Your horse has chronic founder (laminitis). He is in pain. You and your vet agree it is time to let him go. You call the insurance company to claim the Mortality policy. They say, “Permission Denied. He is not in immediate risk of death.”
Key Takeaways
- The BEVA/AAEP Guidelines: Insurers follow strict veterinary guidelines. Euthanasia is covered only for “relentless, incurable pain” where “no treatment is available.”
- Chronic vs. Acute: Insurance covers acute catastrophic events (broken leg). It rarely covers chronic decline (arthritis/old age) unless the horse is literally unable to stand.
- Consent is King: You must get insurer consent before the injection, unless it is a dire emergency (e.g., guts on the floor).
- The “Useless” Argument: Just because the horse can’t be ridden doesn’t mean the insurer will pay for death. If he can be a pasture pet, they won’t pay mortality.
The “Why” (The Trap): Economic Euthanasia
Insurers want to prevent owners from putting down horses just because they are no longer useful or expensive to keep.
The Clause:
“We cover death caused by authorized humane destruction… where the animal is in constant, unmanageable pain.”
If pain meds (Bute) can keep him comfortable in a paddock, they will deny the claim.
The Investigation: The Hard Conversation
I simulated a call with a claims adjuster regarding a laminitic horse.
- Me: “He’s hurting. I want to put him down.”
- Adjuster: “Can he stand? Is he eating? Does Bute help?”
- Verdict: If the answer is yes, they deny the claim. You can still put the horse down (it’s your horse), but you won’t get the check.
Comparison Table: When to Claim
| Scenario | Insurer Consents? | Payout? |
| Shattered Pastern (inoperable) | Yes | Yes |
| Severe Colic (rupture) | Yes (Emergency) | Yes |
| Chronic Lameness (unrideable) | No | No (Try Loss of Use) |
| Old Age / Weight Loss | No | No |
[IMAGE: Photo of a vet consulting with an owner in a barn aisle]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Before You Act: Unless the horse is thrashing uncontrollably, call the adjuster.
- Get the Vet on the Phone: Let the vet explain the “inhumane suffering” to the adjuster.
- Emergency Exception: If you must act (e.g., 2 AM, horse screaming), document EVERYTHING. Video the condition. The vet must certify that “waiting for consent would have been inhumane.”
- Understand the Contract: Mortality insurance is life insurance, not “retirement funding.”
FAQ
Can I put him down anyway?
Yes. You are the owner. You just forfeit the insurance money. Do what is right for the horse.
Does Loss of Use cover this?
If you have Loss of Use, you might get paid for the disability, and then you can retire (or euthanize) the horse without needing Mortality approval, depending on the policy terms.