Many owners now choose to insure their horses and ponies. The way we approach and treat your horse’s problem is not affected by the presence of an insurance policy. However our recommendations do need to be guided somewhat by budget, and sometimes we may need to tactfully enquire.
Vets’ fees insurance is a great way of budgeting for the unexpected cost of your horse becoming injured or unwell. Vets fees cover up to £5000 is preferable as major procedures such as complicated lameness diagnostics and treatment or colic surgery can cost thousands. It is also worth checking the excess and whether you are responsible for a certain percentage of fees for all or certain procedures. Take time to ensure that the policy you choose covers everything you may require.
Insurance Policy Renewal and Exclusions
Do be honest when speaking to insurers and disclose to them any veterinary treatment no matter how insignificant, because this may prejudice any future claims you may have. Also check your new policy carefully for exclusions even if you haven’t changed your insurance company or made a claim. If you think the exclusions are unfair, then do get in touch with us and we will contact your insurer on your behalf, to ask for a reason.
We are not allowed legally to recommend insurance policies , but we can advise or help you in general terms so don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone or email!
How to make an insurance claim for your horse
1. As soon as you wish to make a claim, contact your Insurance Company to request a claim form.
2. Complete the Owner’s section in full and sign it. Include the start date of the condition. The claim will normally stay open for one year from this date.
3. Pass the form to Cheltenham Equine Vets for us to complete the Vet section and process the claim for you. We will send all the invoices and clinical notes to your insurance company.
4. Pay the excess on your policy direct to Cheltenham Equine Vets.
5. If you request that the Insurance Company pay us direct, then a one off £25 Direct Claim Admin Fee will be charged to your account and is payable up front. Otherwise, there is no admin fee if you just pay your Vet’s fees in the normal way and ask the Insurance Company to reimburse you.
6. Once the initial claim has been made, there may be continuation invoices for ongoing treatment. For direct claims – as soon as you receive these, please contact us to say that you wish this to be added to your claim and supply us with a continuation claim form if required.
7. If you are not making a direct claim then it is your responsibility to send off your continuation invoices for reimbursement from your Insurance Company.
8. All Insurance Policies vary on exact terms and conditions so please make sure you have read your policy thoroughly. Some policy excesses are fixed amounts and some may be a percentage of the claim amount. There will normally be a maximum amount payable per claim. Certain specific conditions may be excluded for your horse and often supplements or alternative treatments may be excluded too so please double check your policy. We will normally be required to send your horse’s full clinical history at the start of each claim.
9. If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us.