Horse Medical Insurance Terms

8 terms defined in plain language

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Colic, laminitis, navicular, EIA — medical conditions and terms that affect your horse insurance coverage.

Colic

Abdominal pain in horses. Colic surgery is the most common high-cost equine insurance claim, with episodes costing $8,000–$17,000+.

Diagnostic Imaging

X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans. Typically covered under major medical policies.

Laminitis

Inflammation of the laminae in the hoof. Can be career-ending or fatal. Pre-existing laminitis is commonly excluded.

Navicular Syndrome

Chronic foot condition affecting the navicular bone and surrounding structures. Common in performance horses. Pre-existing navicular is frequently excluded.

Pleuropneumonia (Shipping Fever)

Respiratory infection that can develop during or after transport. Potentially life-threatening. Transit coverage may apply.

Congenital Condition

A condition present from birth. May or may not be hereditary. Often excluded as a pre-existing condition if documented, though some may not manifest until later in life.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

A viral disease with no cure. A positive Coggins test result can make a horse uninsurable and require quarantine or euthanasia by state law.

Pigeon Fever

Bacterial infection (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) common in the southwestern US. Creates abscesses requiring veterinary treatment. Medical coverage typically applies.

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