Horse Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know

The main types of equine cover available in South Africa, how insurers usually structure them, and the policy details worth checking before you buy.

Horse Care · 2026-02-12 · 5 min read

Equine insurance is a personal financial decision, not something we can recommend for or against on your behalf. What follows is an explanation of the cover types generally available in South Africa and the questions worth asking. Premiums, limits and exclusions are set by each insurer and underwriter and depend on the horse, its use, its age and its location — always work from a current quote and the actual policy wording.

Types of Horse Insurance

Mortality Insurance

Pays out the insured value if your horse dies or must be euthanised. This is the most common and important type.

Premiums are usually calculated as a percentage of the insured value, and the percentage varies by insurer, horse age and use. Ask for a written quote.

Loss of Use

Pays a percentage of the insured value if the horse can no longer perform its intended purpose (e.g., a competition horse that can't jump due to injury).

Usually priced as an additional loading on a mortality policy, and often subject to strict definitions of 'loss of use'.

Veterinary Fee Cover

Covers vet bills above an excess amount. Useful for expensive surgeries like colic operations.

Priced according to the annual limit, the excess and the horse's profile.

Third-Party Liability

Covers damage your horse causes to other people or property. Essential if your horse is ever on public roads or at shows.

Sometimes included in a livery yard's or a riding club's policy — check whether you are actually covered before buying separately.

Where cover is sold in South Africa

Equine cover is offered by a small number of insurers and by specialist brokers who place business with underwriters. Product ranges and appetite change, so compare current offerings rather than relying on a list. SAHorseSales does not sell insurance and is not affiliated with any insurer.

Exclusions commonly seen in policies

Exclusions differ between products, but the ones buyers most often encounter are pre-existing conditions, upper and lower age limits, breeding stock, conditions arising from neglect, and limits linked to disease-control zones or outbreaks. None of these are universal — read the schedule.

Questions worth asking before you sign

  1. What is the excess, and does it apply per claim or per condition?
  2. How is the insured value set, and how is it reviewed?
  3. What veterinary records or examinations are required at inception?
  4. Which conditions are excluded specifically for this horse?
  5. How are claims notified, and within what time limit?

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