Why It’s Worth It and What Coverage Options You Should Know About

Owning a horse is an incredible journey—but one that comes with risks, both emotional and financial. Protecting that investment is crucial if you’ve invested in a seasoned competitor, a young prospect, or a heart horse who’s part of the family. That’s where equine insurance comes in.

Let’s break down why it’s important and what types of coverage are available—from mortality to major medical, loss of use, and more.

 Let’s Talk About Why Equine Insurance Matters

Horses are as fragile as they are powerful. Colic, pasture accidents, injuries in the trailer, or sudden illnesses can result in unexpected—and often expensive—situations. Insurance can help ease the financial burden, allowing you to make the best care decisions without worrying about the cost.

Equine insurance isn’t just for six-figure show horses. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind and a financial safety net when the unexpected happens.

 Mortality Insurance: The Foundation of Coverage

Mortality insurance is the base policy required to access all other types of coverage. It covers the death of your horse due to accident, illness, injury, or humane euthanasia (with veterinary recommendation and insurance approval). Today, most mortality policies also include a $5000 colic addition. In the event your horse needs colic surgery.

 How it’s priced:

The cost of a mortality policy is generally calculated as a percentage of your horse’s insured value, usually between 2.5% to 4% annually. Premiums are influenced by factors like the horse’s age, use (performance, breeding, pleasure, etc.), breed, and health history.

Exclusions to know:

If your horse has pre-existing conditions, they may be excluded from coverage, or the insurer may place limitations on certain claims. For example, if your horse has a history of lameness on a specific leg, treatments or payouts might be excluded under major medical. It’s essential to disclose your horse’s full medical history during the application process. Some policies allow for re-evaluation and potential coverage down the line if your horse remains healthy.

 Additional Coverage Options (Mortality Required)

Once you’ve secured mortality insurance, you can add on optional policies for broader protection:

– Major Medical
This add-on reimburses you for veterinary expenses related to illness or injury, including diagnostics, surgery, medications, hospitalization, and follow-up care. Coverage limits vary (often $7,500–$15,000+), and a deductible typically applies. Major medical is one of the most popular add-ons, especially for performance horses.

– Surgical Coverage
More budget-friendly than major medical, this plan covers surgical procedures under general anesthesia (e.g., colic surgery). It does not cover diagnostics or non-surgical treatments, but can be a good option for horse owners concerned about major, sudden events.

– Loss of Use
If your horse becomes permanently unable to perform its intended use due to illness or injury—but is still alive—you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of its insured value. This coverage is more selective, and claims often require extensive veterinary documentation and review.

–Stallion Infertility / Prospective Foal Insurance
For breeding operations, specialized coverage is available to protect against stallion infertility or the loss of an unborn foal. These policies are more niche and more expensive/costly, but important in the breeding world.

– Transit Coverage
If you’re transporting a horse across the country or overseas, transit insurance can protect your investment in case of injury or death during travel.

 Final Thoughts

Horses are more than an investment—they’re family. But when something goes wrong, equine insurance can give you the ability to provide the care they need without compromising your financial stability. Start with mortality and work with an experienced equine insurance agent (We love Savannah Freeze Equine Insurance) who can guide you through the best options for your horse and your budget. Ask questions, review the exclusions, and always read the fine print.

Peace of mind starts with being prepared. And when it comes to horses, preparation is everything.