Australians strongly love horses, and many own horses for pleasure, sport, or work. It is therefore crucial to understand the importance of equine insurance to protect your investment and safeguard your finances in an accident or illness.
In this article, we will discuss five key things you need to know about equine insurance in Australia.
What is Equine Insurance?
Equine insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection for your horse in the event of illness, injury, or death. It can also cover the cost of veterinary care, transportation, and euthanasia.
There are two main types of equine insurance: mortality insurance and liability insurance. Mortality insurance covers the cost of replacing your horse if it dies or is euthanized. Liability insurance covers the cost of any legal claims made against you if your horse injures someone or damages property.
What is the Cost of Equine Insurance?
The cost of equine insurance will vary depending on several factors, including the age, breed, and use of your horse. The cost will also vary depending on the level of coverage you choose.
According to a recent study by the Australian Equine Veterinarians Association, the average cost of equine insurance in Australia is $500 per year. However, this can range from as low as $200 per year to as high as $2,000 per year.
What is Covered by Equine Insurance?
Most equine insurance policies will cover the cost of veterinary care, including surgery, hospitalization, and medication. They will also cover the cost of transporting your horse to and from the veterinarian.
In addition, some policies will also cover the cost of euthanasia and burial.
What is Not Covered by Equine Insurance?
Equine insurance policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine veterinary care, or breeding expenses.
How to Choose an Equine Insurance Policy
When choosing an equine insurance policy, it is important to compare quotes from different insurers. You should also make sure that the policy you choose provides the level of coverage you need.
It is also important to read the fine print of the policy carefully. This will help you to understand what is and is not covered by the policy.
Finally, you should make sure that the insurer you choose is financially sound. This will help to ensure that you will be able to receive a payout if you need to make a claim.
Famous Equine Insurance Quote:
“Horses are not just animals; they are members of our families. And like any family member, they deserve our protection.”
Additional Information to Consider
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing equine insurance:
The value of your horse:
The more valuable your horse, the more expensive your insurance will be. However, it is important to remember that the cost of replacing your horse is not the only factor to consider. You should also consider the cost of veterinary care if your horse becomes sick or injured.
Your deductible:
The deductible is the amount of money that you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. A higher deductible will result in a lower premium, but it will also mean that you will have to pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim.
Your excess:
The excess is similar to a deductible, but it is applied to each claim rather than your total policy.
Your horse’s age:
Horses are more likely to experience health problems as they get older. This means that equine insurance for older horses will typically be more expensive than equine insurance for younger horses.
Your horse’s breed:
Some breeds of horses are more prone to certain health conditions than others. This can affect the cost of equine insurance.
Your horse’s use:
Horses that are used for competition or breeding are typically more expensive to insure than horses that are used for pleasure riding.