There are many types of equine insurance policies available and it is important that you understand what each policy offers, as they will vary greatly between providers. The main types of insurance cover available are
- Veterinary fee cover
- All risks mortality (death)
- Permanent loss of use
When considering taking out an insurance policy, please ensure you understand what each policy covers and what the policy excess will be.
Making an Insurance Claim
In the case of an emergency or a first opinion case the insurance company should be contacted at the earliest opportunity to let them know you want to start a claim. For all routine referrals you must inform your insurance company prior to your appointment that you have been referred to Rossdales and provide information about the nature of the condition/proposed treatment.
Administration Fee
Most insurance companies will require us to complete a claim form to be signed by the attending vet and returned to them together with a copy of the veterinary report and invoice. We charge an administration fee for completing your claim form and for writing any reports that the insurance company needs. Please contact your practice for details.
Payments
Provided that the insurance company has agreed the claim in principle, and that you have not made payment to us direct in advance of a claim, we require that payments of claims by insurance companies are made direct to us. To fulfil this requirement you must ensure that your insurance claim form is appropriately signed and you have instructed your insurance company to pay Rossdales Limited direct. Please be aware that the cost of some aspects of the animal’s care may not be covered by insurance (e.g. policy excess, hospitalisation).
These costs, together with any costs subsequently rejected by your insurance company, and any fees over the insured amount must be paid directly by you to Rossdales Limited. Please note that regardless of whether the animal is insured, the entire bill remains your responsibility until it is paid in full. Correspondingly, credit will be given to you in respect of any payment we receive from a third party (including an insurance company) on your behalf in circumstances where the relevant payment is intended to meet or partially to meet financial obligations of you to Rossdales Limited
Please note…
It is your responsibility to keep in contact with your insurance company, keep a note of how much money has been claimed and know how much is available for further treatment. If your horse is insured and is going to undergo a general anaesthetic, you must inform your insurance company as your cover may be compromised if you do not, even if you are not planning to make a claim for vet fees.