
Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Horses are much more expensive to keep than dogs and cats and they’re also capable of incurring much higher vet bills than smaller animals. Because it’s a good idea to protect your more valuable assets, getting cover for accidental injuries, vet bills and equine liability insurance may be essential for protecting your horse and yourself.
There are other risks to consider too, including damage to your riding equipment, trailers and other gear, theft or straying, loss of use and more. Horse insurance can financially protect you against a range of risks that horse owners regularly face. Having cover in place means security and confidence for all equine enthusiasts and professionals.
If you’re a horse lover, you’ll want to give your animal the best veterinary care possible. Similarly, if your horses are crucial to your occupation or to your ability to earn an income, you’ll want to make sure you can look after them in times of need.
Pet insurance is designed to help you cover eligible vet bills when your pet suffers an illness or accidental injury. Particularly for large animals like horses, vet bills for things like broken bones or severe illnesses can quickly add up to leave you with a whole lot of debt. Horse insurance can help cover many of the costs associated with giving your horse the treatment it needs, bringing you peace of mind when it comes to your much-loved pet.
The exact type of cover and level of reimbursement available will differ between policies and it’s a good idea to look for a policy that matches your needs. There are both general cover options that many people can take advantage of and more specialised cover options that are specifically for riding, breeding or other uses.
If your insured horse dies or is put down on humane grounds as a result of an injury or illness sustained or contracted within the period of insurance, your policy will provide a benefit payment. You’ll need to notify your insurance company of the horse’s death within the period of insurance. Many policies will also offer an additional payment to help you cover the cost of a post mortem examination and an autopsy report.
The benefit you receive will generally not exceed the lower of either the market value of the horse listed on your policy schedule or the sum insured. There are also certain circumstances when a claim won’t be paid, such as if your horse is euthanised without a veterinarian deciding that it is essential and the most humane course of action. In addition, you won’t receive a benefit if your horse is destroyed by the order of any government, local authority or relevant governing body.
This feature is often not included in horse insurance policies as a standard and it will usually need to be added. Generally, it covers the cost of veterinarian fees resulting from the insured horse sustaining an injury as the result an accident or illness during the period of insurance.
Typically, you will be required to pay the first portion of vet fees, such as the first $500. There will also be an annual limit that you should be aware of. A range of exclusions may apply. You will not be able to claim costs relating to routine care, such as vaccinations, dentistry or congenital issues. Veterinary costs relating to foaling risks are generally not covered by this policy inclusion, but they can be covered under different policy inclusions.
You will be paid a benefit if your horse suffers an accidental injury, illness or disease that renders it totally and permanently unable to fulfill its main purpose as specified in your policy schedule. In the case of such an event, you may be reimbursed a partial amount, such as 75% of the total value of the sum insured or market value.
This policy option can also include the euthanising of a horse for economic reasons instead of purely humanitarian ones, provided that it’s the opinion of both your veterinarian and the insurer that the horse is totally and permanently disabled and can no longer be used for the purpose specified in your policy schedule.
If your insured horse is stolen or strays within the insured period and is not recovered within 90 days, your policy will pay a benefit. Many policies will also cover the cost of any advertising used to try and track down a strayed or lost horse, plus the payment of a reward that leads to recovery. Remember that in the event of a theft or attempted theft, you must contact your local police station immediately and follow any instructions that they give.
In certain circumstances, you and your horse might be deemed legally liable to pay for any expenses associated with the accidental death, bodily injury, illness or disease of any person, or the loss of or damage to property owned by a third party.
In these situations, horse insurance provides essential financial cover for your legal liability. The liability must be caused by, or arise in relation to, a horse named in your policy schedule. The expenses incurred often need to be within your insurer’s consent, for example, you should contact your insurer before hiring a lawyer to defend yourself against liability expenses in order to have those legal expenses covered.
Depending on the policy, the liability may need to occur within Australia. Also, your insurance might not cover the legal liability of your employees, or any injury or damage incurred while the horse is being ridden, driven or led.
If you experience the loss of or damage to saddlery or tack belonging to you or family members living with you, you’ll receive a benefit amount for each horse. Per-item limits will typically apply to most policies and you’ll need to support any claim by providing proof of purchase or a valuation. To cover items stolen overnight, they must have been kept in a locked private house or building and you will need to inform the police of the theft as soon as reasonably possible.
If any horse trailer or horse-drawn vehicle included in your policy suffers loss or damage as a result of a fire, theft or accident, your policy will pay a benefit. The benefit payment will often represent the lesser of the market value, the sum insured or the cost of repairs. In the event of a theft, you must notify the local police as soon as possible.
Under this section of your policy, a benefit will be paid when you or someone else with your permission is riding or in control of the horse and sustains an accidental bodily injury that leads to death or disablement. Benefits are typically available for accidental death, the loss of sight in one or both eyes, the loss of the use of one or more limbs, permanent total disablement and dental treatment.
By specifying horseback riding as the main purpose for your horse, whether for personal or commercial reasons, you can get reimbursed if your horse suffers an accidental injury or illness that renders it permanently unable to be ridden.
If you make a claim under the Mortality section of your policy following the death of your horse, you may also find that you are left with entry passes to shows or races that you have already paid for but that cannot be recovered. Your horse insurance policy will provide cover for the cost of those fees that you cannot recover, up to a certain limit.
If an injury, illness or cosmetic condition results in your horse being permanently disfigured and consequently no longer suitable for its main use as a show horse, racehorse or other purpose, as shown in your policy schedule, you’ll receive a benefit payment.
Depending on your policy and chosen options you can get insured for:
You can get horse insurance to cover mares during pregnancy and foaling. Premiums are determined by the mare’s value, foaling record and age.
Just as you’d expect from any type of insurance policy, horse insurance comes with a range of exclusions. Your insurance claim will not be paid if:
A number of factors can influence the cost of your horse insurance premiums, including:
You’ll need to take action as soon as possible after an insurable event takes place.
If your horse dies you’ll need to:
In the event of straying, theft or malicious damage, make a report to your local police station as soon as possible.
Once you’ve notified your insurer, they will inform you of what you need to do to complete the claims process. You’ll typically have to fill out a claims form and provide supporting documentation for your claim.
You will have to pay an excess when you make a claim, though the exact amount will be calculated based on an assessment of risk. When calculating your benefit payment, your insurer will not pay a sum that exceeds the value of your horse, trailer or equipment as shown in your policy schedule.
A cooling-off period (typically 14 days in length) will apply to your horse insurance policy. This means you have 14 days, once you have been issued with your policy, to change your mind, cancel your cover and receive a full refund of any premiums you have paid.
If you’re considering taking out horse insurance cover, it’s a good idea to get a veterinarian to examine your horse for any health problems before purchasing. However, even if your horse passes a vet’s examination, insurance companies may still specify a number of exclusions based on your animal’s health.
For your peace of mind, match your horse insurance to your needs and take out cover as soon as you feasibly can.
What to consider when collecting retro games and systems
What exactly are body corporate fees and what do your quarterly fees go towards?
Finder research shows 2.7 million Australians have a car loan. Find out how much Aussies are borrowing, and how this has changed over time.
Here are some of the best electric cars in Australia in 2021.
There are 24.4 million super accounts in Australia from a total of 84 funds, with MySuper assets equalling $812 billion. Find out more in our report.
Extras cover is the number one drawcard for Australians who take out private health cover, new research from Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site, reveals.
Beat the banks, find the best exchange rates and avoid fees when you send money abroad from Australia.
Millions of Australians could be missing out saving money on their health insurance policy, according to Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.
Discover exactly what you need to know about leaving Australia.
Get cover that works for your pet and your budget.
Want to save on pet insurance? Here's how.
How much does it cost to insure a dog in Australia?
The average price to insure a cat.
Will public liability insurance cover a quiet horse that is securely tethered on vacant land? I worry about the idiot factor of a person approaching him while tethered.
Hi Gina,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
In every scenario, there is always the potential for something to go wrong – dogs chew, cats scratch, basically accidents happen and when they do, you can be held liable.
Public Liability claims can be incredibly costly, and even if you are not at fault, you may still incur considerable legal costs while defending yourself. Public Liability insurance is recommended to protect you and your property from any potential costs. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I have a 14 month old Horse, I would like how much it would be for insurance just for Vet bills
Hi Kayleen,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
At the time of this writing, we don’t have a list of horse insurance policy that you can compare. Since your horse is relatively young, your policy shouldn’t be too expensive. It would also be a good idea to review the details written on this page under the subheading “How much does horse insurance cost?” This will give you an idea of the factors that will affect your premium.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
How can i get horse insurance please? Ive looked at this page but now need to know how to get the insurance please
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder and for your feedback.
While we do not have a comparison for horse insurance, you can check out our guide on the different types of pet insurance to know what type of cover you’ll need and to compare providers who might provide cover for your horse. The brands featured on the page will most likely provide horse insurance but I still recommend that you talk to them first to get a personalized quote. Hope you find what you need.
Cheers,
Joel
What is the cost of insurance for 4 dogs and 4 horses accident cover
Hi Anna,
Thank you for leaving a question
It’s good to know your getting accident cover insurance for your 4 dogs and 4 horses.
Please know that we don’t represent any company featured on our pages. We provide general advise/information on the products/services you inquire and we can’t give any further recommendation for you or provide quotes and prices beyond our limitation.
You may contact the insurance company to apply for this.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Reggie
I would like travel insurance for a stock horse filly aged 20 months from QLD to Tas valued at $3500.00. The trip will take 1 week but she will have the following 2 weeks recovering where there may be the potential for sickness.
Hi Peta,
Thanks for getting in touch!
It’s nice to know your getting travel insurance for your house.
Please know that we don’t stand as a representation to any company featured on our pages. We provide general advise/information on the products/services you inquire and we can’t give any further recommendation for you or provide quotes and prices beyond our limitation.
You may contact the insurance company to apply for this.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Nikki
I have lease our pony out for up to 12 months and would like to insurance him for that period of time just incase something was to happen
Hi Gayle,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
That is a good idea since your pet is on lease. Also, accidents and illnesses can strike at any time. Regarding your enquiry, you have to contact the insurer directly if you can take out an insurance only for that certain period of time.
As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
We just bought a Stock horse (mare) no registration and was told she is 11 years old. How do I go about getting a quote for her insurance?
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
There are brands available in the market who can offer insurance for your Stock horse. At the moment, we do not have horse insurance to compare. But, if you also like to reconsider, you may check with PetPlan or Logans to see your options and get quote.
Cheers,
May
If a horse is insured and it is euthanised or dies and the animal is cremated does pet insurance cover cremation?
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your comment.
Unfortunately, your horse insurance claim will not be paid if your horse is euthanised without the insurer’s consent or without the opinion of a qualified veterinary surgeon or is euthanised under the order of any government or local authority. Some pet insurance cover cremation and it would be best that you verify this from the insurer.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Looking to put my horse on someone’s property and he wants me to have insurance , what insurance do I need. ?
Hello Jason,
Thank you for reaching out to us about this. You are actually on the right page to provide you the information you need on horse insurance.
In terms of the type of insurance you need for you horse, it would be best for you to get in touch with an insurer who provides this kind of cover. Unfortunately, for now, the insurers in our panel do not provide cover for horses.
You may try browsing the web to find suitable insurers for you horse. From there, once you contact them, you would have a clearer idea of what cover would be suitable for your horse.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gru
hi there
im looking horse insurance for my mare who is pregnant and due in September
Hi Kristy,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. A leading comparison website and general information service and we’re more than happy to offer general advice to answer your question. Please note that Finder is not an insurer.
We currently don’t have any brands in our panel that provide horse insurance. You may browse the web to can find horse insurance that covers mares during pregnancy and foaling. Premiums are determined by the mare’s value, foaling record, and age.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold