Take out horse insurance online: digital protection for your horse in four steps
14.10.2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
One careless moment in the paddock can lead to financial consequences in six figures. The right horse insurance protects you against this risk, but the range of policies is vast. Find out how you can find and take out the right cover for your horse online in just four steps.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Although horse owner liability insurance is not legally required, due to unlimited liability under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), it is the most important insurance for every horse owner.
A horse surgical insurance policy is a sensible addition, as operations such as for colic can quickly cost between €7,000 and €12,000.
When taking out cover online, you should specifically look for short waiting periods (especially for colic), cover of at least twice the GOT rate, and fair arrangements for the excess.
Understanding statutory liability: The financial risk for horse owners
The greatest financial risk for horse owners is the so-called strict liability, which is regulated in Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). It means that, as the owner, you are liable for personal injury, property damage and financial losses caused by your horse, even if you are not at fault. If a horse breaks loose and causes a road traffic accident resulting in personal injury, claims can quickly exceed one million euros. Without horse liability insurance with cover of at least ten million euros, you risk financial ruin. This insurance is the most important protection for every horse owner. It examines the question of liability, defends against unjustified claims and pays justified claims up to the agreed sum. The legal basis makes it clear why this protection forms the foundation of every insurance arrangement.
The three pillars of protection: from liability insurance to comprehensive health insurance
To provide comprehensive protection for your horse, three core building blocks are available to you, which can be combined modularly. The previously mentioned horse owner liability insurance is the indispensable basis for every owner. Building on this, the horse surgical insurance protects against the high costs of surgical procedures, which are not uncommon in horses. A colic operation, for example, can cost up to 12,000 euros. The most comprehensive protection is provided by the horse health insurance, which covers outpatient treatments, medication and diagnostics in addition to operations. The difference between surgical and health insurance lies in the details: surgical insurance is a good basic cover, while health insurance provides full cover. The choice depends on your risk appetite and your budget, but knowing the options is crucial.
In four steps to your policy: the digital application process
Taking out horse insurance online is straightforward and often only takes a few minutes. The process generally follows four clear steps to find the right cover. A systematic comparison of different providers can save up to 74 per cent on costs.
Here's how to proceed:
Assess your needs: Decide what cover you need. Is horse owner liability insurance sufficient, or should it include surgical cover or even health cover?
Compare rates: Use online comparison calculators to compare benefits and premiums from over 80 plans. Pay attention to sums insured, excesses and benefit exclusions.
Answer health questions: Complete the application truthfully. Details about age, breed, use and known pre-existing conditions are crucial for the insurer's risk assessment.
Review and finalise the contract: After a positive assessment, you will receive your policy digitally. Check all details carefully before finally confirming the contract.
This structured process ensures that you not only get insured quickly, but also with the right cover.
Expert tips: These are the contract details you need to pay attention to
When taking out horse insurance online, the details often determine the quality of cover. A critical factor is the waiting periods before the insurance cover applies in full. For colic operations, the waiting period is often only five to seven days; for other illnesses, it can be up to three months. Our expert tip: look for policies that provide immediate cover in the event of accidents. Many people overlook the fact that when switching providers seamlessly, the waiting periods are often eliminated altogether. Another important factor is the scale of fees for veterinarians (GOT). Your policy should cover at least twice the GOT rate; in emergencies, even four times the rate is often charged. Also check the rules on excess and annual benefit limits so that, in the event of a claim, there are no unpleasant surprises and you are guaranteed immediate insurance cover.
Cost analysis: These factors determine your insurance premium
The cost of equine insurance varies greatly and depends on several individual factors. Basic horse liability insurance is available from around €30 per year. A comprehensive horse surgery insurance policy costs between €20 and €50 per month, on the other hand. The exact premium is determined by a combination of your horse’s age, breed and intended use. A young leisure horse is generally cheaper to insure than an older sport horse with a higher risk of injury.
The following aspects have a major influence on the price:
Scope of cover: A full health insurance policy is more expensive than surgery-only cover.
Excess: A higher excess noticeably reduces the monthly premium.
Age of the horse: Insuring your horse at a young age often secures better terms.
Payment method: Annual payment is usually cheaper than monthly direct debit.
A precise comparison helps you find the best value for money for your situation.
Conclusion: Digital security as the foundation for worry-free coexistence
The option to take out horse insurance online offers horse owners transparency and efficiency. In a short time, you can compare a wide range of tariffs and find cover that is tailored precisely to the needs of you and your horse. From essential liability insurance, which protects you against claims running into millions, to surgery insurance, which only makes a life-saving operation costing more than €10,000 possible in the first place, well-considered cover is indispensable. The digital process does not replace a careful review of the contract details, but it makes the route there considerably easier. Take the time to make a thorough comparison so that, in an emergency, you can ensure the best possible care for your horse without jeopardising your financial future. Request an individual risk assessment now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
A statistic on horse ownership in Germany can be found at Statista.
The fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT) is provided by the German Veterinary Association.
Figures and facts on equestrian sport and horse keeping in Germany are offered by the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
Comprehensive information on horse insurance is available on the platform of the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on liability insurance for pets, including horses.
A test report on horse health insurance can be found at Stiftung Warentest.
Stiftung Warentest also offers a test report on horse liability insurance.
FAQ
Is horse liability insurance mandatory in Germany?
No, there is no general legal requirement to take out horse liability insurance in Germany. However, due to the unlimited strict liability for animal keepers under § 833 BGB, it is strongly recommended by experts and consumer protection organisations.
What is the difference between equine surgery insurance and equine health insurance?
The horse surgery insurance covers only the costs that are directly related to an operation (procedure, anaesthesia, clinic stay, aftercare). The more comprehensive horse health insurance also covers the costs of outpatient and inpatient treatment without surgery, such as diagnostics, medication or therapies.
Which costs are covered in detail by horse surgery insurance?
A good surgical insurance policy covers the costs of the operation itself, the anaesthetic, imaging procedures such as X-rays or MRI scans before the operation, the hospital stay for a specified number of days after the operation, as well as follow-up treatment and medication during this period.
What does the GOT rate mean in horse insurance?
GOT stands for “Schedule of Fees for Veterinarians”. It specifies which rates veterinarians are permitted to charge for their services. The standard rate can be increased up to four times in the event of complications or emergency out-of-hours service. Your insurance tariff should cover at least double the standard rate.
Can I also insure my horse online if it has pre-existing conditions?
Yes, online completion is usually possible. However, known pre-existing conditions and their consequences are generally excluded from cover. It is important to answer all health questions in the application truthfully.
How quickly can I take out horse insurance online?
The pure completion process often takes only 15 to 30 minutes. After a brief application review by the insurer, you usually receive the policy within a few hours or days by email. Cover then begins on the date specified in the contract.
