Owning a horse is a serious financial commitment. Between routine care, feed, tack and stable costs, the last thing most owners want is an unexpected vet bill for thousands of pounds. Pet insurance for horses UK 2025 helps protect against the financial shock of illness, injury or third-party liability claims. In 2025, UK insurers continue to expand equestrian cover, making it easier for owners to safeguard both their animals and their budgets.
What Does Horse Insurance Cover?
Horse insurance differs from small pet policies because horses face unique risks. A good policy should cover:
- Veterinary fees for illness and injury
- Accidental injury and surgery
- Death, theft or straying
- Public liability if your horse injures someone or damages property
- Permanent loss of use (when your horse can no longer be ridden)
- Personal accident cover for the rider
Each insurer defines these categories differently. Some include optional extras for tack, trailers or transport insurance, which can be useful for regular riders.
According to British Horse Society guidance on equine insurance, many owners underestimate the cost of emergency treatment and liability claims. Choosing a comprehensive policy ensures that if your horse needs surgery or causes accidental damage, you’re covered.
Types of Horse Insurance
Most policies fall under one of three structures:
Basic cover: protects against death, theft and public liability only. Affordable but limited.
Standard vet fee cover: includes veterinary costs for illness or injury up to a chosen limit, usually between £3,000 and £5,000 per incident.
Comprehensive cover: adds optional extras such as loss of use, personal accident and tack insurance. This is ideal for competition horses or high-value animals.
If you’re comparing options, it helps to understand how policy terms differ. Our guide to Best Value Pet Insurance UK 2025 explains how to evaluate cover limits and exclusions effectively.
How Much Does Horse Insurance Cost in 2025?
Premiums depend on your horse’s value, age, activity level and chosen cover. Expect to pay between £30 and £60 per month for general leisure horses and up to £100 or more for competition animals. Younger horses and ponies tend to be cheaper to insure.
| Horse Type | Typical Monthly Cost | Cover Included |
|---|---|---|
| Pony or native breed | £30–£40 | Basic vet fees and public liability |
| Riding horse | £45–£60 | Vet fees, loss, personal accident |
| Competition horse | £80–£100+ | Comprehensive cover including loss of use |
Some owners save money by combining equine cover with multi-policy discounts. While not all providers allow this, insurers that also offer small pet policies, like Agria or Animal Friends, may provide combined packages. See Multi-Pet Insurance UK 2025 – Discounts and Best Deals for more on this strategy.
Best Horse Insurance Providers UK 2025
The UK has a mix of specialist equestrian insurers and mainstream pet insurance companies offering horse policies.
Petplan Equine – A well-known division of Petplan providing lifetime and competition-level cover. Policies include loss of use, public liability and personal accident options. Read our Petplan Insurance Review UK 2025 – Is It Worth It?
Agria Equine – Offers flexible plans with adjustable vet fee limits. Suitable for both leisure and competition horses. Learn more in Agria Pet Insurance Review UK 2025 – Lifetime Cover
Animal Friends – Known for accessible small pet policies, they also provide horse and pony cover through partner underwriters. Find details in Animal Friends Pet Insurance Review UK 2025
SEIB Insurance Brokers – Specialist equestrian insurer offering comprehensive horse, rider and transport policies. Popular with riding schools and competition owners.
KBIS – Another equestrian specialist, offering flexible options for amateur and professional riders.
Common Exclusions
Before purchasing any horse policy, review what isn’t covered. Typical exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine vaccinations and dentistry
- Pregnancy and foaling
- Behavioural issues
- Negligence or poor stable management
If you’re unsure about policy wording, always contact the insurer for written confirmation. Misunderstanding exclusions is one of the most common complaints among horse owners.
Understanding Public Liability
Public liability cover protects you if your horse causes injury or damage. Given the size and strength of horses, claims can be severe. Even a minor road incident could result in legal costs exceeding £1 million. Most insurers offer at least £1–£2 million of liability protection, and some go higher.
The British Horse Society recommends that every rider maintains adequate public liability cover, either through membership or insurance, to avoid the financial risks of an accident.
Tips for Choosing the Right Horse Insurance
- Decide your cover priorities. Do you need vet fees, loss of use, or public liability only?
- Compare annual vet fee limits. £3,000–£5,000 is standard for most leisure horses.
- Check claim procedures. Some insurers require pre-approval for treatment.
- Verify experience. Use providers with equine specialists who understand veterinary terminology.
- Consider value. Cheapest isn’t always best; balance cost with claim reputation.
You can check how different insurers perform in customer satisfaction by reading Pet Insurance Reviews UK 2025 – Trustpilot Scores Compared.
FAQs – Pet Insurance for Horses UK 2025
Do I need horse insurance in the UK?
It’s not legally required, but public liability cover is strongly recommended. Vet bills can also be substantial, making insurance a sensible precaution.
How much is horse insurance per month?
Expect to pay between £30 and £60 for most horses, depending on their use, value and age.
Which companies insure horses?
Petplan Equine, Agria Equine, KBIS, SEIB and Animal Friends are among the most trusted providers in the UK.
Does horse insurance cover the rider?
Yes. Many comprehensive policies include personal accident cover for the rider in addition to the horse.
Can I insure my tack or trailer?
Yes. Most insurers offer optional add-ons to protect tack, saddles and horse trailers against theft or damage.
Conclusion
Horse insurance gives owners peace of mind by covering the significant risks associated with horse ownership. Whether for leisure or competition, it protects both your animal and your finances from unexpected costs. With trusted providers like Petplan Equine and Agria offering flexible options, it’s easier than ever to find reliable equestrian cover in 2025.
If you want to explore wider pet insurance comparisons, start with our Best Pet Insurance UK 2025 – Compare Top Providers to see how horse policies fit within the broader market.