Vets' Warning As Fewer Owners Insure Their Horses

A drop in the number of individuals taking out veterinary cover has led practitioners to warn of a possible ‘real personal cost’ to those concerned

- Rachael Turner

A DROP in the number of horses insured for vets’ bills has led to calls for owners to reconsider taking out policies.

In 2012, 82% of horses referred to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Equine Hospital were insured, but last year this dropped to 57%.

RVC hospital clinical director Josh Slater said a lack of insurance could have a significant impact on a horse’s treatment plan.

“If a horse is referred without insurance it puts a real restraint on what we can do,” he told H&H. “The cost of referral services, whatever the problem, is significantly higher than primary care in the yard.

“Historically much of the work has been supported by insurance policies and the era of generalist [vets] has been replaced by the specialist — which is expensive by its very nature.

“We always do our best to deliver the best possible care within a budget, but the reality is some things are expensive and there is no way to get around that.

“We are constantly humbled by owners who will put their horses before themselves, but it can come at a real personal cost when they don’t have insurance.”