They say Murphy was a horse – and every rider knows why. From surprise vet bills to missed events, insurance helps soften the blows, letting us focus on the joy of horse ownership.
Our horses are many things to us: competition partners, therapists, friends, and teachers. Some are even comedians – specifically the kind that make you laugh and cry at the same time. While they naturally hold monetary value, we are rarely driven by dollars; instead, we chase that special bond only a horse–human partnership can create.
That said, it’s no secret that horses cost money. Most owners can recall moments of comparing their horse’s top-end feed and supplements to their own modest meals. We’ve tallied the cost of their wardrobe against our own, and sacrificed holidays when an unexpected vet bill arrived. Then there are the heartbreaks of serious injury, illness, or loss. Yet despite it all, we can’t imagine life without horses – every cent and every tear is worth it.
While our love for horses drives us, horse people are also pragmatic. Life with a horse is rarely simple or predictable, so we manage what we can: expert coaching, safe fencing, ice boots, good surfaces, feed analysis, supplements – the list goes on. It doesn’t prevent setbacks, but it gives our horses the best chance of a healthy, happy and successful life.
Life with a horse is rarely simple or predictable, so we manage what we can.
THE ROLE OF INSURANCE
Insurance can also be part of that plan and, at a base level, can offer financial support in the heartbreaking case of a horse passing away. While it can never cover the loss itself, it can provide the means to find that next special partnership and continue following the life you love, when the time is right.
“Injury and illness are
unfortunately not uncommon
when it comes to horses…”
What is loss of use insurance?
Injury and illness are unfortunately not uncommon when it comes to horses, and while many fully recover from setbacks along the way, there are cases where a horse may no longer be able to compete, or some cases even be ridden at all. It may mean they take on a new role in our lives – such as a pleasure horse, companion horse, or paddock ornament. And while we don’t love them any less, if we want to continue our competitive journeys, we may need to look at the purchase of another horse that can fulfill that dream. Of course, that costs money.
Loss of use insurance is a type of horse insurance that provides financial compensation if your horse becomes permanently unable to carry out its intended purpose, even though it may well still be enjoying life in the paddock.
For example, if you own a competition horse and it suffers an injury that means it can no longer compete, loss of use insurance may pay you a percentage of the horse’s insured value. The horse can often still be used for other, lower-level activities (like hacking or pleasure riding), but not for the discipline it was insured for (such as dressage, showjumping, eventing).
Prepare for vet bill-shaped curveballs
Just about every horse owner has faced an unexpected vet bill; it comes with the territory, and Murphy’s Law dictates it always arrives at the most inconvenient time. In fact, rumour has it Murphy was a horse.
Insurance for horse vet bills helps owners manage the high costs of unexpected treatment. Horses, no matter how well cared for, are prone to accidents, colic, lameness, and other health issues that can quickly add up to thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses. With medical cover in place, owners can make decisions based on what’s best for their horse’s health rather than being restricted by financial concerns.
Insurance can cover diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalisation, and alternative therapies, providing peace of mind that your horse can receive the care it needs without overwhelming financial strain.
Veterinary expenses can quickly add up, especially when it comes to performance horses.
PEACE OF MIND WITH PETCOVER
With over 20 years in the insurance business and more than a decade insuring horses, Petcover provides horse owners with a range of insurance plans.
For many, the upfront cost of purchasing a horse is significant – especially if the goal is competition at a higher level. Petcover’s Basic Option covers the price you paid (or sum insured, whichever is less) should your horse pass away, as well as in the rare events of loss via theft or straying.
For those wanting to safeguard against vet bills, Petcover’s Economy Option provides the same coverage as the Basic Option, plus up to $7000 cover for vet fees as a result of injury or illness, including alternative treatment and medicines. The Superior Option extends that to $10,000 coverage.
Loss of use coverage can be added to all three plans, with options to insure for 60% or 100% of the price you paid (or sum insured, whichever is less) should an injury or illness prevent the horse from participating in any one of your insured activities.
Basic, Economy, and Superior Options are available for horses aged 30 days to 18 years, while the loss of use add-on covers horses from 2–18 years. Senior plans are also available for horses over 19 years and under 30 years.
Additional add-ons offered by Petcover include coverage for saddlery and tack, horse floats and horse-drawn vehicles, as well as personal accident insurance.
It was the night before Nationals…
Applying Murphy’s Law, we know that horses will subject themselves to mischief the night before a competition – especially the hallmark event you’ve been working towards all year. You’re left to unhitch the float, unplait, and in some cases wave goodbye to those entry fees. Sometimes they are partially refundable with a veterinary certificate, but not always – and rarely the full amount.
Competitions can be a highlight, but they do come at a cost.
It’s no secret that competition entry fees have increased significantly in recent years. Class entry fees, once combined with a bevy of levies, can easily add up to hundreds of dollars per event – sometimes even more, especially in the case of major championships.
Petcover’s Basic, Economy and Superior Options all include coverage of up to $1000 for the loss of irrecoverable entry fees – meaning you can relax, re-route, and compete another day.
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Horses are a major emotional and financial investment. Insurance allows owners to focus on their horse’s wellbeing without being overwhelmed by unexpected costs.
If you would like to know more about Petcover’s horse insurance, visit their website or call 1300 731 324.
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