When selecting a medical insurance policy for your horse, there are many factors to consider. Loss-of-use coverage, surgical procedures, time limits, and limits on the amount of claim are essential. There are several advantages to purchasing an insurance plan for your horse. Hopefully, this article will help you make the right choice.
loss-of-use coverage
loss-of-use coverage on horse medical insurance covers the costs of veterinary care if your horse is permanently unable to perform its intended use due to an illness or accident. The policy pays up to 70% of the indemnity due under mortality coverage. It is essential to understand the limitations of this coverage, however. It does not cover pre-existing conditions and progressive diseases. In addition, loss-of-use insurance is typically more expensive than primary medical coverage, so consider all the factors before signing up.
Veterinary examinations and x-rays of the front feet and hocks must obtain loss-of-use coverage. The amount of coverage varies by policy. In some cases, you may be required to surrender ownership of your horse. Fortunately, horse medical insurance policies are not expensive. Compare several quotes before choosing the right plan.
Surgical coverage
Surgical coverage on equine medical insurance covers costs related to a veterinary surgery for your horses. The coverage varies, but you should have at least $3,000 in coverage limits. The insurance companies may set time limits on the coverage, limiting the maximum amount of a deductible. Many policies will also have a maximum insured value, which may be higher than the coverage limit.
The main differences between major medical and surgical policies lie in coverage. Most policies will not cover dental work, elective surgery, or procedures related to congenital disabilities. Alternative therapies are also often excluded from coverage, although some companies will consider them case-by-case. Some exclusions are pretty common sense – for example, you should not expect to be reimbursed for surgery performed by someone other than a licensed veterinarian.
Limited colic coverage
Primary medical coverage for horses can be essential for horse owners. It can ease the financial burden of horse ownership, especially when disaster strikes. A plan with a five-year limit costs about $200 annually, while one that covers up to seven-thousand dollars costs $350 annually. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can cost several thousand dollars or even more. To receive the best coverage, look for policies that cover accidents, injuries, and illness. For instance, if your horse has a history of colic, it may not be covered if it suffers from the condition again in the next year
You may need to check with your state’s insurance department to determine which insurers are admitted. A company admitted to the state you live in has additional protection if the company that insured your horse fails. Another way to choose a reputable insurer is to talk to friends and check online chat rooms for feedback about their experience with a particular insurance company. Ask questions, and pay attention to how responsive and accessible the company is.
Time limits
Your medical insurance covers veterinary expenses on your horse. You can get coverage for major medical and surgical procedures. Many policies have time limits for specific treatments and services. These limits will vary depending on how old your horse is and what it is being used for. Some policies have lower or no deductibles, while others do not. The amount you can be covered will depend on the amount of coverage you choose and the type of policy.
If your horse is worth more than a certain amount, you should have a veterinary exam. Otherwise, you can simply fill out a form that details your horse’s health history. Be honest about your horse’s health history, as unreported illness or injury may nullify your policy and lead to additional exclusions. Post mortem procedures are generally required for euthanasia, but you may not need this if the condition is covered under your policy. If your horse dies, you must also provide a veterinary death certificate and postmortem exam. The cost of the body removal is usually the owner’s responsibility, so make sure you keep all documentation to support your claim.
Exclusions
Despite the various benefits offered by horse medical insurance, some policies exclude certain conditions and illnesses. While some of these are easily rectified, some conditions cannot be covered.. Likewise, an exclusion for arthritis may also be present. Therefore, before purchasing an insurance policy for your horse, you should take the time to learn what your insurance company excludes specific conditions.
Another important consideration is the exclusion of primary medical/surgical treatments. For example, most policies exclude dental care, routine dental care, elective surgeries, and therapy for congenital disabilities. Additionally, alternative therapies such as chiropractic or acupuncture are not generally covered, though some insurance companies review these policies case-by-case. Other exclusions are common sense, such as that you cannot expect to receive reimbursement for surgery performed by someone other than a veterinarian.