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With equine insurance, as with many things in life, you tend to
get what you pay for. Simply choosing a cheap policy may not be
wise because experience has shown that the claims history with these
policies can be at worst, disastrous. Please take the trouble to
contact the office to discuss our experience of the company you
are intending to use.
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The clinic has a good working relationship with all the major
insurers based on mutual trust. Nick Bowen will be more than happy
to liase direct with insurers on your behalf in cases of difficulty.
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Bear in mind that equine insurance is not 'lifelong' in virtually
all cases you are purchasing 12 months cover, which may be renewable
at a similar premium if the previous years claims record is good.
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Read the policy terms and conditions and keep insurers informed
of any significant conditions affecting your horse's health. You
cannot hide a horse's medical history because insurers ask detailed
questions when you submit a claim and are entitled to a sight
of the computer case history (usually a policy condition).
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The
vast majority of the investigations and treatments we perform
are the subject of insurance claims. Because of the recent increase
in veterinary capabilities and in client expectations veterinary
bills are increasing. Most companies offer about £5000
cover under their vet's fees section. You may need all of this
if your horse is referred for colic surgery or for complex medical
investigation and treatment.
Some
Examples
Investigations of lameness including nerve blocks and x-rays
and treatment with intra articular injections c- £1000
Treatment
of periocular sarcoid with radiation c- £3000 - £3500
Treatment
of colic with subsequent referral and abdominal surgery c- £4000
Although
insurers tend to come in for 'stick' from a minority of horse
owners they are generally fair, and in many cases client dissatisfaction
results from not having read the policy terms and conditions
properly. We have a very good ongoing relationship with the
better companies because we have dealt with them regularly for
almost 20 years.
We can honestly say that in that time there has not been a single
case involving an insurance claim that has not been settled
amicably and to the general satisfaction of client, vet and
company.
The availabilities of suitable insurance cover is of VITAL importance
to both horse welfare and also to the future of vet medicine
and surgery, without insurance cover a majority of clients would
not be in a position to sort out serious illness or injury.
Insurers, however, have had a rough time recently. Close liaisons
exist between the vet profession and an equine insurance company
is ongoing. It is clear that vets fees cover and permanent loss
of use cover are in some cases, loss makers for insurers. Things
may have to change. The profitability may have to be increased
by increasing policy excess, general premiums or by co-insurance
where the insured pays not just a excess but a proportion, say
20% of the claim.
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We
behave in an ethical way with regard to insurance matters because
we value our clients' cover and do not think that it's fair that
the honest majority are penalised financially for the dishonest
behaviour of a small minority.
When arranging your insurance cover feel free to speak to us.
Make sure that you have cover for all the liabilities you are
worried about.
The policy will be divided into sections. (PLEASE CLICK ON ONE
OF THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION).
1)
DEATH AND HUMANE DESTRUCTION (AKA All risks and mortality)
2)
VETS FEES
3)
PERMANENT LOSS OF USE
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