Petplan Equine InsuranceHorses are a sizeable investment with their purchase costs running into the thousands; quarter horses for rodeo/barrel racing and cattle working cost as much as $4,000 while Arabians and Thoroughbreds cost $8,000 at least. With such expensive price tags, horse owners are well-advised to secure Petplan equine insurance plans for their assets.

Why Equine Insurance

This is true regardless of the uses for the horses - as racing animals, as working animals, or as beloved pets. All horses are, after all, at risk for injuries and illnesses during the course of their lives and, hence, will require appropriate veterinary care for their recovery. The equine insurance company will shoulder all or part of the costs of veterinary care, thus, lifting your monetary burdens.

Think of it

Without equine insurance, you will be constrained to pay for all of the costs related to your horse's veterinary care in case of its illness or injury. On a good

year, you can spend up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket costs for veterinary

services including emergency visits, dental care, and regular check-ups.

With equine insurance, your monetary concerns in this regard can be a thing of the past. You have two

options, namely, avail of the rebate on the spot while in the vet's clinic or pay the vet outright then file for reimbursement with the equine insurance company.

You will appreciate such versatility but be sure to talk with your insurance agent about the best option for

each case.

What Areas Are Covered

Like all forms of insurance, Petplan equine insurance plans come in different forms in terms of the areas covered. You can choose between basic insurance coverage (i.e., mortality, theft and straying) and comprehensive insurance coverage (i.e., basic plus optional extras).

It must be noted that many of these areas are similar in nature and scope to cat and dog insurance but many are also unique to horse insurance.

This is because horses are bred not just as pets but for other purposes like racing, breeding, and working as well. The risks for injuries, illnesses and death are then different than for domestic animals.

Mortality, theft and straying comprise the base cover of Petplan equine insurance plan.

Vet fee cover, which comes in two levels -

Standard Cover with up to $10,000 or HiXS Cover

with up to $7,000 in cover. Both vet fee covers come

with the terms and conditions so be sure to

discuss these matters with the insurance agent.

Permanent loss of use usually covers

permanent disability that will prevent the insured horse from participating in the

activity for which it was insured, say,

competitive racing.

Disposal after death with coverage of up to $300. Keep in mind that the

disposal of the dead body must be in accordance

with rules and regulations on the matter, not just bury it anywhere a hole

can be dug.

Saddlery and tack coverage is necessary

when replacing or repairing saddlery and

tack.

Horse float cover refers to the repair and

replacement of the float or vehicle.

Just as with other pet insurance types, choosing the best Petplan insurance plan for your horse requires careful analysis of several factors. Look into your budget for the premiums; the age, physical condition and activity of the horse; and the expected illnesses and injuries including their costs of veterinary treatment for the equine. You

certainly will not want to be caught unaware by the high costs involved with horse care because you settled for the

cheapest cover there is!

Get a quote for your dog, cat or horse today!

Call 1300 738 225Visit www.petplan.net.nz