You bought a warmblood in Germany. You are flying him to JFK. He lands, goes to USDA quarantine, and spikes a fever or kicks the stall and breaks a leg. Your standard US mortality policy hasn’t started yet because he hasn’t arrived at your farm.
Key Takeaways
- Transit Insurance: You need specific coverage for the flight and ground transport.
- Quarantine Extension: Standard transit ends when he lands. You must add “Quarantine Coverage” for the 3-day (or 30-day for mares) stay at USDA facilities.
- The “Fall of Hammer” Policy: The safest bet is to bind Full Mortality coverage the moment the auction hammer falls or the wire transfer clears in Europe.
- Rejection Insurance: (For high value) Covers the risk that the horse is rejected by USDA for a disease (like Piroplasmosis) and must be deported.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Sound Health” Requirement
US policies require a vet exam in the US to bind coverage. An import hasn’t had that yet.
The Trap: If he gets hurt in the cargo plane or quarantine, he is in “No Man’s Land” insurance-wise.
The Investigation: The Import Process
I spoke to a broker specializing in European imports (like Kiki Ward Platt or Hallmarq).
- The Process: You buy a “Transit” policy from a European insurer (like R+V) or a global policy from Lloyds that covers “Door to Door.”
- The Cost: Approx 1.5% – 2% of the horse’s value for the flight + quarantine.
Comparison Table: Import Risks
| Stage | Standard Mortality | Transit/Import Policy |
| In Europe | No (US based) | Covered |
| On Plane | No | Covered |
| In USDA Quarantine | No | Covered (Must add) |
| Trailer to Farm | No | Covered |
| At Farm (USA) | Covered (After exam) | Expired |
[IMAGE: Photo of a horse in a shipping container/air stall]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Bind “Fall of Hammer”: Insure him the second you own him in Europe.
- Add “Air Transit”: Confirm the flight number and carrier with the insurer.
- Add “Quarantine”: Do not skip this. Quarantine is high stress; colic is common.
- Arrange the US Exam: Have your US vet scheduled to see the horse the day he arrives at your barn to transition to a standard domestic policy.
FAQ
What if he tests positive for CEM/Piro?
He will be deported or euthanized. Standard mortality does not cover this government-mandated slaughter. You need “Government Destruction” or “Rejection” coverage.