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!
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I’ve used Rhonda Ansert at Independent Equine Agents forever. Rhonda has always figured out the best options for whatever horse I had, whatever it was doing. She’s found coverage when a horse had so much going on, I thought it wouldn’t be possible. Fair rates.
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Interesting. It’s usually been just a couple weeks. One of my vets bills on the first of the month and charges on the 15th, and I often receive the reimbursement before my card is charged by the vet. The checks actually come from my agent Beverly though, so maybe that’s the difference?
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Recommend an agent that works with a variety of carriers. I use Jennifer Oliver.
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Do you know who the underwriter is?
Yes, it is a lot better if payment is through the agent. It simplifies things.
I highly recommend Jennifer Oliver at Central Virginia Insurance. She works with many underwriters and will find the best policy for you.
I dealt with an insurance nightmare where American Reliable tried to deny a mortality claim they had verbally approve with the treating veterinarian at New Bolton and necropsy confirmed diagnosis. Jennifer was able to set me up with a policy that gave me peace of mind. She answered my million questions almost instantly via email. Spent an hour with me on the phone talking through things.
I currently have Lloyd’s of London and thankfully haven’t had any claims, but feel confident in the policy and know that Jennifer will help me navigate any claim I need to file.
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What might be the most beneficial, is to work with an independent agent that writes for all of the companies in the market. An independent agent can explain and help you understand the differences between all of the carriers and what they offer. Price is no longer the biggest difference between them, it’s most often in what you are getting for your money! We can assist in helping you ‘shop’ what you need and understand the ‘fine print’ in all of the policies being offered now https://www.equineinsuranceprofessionals.com/
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