Gastric ulcers are the leading cause of horse insurance claims, accounting for 11% of all claims and 63% of colic and digestive disorder-related claims, according to an analysis from SEIB Insurance Brokers, which analysed horse insurance claims data from the past five years.
In addition to being a prevalent issue that causes discomfort for horses, gastric ulcers can also be costly to treat. SEIB’s analysis indicates that ulcers are the second most expensive type of horse insurance claim, with 42% of claims exceeding £3,000. As a condition that can recur, ongoing treatment costs can become significant.
The second most common cause of claims involves injuries, such as wounds and fractures, occurring in stables or fields. These injuries result from incidents including kicks, falls and other physical trauma. The third most common cause of claims relates to injuries sustained while the horse is being ridden, according to the data.
SEIB’s research highlighted that the most costly claims are linked to degenerative disease or developmental disorders affecting a horse’s forelimbs. The average cost of such claims exceeds £3,000, with 17% of cases resulting in vet bills of more than £5,000, representing a substantial financial burden for owners.
Gastric ulcers, the most frequently reported condition, rank as the second most expensive type of claim, with an average cost of £2,802. In 11% of cases, vet bills exceeded £5,000.
The third most expensive type of claim involves visible wounds or fractures occurring in stables or fields, with an average cost of just under £1,500. However, approximately 20% of these claims exceeded £3,000.
“Many horse owners don’t anticipate the high costs associated with treating common issues like degenerative diseases or gastric ulcers until they’ve faced with a significant vet bill,” said Donna Leavens, SEIB’s equestrian claims manager. “This research highlights the potential costs of some of the most common issues. We hope it helps horse owners make informed decisions about their insurance needs and encourages preventive measures to ensure their horses’ well-being.”
Making sure that equine societies and associations have appropriate insurance cover to protect their members, employees and the public remains an uphill battle.
In September 2024, SEIB launched free educational materials to address misconceptions about insurance and improve understanding across the sector.
Rebecca Pepperell, from SEIB’s Equine Associations team, commented: “We understand that insurance jargon can cause confusion, leading some associations to overlook potential gaps in their cover. SEIB provides a dedicated point of contact to help societies ensure they have the right insurance in place, allowing them to focus on running successful events and protecting their members.”
