What Petcover horse and equine insurance covers

Thinking about bringing a horse into your life? It is a massive commitment. Between the feed, agistment, farrier visits, and all those regular health checks, the bills start to pile up. But what about those times when something completely out of the blue happens?

Things like a sudden case of colic, a paddock accident, or even your tack going missing can happen when you least expect them. Unexpected costs like these can easily throw your budget off track and cause a lot of unnecessary stress.

Understanding your insurance options helps you prepare for these difficult moments. This guide explains exactly what Petcover equine insurance covers, from our core protections to our flexible optional add-ons. By the end, you will know exactly how to build a reliable safety net that suits your specific needs as a New Zealand horse owner.

Jump to:

• The core of equine insurance
• Tailoring your cover: optional add-ons
• Insurance for every stage of your horse’s life
• Keeping your horse healthy and safe

The core of equine insurance: protecting your horse

When it comes down to it, equine insurance is there to help protect you from those large, unexpected financial hits. None of us ever want to use it, but just knowing it is there takes a massive load off your mind.

Death from injury or illness

Losing a horse is a devastating blow, both emotionally and financially. With Petcover’s Basic Cover plan, you get protection for up to the amount you paid for your horse (or the sum insured, whichever is less) if they pass away from an accident or an illness.
For horses that are getting a bit older, our Senior plans step in to cover death from injuries. This means you can still have that extra bit of reassurance as your beloved horse ages.

Loss by theft or straying

Sometimes horses wander off or, in the absolute worst-case scenario, get stolen. If this heartbreaking event happens, Petcover is there to help with financial backup. We reimburse you for what you paid (or the sum insured), ensuring you are not left entirely out of pocket during an already stressful time.

Burial and disposal

We all know that saying goodbye to a horse is never easy. Dealing with the practical side of things can make it even harder. That is why Petcover offers an optional add-on to help with up to $300 towards burial and disposal costs. It gives you one less thing to worry about during a very tough time.

Tailoring your cover: optional add-ons that make sense

Let’s face it, no two horse owners are the exact same. That is why Petcover gives you options to pick and choose your extras. You can easily tailor your policy to cover what is important to you, without paying for things you do not need.

Veterinary fees for injury and illness

We all know vet bills can crop up when you least expect them, and they are rarely cheap. With Petcover, you can choose to add vet fee cover to your Basic Cover plan. You can pick the option that best fits your needs and budget:

• Economy: Covers up to $7,000 for eligible veterinary treatments.
• Superior: Covers up to $10,000 for eligible veterinary treatments.

If you have a senior horse, our Senior Horse Plan B has your back. It includes up to $2,000 in vet fee cover for unexpected injuries and illnesses.

Protecting your gear: Saddlery, tack, and floats

Your investment does not stop at the horse itself. Think about your saddles, tack, and of course, your horse float. All of these items add up quickly! Petcover gives you the option to add extra cover for your gear, so you are looked after if something goes wrong.

• Saddlery and tack: Covers damage or theft up to $20,000, paying for essential repairs or a full replacement.
• Horse float and vehicles: Repairs or replaces your float or horse-drawn vehicle if it is damaged or stolen, up to $65,000.

Personal accident and third-party liability

Horses are large, unpredictable animals, and accidents do happen. That is why it is incredibly smart to add personal accident cover to your policy. This option can provide up to $40,000 if you end up in hospital, need emergency dental work, or face permanent disability after an incident while handling or riding your horse.

You can also add liability protection to your policy. This covers situations where your horse accidentally causes damage to property or injury to someone else, with cover up to $5 million.

Insurance for every stage of life

Every horse is completely unique, and their insurance needs change naturally as they get older. That is why Petcover has crafted plans specifically designed for every stage of your horse’s life. You can always find the right fit, whether you have a playful youngster or a seasoned old-timer.

Basic Cover (30 Days to 17 Years)

This plan has your horse covered for the major events. It protects against illness, injury, theft, and straying. It also gives you access to the highest limits when it comes to adding extra cover for vet bills or permanent loss of use.

Senior Horse Plans (17 to 30 Years)

If your horse is enjoying their senior years, Petcover offers two dedicated plans to make sure they remain protected:

• Plan A: Covers death from injury, theft, and straying up to $3,000. You can still add optional extras like float, tack, and liability cover.
• Plan B: Includes all the great benefits of Plan A, plus up to $2,000 in vet fee cover for sudden injuries and illnesses.

Keeping your horse healthy and safe

While insurance is your ultimate safety net, daily management is just as crucial for your horse’s wellbeing. Being proactive about their health can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

For example, managing pests is a constant battle for Kiwi horse owners. If you are struggling with this, check out our guide on the Prevention and Control of Flies for Horses to keep your horse comfortable.

You also need to keep a close eye on their environment. Paddock management is essential because certain flora can be incredibly toxic. Read our article on Plants That Are Harmful for Your Horse to Digest to ensure your grazing areas are safe.

Finally, just like us, horses can suffer from seasonal allergies that impact their breathing and performance. Wondering if your horse is affected? Learn more by reading Can Horses Get Hay Fever? to spot the signs early.

Secure your peace of mind today

Equine insurance is all about giving you financial peace of mind. It ensures your horse gets the absolute best care they need, if and when the unexpected happens. Once you know your options and tailor your cover to fit, you have a reliable safety net in place. This means you can focus entirely on enjoying your time with your horse, rather than stressing about the “what ifs.”

Why wait for a curveball to disrupt your life? Check out Petcover’s flexible equine insurance options today. Grab a quick, no-obligation quote and secure your horse’s future – you will be glad you did!