Equine Insurance
If the animal is insured, this should be documented, preferably with the insurer’s telephone number. In addition, the type of insurance should be noted (e.g., mortality and/or surgical and medical).
It is the client’s or his or her agent’s responsibility to notify the insurance company representative whenever an animal insured for full mortality contracts an illness or sustains an insult, life-threatening or not, that requires a veterinary examination. If the patient is insured, it is considered a professional courtesy for the veterinarian to also communicate directly with the insurance company, especially in the case of a lifethreatening illness. Also, permission from the insurance company is required whenever a general anesthetic, surgical procedure, or euthanasia is to be performed. Whenever euthanasia is requested, the insurance company may require a second opinion from an adjusting veterinarian. If a direct representative from the insurance company cannot be contacted immediately, the clinician must exercise professional judgment in assuming the responsibility for a humane or critical decision. The client or agent should agree with the decision, and all communications and pertinent data should be documented in the medical record, including a signed euthanasia consent form, if applicable. If a necropsy is to be performed, it should preferably be done in the presence of another veterinarian from a different practice. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides an insurance pamphlet as a guide to veterinarians.2
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