3/18/2014

Petplan Equine Insurance Horses are a sizeable investment with their

purchase costs running into the thousands

Petplan PETPLAN NEW ZEALAND

Petplan Equine Insurance

© 2014 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.

Horses are a sizeable investment with their purchase costs running into the thousands;

quarter horses for rodeo/barrel racing and cattle working cost as much as $4,000 while

Arabians and Thoroughbreds cost $8,000 at least. With such expensive price tags, horse

owners are well-advised to secure Petplan equine insurance plans for their assets.

Why Equine Insurance This is true regardless of the uses for the horses - as racing animals, as working animals,

or as beloved pets. All horses are, after all, at risk for injuries and illnesses during the

course of their lives and, hence, will require appropriate veterinary care for their

recovery. The equine insurance company will shoulder all or part of the costs of

veterinary care, thus, lifting your monetary burdens.

Think of it: Without equine insurance, you will be constrained to pay for all of the costs

related to your horse's veterinary care in case of its illness or injury. On a good year, you

can spend up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket costs for veterinary services including

emergency visits, dental care, and regular check-ups.

With equine insurance, your monetary concerns in this regard can be a thing of the past.

You have two options, namely, avail of the rebate on the spot while in the vet's clinic or

pay the vet outright then file for reimbursement with the equine insurance company.

You will appreciate such versatility but be sure to talk with your insurance agent about

the best option for each case.

What Areas Are Covered Like all forms of insurance, Petplan equine insurance plans come in different forms in

terms of the areas covered. You can choose between basic insurance coverage (i.e.,

mortality, theft and straying) and comprehensive insurance coverage (i.e., basic plus

optional extras).

It must be noted that many of these areas are similar in nature and scope to cat and dog

insurance but many are also unique to horse insurance.

Petplan Equine Insurance

© 2014 Petplan.net.nz. All rights reserved.

This is because horses are bred not just as pets but for other purposes like racing,

breeding, and working as well. The risks for injuries, illnesses and death are then

different than for domestic animals.

Mortality, theft and straying comprise the base cover of Petplan equine

insurance plan.

Vet fee cover, which comes in two levels - Standard Cover with up to $10,000 or

HiXS Cover with up to $7,000 in cover. Both vet fee covers come with the terms

and conditions so be sure to discuss these matters with the insurance agent.

Permanent loss of use usually covers permanent disability that will prevent the

insured horse from participating in the activity for which it was insured, say,

competitive racing.

Disposal after death with coverage of up to $300. Keep in mind that the disposal

of the dead body must be in accordance with rules and regulations on the matter,

not just bury it anywhere a hole can be dug.

Saddlery and tack coverage is necessary when replacing or repairing saddlery

and tack.

Horse float cover refers to the repair and replacement of the float or vehicle.

Just as with other pet insurance types, choosing the best Petplan insurance plan for your

horse requires careful analysis of several factors. Look into your budget for the

premiums; the age, physical condition and activity of the horse; and the expected

illnesses and injuries including their costs of veterinary treatment for the equine. You

certainly will not want to be caught unaware by the high costs involved with horse care

because you settled for the cheapest cover there is!