The Pet and Equine Insurance Sustainability Network, founded by Sharon Brown (pictured above with her horse, Woody), recently hosted its first think tank event to address challenges impacting the sustainability of pet and equine insurance.
Held at Howden’s offices on Creechurch Street, the session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including insurers, managing general agents, brokers, and regulatory bodies such as the ABI, BIBA, MGAA, FCA, and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
The event focused on pressing issues in the sector, including rising veterinary costs, the need for greater transparency in pricing, and the importance of preventative care. Participants also discussed strategies to ensure insurance remains accessible and affordable for pet and horse owners while supporting long-term sustainability in the sector.
Brown herself facilitated the discussions, which emphasised the importance of collaboration to address systemic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
The think tank explored the impact of increasing veterinary fees on insurance claims and premiums, highlighting the need for a more transparent cost structure across the value chain. Discussions also examined how preventative care could reduce the demand for reactive treatments, benefiting both animals and policyholders.
Sustainability in the sector was another key topic, with participants addressing how to build a model that balances accessibility and affordability.
Catherine Morgan of Howden Insurance Brokers opened the event with remarks on the importance of joint action to address these challenges. The session concluded with over 92% of the 100 attendees, representing 45 organisations, expressing support for continued collaboration to drive meaningful change.
Brown proposed establishing a steering group to guide the creation of an industry-wide association. This organisation would unite insurers, veterinary professionals, and other service providers to promote transparency, enhance accountability, and prioritise education.
The proposed association would also work closely with consumer and veterinary groups to develop practical solutions for the sector.
Brown said the think tank demonstrated the importance of uniting voices from across the ecosystem to address critical challenges.
“By starting to unite voices from across the ecosystem, we’ve taken a critical step towards ensuring that insurance continues to serve its vital role in supporting animal welfare and protecting owners,” she said. “Together, we have the power to make a real difference, and this event has shown that the industry is ready to rise to the challenge.”
Claudia Rodriguez, risk and compliance director at Agria Pet Insurance, said the session underscored the need to focus on consumer needs to address rising veterinary fees and insurance premiums.
“Pet insurance must deliver real value, protecting pet owners and supporting animal welfare,” Rodriguez said. “This event was more than just a discussion; it was a rallying call for action to make insurance accessible and meaningful. I’m genuinely excited to see where we can take this next and the progress we can achieve together.”
Suzy Middleton, CEO of SEIB, described the event as an encouraging step in tackling the challenges faced by the equine insurance sector.
“So many horses and people are affected by rising veterinary costs and insurance premiums; the opening up of this debate is such a positive move for everyone concerned,” Middleton said. “Protecting and improving equine welfare are long-held key values amongst both our team and our customers, and we continue to do everything we can to ensure a positive future.”
The Pet and Equine Insurance Sustainability Network said that it plans to build on the outcomes of this think tank, fostering continued collaboration to address the challenges facing the sector and promote a sustainable future for pet and equine insurance.
What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.
