Top horse insurance claims in 2026: The real cost of unexpected vet bills

From lameness and gastric ulcers to colic and eye injuries, Petcover Australia’s 2026 claims data reveals just how costly unexpected health issues can be for horse owners.

Owning a horse is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with significant responsibility. From everyday care and feeding to routine veterinary visits, horse owners already invest a great deal in keeping their horses happy and healthy.

But what happens when something unexpected goes wrong?

Unlike routine expenses, veterinary emergencies can arise without warning, sometimes leaving owners facing bills running into thousands of dollars.

At Petcover Australia, we’ve looked at our horse insurance claims recorded in 2026 to uncover some of the most common health issues affecting insured horses and how much these claims can cost.

The findings are a timely reminder of why having the right horse insurance can make a difference when the unexpected happens.

Jump to section

• What are the most common horse claims in 2026?
• Lameness
• Gastric Ulcers
• Injured Legs
• Colic
• Abscesses
• Laminitis
• Lacerations
• Corneal Ulcers
• Why horse insurance is worth considering
• Protecting your horse with Petcover Australia
• Make Sure Your Horse Is Covered

What are the most common horse claims in 2026?

Based on Petcover Australia’s 2026 claims data, here are eight of the leading non-mortality claim categories, ranked by claim frequency.

Source: Petcover Australia, 2026 horse insurance claims data. Figures reflect recorded claim amounts, not necessarily the full cost of veterinary treatment. Mortality claims have been excluded.

1. Lameness

Highest claim: $11,799 | Average claim: $2,126.56

Lameness is something many horse owners will encounter at some point. Whether caused by an injury, inflammation, hoof problems or an underlying condition, it can affect horses of all breeds, ages and disciplines.

What starts as a slight change in movement can sometimes require extensive veterinary investigation, including diagnostic imaging, examinations, treatment and ongoing rehabilitation.

Petcover’s 2026 data shows that lameness was the most frequently claimed condition among the categories analysed, with an individual claim reaching $11,799.

For horse owners, this highlights how even a seemingly minor issue can develop into a significant veterinary expense.

2. Gastric Ulcers

Highest claim: $7,212.95 | Average claim: $1,268.16

Gastric ulcers can affect horses across different lifestyles, including performance horses and those kept primarily for leisure.

Signs may include changes in appetite, weight loss, behavioural changes or reduced performance. However, symptoms aren’t always obvious, making veterinary assessment important.

Diagnosis may involve gastroscopy, followed by medication, dietary management and follow-up care.

With Petcover recording gastric ulceration claims as high as $7,212.95 in 2026, it’s another example of how veterinary costs can add up.

3. Injured Legs

Highest claim: $4,148.80 | Average claim: $1,257.79

Horses are powerful animals, but they’re also susceptible to injuries.

A slip in the paddock, an accident during exercise or an unexpected incident while travelling can result in leg injuries that require veterinary attention.

Depending on the severity, treatment may involve wound management, diagnostic imaging, medication or extended recovery periods.

Even horses that aren’t regularly competing or participating in strenuous activities can suffer unexpected injuries.

Having suitable insurance in place may help reduce the financial burden of eligible treatment costs.

4. Colic

Highest claim: $19,597 | Average claim: $3,725.38

Colic is one of the most concerning emergencies horse owners can face.

The term describes abdominal pain that can arise from several causes, including intestinal obstruction or blockage.

Some cases may respond to medical treatment, while more severe cases can require emergency surgery and intensive veterinary care.

Petcover’s 2026 claims data recorded an individual claim of $19,597 for colic involving intestinal obstruction or blockage.

When a horse is experiencing a potentially life-threatening emergency, the last thing an owner wants is to be making difficult treatment decisions based solely on affordability. Horse insurance with appropriate veterinary fee cover can provide valuable financial support for eligible emergencies, subject to policy terms and limits.

5. Abscesses

Highest claim: $4,053.84 | Average claim: $988.92

Abscesses, particularly hoof abscesses, are a familiar issue for many horse owners.

Although some cases can be relatively straightforward to treat, others may require repeated veterinary visits, investigation, drainage, medication or follow-up treatment.

Petcover’s highest recorded abscess claim in the dataset reached $4,053.84.

It’s a useful reminder that veterinary expenses aren’t limited to major accidents or emergency surgery.

6. Laminitis

Highest claim: $6,131.98 | Average claim: $2,358.46

Laminitis is a painful condition affecting the sensitive structures within a horse’s hooves.

It can develop for several reasons, including metabolic disorders and dietary factors, and may require urgent veterinary intervention.

Treatment can involve medication, diagnostic imaging, specialist farrier support and ongoing management.

Petcover’s data recorded laminitis claims averaging $2,358.46, demonstrating the potential financial impact of this serious condition.

7. Lacerations

Highest claim: $7,393.43 | Average claim: $2,557.62

From paddock fencing to everyday accidents, horses can sustain cuts and wounds in a variety of situations.

While some lacerations may be minor, deeper wounds can involve tendons, joints or other important structures, requiring more complex veterinary treatment.

Petcover recorded an individual laceration claim of $7,393.43 in 2026.

It’s another example of how quickly an unexpected accident can become an expensive veterinary event.

8. Corneal Ulcers

Highest claim: $21,083.70 | Average claim: $4,708.94

Eye injuries can be particularly serious in horses and often require prompt veterinary attention.

Corneal ulcers can occur following trauma, irritation or infection. Depending on their severity, treatment may require specialist care, medication, hospitalisation or surgery.

Among the eight categories highlighted, corneal ulcers had the highest individual claim, reaching an astonishing $21,083.70.

They also recorded the highest average claim at $4,708.94.

This demonstrates that some of the most expensive veterinary problems aren’t necessarily the conditions horse owners think about first.

Why horse insurance is worth considering

The reality is that no matter how carefully you care for your horse, you can’t prevent every illness, injury or emergency.

You can provide excellent nutrition, maintain safe paddocks, arrange regular veterinary checks and take every reasonable precaution. But unexpected events can still happen.

And when they do, the financial implications can be substantial.

Petcover’s 2026 claims data highlights three important considerations for horse owners:

1. Veterinary costs can escalate quickly.

A single unexpected condition can result in thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses. The highest individual claim among the eight categories analysed exceeded $21,000.

2. It’s not just major emergencies that can be costly.

Conditions such as lameness, gastric ulcers and abscesses may seem less alarming than emergency surgery, but their investigation and treatment can still be expensive.

3. Having financial protection can provide more options.

With suitable horse insurance, eligible veterinary costs may be covered up to the applicable policy limits, helping owners manage unexpected expenses.

Insurance doesn’t prevent accidents or illness, but it can help owners prepare financially for them.

Protecting your horse with Petcover Australia

At Petcover Australia, we understand that horses are more than just animals. They’re trusted companions, athletes and much-loved members of the family.

That’s why we offer specialist horse insurance designed to help protect owners against the financial impact of unexpected accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Depending on the policy selected, Petcover’s equine insurance options can include veterinary fee cover for eligible accidents and illnesses, along with other protection options suited to different needs.

Whether you own a leisure horse, a competition horse or a much-loved paddock companion, it’s worth exploring the cover available to you.

Make Sure Your Horse Is Covered

You never know when an unexpected veterinary bill might arise, but you can take steps to prepare for it.

Don’t wait until you’re facing a costly emergency to think about horse insurance.

Explore Petcover Australia’s horse insurance options and find protection that suits you and your horse.

Get your free quote today

*Terms, conditions, waiting periods, limits and exclusions apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before deciding whether this product is right for you. Policies are issued by Sovereign Insurance Australia (ABN 85 138 079 286, AFSL No. 342516) and administered by Petcover Aust Pty Ltd (ABN 97 117 476 990, AFSL No. 507143).