FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions around equine insurance. Call one of the team members directly for any specific requirements or questions you may have.
How do I go about insuring my horse?
We will need your details as well as the details of the horse(s) you want to insure. You can do this online or you can contact one of the team members. We can usually confirm cover over the phone subject to you completing the necessary paperwork. Upon receipt of a completed proposal, an insurance certificate and invoice are issued and emailed to you. Applications are subject to approval and conditions may apply.
Who are your underwriters?
Your insurance policy is underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyds with whom we have a longstanding valuable relationship. Please refer to Lloyds Ratings for current financial strength ratings.
What exactly does mortality insurance cover?
Mortality insurance covers the horse for death or destruction on humane grounds as a result of accident, sickness or disease.
Do you offer Vet Fees or Loss of Use cover?
Unfortunately we do not offer Vet Fee or Loss of Use cover. We can include a $10,000 Colic Surgery Extension or a $10,000 Life Saving Surgical Extension. Please talk to our team for further information.
Can I insure my horse overseas?
Our standard policy covers the horse in New Zealand and Australia and all transits within and between these countries. We also offer transit insurance and can insure your horse in almost every country in the world.
Do you only insure thoroughbreds?
No, we can insure all types of horses - thoroughbreds, standardbreds, sport horses, quarter horses etc. We do require ID for sport horses at the time of placing the insurance (e.g. registration papers or marking sheet).
What age can I insure my foal from?
Foals can be insured from 24 hours of age subject to an acceptable vet certificate and IgG. Cover from 24 hours of age to 7 days needs to be approved with an IgG test, taken within the first 24 hours of birth for an accurate result. An IgG is a blood test that measures the amount of maternal antibodies a newborn foal has absorbed from its mother’s colostrum. It evaluates the success of passive transfer, ensuring the foal has a strong immune system to fight off life-threatening infections.
Standard foal insurance covers mortality, with optional add-ons such as scoping for foals going to the Yearling Sales, or our Life Saving Surgical cover. Please refer to our foal insurance information here.
What age can I insure my horse up to?
Horses up to and including 17 years can be insured.
Is a veterinary certificate required?
A vet certificate is required at the inception of each policy for any horse valued over $100,000 +GST and any horse aged 14 and over. A current vet certificate is also required for all foals under 30 days of age. We only require a vet certificate for renewal if your horse is valued over $250,000 +GST.
How do I value my horse?
The policy is based on a fair market value. That is the price at which ownership of the horse would change between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the horse and current market conditions. If you are unsure it is a good idea to discuss with your trainer and/ or stud farm. Factors to consider are purchase price, breeding, race/ competition record, age etc.
Is there GST on the premium?
Yes. New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd is a registered Lloyd’s Coverholder. We place all our insurance with Lloyd’s of London, an offshore provider, and therefore 15% GST applies to all insurance policies for New Zealand residents. It is important the sum insured represents the GST inclusive amount as all claims are settled on a GST inclusive basis.
What if my renewal falls due on a weekend?
Renewal offers are emailed to the policy holder prior to the expiry of each policy. It is up to the individual policy holder to complete and return the renewal form prior to expiry of the policy.
What if my horse gets injured or ill outside of office hours?
Please contact Jane +64 27 334 0436 or Rhys +64 21 895 444 if your horse happens to fall ill or get injured outside of normal office hours. If necessary, the attending vet can call us to discuss.
What happens if I have a claim?
The first thing to do is to give us a call. If your horse becomes ill or gets injured, it is important to let us know straight away. During business hours we can be contacted on +64 9 298 0055, or after hours you can reach Jane +64 27 334 0436 or Rhys +64 21 895 444. Remember it is the responsibility of the owner, not the vet, to let us know. If the vet has to put the horse down immediately to prevent excessive and incurable suffering, you don't have to get our permission first. The welfare of your horse comes first. However, the claim must be supported by a postmortem vet report confirming the cause of loss. In the unfortunate event of a claim, we will send you a claim form for completion. We will require your completed claim form, all relevant vet reports and a postmortem so we can submit your claim to the underwriters for agreement. Please refer to your Policy Wording for full details on how to make a claim.
Do I have to pay for a postmortem?
Yes, it is the policy holder's responsibility to arrange, and pay for, the postmortem.
Do I need to advise if my horse needs an operation?
Yes - for elective surgery. If you are planning any elective surgery, you must contact us beforehand. In some cases an additional premium may be required to ensure the procedure is covered under your policy.
No - for life saving surgery. If your horse requires an urgent, life‑saving operation, prior notification is not required. If circumstances allow, please contact us first, but your priority should always be ensuring your horse receives immediate treatment. In these situations, your mortality policy provides cover if your horse dies as a result of the surgery. It does not cover the cost of the surgery itself unless you have added Life Saving Surgical Cover to your policy.
If you have more specific questions or requirements, please contact one of the team at NZB Insurance as we can provide special policies to suit.