Press room

As a horse owner myself I understand there are a number of misconceptions about insurance for our horses. I also know how important it is that you have the right policy for your needs. There is a common saying, ‘knowledge is power’ and by understanding insurance and the options available you are equipped to make the best choice.

Here, we aim to demystify some of the most common ‘myths’ that can make equine insurance appear confusing.

Insurance companies will always try to avoid paying out on claims

Petplan Equine is passionate about horse welfare. Making sure that horses insured with us can be given the right treatment is paramount. At Petplan Equine, our claims team is staffed by equine enthusiasts who understand the issues our clients face. This specialist knowledge enables us to process claims quickly and fairly.

You always need a vet’s certificate to insure a horse

A vet’s certificate is generally only required when insuring higher value horses but you should always check with the insurance company if one is required. You wouldn’t buy a car without an MOT and Petplan Equine always encourages owners to have a horse vetted prior to agreeing to buy it so as to identify any existing or potential health problems.

You can’t get illness cover for older horses

The insurance industry now recognises that, thanks to improvements in management, nutrition and veterinary medicine, horses are staying active for longer. Petplan Equine offers full illness and injury cover for horses up to 20 years, and up to 25 years for horses insured with us before their 20th birthday. Always check with your insurance provider at what age the horse is classed as a ‘veteran’ or older horse as cover for older horses can vary dramatically from insurer to insurer.

Insurance companies don’t understand horse owners

Petplan Equine employs horse enthusiasts and owners so they understand, not only the emotional stress that claiming for injury or illness to a much-loved horse can bring, but also the financial implications.

Once you have claimed for something it is permanently excluded from the policy

This is a misconception. Once a claim has been made, an exclusion may be placed on the policy either 12 months after the injury or the first clinical signs of the condition, or after the maximum benefit has been paid out. Exclusions are placed to clearly show you what costs are not covered under the policy; this allows you to make a fully informed decision should any further treatment be needed. Not all exclusions are permanent; many are temporary and can be reconsidered when certain criteria have been met and the correct information has been provided by your vet. The review criteria can differ depending on the condition and its severity so it’s important to speak with your insurer before asking the vet to provide any information.

If you don’t make a claim you don’t have to tell the insurance company about an injury or condition

This is also a myth. You should always keep your insurer informed if your horse has been ill or injured during the year as when your policy renews this will be classified as a pre-existing condition even if no claim has been made. So our advice is to take full advantage of your insurance policy and claim for everything even if it is only minor.

Older horses can only be covered for external injury

Again, you need to check with your insurer but at Petplan Equine we cover accidental injury to older horses whether it is internal or external.

For more information on equine insurance and Petplan Equine’s range of policies go to: www.petplanequine.co.uk

Back to Press Room

For more information please contact:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	charlotte.collyer@allianz.co.uk

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, caring for over 1200 rescued horses at its nine sites around the country, with 500 more living in happy Guardian homes across East Anglia. The charity is entirely funded by public donation. Find out more at www.redwings.co.uk.