How does horse insurance work?

Vet bills can add up fast – even a routine illness or minor surgery can cost hundreds, if not thousands. But with horse insurance in place, you don’t have to choose between your bank balance and your best friend’s health.

Depending on the type of policy you choose, it will cover vet bills if your horse gets sick or injured. Some policies also include extras like personal accident cover for riders.

Each insurer has its own approach and cover differs slightly between them. It’s worth taking the time to compare your options and find the right fit for you (and your horse).

Why choose insurance for your horse?

Looking after your horse is always a serious financial commitment - but the day-to-day costs can be eclipsed by vet bills should something go wrong. Whether it’s a fairly routine illness, an injury sustained out on a ride, or something more serious, the costs of investigations and treatment can quickly add up.

As an example, one insurer’s list of average vet fees includes treatment costs of £2,445 for colic, £2,237 for tendonitis and £1,801 for lameness. This is why so many owners make sure they have horse insurance in place. It makes it easier to say "yes" to the best treatment available.

So, depending on the type of policy you choose, and the treatment covered, you can see that horse insurance gives you peace of mind. That means financially, and more importantly, knowing that your dog will get the care it needs.

What does horse insurance cover?

This depends on the type of policy you go for – but horse insurance may include these as standard or as optional extras:

Typically covered

  • Loss of the horse due to death by accident, illness, disease, theft or straying.

  • Vet fees for accidents and illnesses.

  • Public liability in case your horse causes injury or damage to others.

  • Injury to the rider.

  • The cost of your holiday if you need to cancel it because your horse needs emergency lifesaving treatment near to your holiday beginning.

  • Legal expenses, such as in relation to losses from injury to the horse and contract disputes relating to the horse.

What isn’t covered?

  • While horse insurance can help you manage the cost of care, there are still some common exclusions to be aware of:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Policies may not cover illnesses your horse had before you took out insurance.

  • Routine care: Vaccinations and regular check-ups are usually not included.

  • Pregnancy and birth: Complications or costs related to pregnancy are often excluded.

  • Waiting period: Some policies have a short wait before cover starts (e.g. 14 days).

  • Insurer-specific exclusions: Insurers and individual policies may have their own exclusions, such as limits on how much they will pay per condition.

When it comes to dental cover, insurers differ in terms of whether they include it, and if so to what extent. See our guide to pet insurance with dental cover for more details.

Always check the small print so you know exactly what’s included – and what’s not – before you buy.

How much does horse insurance cost?

The cost of horse insurance can vary a lot – it all depends on your horse and the type of policy you choose. Some of the key factors that affect the price include:

  • Policy limits: More generous cover limits will cost more.

  • Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) usually means lower premiums.

  • Your horse: The value of your horse can affect premiums: some horses are more expensive to insure, such as thoroughbreds.

  • Age: Older horses usually cost more to insure (and some insurers may decline to accept dogs over a certain age).

  • Where you live: Vet costs vary by location, which can impact pricing. For example, because vets in towns and cities typically charge more than those in rural areas this may be reflected in the policy premium.

  • Type of cover: The extent of cover can differ widely between insurers and policy products - so make sure you choose the right type for your needs and your budget.

The best way to find out how much cover would cost for you is to compare quotes from leading horse insurance companies. That way, you can weigh up what’s included and make sure you’re getting good value.

How to keep costs down

Want to protect your horse without breaking the bank? Here are a few ways to keep your premiums manageable:

  • Insure early: Taking out a policy when your horse is young and healthy can lock in lower premiums.

  • Compare cover types: Insurers tend to offer a wide range of options in terms of what’s covered, so you may be able to save money by focusing cover where you need it the most.

  • Consider higher excess: Choosing a higher excess can reduce the cost - just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.

  • Look at multi-pet policies: If you’ve got more than one horse, a multi-pet plan could save you money.

  • Always shop around: Not all policies are created equal – it pays to compare.

Things to consider

Before you sign up for a horse insurance policy, think about what you really need – and what you’re comfortable paying.

Pre-existing conditions

These are usually excluded, but some insurers may offer cover after a symptom-free period.

Claim limits

Different policies have different claim limits – make sure you know what those are before buying.

Excess options

Make sure you understand how excess works on policies you are considering. For example, sometimes a policy will have a fixed excess, but as your horse gets older you’ll also need to pay a percentage of the treatment on top of the excess.

Cost vs benefit

As with most types of insurance, you may end up paying more in premiums than you ever claim for. But if you are unlucky enough to face big vet bills, you’ll be glad you have cover in place.

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Page updated on 4th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom