The Best Pet Insurance for Horses (2024)

If you’re not ready to commit to an insurance plan for your horse, Pet Assure is a cheaper alternative. This service works with veterinarians in its network to provide care at a discounted rate. 

Pros and Cons of Pet Assure

Coverage

Pet Assure is not an insurance policy, but a veterinary discount service. You pay a fixed monthly or annual rate in exchange for a 25% discount on your vet bills. Unlike regular pet insurance that’s available at any licensed vet, Pet Assure is only available at in-network vets. Be sure to use the network search tool on the company’s website to find eligible providers before getting your horse care.

Unlike pet insurance companies, Pet Assure covers preexisting conditions and has no restrictions based on your horse’s age. It also includes discounts for routine care.

Pet Assure offers three plans that cover horses:

• Single Dog Plan: Despite its name, this plan isn’t limited to dogs; it covers large animals too. It costs $11.95 per month or $99 per year.
• Family Plan: The Family Plan covers two to four animals of any size and costs $16.95 per month or $149 per year.
• Unlimited Plan: This plan covers an unlimited number of pets regardless of species or size. It costs $21.95 per month or $199 per year.

To learn more: Pet Assure Pet Health Insurance review

Whether you have a prize-winning show horse or a farm pony, horses are a major investment. Your horse can get sick or injured at any time, and insurance provides peace of mind that you can get necessary vet care without stressing about bills.

Horse ownership can be costly. The initial expense of buying a horse can range from $500 to more than $50,000, and there are also recurring costs to consider. The average cost to own a horse is $6,000 per year, but this number can vary depending on your horse’s breed, age and training level. Here are some recurring expenses and average costs to consider, according to horse racing blog Horse Racing Sense:

• Bedding: $300 per year
• Boarding: $150 to $700 per month
• Farrier charges: $65 to $150 per month
• Feed: $50 to $120 per month
• Tack and training: $50 to $150 per month
• Veterinary expenses: $2,000 per year

These costs can be higher depending on where you live, such as a big city. Unexpected veterinary emergencies can be prohibitively expensive for horses.

Any animal can develop health issues throughout its life. Though there are preventive measures you can take to help your horse avoid health problems, it can be more susceptible to future illnesses or injuries after it gets sick or hurt. Here are some of the most common horse health issues according to the Equis Save Foundation, a non-profit horse rescue organization.

• Allergies: Allergies can cause skin issues. These usually resolve on their own but can sometimes require antihistamine treatment.
• Back problems: Back problems are common in horses, whether from an ill-fitting saddle or a torn ligament. This can be painful for your horse and may require long-term treatment.
• Colic: Colic affects a horse’s digestive system, and serious cases can be fatal. Minor episodes can be treated with an injection of banamine, but serious cases may require emergency colic surgery.
• Laminitis: Laminitis is an inflammation of tissue under the hoof wall. It can be crippling, cause lameness and be potentially fatal. It requires medical treatment and corrective shoeing.
• Mud fever: Mud fever is caused when bacteria from mud enters a horse’s bloodstream through cuts or chapped skin. It can be treated topically but sometimes requires antibiotics.
• Sweet itch: Sweet itch is a painful reaction to the saliva of biting flies. Your horse can develop large open sores in affected areas that often require special ointment or veterinary attention.
• Thrush: Thrush is an infection in the sole of your horse’s foot. It can often be treated with antibacterial spray, but severe cases can travel upwards into the hoof and may require more serious treatment.
• Worms: Horses that are around other animals or that graze often are more susceptible to parasitic worms. Worms can cause problems in the intestine or even colic. Horses should be given dewormer every three months as a preventive measure.

It’s important to understand the different types of insurance coverage available for your horse. We’ve outlined the most common types below.

Mortality Insurance

Mortality insurance is essentially a life insurance policy for your horse. Though an unpleasant reality, mortality coverage is a good idea to secure yourself financially when your horse passes away.

You can insure your horse for up to 100% of its value, though the more expensive your horse is, the higher your monthly premiums will be. There are two types of mortality policies: full mortality insurance and limited mortality insurance. Limited mortality policies generally cover fewer and more specific causes of death.

Full mortality policies cover your horse for almost any cause of death. These can include but are not limited to the following:

• Colic
• Fatal injuries
• Fire
• Lightning
• Natural causes
• Theft

Some full mortality policies also cover freak accidents. Equine mortality insurance is usually available for horses as young as 24 hours and as old as 17 years. The coverage terms vary by provider, so check the fine print before enrolling.

Major Medical Coverage

Major medical insurance reimburses diagnostics, testing and treatments if your horse gets sick or injured. This includes ASPCA’s coverage mentioned above.

Coverage for horses works similarly to traditional pet insurance for dogs or cats. After your horse is treated, you pay the vet bill and file a claim for reimbursement. Premiums vary based on various factors including age, breed and location. Rates may also depend on your horse’s job. For example, if you have a riding horse you may pay a different price than someone insuring a farming horse.

Liability

Liability insurance covers you and any damages if your horse damages property or hurts someone. This coverage is essential if you run a business involving horses, such as a riding school.

Though there are fewer options for horse insurance than other types of pet insurance, you can still get quality coverage. ASPCA and Pet Assure both offer plans that can help you save money and avoid having to make a decision about whether you can afford necessary medical care for your horse.

Depending on your horse’s job and needs, different coverage requirements may apply. We recommend reviewing policies, comparing pricing and choosing a provider based on what best suits you and your animal’s needs.