Hot Topics

Do I need a special pet insurance policy for a horse?
Horses require a different form of insurance which allows you to protect yourself against the unexpected consequences of owning a horse or pony.
What is the maximum payout per year?
Every insurance company varies and you will need to refer to one particular insurer to find out their policy on this matter.
How does Third Party Liability work?
Third party liability is only usually included in your pet insurance policy if you have a dog, although some policies will cover cats too. It means that if your pet causes damage to a third party, whether it involves property, another person or another pet, the pet insurance will cover the costs.
What do I do when my pet dies?
You are covered if your pet dies from accident or illness – although you are not covered if your pet dies from old age.
Will the insurance company want to see the body?
Never dispose of the body until you know that the insurance company is happy to settle your claim.

Do I need to get the insurance company's agreement before my horse is destroyed?

There are some very strict guidelines that all vets have been issued by their governing body, the British Equine Veterinary Association and a statement issued by BEVA in July 1996, with regard to the destruction of horses.

This offers vets definitive guidance on when immediate destruction is needed and when an insurance company should be notified prior to destruction.

The guidelines state:

"That the insured horse sustains an injury or manifests an illness or disease that is so severe as to warrant immediate destruction to relieve incurable and excessive pain and that no other options of treatment are available to that horse at that time.

"If immediate destruction cannot be justified then the attending veterinary surgeon should provide effective first aid treatment before:

  • requesting that the insurance company be contacted or, failing that
  • arranging for a second opinion from another veterinary surgeon"

In short, if the vet feels that on humane grounds the horse should be destroyed immediately, they are justified in performing immediate destruction. If, however, effective first aid treatment can be given, the insurer should be notified first that destruction might be necessary.