Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are one of the happiest, friendliest, and most popular dog breeds in North America. But as with other purebreds, they are 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 upfront costs for first-year pet ownership typically cost over $1,000, according to a recent report by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This number doesn’t include any statistics on emergency vet visits. Experts advise that at some point in a dog’s life, the pet owner may need to pay between $2,000 to $4,000 for an unexpected vet visit.
Do you have that much cash on hand? Most people don’t, which is where pet insurance for Labrador retrievers becomes invaluable.
On this page:
- Common Conditions for Labrador Retrievers
- Pet Insurance Costs for Labrador Retrievers
- What Is and Isn’t Covered
- Finding the Right Insurance Plan for Your Labrador Retriever
Common Conditions for Labrador Retrievers
Purebred dogs, like your lovable Labrador retrievers, tend to be overly prone to health issues when compared to their mixed 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 will likely vary on where you are located, among other factors. According to a quoting tool on the Trupanion website, the older the pet, the more the monthly premium. The rates below were based on a male Labrador retriever in California, but it’s worth noting 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 ten-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. If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, or if your pup becomes ill with a disease common in the breed, this is when insurance coverage comes in handy. Vet bills, as any pet owner can tell you, can quickly 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 if there is one. The insurance does not cover any bills associated with routine and preventative care, like yearly checkups and required vaccines. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, but for any new developments, be sure to check with your insurer on what is covered.
When it comes to pet insurance for Labrador retrievers, it may come in handy if you purchase it at a young age. Why? Because many genetic issues aren’t apparent until the Lab ages into an adult. Health issues become more prominent as a dog ages.
Finding the Right Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers
Consider what your Labrador retriever may need as the small, rambunctious puppy grows into a senior dog. Labs, despite being a larger breed, have a lifespan of up to 13 years and become more susceptible to illness related to age in their senior years.
Vet bills for a dog as energetic as a lab can quickly escalate. Before adopting a puppy, it might be worthwhile to consider whether or not pet insurance is worth the cost.
Make sure to compare the best pet insurance plans to receive the most affordable rates for a top of the line service. You can also narrow your search to focus on top dog insurance policies for your Labrador.
Not all pet insurance is created equal, and it’s always smart to do some comparison shopping before settling.
This article originally appeared on LendEDU.
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