As a horse owner, you know how much joy and fulfillment these majestic animals can bring into your life. However, they also require a significant investment of time, money, and effort to keep them healthy and happy. From routine vet visits to unexpected emergencies, owning a horse can come with a lot of expenses. That’s why it’s essential to have proper insurance coverage that can help you mitigate the financial risks of owning a horse. One of the best options available in the UK is the NFU Horse Insurance, offered by the National Farmers Union (NFU). In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this insurance, including its uses, pros and cons, best companies offering it, and frequently asked questions.

Uses of NFU Horse Insurance

NFU Horse Insurance is a comprehensive insurance policy designed to provide coverage for a wide range of horse-related risks. Here are some of the uses of this insurance:

Vet Fees

One of the most significant expenses of owning a horse is veterinary care. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more severe injury or illness, vet bills can quickly add up. With NFU Horse Insurance, you can get coverage for vet fees up to a certain limit, depending on the plan you choose. This coverage can include consultations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries, among other things.

Death and Loss of Use

If your horse passes away or becomes permanently unable to perform their usual duties due to an injury or illness, you may be eligible for compensation under your insurance policy. This coverage can help you recover some of the financial losses associated with such events, including the cost of the horse itself, any medical expenses incurred before the event, and potential lost income.

Personal Accident

Horse riding can be a risky activity, and accidents can happen even to the most experienced riders. If you get injured while riding or handling your horse, NFU Horse Insurance can provide coverage for personal accidents. This coverage can include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and even permanent disability or death.

Third-Party Liability

As a horse owner, you are responsible for any damages or injuries your horse may cause to others. If your horse kicks, bites, or spooks another person, you may be liable for compensation. NFU Horse Insurance includes third-party liability coverage that can help you cover the costs of any legal claims made against you due to your horse’s actions.

Trailer Cover

If you transport your horse regularly, you may also want to consider getting trailer cover as part of your insurance policy. NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for theft or damage to your trailer, as well as breakdown assistance if you need it.

Pros and Cons of NFU Horse Insurance

Like any insurance product, NFU Horse Insurance has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of this insurance:

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage: NFU Horse Insurance offers one of the most comprehensive coverage options available in the UK. With this insurance, you can get coverage for a wide range of risks, including vet fees, death and loss of use, personal accident, and third-party liability.
• Flexible plans: NFU Horse Insurance offers several different plans with varying levels of coverage and excess amounts. This allows you to choose a plan that best fits your needs and budget.
• Experienced provider: The National Farmers Union is a well-established and reputable provider of insurance products in the UK. With NFU Horse Insurance, you can trust that you’re getting coverage from a provider with a deep understanding of the needs and risks of horse owners.
• Additional benefits: NFU Horse Insurance also offers several additional benefits, such as free legal advice, access to a 24/7 helpline, and discounts on other equine-related services, such as horsebox insurance and farm insurance.

Cons

• Higher premiums: Compared to some other horse insurance providers in the UK, NFU Horse Insurance tends to have slightly higher premiums. This may make it less accessible to horse owners on a tight budget.
• Limited online presence: While NFU Horse Insurance does have a website, it’s not as user-friendly as some other insurance providers. Some customers may find it challenging to navigate and get the information they need online.
• Limited coverage for older horses: If you have an older horse, you may find that NFU Horse Insurance has more limited coverage options. This is because older horses are generally considered higher risk and may not be eligible for certain types of coverage.

Best Companies Offering NFU Horse Insurance

If you’re interested in getting NFU Horse Insurance, you can purchase it directly from the National Farmers Union website. However, there are also several insurance brokers in the UK that offer NFU Horse Insurance as part of their portfolio. Here are some of the best companies offering NFU Horse Insurance:

Shearwater Insurance

Shearwater Insurance is a specialist equine insurance broker that offers NFU Horse Insurance as one of its products. They have been in business since 1992 and have a team of experts with extensive experience in the equine insurance industry. Shearwater Insurance offers a range of coverage options, including bespoke plans tailored to your specific needs.

KBIS British Equestrian Insurance

KBIS British Equestrian Insurance is another specialist equine insurance broker that offers NFU Horse Insurance. They have been in business since 1991 and are known for their high-quality customer service and expertise in the equine insurance industry. KBIS British Equestrian Insurance offers a range of coverage options, including plans for leisure horses, competition horses, and breeding horses.

South Essex Insurance Brokers

South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) is a well-established insurance broker that offers a range of equine insurance products, including NFU Horse Insurance. They have been in business for over 50 years and have a team of experienced brokers who can help you find the right insurance coverage for your needs. SEIB offers several different coverage options, including plans for horses, riders, and equestrian businesses.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about NFU Horse Insurance:

Q1: What types of horses are eligible for NFU Horse Insurance?

A: NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for all types of horses, including leisure horses, competition horses, and breeding horses.

Q2: What is the maximum amount of vet fees coverage I can get with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: The maximum amount of vet fees coverage depends on the plan you choose. Some plans offer up to £5,000 of coverage, while others offer up to £10,000 or more.

Q3: Can I get coverage for alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for alternative therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and physiotherapy.

Q4: Can I get coverage for my horse’s pre-existing conditions?

A: Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered under NFU Horse Insurance. However, some plans may offer limited coverage for certain pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis.

Q5: How do I make a claim with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: To make a claim with NFU Horse Insurance, you need to contact their claims team as soon as possible. You will need to provide details about the incident, including any relevant documentation, such as vet bills or witness statements.

Q6: What is the excess amount for NFU Horse Insurance?

A: The excess amount is the amount you need to pay towards any claim you make. The excess amount depends on the plan you choose and can vary from £150 to £500 or more.

Q7: Is there a waiting period for coverage with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, there is typically a waiting period of 14 days before coverage starts with NFU Horse Insurance. This is to prevent people from taking out insurance only after an incident has already occurred.

Q8: Can I get coverage for loss of tack and equipment with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for loss of or damage to tack and equipment. This coverage can include saddles, bridles, rugs, and other horse-related equipment.

Q9: Can I get coverage for horsebox insurance with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: While NFU Horse Insurance does not offer specific horsebox insurance, they do offer coverage for damage or theft of your trailer while in use or stored at home.

Q10: Can I cancel my NFU Horse Insurance policy at any time?

A: Yes, you can cancel your NFU Horse Insurance policy at any time. However, you may be subject to cancellation fees and may not be eligible for a full refund depending on the terms of your policy.

Q11: Can I get coverage for riding schools and livery yards with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for riding schools and livery yards under their farm insurance policy. This coverage can include liability, property damage, and business interruption insurance, among other things.

Q12: Can I get coverage for overseas travel with my horse with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for overseas travel with your horse. This coverage can include emergency vet fees, repatriation of your horse, and additional accommodation expenses, among other things.

Q13: Can I add more horses to my NFU Horse Insurance policy?

A: Yes, you can add more horses to your NFU Horse Insurance policy. However, you may need to pay an additional premium depending on the number and type of horses you want to add.

Q14: What should I do if my horse develops a medical condition while my insurance policy is in effect?

A: If your horse develops a medical condition while your insurance policy is in effect, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the condition, you may be eligible for coverage under your policy.

Q15: Can I get coverage for horse theft with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for horse theft under their policy. This coverage can include reimbursement for the cost of the horse, any medical expenses incurred before the theft, and potential lost income.

Q16: Can I get coverage for my horse’s dental work with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for dental work, including routine dental check-ups, tooth extractions, and other dental procedures.

Q17: Is NFU Horse Insurance only available to members of the National Farmers Union?

A: No, NFU Horse Insurance is available to anyone in the UK who owns a horse. While the National Farmers Union is the provider of the insurance, you do not need to be a member to purchase coverage.

Q18: Can I get coverage for horse racing with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: No, horse racing is generally not covered under NFU Horse Insurance. However, they may offer coverage for other equine-related activities, such as showjumping, dressage, or eventing.

Q19: Can I get coverage for horsebox breakdown assistance with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for horsebox breakdown assistance as part of their trailer cover. This coverage can include roadside assistance, recovery, and onward travel, among other things.

Q20: Can I get coverage for my horse’s pre-purchase exam with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: No, pre-purchase exams are generally not covered under NFU Horse Insurance. However, some plans may offer coverage for certain vet exams and consultations.

Q21: Can I get coverage for loss of income due to my horse’s illness or injury with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for loss of income due to your horse’s illness or injury. This coverage can include reimbursement for lost earnings, as well as expenses incurred while the horse is unable to perform its usual duties.

Q22: Can I get coverage for my horse’s passport fees with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: No, passport fees are not generally covered under NFU Horse Insurance. However, some plans may offer coverage for certain administrative fees and charges.

Q23: Can I get coverage for liability as a horse rider with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for liability as a horse rider, including third-party liability insurance. This coverage can help protect you in case you are held responsible for damages or injuries caused by your horse while riding.

Q24: Can I get coverage for my horse’s transport by air or sea with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for transport of your horse by air or sea. This coverage can include emergency vet fees, repatriation of your horse, and additional accommodation expenses, among other things.

Q25: Can I get coverage for loss of use due to unsoundness with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for loss of use due to unsoundness under their policy. This coverage can include reimbursement for the cost of the horse, any medical expenses incurred before the unsoundness, and potential lost income.

Q26: Can I get coverage for loss of use due to injury or illness with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for loss of use due to injury or illness under their policy. This coverage can include reimbursement for the cost of the horse, any medical expenses incurred before the injury or illness, and potential lost income.

Q27: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in endurance riding with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for endurance riding, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q28: Can I get coverage for my horse’s colic surgery with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for colic surgery, as well as other types of equine surgeries. However, you should always check the specific terms of your policy to ensure that you have coverage for the procedures you need.

Q29: Can I get coverage for my horse’s loss of use due to old age with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Coverage for loss of use due to old age may be more limited under NFU Horse Insurance, as older horses are generally considered higher risk. However, some plans may offer limited coverage for certain conditions that may affect older horses, such as arthritis or dental issues.

Q30: Can I get coverage for my horse’s temporary use by someone else with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for temporary use of your horse by someone else. This coverage can include reimbursement for any damages or injuries caused by the temporary rider, as well as any loss of income you may experience while your horse is being ridden by someone else.

Q31: Can I get coverage for my horse’s infertility issues with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Coverage for infertility issues may be more limited under NFU Horse Insurance, as these issues are generally considered higher risk. However, some plans may offer limited coverage for certain fertility treatments and procedures.

Q32: Can I get coverage for my horse’s travel within the UK with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for horse travel within the UK, including transport by trailer or lorry. This coverage can include emergency vet fees, repatriation of your horse, and additional accommodation expenses, among other things.

Q33: Can I get coverage for my horse’s natural disasters and weather-related incidents with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for natural disasters and weather-related incidents, such as floods, storms, and lightning strikes. This coverage can include reimbursement for damages to your horse, as well as any medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident.

Q34: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in mounted games with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for mounted games, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q35: Can I get coverage for my horse’s blindness or vision impairments with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for blindness and other vision impairments under their policy. This coverage can include reimbursement for medical expenses, as well as potential lost income due to the horse’s inability to perform certain tasks.

Q36: Can I get coverage for my horse’s rehabilitation expenses after an injury or illness with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for rehabilitation expenses after an injury or illness. This coverage can include reimbursement for the cost of physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other types of therapy, as well as any necessary equipment or aids.

Q37: Can I get coverage for my horse’s surgery due to an accident with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for equine surgeries due to accidents, as well as other types of equine surgeries. However, you should always check the specific terms of your policy to ensure that you have coverage for the procedures you need.

Q38: Can I get coverage for my horse’s showjumping activities with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for showjumping, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q39: Can I get coverage for my horse’s dental implants with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for dental implants, as well as other dental procedures. However, you should always check the specific terms of your policy to ensure that you have coverage for the procedures you need.

Q40: Can I get coverage for my horse’s injuries or illness caused by pests, such as ticks or flies, with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for injuries or illnesses caused by pests, as well as other types of equine injuries or illnesses. However, coverage may be more limited for certain conditions, and you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific issue is covered.

Q41: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in dressage competitions with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for dressage competitions, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q42: Can I get coverage for my horse’s medication expenses with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for medication expenses, including prescriptions and non-prescription medications. However, coverage may be more limited for certain types of medication, and you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific medication is covered.

Q43: Can I get coverage for my horse’s liability while being ridden by someone else with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for liability while your horse is being ridden by someone else, including third-party liability insurance. This coverage can help protect you in case the temporary rider is held responsible for damages or injuries caused by your horse.

Q44: Can I get coverage for my horse’s medical expenses while traveling abroad with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for medical expenses while traveling abroad with your horse. This coverage can include emergency vet fees, repatriation of your horse, and additional accommodation expenses, among other things.

Q45: Can I get coverage for my horse’s dental exams with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for dental exams, including routine dental check-ups, tooth extractions, and other dental procedures.

Q46: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in polo games with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for polo games, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q47: Can I get coverage for my horse’s liability for damage to property with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for liability for damage to property caused by your horse, including third-party liability insurance. This coverage can help protect you in case your horse causes damage to someone else’s property.

Q48: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in cross-country events with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for cross-country events, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q49: Can I get coverage for my horse’s injuries or illness caused by poisonous plants with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for injuries or illnesses caused by poisonous plants, as well as other types of equine injuries or illnesses. However, coverage may be more limited for certain conditions, and you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific issue is covered.

Q50: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in carriage driving events with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for carriage driving events, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q51: Can I get coverage for my horse’s medical expenses while at a show or event with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for medical expenses while at a show or event, including emergency vet fees and other types of medical expenses.

Q52: Can I get coverage for my horse’s participation in horseball games with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, some NFU Horse Insurance plans offer coverage for horseball games, as well as other equine-related activities. However, you should always check with your insurer to make sure that your specific activity is covered.

Q53: Can I get coverage for my horse’s liability while being handled by someone else with NFU Horse Insurance?

A: Yes, NFU Horse Insurance offers coverage for liability while your horse is being handled by someone else, including third-party liability insurance. This coverage can help protect you in case the handler is held responsible for damages or injuries caused by your horse.

Conclusion

Owning a horse can be a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. However, with proper insurance coverage, you can protect yourself from the financial risks associated with horse ownership. NFU Horse Insurance is a comprehensive insurance policy that offers coverage for a wide range of horse-related risks, including vet fees, death and loss of use, personal accident, and third-party liability. While it may have slightly higher premiums compared to some other insurance providers in the UK, it offers flexible plans, additional benefits, and is backed by the experience and reputation of the National Farmers Union. If you’re interested in getting NFU Horse Insurance, you can purchase it directly from the National Farmers Union website or through one of the many insurance brokers that offer it. Whether you’re a leisure rider or a professional competitor, having the right insurance coverage can give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your time with your equine companion to the fullest.