Equine Major Medical Coverage Options

American Reliable offers two types of medical coverage for horses. Both endorsements are added to an Equine Mortality policy. They help reimburse veterinary costs for new accidents, illnesses, injuries, lameness issues, or physical disabilities. A condition must start during the policy period and must be reported promptly.

The two options are:

  • Major Medical and Surgical Endorsement
  • Major Medical and Surgical PLUS Endorsement

Here’s a simple explanation of what each endorsement provides.

Major Medical and Surgical Coverage

This endorsement reimburses necessary veterinary treatment and diagnostic testing. Coverage applies only to new conditions that occur during the policy term. A deductible applies to each unrelated incident.

What It Covers

    • Medical and surgical treatment. This includes medication, procedures, and needed surgery.
    • Diagnostics. This includes X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, nerve blocks, CT, MRI, and other advanced tests.
      • Diagnostic costs are limited to $2,500 per claim and $4,000 for the policy period.
    • Lameness treatment. This includes IRAP, PRP, stem-cell therapy, shockwave therapy, Tildren, and similar treatments.
      • Lameness care is limited to $2,500 per claim and $4,000 per policy period.
    • Gastric ulcers. Coverage applies only if an endoscopy confirms the ulcers.
      • Ulcer treatment is limited to $2,500 per claim and $4,000 per policy period.

Reporting Rules

You must notify the insurer as soon as the horse receives or requires treatment. A written veterinary report and all invoices must be sent within 60 days.

Key Exclusions

This endorsement does not cover:

    • Pre-existing or undisclosed conditions
    • Routine or preventative care
    • Elective, cosmetic, or voluntary procedures
    • Alternative therapies like chiropractic or acupuncture
    • Dental care unless caused by a traumatic injury
    • Racing or race training
    • Chronic or progressive conditions that did not start during the policy period

Major Medical and Surgical PLUS Coverage

The PLUS endorsement works the same way as the standard form but offers higher limits for certain types of care. It is designed for cases that may require more extensive diagnostics or repeated treatments.

What It Covers

    • Medical and surgical treatment. Same scope as the standard endorsement.
    • Diagnostics. Expenses may be reimbursed up to 50% of the total medical limit of liability.
    • Lameness treatment. Includes the same therapies as the standard form.
      • Limited to $2,500 per claim.
      • No policy-period cap specific to lameness. Only the overall medical limit applies.
    • Gastric ulcers. Covered if confirmed by endoscopy.
      • Limited to $2,500 per claim.

Reporting Rules

The same notice and documentation requirements apply.

Key Exclusions

The exclusions match those in the standard endorsement. These include pre-existing conditions, routine care, elective procedures, alternative therapies, certain dental treatments, racing activities, and chronic conditions that did not start during the policy period.

Main Differences Between the Two Endorsements

Feature Major Medical Major Medical PLUS
Diagnostic limit $2,500 per claim / $4,000 per policy Up to 50% of the medical limit
Lameness limit $2,500 per claim / $4,000 per policy $2,500 per claim only
Gastric ulcer limit $2,500 per claim / $4,000 per policy $2,500 per claim
Overall structure More fixed sub-limits More flexible diagnostic allowance

Practical Summary

The Major Medical endorsement offers clear, fixed limits and covers common medical needs. The Major Medical PLUS endorsement expands diagnostic benefits and offers more flexibility for complex cases. Both require immediate reporting and apply only to new conditions during the policy term.

Important: This summary is provided for convenience. Please refer to the actual policy wording for full details and exclusions.

  • American Reliable – Major Medical and Surgical Endorsement (A8861E0319)
  • American Reliable – Major Medical and Surgical PLUS Endorsement (A9015E0319)

Standard Mortality Policy and Automatic Coverages

Other Optional Coverages Available with Equine Mortality Coverage

ARIC Policyholder Portal