The most expensive horse insurance claims

Owning a horse is rewarding but comes with some big responsibilities. Horses need regular care, and vet bills can be costly. Some health conditions are so expensive to treat that they can leave owners struggling financially. That’s why horse insurance is essential—it helps cover unexpected medical costs so your horse gets the best care without breaking the bank.

Top 10 most expensive horse insurance claims

These figures are based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.

1. Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) - £7,805.71 average claim

This is a severe type of colic where a section of the large colon gets trapped in a narrow opening near the liver. It causes extreme pain and can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, rolling, sweating, pawing, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made through a physical exam, ultrasound, and rectal examination, sometimes requiring exploratory surgery. Treatment usually involves surgery to free the trapped colon, making it one of the most expensive conditions to treat.

2. Peritonitis - £5,150.23 average claim

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal lining, often due to infection. It can lead to shock and organ failure. Horses with this condition may show symptoms like fever, colic, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swelling in the belly. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, ultrasound, and abdominal fluid analysis. The costs can pile up due to hospitalisation and long-term treatment, which can involve things like antibiotics, fluid therapy, and sometimes surgery.

3. Colitis - £4,579.23 average claim

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, usually caused by infection, toxins, or stress. It can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, weight loss, and weakness. A vet will usually diagnose colitis through a combo of blood tests, faecal testing, and ultrasound. Treatment often requires hospitalisation, where vets may use IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief to treat the poorly animal. The intensive care needed makes this a costly condition.

4. Sinusitis - £3,758.78 average claim

Sinusitis is a bacterial or fungal infection in the sinuses, often linked to dental problems. Symptoms include nasal discharge, facial swelling, bad breath, and difficulty eating. Diagnosis involves X-rays, endoscopy, and sinus fluid analysis. To treat sinusitis, vets may prescribe a course of antibiotics, while the need for surgical intervention is the main reason for high costs.

5. Hindlimb fracture - £3,533.69 average claim

Hindlimb fractures can be quite common in horses that do high-impact activities. Animals with this injury may show severe lameness, swelling, and be reluctant to bear weight on the affected limb. Vets will typically use X-rays and MRI scans to help them diagnose the issue. Meanwhile, treatment can include special shoeing, rest, and sometimes surgery. The specialist imaging needed and prolonged rehabilitation tend to contribute to the high cost of treatment – and insurance claims.

6. Ligament injury (DSIL) - £3,196.58 average claim

This is an injury to an important part of the foot known as the distal sesamoidean impar ligament, or DSIL for short, and affects a horse’s movement. Symptoms include lameness, heat, and swelling in the hoof area. Diagnosis is made using MRI scans and ultrasound, while treatment usually involves plenty of rest, specialist shoeing, and anti-inflammatory medication. Advanced treatments, which can sometimes include stem cell therapy, significantly increase costs.

7. Squamous cell carcinoma (mouth) - £3,103.03 average claim

This is a type of cancer that can affect a horse’s lips, gums, and tongue. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, difficulty eating, swelling, and weight loss. Diagnosis is done through biopsy, X-rays, and CT scans, while treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cancer treatments for animals can quickly become expensive, leading to relatively high insurance claims.

8. Spinal disorder - £3,051.92 average claim

Spinal disorders tend to affect a horse’s mobility and can be caused by either injury or disease. Symptoms include stiffness, poor coordination, lameness, and a reluctance to move. Diagnosis requires X-rays, MRI scans, and sometimes special testing to assess the health of a horse’s nerves. Advanced imaging, surgery, ongoing medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, and long-term care like physiotherapy, can all add up and increase the cost of claims.

9. Osseous cyst-like lesion (femur) - £2,524.96 average claim

These are fluid-filled cysts in the femur – this is the bone in a horse’s upper hindlimb – and can affect the function of joints in a horse. Symptoms include lameness, joint swelling, and pain when moving. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays and MRI scans. Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery if the condition is severe. The need for imaging and possible surgery adds to the expense.

10. Ligament rupture - £2,450.10 average claim

A rupture occurs where a horse’s ligament tears or separates from a bone. It’s usually caused by some kind of trauma or repetitive strain. The prognosis for recovery depends on how serious the rupture is. Unfortunately, serious injuries tend to spell the end a horse’s athletic career. Symptoms include severe lameness, swelling, and instability in the affected limb. Treatment often requires long rest periods, physiotherapy, and other specialist treatments. These injuries require ongoing care, making them potentially expensive to manage.

Why horse insurance is important

As this list shows, some horse health conditions cost thousands of pounds to diagnose and treat, especially if surgery or hospitalisation is needed. Thankfully, horse insurance can help cover certain costs, allowing your horse to get the care they need without causing you financial stress. Agria horse insurance policies cover a range of common conditions and expenses, including things like vet fees, MRI and CT scans, complementary treatments such as physiotherapy, and medication.

Prices with Agria Pet Insurance start from £109.40 per year* for a lifetime equine policy. You can pay monthly for no additional cost.

*Based on all new Agria Equine Lifetime Lite Insurance between Nov 2023 and May 2024. Includes Insurance Premium Tax and excludes policies sold where a discount or special offer was available.

For more information, read the most common horse health conditions claimed on pet insurance.

FAQs about horse health and insurance