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Are there different levels of cover for pet insurance?
Levels of cover for pet insurance are usually put into three sections:
What if my pet has a pre-existing medical condition?
As with a human medical insurance polices, pet insurance does not provide cover for any conditions or symptoms that your pet suffered from prior to taking out the policy and before cover is in place.
Are alternative medicines covered?
If an alternative remedy is a viable option then you will be covered – although some insurers will only accept token amounts. Alternative medicines are more widely used in equine veterinary practices, in order to support physiotherapy and other long-term treatments.
Am I covered for boarding fees?
Most standard pet insurance policies will cover you in this instance. If you are hospitalised and cannot be at home to look after your pet, you will be covered for the cost of boarding your pet at a licensed kennel. Alternatively your insurance company will contribute towards the cost of homecare with a friend if you are hospitalised for more than 4 days.
Is my horse too old or too young to insure?
All companies differ with regard to the age of horses and ponies they will insure – so the only way to find out is to speak to each one individually.

Can I insure my horse for more than the Market Value?

You can't normally insure your horse for more than its market value.

This is because your insurance is designed to put you back into the same financial position you were in before your loss, and not to cover any extra value that the horse may bring to you.

If your horse is home-bred, you and your insurer will agree a value based upon the market value of horses of similar age, breed, bloodline, sex and ability. You may be asked to supply proof of your horse's ability and achievement as supporting evidence.

If you have only just bought your horse, the purchase price and market value will be the same - and you will insure your horse for that amount.