Hi! I am getting my horse insured for major medical in the near future. I would like to know which insurance carriers/underwriters people were most happy with. I am aware of Bascule and AXA and General Security and would like a couple of more options as there are things about each of the coverages that aren’t perfect for me. I would love to hear the pros and cons of other companies (Markel, Great American, etc.) Thanks!
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Since 2019 I’ve had a Lloyd’s of London no-co-pay policy on my eventer through Beverly Smith-Embry, and I’ve been really happy with both of them. I added a policy for my young dressage horse in 2021. I’ve had a few years with no claims and a few years where they paid out way more than all my premiums put together. There are no co-pays or sub-limits and they cover regenerative therapies, so once you meet the deductible you can spend your $15k in medical coverage however is best. They send checks by email and have never nickel-and-dimed me, even over big hospital bills with lots of itemization. Actually I just received a $50 check because they realized they had underpaid for a reimbursement in the fall (I had no idea and was impressed they noticed and followed up). If you ever have any questions, Beverly is really responsive and will advocate for you with the adjusters. My friend has them too on my recommendation, and they covered her horse’s colic surgery even after a history of ulcers.
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Absolutely do not recommend Bascule. They cover one of my horses, and were a nightmare to deal with when we had a surgery claim. Even the vet said the claims agent was remarkably uninformed. They tried to deny specific parts of the surgical claim (like number of sutures, etc.). They will no longer be covering my horses.
I use Broadstone as my agent, and then a variety of others as underwriters. American Reliable was very easy to deal with when I had a colic. I’ve also used Great American, and they can be slow to pay out, but also reasonable with coverage.
If the horse doesn’t have to be imported, the Hartford is also a good option. They’re coverage for the import process left something to be desired, but I’ve had no issues with them for horses already in the US.
And again, never Bascule. I can’t stress that enough. They are just that bad.
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Thanks, this seems like the best of both worlds. The only problem I’ve had with LoL policies is I know they can be slow to pay. About how long does it take for you to get your claim settlement?
Yes, Bascule has so many limitations. I am most familiar with them but I don’t think they are right in my case either. Thanks!
