Best Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers

Labrador retrievers have been ranked America’s favorite dog by the AKC since 1991. And for good reason. They’re highly affectionate, intelligent, and great with children. But because they’re purebred, labs are susceptible to genetic health conditions like arthritis.

Make sure your lovable lab can live his life to the fullest by covering him with the best pet insurance. We’ve done our research and found the top providers for Labrador retrievers.

Why Labrador Retrievers Need Pet Insurance

Labs have boundless energy, whether it’s swimming, hiking, or marathon fetch sessions. This is an excellent trait for people who like playful dogs, but it can get your lab into trouble from time to time. Heatstroke, exercise-induced collapse, muscle tears, and dewclaw snags can often send over-energetic labs to the emergency clinic. Chocolate lab puppies, in particular, are known for their clumsiness.

Additionally, like all purebred dogs, labs are prone to developing health issues as they age. While breeders can screen their breeding stock for such diseases, the risk is higher, especially if your lab is from a shelter or of unknown origin.

Here are some common Labrador retriever health conditions:

• Bloat
• Obesity
• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Arthritis and other joint conditions
• Gastroenteritis/gastritis
• Cancer
• Dermatitis
• Lipoma
• Heart disorders
• Eye disease

Imagine finding out that your beloved family dog has a treatable but severe health condition. Would you be able to afford a surgical procedure or treatment that costs $1000? $5000 or more? Most people don’t. That’s why having pet insurance for your lab is so important.

Like human health insurance, pet insurance makes it possible to cover unexpected healthcare bills when you don’t have the funds saved up. A good pet insurance plan will reimburse up to 100% of your veterinary expenses for emergency injuries and illnesses. Just customize your coverage and pay a low monthly premium.

Choosing Coverage for Your Lab

Fortunately, Labrador retrievers are a very healthy dog breed. If you’ve acquired your lab from a respectable breeder who has screened for genetic diseases, you may consider minimal coverage.

From accident-only to full coverage, the type of plan you choose will depend on your pet and your budget. Here are the main types of coverage:

Accident-Only

The least expensive type of coverage, an accident-only plan, covers just what you’d expect: accidents. This includes treating things like ingestion of foreign substances, broken bones, torn ligaments, and abrasions, but won’t pay for diagnosis or treatment of illnesses.

Comprehensive

This type of coverage is the most expensive but the most extensive. In addition to injuries, a comprehensive plan covers vet-diagnosed sicknesses and diseases, including breed-specific hereditary and congenital conditions. It includes every aspect of treatment like vet exams, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications.

Wellness Package

While some comprehensive plans include wellness care, most do not. However, you can purchase a preventive care rider for a little extra. This will consist of annual wellness checkups, vaccinations, preventative medications, and sometimes dental care. It’s a worthy expense if you want to keep your lab in the best health.

Our Top Picks for Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance

Based on affordability, selection, and customer satisfaction, here’s our list of the top pet insurance providers for Labrador retrievers.

Embrace

• No limit on genetic and hereditary conditions
• Diminishing deductible for healthy pets
• Will cover curable pre-existing conditions
• Flexible routine care plan

Spot

• Offers a low deductible option
• Up to 90% reimbursement on covered vet bills
• VetConnect 24/7 helpline
• Exam fees and microchipping are covered with any policy

Wagmo

• Policies focus on preventative care
• Offers coverage for non-medical expenses like grooming
• 24-hour claims process
• Earn up to 15% for no claims at renewal

Pumpkin

• No age or breed restrictions
• Preventive care plan covers 100% of eligible wellness costs
• Hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
• 90% reimbursement rate with all plans

How To Get a Low Rate

Pet insurance for Labrador retrievers generally costs from $40 to $85 per month. If you want the best insurance plan that works into your budget, try some of these tips for lowering your pet insurance premium.

Start Young

Is there a new lab in your future? If possible, choose a pup over an older dog. While you’ll have to undertake potty training, you’ll be spending half as much on insurance. If you don’t have pet insurance yet, get started now to forgo higher premiums in the future.

Bundle Policies

Many leading insurers offer a discount if you bundle pet insurance with your auto or home policy. In addition, most will take 10% off of your premium if you insure more than one pet.

Customize Your Plan

Take advantage of your pet insurance provider’s customization options. Your monthly premium will be lower if you choose a higher deductible and lower reimbursement percentage. Though you’ll pay more out of pocket if you make a claim, you’ll be able to create a policy you can afford.

Practice Prevention

A healthy lab costs less to insure, so take care now to prevent future health risks. Since labs are prone to obesity, feed your dog a healthy diet and give him plenty of exercise. Labs are also known for frequent ear infections, so clean his ears regularly. And keep up on all of your yearly wellness exams and vaccinations, including spaying/neutering.

Final Thoughts

The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever is 10-12 years, but hearty labs have been known to live upwards of 15. Give your beloved companion the best chance at a healthy, happy, long life and give yourself some peace of mind with an affordable pet insurance policy.

Our top picks above should get you started, but if you want to explore more options, check out our full list of the best pet insurance providers.