One of the most common questions people ask before exploring equine facilitated therapy is whether their insurance will cover the cost. It’s a perfectly reasonable thing to consider — therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, and knowing what financial support is available can make the decision to start much easier.
The short answer is: it depends. Insurance coverage for equine therapy in the UK varies depending on the type of insurance you have, your provider, and the qualifications of the therapist delivering the sessions. Here’s what you need to know.
Private Health Insurance and Equine Therapy
Most private health insurance providers in the UK — such as Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality — do cover some forms of talking therapy and counselling. However, equine facilitated therapy is still considered a complementary or alternative therapy by many insurers, which means it may not be included as standard.
That said, the landscape is shifting. As awareness of equine therapy grows and more research supports its effectiveness, some insurers are becoming more open to covering sessions — particularly when they are delivered by a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist who incorporates horses into their practice.
Key factors that affect coverage:
- Therapist qualifications — If the practitioner is a registered counsellor or psychotherapist (for example, registered with the BACP or UKCP), insurers are more likely to consider coverage. Sessions delivered by a qualified mental health professional who uses equine facilitated methods may be treated the same as standard counselling.
- Your specific policy — Some policies include mental health and wellbeing support as part of their cover, while others require it as an add-on. Check your policy documents or call your provider to ask specifically about equine-assisted therapy.
- GP referral — Some insurers require a GP referral before covering any form of therapy. Having a referral letter that recommends equine therapy can strengthen your case.
- Diagnosis — Coverage is more likely if you have a diagnosed condition such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma that the therapy is being used to address.
NHS and Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is not currently available as a standard NHS treatment. However, some NHS trusts and community mental health teams do refer patients to equine therapy providers, particularly for conditions like PTSD, complex trauma, and anxiety disorders where traditional talking therapies haven’t been effective.
If you’re currently receiving NHS mental health support, it’s worth discussing equine therapy with your care coordinator or GP. They may be able to refer you to a local provider or support you in accessing funding through other channels.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes that include a set number of counselling sessions per year. If the equine therapy practitioner is a qualified counsellor, these sessions may be covered under your EAP. It’s worth checking with your HR department or EAP provider to find out.
Charitable Funding and Grants
For those who don’t have private insurance or EAP access, there are other options worth exploring:
- Veterans’ charities — Organisations such as Help for Heroes and Combat Stress sometimes fund equine therapy for veterans experiencing PTSD and other mental health challenges.
- Mental health charities — Some local and national charities offer grants or bursaries for alternative therapies, including equine-assisted approaches.
- Local authority funding — In some areas, social services or community wellbeing funds can be used to access equine therapy, particularly for young people or adults with additional needs.
- Crowdfunding — Some people choose to fundraise for their therapy through platforms like GoFundMe, particularly when they can demonstrate a specific therapeutic need.
Tax Relief for Therapy
While you can’t claim tax relief on therapy costs in the same way as medical expenses in some other countries, if equine therapy is recommended by a medical professional as part of your treatment plan, it may be worth discussing with your accountant whether any tax considerations apply to your specific situation.
How to Check Your Coverage
If you’re considering equine therapy and want to find out whether your insurance will contribute, here are the steps to take:
- Check your policy documents — Look for mentions of counselling, psychotherapy, complementary therapies, or mental health support.
- Call your insurer directly — Ask specifically about equine facilitated therapy or equine-assisted counselling. Be clear about the qualifications of the practitioner.
- Ask your therapist — An experienced equine therapy practitioner will be familiar with the insurance landscape and may be able to advise you on what documentation to provide.
- Get a GP referral — Even if not strictly required, a referral letter adds weight to any insurance claim and demonstrates clinical need.
- Request a pre-authorisation — Some insurers allow you to check whether a specific treatment will be covered before you begin.
What If Insurance Doesn’t Cover It?
If insurance isn’t an option, equine therapy is still very much accessible. Many practitioners, including ourselves here at Thoughts & Soul, offer sessions at a range of price points and may be able to discuss flexible arrangements.
It’s also worth remembering that equine therapy often produces results in fewer sessions than traditional talking therapy alone. The experiential nature of working with horses can accelerate breakthroughs and build self-awareness in ways that are difficult to achieve in a consulting room. Many clients find that the investment pays for itself in the quality of the outcomes.
Why Equine Therapy Is Worth Exploring
Whether or not insurance covers the cost, equine facilitated therapy offers something genuinely different from conventional approaches. Horses are extraordinarily attuned to human emotion — they respond to your energy, body language, and emotional state in real time, providing immediate, honest feedback that no amount of conversation can replicate.
For people dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, or simply feeling stuck, spending time with horses in a guided therapeutic setting can unlock insights and healing that might otherwise take much longer to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is equine therapy recognised in the UK?
Yes. Equine facilitated therapy is increasingly recognised as a valid therapeutic approach in the UK, particularly when delivered by qualified mental health professionals. It is used alongside more traditional therapies by counsellors, psychotherapists, and occupational therapists across the country.
Do I need a referral to access equine therapy?
No referral is needed to book sessions privately. However, if you’re hoping for insurance coverage or NHS support, a GP referral can be helpful.
How much does equine therapy cost?
Costs vary depending on the provider, session length, and whether it’s individual or group work. Contact us directly for our current pricing — we’re always happy to discuss options.
Can children access equine therapy?
Absolutely. Equine therapy can be particularly powerful for children and young people, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or emotional difficulties. It provides a non-verbal, non-judgmental space that many young people find easier to engage with than a traditional therapy setting.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. Some people experience a meaningful shift in just a few sessions, while others choose to continue over a longer period. Your therapist will work with you to find the right approach for your needs.
Explore Equine Therapy in Devon
At Thoughts & Soul, we offer equine facilitated therapy sessions in a peaceful Devon setting, guided by qualified practitioners who are passionate about the healing power of horses. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or looking for something different from what you’ve tried before, we’d love to welcome you.
Get in touch or book a session to find out how equine therapy could support your journey.