Top 5 Reasons to Get Mortality and Medical Horse Insurance
Owning a horse is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but it also comes with serious financial responsibility. Between feed, boarding, training, and vet bills, horse ownership is expensive even on a good day. Add in an unexpected injury or illness, and costs can skyrocket overnight. That’s why more and more owners are turning to horse insurance—specifically mortality and medical coverage—to protect both their horses and their wallets.
Here are the top five reasons every horse owner should consider equine insurance:
1. Veterinary Emergencies Can Cost Tens of Thousands
A simple colic episode can easily run $3,000–$5,000 if it requires hospitalization. If surgery is needed, the bill can climb past $10,000–$15,000. A fracture repair? Think $8,000–$20,000.
Without equine medical insurance, these expenses fall 100% on the owner. With insurance, a large portion of these costs can be reimbursed—making it possible to choose the best care for your horse without panicking about finances.
👉 See real-world cost estimates from The Horse and AAEP Vet Care Cost Resources.
2. Horses Have a Talent for Trouble
Horses are 1,200-pound toddlers with hooves. They find a way to get cut on a fence, tangled in a halter, or lame in the pasture. A minor cut with stitches might be $500–$1,000. Add antibiotics, follow-up care, or hospitalization, and you’re easily looking at $2,000–$3,000.
Equine medical insurance ensures you’re not forced to decide between your checking account and your horse’s well-being.
3. Mortality Coverage Protects Your Investment
Whether you’ve spent $5,000 or $50,000 on your horse, mortality coverage gives you peace of mind that your financial investment is protected. If the unthinkable happens (which unfortunately, it does) and your horse passes away from an accident, illness, or injury, horse mortality insurance provides compensation based on your horse’s insured value.
That payout can help soften the blow of loss and give you the financial ability to purchase another horse when the time is right.
4. Insurance Helps You Budget Predictably and Can Provide You With Extras
Horse ownership already has enough surprises. By paying a set annual premium, you can plan ahead rather than scrambling when a sudden $7,000 surgery bill appears. Think of it as trading one unpredictable crisis expense for one predictable line item in your horse budget.
Additionally, many carriers will cover additional items such as tack, trailers, and liability coverage for you.
Many owners find this peace of mind invaluable—especially those managing barns, lesson programs, or breeding operations where multiple horses are involved.
5. Access to Better Care, Faster
When money isn’t the deciding factor, you can say “yes” to diagnostics and treatments that give your horse the best shot at recovery. From advanced imaging to specialized rehab, equine insurance empowers owners to pursue top-tier care without delay.
In the long run, this can save not only your horse’s life but also reduce secondary complications that rack up even higher bills.
Final Thoughts
Horse mortality and medical insurance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind. Emergencies will happen, but insurance ensures you won’t have to choose between your horse’s health and your financial stability.
If you’re ready to learn more about coverage options, talk with Sarah, an equine insurance advisor, who can walk you through mortality, major medical, and surgical policies tailored to your needs.
👉 For more resources, check out:
Protect yourself. Protect your horse. Because at the end of the day, horses may be priceless—but horse bills are not.
1. What does horse mortality insurance cover?
Horse mortality insurance covers the financial value of your horse if it dies due to illness, injury, or accident. Some policies also include theft coverage, as well as Wobbler’s coverage.
2. What is equine medical insurance?
Equine medical insurance helps reimburse veterinary bills for accidents, injuries, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics, and treatments. It can cover thousands in unexpected vet costs.
3. How much does horse medical insurance cost?
On average, premiums range from $300 to $800 per year, depending on your horse’s age, breed, use, and insured value. Higher coverage and add-ons increase costs. Contact Sarah at Pony Policy to learn more.
4. Why is horse insurance worth it?
Vet emergencies like colic surgery or fracture repair can cost $10,000–$20,000+. Insurance helps cover these bills, giving owners peace of mind and access to the best care without draining savings.
5. Do I need both mortality and medical coverage for my horse?
Yes—mortality protects your financial investment if the horse passes away, while medical coverage helps with ongoing vet bills. Most owners carry both for full protection.
6. How much does horse colic surgery cost without insurance?
Colic surgery typically costs $7,500–$15,000 depending on the facility. Insurance can reimburse a large portion, reducing out-of-pocket expenses dramatically.
7. Can horse insurance cover routine care?
Most policies do not cover routine costs like vaccines, dental, or deworming. Insurance is designed to cover unexpected, high-cost events such as accidents or surgeries.
8. Can horse insurance cover my tack?
Some policies have add-on coverage for tack, personal liability (ie your horse kicks someone), and displacement due to emergencies.
