Horse Insurance
Horse Insurance in the UK – The Complete 2025 Guide
Last updated: August 2025
Horse Insurance: Owning a horse can be one of life’s greatest joys whether for competition, leisure riding, breeding, or companionship. But with that joy comes responsibility, and part of responsible ownership is ensuring your horse, and yourself, are financially protected in case of illness, injury, or accident. That’s where horse insurance steps in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about horse insurance in the UK from the basics to the finer details, costs, providers, and expert tips for choosing the right policy.
What is Horse Insurance?
Horse insurance is a specialised policy designed to cover the financial risks of horse ownership. It can include protection for veterinary bills, public liability, theft or death of the horse, and personal accident cover for the rider.
Instead of facing unexpected expenses that could run into thousands of pounds, horse insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially protected.
Why is Horse Insurance Important?
Horses are valuable and vulnerable animals. A sudden illness, accident, or injury could not only harm your horse’s wellbeing but also cause significant financial strain. Vet bills for horses are often much higher than for smaller pets, and without insurance, you could be forced to make difficult decisions.
Horses can also pose a risk of injuring others or damaging property, making public liability cover essential for legal and financial protection.
Who Needs Horse Insurance?
Horse insurance is valuable for:
- Private horse owners
- Riding schools and equestrian centres
- Competitive riders (show jumping, dressage, eventing)
- Breeders and stud farms
- Loaners or sharers who have agreed to cover care costs
Even if your horse is primarily for leisure riding, the risks remain illness, accidents, and legal liabilities can happen to anyone.
Types of Horse Insurance Cover
a) Veterinary Fees Cover
Pays for the diagnosis, medical treatment, and prescribed medication if your horse falls ill or suffers an injury. This is often the most important part of a horse insurance policy.
b) Public Liability Insurance
Safeguards you from legal or financial liability if your horse hurts someone or damages their possessions. Legal costs and compensation payouts can be extremely expensive.
c) Death, Theft, or Straying Cover
Provides a payout if your horse dies due to illness, injury, or is stolen or goes missing.
d) Personal Accident Cover
Covers you (or a named rider) if injured while riding or handling the horse.
e) Loss of Use Cover
Compensates you if your horse can no longer perform its intended activity for example, a competition horse that can no longer compete.
Optional Add-Ons Worth Considering
- Saddlery & Tack Insurance – Replaces or repairs damaged, stolen, or lost riding equipment.
- Horse Trailer Insurance — provides protection against damage or theft of trailers used for transporting your horse.
- Overseas Travel Cover – Essential for competing abroad.
- Foal Cover – Protection for newborn foals and breeding risks.
What Horse Insurance Does Not Cover
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine vaccinations and dental care
- Neglect or mistreatment
- Pregnancy and foaling (unless covered in a specialist policy)
- Intentional injury
How Much Does Horse Insurance Cost?
The average UK horse insurance premium can range from £25 to £60 per month, depending on cover level, horse value, and intended use.
For example:
- Leisure horse: £300–£500/year
- Competition horse: £500–£1,000/year
Factors That Affect Horse Insurance Premiums
- Horse’s age and breed
- Intended use (competition horses often cost more to insure)
- Location and stabling arrangements
- Claims history
- Value of horse and equipment
Horse Insurance for Different Uses
- Leisure Horses – Usually cheaper to insure.
- Competition Horses – Higher premiums due to increased injury risk.
- Breeding Horses – May require specialist stud farm policies.
- Loan Horses – Policies should be tailored to loan agreements.
Top Horse Insurance Providers in the UK
| Provider | Specialties | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Petplan Equine | Wide cover options, vet fee cover up to £7,500 | petplanequine.co.uk |
| SEIB Insurance | Competition and high-value horse cover | seib.co.uk |
| NFU Mutual | Rural and equestrian insurance expertise | nfumutual.co.uk |
| KBIS British Equestrian Insurance | Tailored policies for sports horses | kbis.co.uk |
NEXT: One Call Insurance
How to Choose the Right Policy
- Decide on your must-have covers (vet fees, public liability, theft, etc.).
- Compare at least three quotes.
- Read exclusions carefully.
- Check claim limits and excess amounts.
Tips to Save on Horse Insurance
- Increase your policy excess to lower premiums.
- Maintain good horse health to reduce claims.
- Combine policies (horse, tack, trailer) with the same insurer.
- Use specialist equestrian brokers for better deals.
History of Horse Insurance in the UK
Horse insurance has been around in the UK for decades, originally designed for high-value racehorses and breeding stock. Over time, it expanded to cover leisure and companion horses, making protection more accessible to everyday owners.
Do You Really Need Horse Insurance? Myths vs. Facts
Many believe horse insurance is only for professional riders, but accidents and illnesses can happen to any horse. The fact is, even leisure riders benefit from the financial protection it provides against unexpected costs.
Horse Insurance for First-Time Owners
If you’re new to horse ownership, insurance is a vital safety net. First-time owners often underestimate vet bills and liability risks, making a solid policy an essential part of responsible care.
Cover for Competition and Event Horses
Competitive horses face higher risks due to intense training and frequent travel. Specialised cover can include injury during events, loss of use, and overseas travel insurance for competitions abroad.
How to Make a Horse Insurance Claim
To file a claim, contact your insurer promptly, provide medical reports, receipts, and any supporting evidence. The quicker you act, the faster your claim is likely to be processed.
Common Mistakes Horse Owners Make When Buying Insurance
Some owners choose the cheapest policy without checking exclusions, while others underinsure their horse’s value. Always compare coverage and not just cost.
Insuring Older Horses – What to Know
Premiums for older horses may be higher, and some policies limit vet fee cover past a certain age. Still, you can find specialist providers that cater to senior equines.
Horse Insurance for Loan or Shared Ownership Arrangements
When a horse is on loan or shared, it’s important to clearly define who is responsible for the insurance to avoid disputes if an accident occurs.
Seasonal Risks and How They Affect Insurance
Risks such as icy paddocks in winter or heat stress in summer can increase the chance of a claim. Being aware of these risks can help you manage them and potentially keep premiums lower.
How Weather Conditions Impact Horse Insurance Claims
Flooded stables, storm damage, and extreme heat can all result in claims. Some policies may have specific clauses related to weather-related incidents.
Working Horses – Cover for Riding Schools and Trekking Centres
If your horse is used commercially, you’ll need a policy that covers both the animal and the public, including riding students and paying customers.
Specialist Cover for Rare Breeds
Rare breeds can be expensive to replace, making tailored insurance important. Specialist policies often account for breeding potential and genetic value.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Policy
Insurers generally exclude pre-existing conditions, but some may offer partial coverage if the condition has been stable for a certain period.
International Horse Travel – Cover Abroad
If you plan to travel internationally with your horse, you’ll need overseas cover for transport, quarantine, and veterinary emergencies in other countries.
Loss of Use Claims – How They Work
Loss of use cover compensates you if your horse can no longer perform its insured role, such as competing or breeding, due to illness or injury.
How Horse Valuation Affects Your Premium
The insured value of your horse directly impacts your premium. Overvaluing can increase costs unnecessarily, while undervaluing may leave you short in a claim.
Excess and Claim Limits – What They Mean
The excess is the amount you pay toward a claim before your insurance covers the rest, while the claim limit is the maximum your insurer will pay for a particular type of cover.
Tips for Keeping Premiums Affordable
Bundle your tack, trailer, and horse cover into one policy, increase your excess, and maintain your horse’s health to help keep premiums down.
How Horse Insurance Protects Your Investment
Horses can be a significant financial and emotional investment. Insurance ensures you can provide the best care without financial strain, no matter what happens.
Future Trends in Horse Insurance
Expect to see more data-driven policies, with wearable tech for horses tracking health and activity levels, potentially leading to customised premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horse Insurance
Q: Is horse insurance mandatory in the UK?
No, but public liability cover is strongly recommended.
Q: Can I insure an older horse?
Yes, but premiums may be higher and some covers may be restricted.
Q: Does horse insurance cover riding accidents?
Yes, if personal accident cover is included in your policy.
Final Thoughts
Horse insurance is a wise investment for any horse owner, ensuring both you and your animal are protected financially and legally. By choosing the right cover, you can enjoy your equestrian activities with peace of mind.
