For decades, the Labrador Retriever has been among the top five most popular breeds in the U.S. This four-legged sweetheart is loving, friendly, and adaptable. Still, they are also accident-prone, inquisitive adventurers that eat everything in sight, especially things they shouldn’t. If one breed needs health insurance to cover their misadventures and hereditary health problems, it’s the Lab.
Labradors are prone to many specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears, arthritis, skin allergies, cancer, and many more. Addressing your dog’s medical problems can be a huge financial and psychological burden. However, pet insurance can help alleviate these worries by covering a significant portion of your Lab’s vet expenses.
Based on my decade of expertise in breed-specific health issues and pet insurance, I’ll walk you through the most common health issues that Labradors face and their typical treatment costs. I’ll also help you decide if pet insurance is a good option for your dog and give you my top recommendations for a policy that meets your needs.
Best Pet Insurance For Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers have specific insurance requirements, just like any other purebred dog. After conducting extensive research, I have carefully selected the ideal pet insurance options that can meet your Lab’s needs. I considered several variables during my selection process, such as a dog’s age, potential health issues, coverage options, premium pricing, and more.
Most Affordable:Pets Best
- Policy Options:Accident-Only,Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$50,$100,$200,$250,$500,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Pets Best
Pets Best provides excellent coverage at some of the most affordable premium pricing for your Labrador. This provider offers a variety of economical plans,including an accident-only planand three customizable accident and illness plans.
Pets Best offers quicker waiting periods for accidents and hip dysplasia coverage compared to many other insurers,giving you peace of mind knowing your coverage will start sooner. You can also opt for their wellness plan add-on for a reasonable monthly fee. This helps you with regular veterinary care expenses such as yearly check-ups and vaccinations.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for the lowest and highest premiums/coverage for Labs,Pets Best frequently had the least expensive premiums for its basic policy.Even with vet exam fees added to the mix,Pets Best often came out as a fantastic option for those on a limited budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Base plans are among the least expensive for Labs | Long claim processing average of 18-30 days |
| Multi-pet discount of 5% | Added cost required for exam fee and complementary care* coverage |
| Optional affordable wellness plan | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions when they’re considered cured or healed | |
| Waiting periods for accidents at 3 days and hip dysplasia at 14 days are shorter than average | |
| No upper age limits |
In-Depth Review Of Pets Best
Be sure to check out my comprehensive review of Pets Best to discover more about its coverage and exclusions,many plan and customization options,reimbursement process,waiting periods,and other aspects.
Best Value:Fetch
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$250,$300,$400,$500,$700
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,$15,000
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Fetch
Fetch provides fantastic all-inclusive policies that offer great value for those seeking extensive coverage. Their plans come with very few exclusionsand include coverage for veterinary exam costs,treatable pre-existing conditions,dental disease,behavioral therapy,alternative treatments,and C-sections. With Fetch,you can enjoy the reassurance of pre-approval for procedures and cost estimates before any treatment begins. Plus,they offer special perkslike $1,000 coverage for virtual vet visits without any deductible.
Expert Price Analysis
When I compared quotes for Labs of varying ages and regions,I found that Fetch’s maximum coverage ($15,000 payout,90% reimbursement,$100 deductible) wasless expensive than many insurers for comparable coverage. This competitive pricing plus its unique benefits makes this provider a superb value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broad coverage with minimal exclusions | 15-day waiting period for accidents is longer than many |
| Pre-existing conditions that are curable are covered after a year without symptoms | Hip dysplasia coverage has a 6-month waiting period |
| Special perks include virtual vet consultations,trip cancellation,pet boarding,and more | No discount for multiple pets |
| Several wellness plan add-ons to choose from | |
| Offers pre-approval of estimated costs and procedures | |
| Accepts puppies at 6 weeks of age |
In-Depth Review Of Fetch
For additional information about this provider’s broad coverage,special benefits,customizations,and other features,read my comprehensive review of Fetch.
Best For Unlimited Payouts:Healthy Paws
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:50%,60%,70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Healthy Paws
Labradors not only have a notorious propensity for costly accidents,but they also can suffer some expensive hereditary diseases. That’s why you should consider getting pet insurance with no annual maximum payout limits,like Healthy Paws,to ensure you never run out of coverage.This will give you peace of mind and protect your furry friend from any potential health issues.
While Healthy Paws pet insurance may seem pricier compared to other options because of its unlimited payouts,it actually offers affordable plans that are often more budget-friendly than other insurers with similar deductible,reimbursement,and unlimited annual payout features. Healthy Paws also has an incredible customer satisfaction rating.
Expert Price Analysis
I discovered that Healthy Paws’ premiums for Labs were frequently more affordable or on par with those of other companies with a $5,000 yearly payout,similar deductible,and reimbursement,even though Healthy Paws only provides unlimited annual payouts for all its plans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited annual payouts for every policy | Very few customization options available for your deductible and reimbursement for older dogs |
| Policies are often more affordable compared to others with unlimited payouts and the same deductible and reimbursement | No coverage available for vet exam fees |
| 2-day claim processing average is faster than many providers | For dogs enrolled at age six or older,coverage for hip dysplasia is unavailable |
| Outstanding long track record of customer satisfaction | 12-month hip dysplasia waiting period is longer than average |
In-Depth Review Of Healthy Paws
See my detailed review of Healthy Paws to find out more about about the coverage,exclusions,customization options,reimbursement process,and other details of this insurer.
Best For Short Accident Waiting Periods:Figo
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%,100%
Why I Picked Figo
If your Labrador is accident-prone (as many are),you may want to consider Figo pet insurance. This provider has a one-day accident waiting period — the shortest in the industry. This means that on day two after enrollment,your pup will be fully covered should he ingest a foreign object,get wounded from excessive activity,or get stung by a bee when his curiosity gets the best of him.
Figo is an exceptional choice due to its wide range of customization options,including unlimited annual caps and full reimbursement,which is rare in the industry. Moreover,their policies cover complementary care,behavioral therapies,and gum disease. Figo also covers treatable pre-existing conditions,such as ear infections,which Labs often develop.
Expert Price Analysis
When I got quotes for various Labradors with less coverage ($5,000 payouts,70% reimbursement,and $750 deductible),Figo’s premiums were usually average or just below average.However,there were a few instances where they were slightly more expensive than the cheapest options. On the other hand,when I opted for maximum coverage (unlimited payouts,90% reimbursement,and $100 deductible),Figo’s pricing was higher than many insurers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry’s shortest accident waiting period,at one day | Must pay extra for vet exam fee coverage |
| Many customization options for deductible,reimbursement,and payout | Waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage is 6 months |
| All policies cover gum disease and complementary and behavioral therapies | |
| Pre-existing conditions that are curable are covered after a year without symptoms | |
| 2 optional wellness plans | |
| Your deductible decreases by $50 every year you go without making a claim | |
| Processes claims in 3 days on average | |
| 5% multi-pet discount |
In-Depth Review Of Figo
Check out my in-depth review of Figo for all the details about this insurer’s pre-configured and customizable plans,coverage,waiting periods,reimbursement procedures,and my personal experience.
Most Extensive Coverage:Embrace
- Policy Options:Accident-Only,Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$8,000,$10,000,$15,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Embrace
Embrace provides extensive accident and illness policies with minimal exclusions. Every policy includes $1,000 annual dental illness coverage,complementary care,behavioral therapy,and curable pre-existing conditions,like ear infections,at a resaonable price. You can also enhance your coverage with vet exam fees and prescription medications. With a decreasing deductible,Embrace is not just a choice for today but a long-term investment in your Lab’s health and well-being.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for Labs at varying ages and locations,premium pricing was about averagefor a $500 deductible,90% reimbursement,and $5,000 payout,even with vet exam fees and prescription drugs added to the policy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $1,000 for dental illness,complementary care,and behavioral therapies included in all plans | Must pay extra for veterinary exam and prescription drug costs |
| Best multi-pet discount in the industry at 10% | Some Labs are uninsurable,depending on location and age |
| Your deductible decreases by $50 every year you go without making a claim | Waiting periods for hip dysplasia and CCL surgery coverage are longer than average at 6 months |
| Pre-existing conditions that are curable are covered after a year without symptoms | |
| Waiting period for accidents is only 2 days | |
| Several optional wellness plans to choose from |
In-Depth Review Of Embrace
You can discover more information about Embrace’s coverage and exclusions,customization options,reimbursement procedures,waiting periods,and other features in my comprehensive review of Embrace.
Best For Labrador Retriever Puppies:Lemonade
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,$20,000,$50,000,$100,000
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Lemonade Pet Insurance Is NOT Available In:AK,AZ,DE,HI,ID,KS,KY,LA,ME,MN,MT,WV,WY
Why I Picked Lemonade
Lemonade is well-known for its affordable premium pricing,which applies to Lab puppies and many older Labradors. For puppies,its two-day waiting period for accidentscan give you peace of mind knowing that your puppy is protected,especially when they might get hurt during rough play or swallow something they shouldn’t. Lemonade also has a shorter than average coverage waiting period for hip dysplasia,which Labs are highly prone to and is commonly diagnosed between 6 and 12 months of age.
Even though Lemonade is a newcomer to the pet insurance scene,having launched in 2020,it has quickly become a favorite among pet owners due to its great customer reviews.While it may not have the same long-standing reputation as some other insurers mentioned here,I suggest taking a closer look at what Lemonade has to offer.
Expert Price Analysis
When comparing quotes for Labs,I found that Lemonade was consistently among the least expensive for puppies and older dogs.In several cases,this was the case when I added on vet exam fees to compare providers’ premium pricing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing for puppies and older dogs | Not available in 13 states |
| 5% discount for multiple pets | Coverage for vet exams,complementary care,behavioral therapy,and dental care all require added premium fees |
| Pre-existing conditions that are curable are covered after a year without symptoms | |
| 2-day claim processing average is shorter than many | |
| 2 wellness plan add-ons to choose from | |
| Shorter than average 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage |
In-Depth Review Of Lemonade
Check out my thorough review of Lemonade to learn more about this affordable provider’s coverage,add-on and customization options,bene,AI-driven reimbursement process,and much more.
Best For Pre-Existing Bilateral Conditions:Trupanion
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness
- Per-Incident Deductible Options:$0 – $1,000 (in $5 increments)
- Annual Payout Options:Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:50%,60%,70%,80%,90%,100%
Why I Picked Trupanion
First,what is a bilateral condition? Bilateral conditions are ailments that frequently affect both sides of the body but not always at the same time.For example,in Labradors,the most common are cataracts,hip dysplasia,CCL tears,and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Most pet insurers deny coverage for the second incidenceif the first case was diagnosed on one side of the body before enrollment.
However,Trupanion’s policies don’t exclude pre-existing bilateral conditions.Treatment for bilateral conditions can be extremely expensive,so Trupanion’s coverage could be a significant financial advantage if your pup has already developed a bilateral condition on one side of their body.
Expert Price Analysis
After analyzing quotes from Trupanion across different ages and regions,it was evident that their Labrador Retriever insurance rates were significantly higher than those of other insurance companies. In many cases,premiums were twice the cost and sometimes even more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited annual payouts for every policy | Highest premiums for Labs |
| Trupanion may be able to pay your veterinarian directly | No available coverage for vet exam fees |
| Coverage for pre-existing bilateral conditions | Waiting period for illnesses is 30 days (most have 14 days) |
| Pre-existing conditions that are curable are covered after a year without symptoms | |
| Quick 2-day average claim processing | |
| Hip dysplasia 30-day waiting period is shorter than average |
In-Depth Review Of Trupanion
Please refer to my detailed review of Trupanion for a deeper understanding of the coverage,benefits,customization options,waiting period,direct payment to vets,and more.
What Type Of Pet Insurance Plan Is Best For Labrador Retrievers?
There are two primary types of pet insurance that you can select from:plans that cover accidents only and plans that cover accidents and illnesses. Furthermore,several insurers offer optional wellness plans. These wellness plans are intended to help you save money on preventive care so that your Lab stays as healthy as possible,but they are not the same as pet insurance.
| Accident-Only | Accident &Illness | Wellness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries(foreign object ingestion,canine bloat,lacerations,broken bones,etc.) |  | | |
| Diseases(hip dysplasia,arthritis,skin allergies,ear infections,cancer,heart disease,etc.) | | ||
| Preventative(vaccinations,annual exams,professional dental cleaning,etc.) | |
What Are Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plans?
Plans for pet insurance that only cover accidents pay for emergency care costs associated with specific mishaps and injuries,like ingesting foreign objects,canine bloat,fractures,and lacerations. They are intended for pet owners on a limited budget. They also might be the best option for dogs with numerous pre-existing medical issues that an accident and illness plan wouldn’t cover. However,remember that these plans do not cover illnesses and genetic disorders. This restriction is a vital thing to take into account when selecting a pet insurance policy. Moreover,most insurers don’t provide accident-only coverage.
Pricing Tip– Accident-only plan premiums are typically much lower than accident and illness plans.
What Are Accident &Illness Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident and illness insurance is a crucial safeguard for your cherished Labrador. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for not only accidental injuries but also a range of health issuessuch as allergies,skin and ear infections,eye conditions,hip dysplasia,epilepsy,and other common ailments in Labs. This ensures that you are financially prepared for almost any health challenge that may arise.
What Are Wellness Plans?
Integrating a wellness plan into your pet insurance policy is one proactive way to take charge of your pet’s health. These plans cover a portion of the costs associated with routine preventive care,including annual physicals,vaccinations,dental cleanings,parasite prevention,and other services.A wellness plan is an investment in your pet’s long-term health when used to budget for care. It can lessen the financial burden of pet ownership and help ensure their well-being.
Wellness plans are not considered pet insurance and don’t cover any costs associated with accidents or illnesses.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover &Exclude?
Most providers’ accident and illness insurance plans cover the following conditions when considered medically necessary. However,reading your policy carefully is essential because providers might have different restrictions for particular circumstances.A policy from one insurer may not cover a condition or treatment type that another does.
| Covered | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | Boarding |
| Cancer (chemo &radiation) | Cremation &burial costs |
| CT scans | Elective procedures (e.g.,declawing,ear cropping,spaying/neutering,tail docking,etc.) |
| Chronic conditions | Food &supplements |
| Congenital conditions | Grooming |
| Emergency care | Pre-existing conditions* |
| Euthanasia | Pregnancy &breeding |
| Hereditary conditions | Vaccines |
| MRIs | |
| Non-routine dental treatment | |
| Prescription medications | |
| Rehabilitation | |
| Specialized exams &care | |
| Surgery &hospitalization | |
| Ultrasounds | |
| X-rays |
What Determines The Cost Of Pet Insurance For Labrador Retrievers?
Understanding the factors that influence the cost of pet insurance,such as your Labrador’s age and location,is crucial. Here’s a general overview to help you better understand how insurers calculate premium pricing.
- Remember that pet insurance’s price varies according to your pet’s age.For example,younger dogs often have lower insurance premiums because they are less likely to experience health issues than older dogs.
- The cost of living in your location has a direct influence on premium pricing. It’s important to understand that price changes impact both you and veterinarians. Therefore,your pet insurance premiums and veterinary bills will increase if your area has a high cost of living.
- The breed has a significant impact on how much pet insurance costs. Health problems are more common in some breeds than in others. Purebred dogs,such as Labrador Retrievers,are also more likely to experience health issues,which can greatly influence insurance costs.
- It’s crucial to keep in mind that male Labrador insurance rates may be higher than those of females. This is because male labs are usually larger than female labs,which means they might need larger medical equipment,more medical supplies,and higher dosages of medications. It’s important to note that not all insurance companies consider a dog’s gender when determining premium costs.
Although the factors I mentioned above that affect the cost of your coverage are beyond your control,you can still select a pet insurance plan with plenty of customization options that suit your needs and budget.
Customization Options Affect Cost &Benefits
You might be surprised to learn that you have the power to manage the expense of pet insurance.To fit your financial plan,most pet insurance companies provide a range of options that can be tailored to your needs.Initially,you’ll need to decide between coverage for illnesses and accidents or just accident coverage. Additionally,you can adjust the annual payout amount,the percentage of costs you’ll be reimbursed,and the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket (deductible). It’s crucial to understand how each adjustment will impact your coverage and benefits.
What Is A Maximum Payout?
Pet insurance companies provide either annual or lifetime maximum payouts. Every company mentioned in this article offers annual caps,with the most frequent limits being $5,000,$10,000,and unlimited. A yearly payout refers to the total sum an insurance provider will reimburse you during the duration of your policy.On the other hand,lifetime coverage means the highest sum an insurer will cover over your pet’s entire insured life. Generally,annual payouts are the preferred choice for pet insurance.
Pricing Tip– Opting for a larger payout means paying less out of pocket for expensive veterinary care for your pup,but it also results in a higher monthly premium.
What Is A Deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays the remaining amount on your veterinary bill.Annual deductibles for pet insurance coverage range from $100 to $1,000. Most pet insurers have annual deductibles,but Trupanion has per-incident deductibles.
What sets annual deductibles apart from per-incident deductibles? With an annual deductible,you only need to pay it once a year,regardless of how many conditions your pup develops or treatments your pet requires.This consistency allows you to plan for your pet’s medical expenses more effectively.
If you have a per-incident deductible,you will need to pay the deductible every time your pet has a medical emergency or disease.This could become costly if your pet experiences multiple health issues in a single year. However,for long-term chronic illnesses such as allergies,arthritis,hypothyroidism,and epilepsy,a per-incident deductible can be beneficial. This is because you only need to pay the deductible once for that specific condition throughout your pet’s insured lifetime.
Pricing Tip– Your monthly premium will increase if you choose a lower deductible,but your out-of-pocket costs will be less at the time of treatment.
What’s The Reimbursement Percentage?
Another important consideration when figuring out how much you will have to pay for your pet’s medical care is your chosen reimbursement rate. This is the percentage of vet expenses the provider will cover after you’ve paid your deductible. For instance,if you have a 90% reimbursement rate and a $500 deductible,the insurance company would pay the remaining 10% of the total vet expenses after you paid the first $500. Common reimbursement options include 70%,80%,and 90%.
Pricing Tip– Pick your reimbursement rate wisely. Although a lower reimbursement rate decreases your monthly premium,your dog’s medical expenses may be significantly greater out of pocket.
Learn More About Pet Insurance Costs
Premium pricing can be confusing,so I encourage you to read my comprehensive article about pet insurance costs to help clarify any questions you may have.
How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Labrador Retriever?
Please provide details about your Labrador and zip code in the form below. Then,we’ll provide you with customized pet insurance quotations from several top companies. This will give you the most precise estimate of your dog’s pet insurance costs. In addition,I’ve compiled a few Lab pet insurance quotes to give you a general idea of premium pricing.
According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association),the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $56.30 ($31.94 for cats).
I gathered pet insurance quotes for Labradors of varying ages and geographic locations to give you a basic idea of premium cost. I compared prices across insurers using identical payout,deductible,and reimbursement rates to give the most accurate comparison.
*70% reimbursement;†50% reimbursement and $1,000 deductible (no other options);‡$0 deductible;§Unlimited annual payouts
Labrador Retriever Insurance Cost:Lowest &Highest Amounts
I also gathered estimates for the monthly premium range of Labrador pet insurance from the same top companies so that I could give you a more extensive comparison. These rates include considerations for the deductible,reimbursement,annual payout,and any add-ons (wellness plans excluded). I’ve also provided quotations for two different Labrador ages to show how a dog’s enrollment age affects insurance prices.
| Company | 2mo old 95818 (Sacramento,CA) | 5yr old 95818 (Sacramento,CA) | 2mo old 14211 (Buffalo,NY) | 5yr old 14211 (Buffalo,NY) | 2mo old 33604 (Tampa,FL) | 5yr old 33604 (Tampa,FL) | 2mo old 79404 (Lubbock,TX) | 5yr old 79404 (Lubbock,TX) | 2mo old 07108 (Newark,NJ) | 5yr old 07108 (Newark,NJ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22-$139 | $30-$187 | $15-$93 | $20-$126 | $19-$118 | $23-$146 | $17-$96 | $21-118 | $24-$139 | $30-$171 |
| $35-$87 | $71-$187 | $29-$63 | $51-$114 | $33-$74 | $59-$137 | $22-$44 | $36-$78 | $33-$71 | $57-$128 |
 | $35-$69 | $51-$101 | $32-$52 | Uninsurable | $30-$73 | $49-$128 | $32-$50 | $46-$73 | $36-$56 | $52-$82 |
| $28-$162 | $36-$210 | $24-$181 | $31-$235 | $19-$143 | $27-$208 | $17-$126 | $24-$182 | $31-$200 | $40-$260 |
 | $23-$181 | Uninsurable | $27-$169 | $28-$173 | $21-$97 | $27-$126 | $20-$92 | $26-$120 | $28-$129 | $36-$169 |
| $22-$157 | $30-$205 | $25-$136 | $29-$155 | $17-$116 | $22-$156 | $30-$132 | $25-$120 | $26-$134 | $33-$154 |
| $67-$284 | $138-$613 | $55-$231 | $94-$412 | $125-$232 | $267-$495 | $50-$207 | $98-$428 | $63-$267 | $127-$565 |
What Are Waiting Periods For Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance?
Depending on the provider,waiting periods vary between enrolling in insurance and the start of coverage. There are 0 to 15-day waiting periods for accidents. The typical waiting period for illnesses is fourteen days. Furthermore,some insurance companies have extended waiting periods for common orthopedic conditions in Labs,like hip dysplasia.
*States are slowly adopting a Model Law for pet insurance. This Model Law attempts to standardize each state’s regulations,which includes a standard for waiting periods that all companies must follow. Waiting periods for California,Delaware,Louisiana,Maine,Mississippi,Nebraska,New Hampshire,and Washington are as follows:
- Accidents – 0 days
- Illnesses – 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 30 days
- Routine Care – 0 days
Learn More About Waiting Periods
To better understand waiting periods and why provider’s have the,be sure to read my in-depth article on pet insurance waiting periods.
How Does Pet Insurance For Labrador Retrievers Work?
Using your pet insurance is a very simple process once the waiting periods under your policy have ended.
- Pay your vet bill upon the completion of your pet’s appointment.
- Send an itemized receipt and claim form to your insurance provider. Some insurers require your veterinarian’s signature on your claim form,so you might need to bring a copy of it with you to your appointment.
- Upon approval of your claim by the insurance provider,you will be reimbursed* using the payment method of your choice (direct deposit,check,etc.).
* Depending on the company’s stated processing time and your claim’s complexity,the reimbursement timeline can vary from a few minutes to a few weeks.
17 Common Health Issues In Labrador Retrievers
A Labrador Retriever’s lifespan is 12 years on average. However,a number of major health issues can arise in this beloved breed. It’s critical for Lab owners to be aware of potential health risks and related expenses. This can assist you in determining whether pet insurance is required for your Lab.
Obesity is a prevalent problem in Labrador Retrievers. In fact,recent research found that 25% of Labs are at a high risk of becoming obese. As a Lab owner,it’s critical to control your pup’s weight;otherwise,your dog will be much more susceptible to the orthopedic and heart problems they’re already prone to develop. Obesity also leads to diabetes,a higher risk of cancer,kidney disease,and more.
- Labs have a higher risk for developinghip dysplasia,a progressive,painful,and debilitating condition caused the femur not aligning correctly with the hip socket. Often,surgery is required to improve a dog’s quality of life. Costs range anywhere from $1,700 to $4,500 or more per hip.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)is an inherited developmental disorder observed in young Labs. It occurs when a joint’s cartilage breaks away from the underlying bone. In Labs,this painful ailment most frequently affects the ankle and knee joints. The cost of diagnosis and surgery may exceed $4,000.
- Due to their large size and high energy levels,Labradors are more likely to suffer from tears in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). A CCL resembles a human’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The best course of action for treating a torn CCL in dogs is orthopedic surgery,which can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $6,000 or more.
- Labs are among the breeds at the highest risk for arthritis. Treating this chronic progressive joint disease may cost $100 to $500 or more per monthfor medication and physical therapy. Surgery,which can cost thousands,may be necessary in severe cases.
- Labradors are highly prone to developing lymphomaand may also have a higher susceptibility to hemangiosarcoma,a type of blood vessel cancer. Typical treatment options include tumor removal surgery and chemotherapy,both of which can be very expensive. The cost of tumor excision can start at $1,500,while chemotherapy can range from $200 to $5,000.
- A life-threatening illness,gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV),also called canine bloat,occurs when dogs eat too fast or too much,causing the stomach to expand and twist. Immediate emergency treatment is necessary,and costs can be as high as $3,000 or more.
- Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to various eye issues such as cataracts,entropion,distichiasis,and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Although PRA has no treatment,other conditions are treatable,with costs varying by condition. For instance,cataract surgery,which averages $2,600-$3,800,is necessary. The treatment for entropion and distichiasis can cost over $1,000 per condition.
- Labs are more likely to have Pica,a condition where dogs develop a habit of eating foreign objects. Often,this can result in a serious intestinal blockage,requiring emergency care. Diagnosis and treatment costs run from $800 to $7,000,depending on how extensive the damage is.
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)is an inherited neuromuscular disease that causes a dog to become weak and their hind legs to collapse after 5 to 10 minutes of strenuous exercise. The cost to diagnose and treat EIC ranges from$500 to $1,000.
- Labradors are geneticallyprone to skin allergies and infections,such as canine atopic dermatitis,yeast and bacterial infections,hot spots,and more. The cost of treating these can often be hundreds of dollars per year.
- Due to their floppy ears that can trap moisture,creating a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria to grow,Labs often develop ear infections.Diagnostic testing,medication,and initial and follow-up vet visits can cost upto $500 or more for each infection.
- Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD),a congenital heart defect,affects Labs at a much higher rate than many other breeds. In most cases,TVD requires regular monitoring with an echocardiogram ($500 or more each) and medication,which can cost $100 to $200 per month.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)is a heart disease affecting Labs that causes the heart to enlarge and weaken. In severe cases of DCM,surgery,ranging from $10,000 to $20,000,is required to prevent heart failure.
- Hypothyroidism,resulting from inadequate hormone production,necessitates ongoing medication and monitoring. Monthly medication expenses range from $20 to $50,while initial diagnostic testing costs between $50 and $150,with yearly retesting priced at $50 to $100.
- Epilepsyis more common in Labradorsthan in many other breeds. This genetic condition causes recurring seizures. Depending on your chosen prescription,you might spend $500 or more a year on medicine alone.There is also the cost of the initial diagnostic testing to consider.
- Labradors are also prone to laryngeal paralysis,which occurs when the windpipe fails to open correctly,causing breathing problems. The cost to treat laryngeal paralysis can range from $1,000 to $6,000,depending on the severity and type of surgery required.
- Centronuclear myopathy (CNM)is an inherited progressive muscle disorder in Labs. Unfortunately,there is no cure or effective treatment.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Labrador Retrievers?
The simple answer is yes. According to a 2021 study of over 22,000 mixed and purebred dogs in the United Kingdom,Labrador Retrievers had significantly increased odds of 12 out of 35 disorders compared to non-Lab dogs,with arthritis being the highest risk. Another UK-based study found that nearly 11% of Labs suffered from ear infections,and close to 9% of Labs were either overweight or obese.
With pet insurance,Lab owners can drastically lower the possible financial burden of medical problems.You can take the best care of your pup without worrying about how you’ll pay for it. It’s imperative to be proactive and get your dog insured before a medical emergency or inherited illness occurs. It’s important to note that prior medical conditions might not be covered,so getting your dog insured right away is essential.
Determine If Your Labrador Retriever Needs Insurance
Still not sure if you want to invest in pet insurance? My comprehensive guide on whether pet insurance is worth it can help you in your decision-making process.
5 Steps To Find The Best Pet Insurance For Labrador Retrievers
These are the most crucial elements to contemplate when choosing the ideal insurance plan for your Labrador Retriever.
- Find out about the reputation of each insurance company.Experienced pet insurance companies tend to be more reliable than recently established ones.
- Consider every possible health issue that Labs may develop,and read every detail of the policy regarding how each policy handles these issues.
- Choose between accident-only and accident and illness insurance.
- Learn about the typical processing times for each provider and the mechanics of their claim reimbursement processes.
- Obtain quotes for pet insurancefrom at least three different providers to compare costs.
Methodology
To determine the best pet insurance for Labrador Retrievers,we analyzed more than 40 U.S. pet insurance companies to provide an unbiased breakdown of how providers compare against one another. Our in-depth research includes:
- Running thousands of price quotes
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Scrutinizing every policy from top to bottom and reading all the fine print
- Scoping out the purchase process
- Speaking with customer service representatives
- Having firsthand experience submitting claims with companies
- Comparing plan customization details
- Examining how long it takes to receive reimbursement
- Factoring in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace
- Meeting with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry,their company,and their offerings
- Requiring national experience for companies
Unlike many other review sites,we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. Companies must earn their position in our comparisons by performing well in the marketplace. We also point out each company’s pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so for over a decade,we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews,regularly check them for accuracy,and value our input to help create positive industry changes and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012,well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance,including Kimberly Alt,who has been Canine Journal’s go-to writer for pet insurance for over a decade,having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head,she can find it within minutes due to her vast list of resources. Kimberly also has extensive knowledge of dog health conditions,which can help her recommend pet insurance providers to pet owners with specific breeds.
Kimberly collaborated with Sally Jones,a seasoned health sciences communications professional with decades of experience. Sally specializes in dog health and is adept at producing content on technical topics such as pet insurance. Her wealth of knowledge and insight played a crucial role in this article’s thorough research and composition.
Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker,Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent,for additional expertise to ensure accuracy and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing policies that are accurately represented.
