Horse insurance costs: pony vs. large horse – a data-based comparison
28.11.2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The cost of horse insurance is as individual as your animal itself. Whether you own a small pony or a majestic horse, this can make a difference of several hundred euros a year. This article breaks down the exact cost factors and shows you what really matters.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Liability insurance for a pony is often more than thirty per cent cheaper than for a large horse (from €84), at around €60 per year.
When it comes to surgical and health insurance, it is not just the horse’s size but above all its breed, age and use that play the decisive role in the premium amount.
A high level of cover of at least ten million euros in liability insurance is essential, as claims, especially involving large horses, can reach amounts that could threaten your very existence.
Liability insurance: Understanding the foundations of cover
Third-party liability insurance for animal owners is the most important policy for every horse owner. The basis is Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), which stipulates strict liability. You are liable for damage caused by your animal with your entire assets. The cost of a horse liability insurance policy starts at around €60 per year for a pony. For a full-sized horse, insurers calculate at least €84 per year due to the higher potential risk of loss. A cost difference of more than thirty per cent is the norm here. A cover limit of at least ten million euros is strongly recommended by experts. This basic cover protects you from claims that could threaten your existence and quickly reach five-figure sums. Choosing the right tariff depends on further factors, which we will examine in the next section.
Operation insurance: risk calculation by breed and use
An operation can quickly incur costs of over 10,000 euros, as a colic operation in a pony shows. An equine surgery insurance policy covers these financial risks. Monthly premiums for a sturdy Shetland pony start at around 15 euros. For a sport horse Warmblood, costs can rise to over 35 euros per month. The price difference reflects the statistically higher risk of certain procedures in larger sport horse breeds. Reimbursement rates under the German fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT) are a decisive factor in the level of cover. Good plans cover at least twice the standard rate in order to settle high veterinary bills in full. Pay attention to the insured benefits, as there are significant differences here:
Colic operations
Splint bone fractures
Joint operations (e.g. chip surgeries)
Tooth extractions
Tumour removals
Necessary diagnostics such as MRI or CT
While surgery insurance covers specific procedures, many owners are left wondering whether they need comprehensive cover.
Health insurance: comprehensive cover in the cost comparison
The horse insurance policy offers comprehensive cover, including outpatient treatment, medication and preventive measures. This is where the cost differences between ponies and large horses are most pronounced. Basic cover for a healthy, young Shetland pony is available from as little as €13 per month. For a large horse, comparable comprehensive cover can quickly cost €100 or more per month. Premiums rise sharply, especially for older animals over twelve years of age. Many insurers no longer accept horses aged 15 and over for full comprehensive cover. Such a policy is particularly worthwhile if you want maximum financial predictability and wish to protect yourself against a range of smaller veterinary costs. The decision depends heavily on your personal appetite for risk.
Practical examples: When size makes the financial difference
Two brief real-life cases illustrate the financial scale of damage. Case one: a pony kicks a car door in a car park and causes a dent. The damage amounts to a manageable €1,500, which is covered by liability insurance. Case two: a large horse is startled, breaks free and causes a road accident with personal injury. Claims for damages, including compensation for pain and suffering and loss of earnings, can quickly reach €50,000. Without liability cover with a sufficiently high sum insured, this means financial ruin for the owner. These examples show why the monthly insurance costs are a necessary investment. But how can you structure your cover optimally?
Expert tips for optimising your insurance cover
Choosing the right tariff goes beyond a simple price comparison. It is the details in the small print that are decisive in an emergency. Our expert tip: look out for an excess. An excess of 150 euros per claim can reduce your annual premium by up to twenty per cent. You should also check whether important additional benefits are included. These include:
Third-party rider risk: Ensures that damage caused by a riding share or a third-party rider is also covered.
Rented property damage: Covers damage to the hired horse box or horse trailer, often up to a sum of 10,000 euros.
Stays abroad: Provides cover for competitions or holidays abroad, usually for at least one year.
Claims default cover: Steps in if you suffer damage yourself and the person responsible cannot pay.
A detailed analysis of your needs helps you find the protection that best reflects the difference between surgery cover and health insurance for you personally. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Statista offers a survey on personal ownership of horses in Germany.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) provides figures and facts about horses and equestrian sport in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) publishes statistics on livestock in Germany, including horses.
The Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture offers an article on how to make a small fortune with horses.
The University of Göttingen provides a scientific publication on the topic of horses.
The German Veterinary Association provides information about the schedule of fees for veterinarians (GOT).
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) offers information on the veterinary fee schedule (GOT).
FAQ
How much does horse insurance cost for a pony compared with a full-sized horse?
Costs vary depending on the type of insurance. Liability insurance for a pony starts at around €60 per year, for a large horse from around €84. For surgical and health insurance, the difference is even greater and depends heavily on breed, age and the desired scope of cover.
Which factors have the greatest influence on the cost of horse insurance?
The most important factors are the type of insurance (liability, surgery, health), the horse’s size and breed, its age, its use (private or sporting), the selected sum insured and the amount of the excess.
What does horse surgery insurance cover?
It covers the costs for surgical procedures under anaesthesia, the necessary diagnostics before the operation, accommodation in the veterinary clinic for a certain period after the operation, as well as follow-up care.
Up to what age can you insure a horse?
Liability insurance is not age-dependent. With surgery and health insurance, there are often admission restrictions. Many insurers only accept horses up to the age of 15 as new customers, but existing policies continue.
What is the difference between strict liability and liability based on fault?
Under strict liability (§ 833 BGB), the keeper of an animal is liable for damage even where they are not personally at fault. It is sufficient that the “typical animal risk” has materialised. Under fault-based liability, a breach of duty must be proven against the person causing the damage.
Can I deduct the cost of horse insurance from my tax bill?
Horse liability insurance can be claimed as a special expense on the tax return, provided the maximum amount for other precautionary expenses has not yet been exhausted. Medical and surgical insurance policies are generally not tax-deductible, unless the horse is used for professional purposes.
