10 Pet Insurance Plans for Horses (2022 Comparisons)

Introduction

Pet insurance is something that you never want to use but can really pay off if any unexpected accidents or illnesses were to happen. Most pet insurance providers don’t offer coverage for horses, leaving those looking to offset the high costs of equine veterinary care in the dust.

While several companies offer more large-scale coverage for bigger operations such as farms and other businesses, those that are looking to cover a single horse, or a very small herd don’t have a lot of options.

Thankfully, there’s one provider that offers insurance for dogs and cats that decided to add horses into the mix. In this article, we’ll talk about this popular company and what they offer, and then compare them to some of the top contenders for the other types of equine insurance.

A Quick Look at Our Top Picks in 2022

Comparing 10 Pet Insurance Plans for Horses

ASPCA offers the very first pet insurance for horses that is made exclusively for health coverage. The cost of your horse has no bearing on enrollment eligibility like it does for other types of equine insurance. You also aren’t obligated to buy mortality insurance to be eligible for medical coverage.

Just like pet insurance for your dog or cat, ASPCA has two types of policies, both of which include colic coverage. You have plenty of flexibility with pricing since you get to choose your deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement percentage. Their options for reimbursement include 70, 80, or 90%. Unfortunately, this coverage may not be available in all states.

Colic+Accidents Plan

This plan is the most budget-friendly option that is very similar to your typical accident-only coverage but with colic include. Colic coverage encompasses impaction, displacement, spasmodic, enteritis, and more. The accident coverage will take care of injuries, toxic injections, hoof abscesses, cuts, wounds, and more.

This plan does not cover anything related to illnesses, pre-existing conditions, navicular disease, arthritis, or any type of joint injections. You also have the option to choose from their two preventative care packages as an add-on for an additional cost.

Colic+Accidents+Illnesses

The more comprehensive coverage for horses is the Colic+Accidents+Illnesses option. Like the Colic+Accidents plan, it covers medical care related to both colic and any accidents your horse may have but it also includes coverage for illnesses, too. This includes hereditary conditions, Cushing’s disease, strangles, cancer, and more.

This plan also excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions, navicular disease, arthritis, and joint injections. You also have the add-on option for the two levels of preventative care that could be added to your policy.

Preventative Care

The preventative care plans for horses offered by ASPCA can be added to your policy. They include the Routine package and the Platinum Package. Routine offers annual benefits that cover certain annual amounts toward wellness exams, dental floats, and vaccinations. Platinum offers high amounts of coverage toward all of these and also includes annual benefits that will pay toward fecal tests, Coggins tests, blood tests, and the herpesvirus or strangles vaccination.

Blue Bridle does not disclose its deductible or reimbursement percentage options, as they are very specific to the personalized quote. Their quote process is much more extensive than that of your typical pet insurance. They do have flexible annual limits of $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, and $15,000.

For your horse to be covered medically, a separate package must be purchased as an add-on to your mortality insurance. They do provide several healthcare-related coverage options including:

Blue Bridle is a great option for horse owners that have larger equine operations and high-dollar horses since mortality coverage is related to the horse’s value. It is not your typical pet insurance coverage.

Broadstone Equine Insurance is based out of Warrenton, Virginia, and works with many insurance companies to offer their customers the coverage they need. It’s another popular choice for horses. Unlike some other competitors, they do offer healthcare-related coverage for horses that are valued as low as $1,000.

You must be either a Full or General Horse Mortality policyholder to get any type of medical insurance for your horses. This coverage is only available as an add-on and includes Major Medical, Veterinary Services, or Medical Assistance coverage.  Age eligibility typically falls between 30 days of age to 20 years.

Broadstone does have excellent customer service and a claims department that remains available 24/7 and offers different payment plans and online payment options. In addition to mortality insurance with medical and surgical options, you can also insure your equestrian business and obtain liability insurance with this provider.

This isn’t typically the type of plan that your everyday horse owner is looking for. It’s not ideal for companion and trail horses that aren’t part of a larger business operation since healthcare is only an add-on rather than a primary focus. They do offer liability and farm insurance as well.

Markel Horse Insurance offers plenty of coverage for horse owners and while it is typically geared toward business operations, it does also include additional health coverage for the horses under their policies.

Markel has two levels of medical coverage, both of which are only able to be purchased as an add-on for mortality coverage. This includes Medical/Surgical and Surgical-Only. They also will cover infertility that results as the result of an accident or illness. Pre-existing conditions, navicular disease, and arthritis are all excluded.

Mortality coverage is based on your horse’s value, which means this insurance isn’t aimed at coverage for your average joe. These policies are meant for those that use horses in businesses to cover any losses they could face from theft, loss, or medical care.

Markel also offers Commercial Equine Operation, Private Owner Liability, and Riding Instructor and Horse Trainer policies in addition to Mortality insurance.

This provider works alongside top-rated insurance companies to provide you with a policy that suits your needs and areas of coverage that most competitors lack. Here’s a quick overview of the types of coverage offered by Kay Cassell:

As with most equine insurance providers, you must have mortality insurance in place to be eligible for any medical care add-ons. You also have the option to purchase liability insurance through the company.

Kay Cassell’s policies are best suited for businesses and those with horses that came with a high financial investment. You will be expected to disclose the value of your horse when getting a personalized quote. They are well known for having excellent customer service and working with customers to meet their specific needs.

The Equine Mortality policy is the go-to for horse owners needing protection for their financial investments related to medical conditions. Clients must obtain Full Mortality coverage to be eligible for the Major Medical and Surgical coverage add-ons that are offered by Great American Insurance Group.

This company handles everything from racing, showing, cutting, dressage, hunter/jumper, driving, reining, saddleseat, and pleasure riding. They have a very knowledgeable staff to assist customers through all aspects of equine insurance.

If you are looking for a pet insurance policy, this won’t be the place for you. Like most equine insurance agencies, these policies are aimed at the business aspect of the industry and protect the financial investments that come with equine commercial business.

Not only can you insure your horse and obtain liability coverage but you can also get your farm, property, or business covered. Insuring your horse begins with the typical Mortality Coverage, which is available in the 48 contiguous US states. Property cannot be covered in Florida, Louisiana, Alaska, or Hawaii.

This policy comes with up to $3,000 worth of coverage for colic surgery at no extra cost.

Equine Medical and Surgical Coverage is available for an additional charge and can be added to a Mortality Policy. This coverage encompasses costs of medical and surgical procedures including diagnostics related to accidents, illness, injury, or disease. Horses must be between 31 days to 20 years of age for eligibility.

Hallmark does offer flexibility and customization choices including aggregate limits of $7,500, $10,000, and $15,000. You can also choose to add limited third-party liability coverage of up to $25,000 to your mortality insurance. If you require higher liability, then you can look into their liability policies.

Those needing medical coverage for their horse will need to look into the All Risk Mortality & Theft coverage. This is a comprehensive policy that will reimburse expenses related to death, theft, and humane euthanasia.

There is a Hassle-Free Mortality Program for horses valued over $50,000 or greater and Standard All Risk Mortality & Theft coverage for those valued under $50,000. USRider offers limited coverage for emergency colic surgery at no additional cost but also has optional buy-up limits.

There are Medical/Surgical and Surgical plans that can be added to the mortality policy. Private Horse Owner Liability can also be added for an additional fee. Their claims service is available for customers 24 hours a day.

The Equine Essentials Enhancement is a new type of add-on coverage offered alongside the mortality policy at a low cost. It is in place to offset extra expenses related to horse equipment, emergency evacuation, necropsy, and burial expenses. Like with most equine insurance, this is aimed more toward high-dollar animals that are involved in sports and business.

When you are looking for medical care for your horse, you will need full mortality coverage but there is an option for limited mortality, too.

Full mortality provides coverage for the death of an animal resulting from an accident, injury, sickness, or disease. It also provides coverage for theft or humane euthanasia. There is also emergency colic surgery coverage at no additional charge for a maximum of $3,000 or 50 to 60% of the horse’s value.

Your rates will be determined based on your horse’s breed, value, age, and use. There is a minimum premium of $250 but this can be met by including the Major Medical add-on or by adding more than one horse to the policy.

Major Medical cannot be purchased alone but in addition to full mortality coverage with limit choices of $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, and $15,000. There are also options for Loss of Use and Stallion Infertility to be added to the full morality policy.

They offer various coverage options not just for horses but for cattle and livestock, dogs, and even exotic animals. For those looking to have their horse covered for certain medical expenses, mortality insurance is required just like it is with other equine insurance providers.

They offer both full mortality and limited mortality options for equines. The major medical add-on option is available to be added to the full mortality policy and will cover veterinary costs related to the treatment of accidents, illnesses, and diseases with limits ranging between $5,000 and $10,000.

As with most other providers, this type of insurance is in place to cover any losses related to high-valued animals that are typically involved in equine commercial businesses. Horses valued at $50,000 or less will most likely not require a veterinary certificate for eligibility.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Compare Horse Insurance Plans

What to Look for in Pet Insurance for Horses

When you are choosing an insurance plan, you need to break down all the different aspects of the insurer to make sure they are offering up what works for you. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to keep your eye on as you shop for the right plan.

Policy Coverage

Coverage for horses is going to vary significantly depending on the type of plan you are looking for. For those interested in pet insurance for their horse, they are currently limited to ASPCA, which offers two tiers of coverage and two wellness add-on options.

Other companies will require mortality insurance with the option to add on medical and surgical care. These providers typically deal with larger-scale operations and high-dollar horses.

You can also choose to get coverage for your farm, equine business, rider and trainer insurance, private owner liability, and more. Figure out your needs before you begin shopping for your policy so that you can eliminate providers that don’t fit the coverage you want.

Customer Service & Reputation

Each insurance provider has established a reputation since their business began and while you can expect most companies to have mixed reviews from a variety of consumers, you should focus on finding a company that has a good track record for customer service and standing by their promises when the time comes.

Each provider on the list gets decent reviews from their customers but a lot of equine insurance providers offer coverage through different companies, which can cause a bit of confusion when you are trying to find out who stands out among the rest. Find out who underwrites the policy you are interested in and do your research before making the final decision.

Claim Repayment

The claims repayment process is something that you’ll want to go smoothly and quickly. Make sure to take a look at how long the average claim turnaround time is for each company. This is subject to vary per claim, of course.

You will also want to look into how easy it is to submit claims, what information you need to do so correctly, and how the company will reimburse you once it’s processed. Some offer direct deposit services or paper checks; some may even pay the veterinarian directly (though less often with horse insurance.)

Price of Policy

First of all, you need to calculate how much money you want to spend on the monthly or yearly premium. Once you have a budget in mind, it will be much easier to shop around and find out which policy works best for you.

Most companies are going to offer customization that can help you keep the premium within your limitations. This involves varying deductibles, annual limits, and claims reimbursement percentages.

The type of coverage you choose will also play a large role in your overall cost. Colic and accident-only coverage is much less expensive than those that will also include illnesses. Additional wellness packages will also come at a higher price.

Plan Customization

When you are getting your quote online, you should be able to view the types of customizations you can make to your policy. Most pet insurers allow you to choose your deductible, reimbursement rate, and total annual limit for coverage.

Those looking to cover the costs of regular care related to wellness and preventative medicine can also choose to add on this service if the company offers it. Certain companies will offer more flexibility than others, and that’s why it’s a good idea to have your budget in mind and your needs laid out.

FAQ

Can I Get Horse Insurance Outside the U.S.?

It is possible to get pet insurance coverage outside the United States, but it’s highly recommended to reach out to the insurance providers of your choice to see if they offer this type of coverage. For example, Broadstone offers coverage throughout the United States and Canada but international coverage can be purchased for an additional fee.

What If My Insurance Company Is Not Listed in Your Reviews?

There are not a lot of horse insurance providers that offer pet insurance aside from the ASPCA. If you are looking for coverage for your farm or equestrian business, there may be other providers that are not listed. What’s important is getting the coverage you need for the price you can afford. We encourage horse owners to explore every avenue to find out what works best for them. Just don’t forget to obtain personalized quotes and read the fine print before making your decision.

Which Pet Insurance Provider Has The Best Consumer Reviews?

Each provider on our list had above-average customer reviews. Our top choice, ASPCA, gets excellent reviews from their customers and has a reputation for putting animal welfare at the forefront of their business. The biggest complaint about the company is the wait times to speak with a live customer service representative.

What Is The Best And Most Affordable Insurance for Pet Horses?

When considering pet insurance for horses, we are going to go with the ASPCA Horse Insurance. They are the only providers on the list that aim their coverage for companion horses with no mortality insurance required. The other providers are primarily geared toward larger equine operations and will require mortality insurance to get the benefits you are looking for.

What the Users Say

Large Equine Operations

Most horse owners that obtain policies for their horses have insurance to prevent major financial losses for their equine business that can result from theft, death, or natural disasters. They also hold liability insurance in case any injuries are sustained by working with the horses. There is a lot of money involved in these larger operations and most owners would agree that insurance is a necessity for their business.

Everyday Horse Owners

As for those that keep horses as companions and are not looking to insure a large operation, they are happy that there is finally a plan that allows them to get the safety and security of coverage on a pet insurance plan similar to those offered by dogs and cats. ASPCA is the only provider currently offering this type of insurance and thus far, the reviews are very positive.

Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?

Only you can decide what pet insurance provider and plan is going to work best for you. We can advise that ASPCA is the only option for horse owners looking for a pet insurance-style approach. The company works tirelessly for the health and welfare of animals and has a great reputation in the pet insurance industry, so they come highly recommended if you are set on having this kind of insurance coverage for your beloved horse.

Conclusion

Pet insurance keeps growing in popularity because veterinary costs are not only expensive but can pop up unexpectedly.  While many companies offer coverage for dogs and cats, our equine companions aren’t typically included with pet insurance. ASPCA is the only pet insurance provider thus far that will get you covered in this way. All other horse insurance providers are geared toward farms and equine-related businesses. Regardless of whom you choose, it’s important to get the coverage you need for the price you want.

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