A recent study by the University of Nottingham and Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic found that while the average cost of colic surgery in horses has slightly decreased when adjusted for inflation, the maximum insurance cover for colic referral treatment has not kept pace with inflation. The study analyzed 248 colic cases from 18 UK veterinary hospitals and compared 2024/5 insurance data from five companies to figures from 2018. It revealed that although some treatment costs have risen, maximum insurance coverage limits remained largely unchanged, often falling short of actual referral treatment costs. Meanwhile, monthly insurance premiums have increased significantly, exceeding inflation rates for all companies studied.

The researchers also highlighted issues with the clarity and readability of insurance documents, which were found to be outside recommended standards. They expressed a desire to collaborate with veterinary practices and insurers to improve transparency, helping horse owners make better-informed decisions regarding treatment costs and insurance options. Despite concerns about rising veterinary fees, the study noted that colic referral treatment costs had not increased substantially beyond inflation when properly adjusted.