Novatae Risk Group

Animal Mortality Insurance Guide for Retail Agents

Written by Greg Whaley | Jan 28, 2026 9:45:25 PM

Animal mortality insurance provides financial protection for the death, theft, or humane destruction of insured animals. While frequently associated with sport horses or high-value livestock, mortality coverage is also essential for breeders, competitors, ranchers, show exhibitors, and owners of working or service animals. 

Unlike standard farm or property policies, animal mortality insurance is purpose-built to address the wide spectrum of risks animals face. Many policies can be customized with optional coverages such as major medical, colic surgery, elective procedures, loss of use, infertility, and more, ensuring a tailored fit for each client's needs. 

Key Coverages Within an Animal Mortality Insurance Program

Novatae's animal mortality solutions are flexible, comprehensive, and designed to address the exposures that matter most. Retail agents gain access to options such as:

1. All-Risk Mortality

Protects against death from illness, injury, accident, disease, or humane destruction. 

Example: If a show horse suffers a catastrophic tendon rupture and must be euthanized, all-risk mortality coverage helps the owner recover the animal's insured value. 

2. Limited Mortality & Named Perils

Provides coverage for specific risks such as fire, lightning, transport accidents, or severe weather events. 

Example (Cattle mortality insurance): A cattle breeder whose stock is lost in a barn fire can recover part or all of the animal's insured value. 

3. Theft Coverage

Helps reimburse owners when animals are stolen with supporting evidence.

Example: If a prize-winning bull is stolen and reported to authorities, theft coverage mitigates the financial loss. 

4. Major Medical & Surgical Coverage

Pays for diagnostic testing, treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and recovery. 

Example (Equine mortality insurance): A breeding stallion requiring extensive medical treatment after an infection may incur substantial bills; major medical coverage helps reduce out-of-pocket costs. 

5. Emergency Colic Surgery

Specifically designed for equine clients, this coverage reimburses emergency surgical costs tied to colic, the leading cause of equine medical emergencies. 

6. Loss of Use

Compensates owners when an animal becomes permanently unable to perform its primary function. 

Example: A jumper that becomes permanently lame may no longer compete; loss of use coverage helps offset the lost earning potential. 

7. Stallion Infertility

Protects breeding stallions that become infertile due to accident, disease, or illness, ensuring breeding programs remain financially stable. 

8. Barrenness or Prospective Foal Coverage

Compensates breeders when a mare fails to conceive, aborts, or loses a foal shortly after birth. 

9. International Transit & Global Extensions

Supports clients importing or exporting high-value animals, offering protection during transport and in approved foreign territories. 

10. Elective Surgery & General Anesthesia

Provides limited protection in the event an animal dies under anesthesia during elective or cosmetic procedures. 

These coverage options allow brokers to tailor solutions across species, uses, and operations, ensuring your clients get precisely the protection they need. 

Who Needs Animal Mortality Insurance?

Any operation or individual that depends on animals as assets, investments, or working partners should consider animal mortality insurance. Common insured classes include:

  • Equine mortality insurance: Sport, show, breeding, rodeo, and pleasure equine
  • Cattle mortality insurance: Cow/calf operations, breeding cattle, and show cattle
  • Canine mortality insurance: Police K-9s, detection dogs, service animals, and therapy canines
  • Bucking bulls and rodeo livestock
  • 4-H and FFA project animals
  • Sheep, goats, rams, deer, elk, and select exotics
  • Breeding and competitive facilities, ranches, farms, and training operations

Whether the exposure stems from competitive events, breeding programs, daily ranch work, or service duties, mortality insurance provides financial stability when the unexpected happens. 

Why Animal Mortality Insurance Matters for Retail Brokers

Retail insurance agents working with agricultural, equine, livestock, or specialty animal clients know that traditional commercial policies rarely address the nuanced risks animals face. This creates gaps that can quickly lead to unexpected and substantial losses. 

Partnering with a wholesale broker or MGA experienced in animal mortality insurance delivers several advantages:

  • Access to specialized markets that understand the animals being insured
  • Underwriters with niche expertise, increasing placement success
  • Flexible programs for operations of all sizes
  • Competitive pricing supported by admitted carriers
  • Coverage solutions that can respond to everything from accidental death to breeding challenges, transport risks, and veterinary crises

With the right wholesale partner, retail agents can deliver stronger protection, faster turnaround, and more confident guidance for clients dealing with high-value animal exposures.

The Novatae Advantage

Novatae supports retail agents with:

  • Deep understanding of equine, livestock, exotic, and canine risks
  • Admitted carrier partnerships with strong financial ratings
  • Rapid underwriting and responsive service
  • Customizable coverage options for both routine and complex risks
  • A dedicated livestock mortality team available for consultation
  • Nationwide availability (exceptions apply)

Our goal is simple: help you place comprehensive animal mortality insurance with speed, accuracy, and confidence. 

 

This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.