Switching horse insurance: What to watch out for in 2025
27 Sept 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Thinking about switching your horse insurance? A smart decision can optimise your costs and improve protection for your horse. Find out here how to avoid common mistakes and make the transition smooth.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Only cancel your old contract after receiving a written confirmation from the new insurer to avoid coverage gaps.
Compare benefits such as the GOT rate and surgery limits instead of just the monthly premium to avoid being underinsured in the event of a claim.
Answer health questions with absolute honesty, as incorrect information can lead to denial of benefits and contract termination.
Strategically utilize notice periods
Timing is crucial when you want to switch your horse insurance. The regular notice period is usually three months before the end of the insurance year. So, if your contract runs until 31 December, your cancellation must reach the insurer by 30 September at the latest. If you miss this deadline, the contract is automatically extended for another year.
In addition, there is a special right of termination that offers you more flexibility. You can exercise this right within four weeks after you have received the notification. Such a right arises in two main cases:
Premium increase: If the insurer raises the premium without adjusting the benefits, you can terminate the contract extraordinarily. Even a premium increase of just five percent can trigger a right of termination.
Claim settlement: After the insurer has settled or rejected a claim, both parties can terminate the contract. The deadline for this is usually one month after the conclusion of the case.
These regulations allow you to respond more quickly to market changes without having to wait an entire year.
Focus on service details instead of just comparing prices
A cheaper premium is tempting, but the devil is in the details of the insurance terms. An equine colic surgery can quickly exceed costs of 7,000 euros. A policy that only covers the basic rate of the veterinary fee schedule (GOT) may reimburse less than half of that. Therefore, make sure you are covered up to four times the GOT rate, especially for emergency services.
Savings of 100 euros a year are irrelevant if a coverage gap of 5,000 euros occurs in an emergency. Before you switch your equine surgery insurance, check the following points:
Benefit limits: Is there an annual limit or a restriction per operation? Policies without limits offer the greatest security.
Waiting periods: For colic, the waiting period should be a maximum of seven days. For joint surgeries (OCD), it can last up to twelve months.
Diagnostics and aftercare: Are expensive imaging procedures like MRI or CT before the surgery and aftercare for at least seven days covered?
Free choice of clinic: Ensure that in an emergency you are not restricted to one of only three partner clinics.
A thorough comparison of equine liability or health insurance protects you from unpleasant surprises.
The secure transition process in four steps
Comprehensive insurance coverage is the top priority when switching. Never cancel your old contract before you have a written and binding commitment from the new provider. A horse that gets injured during an uninsured period of just one day can incur costs of several thousand euros. Therefore, proceed systematically.
Our expert tip: Always carry out the switching process in this order to eliminate any risk. This ensures a seamless transition.
Obtain quotes: Compare at least three different tariffs based on benefits, not just price.
Apply for a new contract: Complete the application for your desired tariff fully and truthfully, especially the health questions.
Wait for acceptance confirmation: Wait for the written policy or a binding acceptance declaration from the new insurer. This can take up to 14 days.
Cancel the old contract: Only now should you cancel your existing contract in writing by registered mail to have proof.
Following this order is crucial for the financial security and protection of your horse.
Health assessment as a critical factor
When switching a horse health insurance or surgery insurance, the health check is a crucial factor. The new insurer will ask detailed questions about pre-existing conditions, past treatments, and accidents. Here, absolute honesty is required. Failing to disclose an old tendon injury or chronic bronchitis can be considered a violation of the pre-contractual duty of disclosure (§ 19 VVG).
The consequence: The insurer can withdraw from the contract or refuse to provide benefits in the event of a claim. Even if the undisclosed condition is unrelated to the current reason for surgery, the entire insurance coverage could be at risk. A treatment that took place three years ago can still be relevant.
Document your horse's health history carefully. If necessary, include veterinary reports with the application to ensure transparency. A horse with known but well-treated pre-existing conditions is often easier to insure than one with unclear medical history.
Understanding Waiting Times and Exclusions
A new contract means new waiting periods. These serve as protection for the insurer against pre-existing but not yet diagnosed issues. Typically, there are waiting periods of three months for illnesses and up to a year for specific procedures such as joint operations for OCD. Accidents are often covered without a waiting period.
Carefully check whether the new tariff excludes certain treatments or breeds. Some cheap tariffs, for example, only cover regenerative therapies or dental surgeries with a limit of 1,000 euros. The costs of horse insurance directly reflect the scope of coverage. Comprehensive protection is rarely available for less than 40 euros a month.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific suggestions for optimization.
More useful links
Destatis offers statistics on organic farming and livestock in Germany.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) provides figures and facts about horses in Germany.
The Animal Disease Fund Baden-Württemberg provides information on its website.
The Federal Chamber of Veterinarians has issued a vaccination guideline for horses.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on pet health insurance, including horses.
The Federal Ministry of Justice makes the German animal welfare law available online.
The Chamber of Agriculture offers information on horse keeping.
The University of Göttingen provides information on the topic of horses.
FAQ
What mistakes should I definitely avoid when changing horse insurance?
The biggest mistake is cancelling the old contract before receiving written acceptance from the new insurer. Also, avoid focusing solely on the price while ignoring coverage limits, waiting periods, and the covered GOT rates. Incomplete or incorrect information during the health assessment can lead to a loss of insurance coverage.
What is the special right of termination and when can I use it?
The special right of termination allows you to terminate your contract extraordinarily outside the normal period. You can usually exercise it within one month if your insurer increases the premiums without improving the services, or after a claim has been settled (regardless of whether it was paid or rejected).
Why is the GOT sentence so important in comparison?
The schedule of fees for veterinarians (GOT) stipulates what a veterinarian can charge for a treatment. In emergencies or in the case of complicated procedures, the veterinarian can charge up to four times the standard rate. An affordable plan that only covers the basic or double rate can leave you with thousands of euros in remaining costs.
Do I need to pay more for my old horse or can I even get a contract anymore?
Yes, the age of the horse at the time of contract agreement affects the premium. For older horses (often from 15 years), taking out a new insurance policy becomes more difficult and expensive. Some insurers have age limits for acceptance. Therefore, it is advisable to take out good insurance early and to carefully check the acceptance guidelines when switching.
What are typical exclusions in horse surgery insurance?
Congenital malformations, treatments recommended before the start of the contract, as well as purely preventive measures such as vaccinations or tartar removal (these are covered under comprehensive health insurance) are often excluded. Castrations or sterilizations are also often not included in the standard surgical protection.
How do I provide proof of cancellation for my old insurance?
Always send your cancellation in writing by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. This way, you have legally valid proof that your cancellation letter has been received by the insurer on time. Cancellation by email is accepted by some insurers but is less secure.
