When the worst happens

Having to make that decision is something that turns your stomach. However, part of being a responsible horse owner is knowing how to deal with the situation and what your insurance provider offers when it comes to mortality cover

Mortality cover explained.

IT’S A TOPIC WE all dread discussing, but unfortunately it comes with the responsibility of owning a horse. O One day, you may be faced with a h heartbreaking decision to make, or perhaps your vet tells you that your horse needs to be put to sleep. It’s not a situation any of us takes lightly, but if your horse has a serious accident or is suffering from illness, there may come a point from a welfare point of view when it’s kinder to have him euthanased.

Death or mortality and theft form the basic cover of nearly all insurance policies. This covers your horse if he is killed, dies or has to be put to sleep as a result of being in pain that can’t be controlled by medication. There are strict guidelines your vet has to follow in order for you to make a claim. All Petplan Equine policies cover death and loss by theft or straying.

“To make a valid death claim, it’s required that your horse’s condition meets the BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) guidelines for the destruction of horses,” explains Petplan Equine. “This is to ensure that all parties involved are protected and, most importantly, that insurance providers ref lect the best welfare interests of horses in the UK.”

In simple terms, the guidelines mean that for an insurer to consider a claim for death, there must be no treatment options available. This is irrespective of other considerations, such as the horse’s age, temperament or ability to perform in a particular discipline.

Being realistic

It’s not always possible to inform your insurance provider in advance that your horse needs to be put to sleep — for example, in the case of critical injury or severe acute illness — and insurance companies understand that waiting may not be in your horse’s best interests. In this situation, ask your vet for advice as to whether they believe the condition of your horse meets the guidelines in order for you to make an informed decision.

“Although it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the conditions of their insurance policy are met, we understand that you may decide to put your horse to sleep knowing that the BEVA criteria is not met (and therefore would not be suitable for an insurance claim) because you know it is the best decision for you and your horse,” says Petplan Equine.

If you claim for the death of your horse, your insurance company will need to know the cause of death and this may mean a post-mortem examination being carried out, which you will have to pay for. In some cases, a second opinion may be required. If you dispose of the body without getting a post-mortem report, your insurance company may not pay out. If you have any doubts or are unsure you are fully informed, contact your insurer for advice.

“It’s not always possible to inform your insurers in advance that your horse needs to be put to sleep. Insurance companies understand that waiting may not be in your horse’s best interests”

Sum insured vs market value

“KBIS will pay the market value of your horse if he dies, is killed, or is humanely destroyed within 15 months of the first clinical signs of injury or illness, as long as the condition causing death is not a pre-existing condition,” says KBIS.

With some insurers, the time limit is 12 months, so check with your provider.

If you do make a claim, you may not always get the full value you have your horse insured for. Most companies will only pay out the market value of the insured horse at the time of loss, up to the maximum sum insured. The value of your horse is based on his current market value (that is, what he would sell for).

“Sometimes insurers don’t pay out the full sum insured,” explains KBIS. “This is usually when it doesn’t reflect the current market value of the horse. This happens, for example, when a horse has dropped in value from taking out the initial policy five years ago and this value has not been amended since. The value may have reduced over time for a number of reasons including age or injury, meaning he can no longer compete at the same level, or be used for the same activities.”

Your horse’s value should be reassessed each year in line with his age, competition record/current use and any injuries he’s had.