Updated
Jun 05, 2023 Labrador retrievers are one of the happiest, friendliest, and most popular dog breeds in North America. But as with other purebreds, they’re prone to health issues you might not know. Pet insurance for labrador retrievers can help you avoid difficult financial decisions down the line when it comes to their health.
The average upfront costs for first-year pet ownership are over $1,000, according to a recent American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals report, and experts advise at some point in a dog’s life, the pet owner may need to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for an unexpected vet visit.
Most people don’t have that much cash on hand, so pet insurance for labrador retrievers can be invaluable.
On this page:
- Best pet insurance for labrador retrievers
- Common conditions for labrador retrievers
- Pet insurance costs for labrador retrievers
- What is and isn’t covered
- Find the right insurance plan for your labrador retriever
Compare the best pet insurance companies for labs
If you’re looking for pet insurance for your labrador retriever, check out the top-rated pet insurance companies that offer flexible policies to find the coverage your pet needs.
Compare pet insurance options
- Allows you to customize your policy terms to find the coverage you need
- No age cap on coverage—older dogs and cats welcome
- Coverage for accidents, illnesses, and hereditary & congenital conditions
- Up to 90% reimbursement of covered costs
- Freedom to visit any vet, including specialists
Best pet insurance for labrador retrievers
Spot
- Deductible: $100 – $1,000
- Reimbursement: 70% – 90%
- Benefit limit: $2,500 – Unlimited
Spot’s insurance policies help cover various conditions such as accidents, medications, and alternative therapies. Cesar Millan, a well-known dog behaviorist, has partnered with Spot to help educate pet owners on the real benefits of pet insurance. Spot’s policies are customizable, so you can tailor your plan to fit your labrador’s needs.
- Age limit: 8 weeks+
- Medical exam required? No
- Premium range: $8 – $80
- Discounts: Multi-pet discount
- Waiting period: 14 days
- Policy options: Complete coverage, preventative care, and accident-only
- Exclusions: Preexisting conditions, non-FDA treatments, diets, day care, and boarding
ASPCA
- Deductible: $100 – $500
- Reimbursement: 70% – 90%
- Benefit limit: $3,000 – Unlimited
ASPCA offers coverage for accidents, illnesses, and hereditary and congenital conditions. It also provides an online Member Center to manage your account anytime from any device. With unlimited coverage maximums, ASPCA protects your Labrador’s health—and your wallet.
- Age limit: 8 weeks+
- Medical exam required? No
- Premium range: $8 – $80
- Discounts: Multi-pet discount
- Waiting period: 14 days
- Policy options: Complete coverage, preventative care, and accident-only
- Exclusions: Preexisting conditions, breeding costs, and cosmetic procedures
Common conditions for labrador retrievers
Purebred dogs, including lovable labrador retrievers, tend to be prone to health issues compared to their mixed-breed cousins.
Over the years, some breeders have neglected genetics when breeding labradors. These genetic issues trickle into the labrador retriever population at large. In general, labs are more susceptible to genetic problems than other breeds.
According to Trupanion, the following are the most common potential health issues to know about before purchasing or adopting a Labrador retriever:
- Bloat
- Liver problems
- Bleeding disorders
- Hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia
- Bone and joint problems
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
Pet insurance costs for labrador retrievers
The cost of pet insurance for a Labrador retriever can vary based on your location and other factors. According to a quoting tool on the Trupanion website, the older the pet, the higher the monthly premium.
The rates below were based on a male Labrador retriever in California, but the prices for a female were slightly higher ($56.36 instead of $55.38 for an eight-week-old). The cost of vet care in your region may also influence the price.
- 8 weeks: The monthly premium for an eight-week-old puppy starts at $55.38 with a $700 deductible. With a $0 deductible, the monthly premium is $166.36.
- 4 years: The monthly premium for a four-year-old dog starts at $78.85 with a $700 deductible. With a $0 deductible, the monthly premium is $243.65.
- 10 years: The monthly premium for a 10-year-old dog starts at $137.17 with a $700 deductible. With a $0 deductible, the monthly premium is $435.65.
What is and isn’t covered
Pet insurance covers your furry friend when the unexpected occurs. Insurance coverage can be useful if your pet eats something they shouldn’t or develops a disease common in the breed. Vet bills, as any pet owner can tell you, can spiral out of control as your checkbook and your heart compete.
Typically, pet insurance covers a certain percentage of the vet bill minus the deductible. The insurance doesn’t cover routine and preventative care bills, such as yearly checkups and required vaccines. Preexisting conditions are generally not covered, but check with your insurer about what is covered for new developments.
Pet insurance for labrador retrievers can be most effective if you purchase it at a young age because many genetic issues aren’t apparent until the lab reaches adulthood. Health issues become more prominent as a dog ages.
Find the right pet insurance for labrador retrievers
Consider what your labrador retriever may need as the small, rambunctious puppy grows into a senior dog. Despite being a larger breed, labs have a lifespan of up to 13 years and, like all of us, become more susceptible to age-related illness in their senior years.
Vet bills for a dog as energetic as a lab can escalate. Before adopting a puppy, it might be worthwhile to consider whether pet insurance is worth the cost.
Be sure to compare the best dog insurance plans to receive the most affordable rates for a top-of-the-line service. Not all pet insurance is created equal, and it’s always smart to do comparison shopping before settling.
Recap of pet insurance for labrador retrievers
| Provider | Deductible | Reimbursement | Benefit Limit |
| Spot | $100 – $500 | 70% – 90% | $5,000 – Unlimited |
| ASPCA | $100 – $500 | 70% – 90% | $5,000 – Unlimited |
>> Read more: Pet insurance costs by breed