Golden Retriever pet insurance
- Protect your furry friend for less than £11.35 a month [1]
- Plus, enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*
[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £11.35 per month in December 2024 for their dog insurance based on the monthly cost when paying for the policy in one annual payment, excluding any interest charged on instalment payments.
What makes Golden Retrievers great pets?
If you live with a Golden Retriever, you’re likely familiar with being covered in long golden hair, but it's a small price to pay for owning such a friendly and loving dog. Goldens are high-energy and need lots of exercise to keep them happy. Known for their patience and intelligence, Golden Retrievers excel in various roles, including as guide dogs, therapy dogs, mountain rescue dogs and sniffer dogs. These all-round canine heroes truly live up to their reputation.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
The main types of pet insurance for dogs are:
- Lifetime insurance: this will make sure that any new conditions your Golden Retriever develops are covered year after year, if you stick with the same policy after he or she develops the condition. Policies do have annual limits, but these are reset every year when you renew. Existing conditions aren’t usually covered.
- Maximum benefit: cover that offers a pot of money per condition, during their lifetime. Once the ‘pot’ is used up, that condition is no longer covered, even if you continue to renew the policy.
- Time limited: this type of dog insurance policy only covers a condition for up to 12 months. After that, or when you reach the financial limit, if your Golden still needs treatment you’ll have to cover the costs.
- Accident only: your dog will be covered if it has an accident, but this type of policy doesn't cover illnesses or any medical conditions your dog might develop.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing an insurance policy for your Golden, it's important to look out for the following details:
- Excess: this is the initial amount you are required to pay for a claim before your coverage begins. Make sure that you can comfortably afford the excess amount if you need to make a claim.
- Cover limits: some pet insurance policies can have annual or per condition limits on how much they’ll pay out. Make sure these limits meet your needs before you buy.
- Exclusions: familiarise yourself with what your policy does not cover. Some typical exclusions are pre-existing health conditions, routine treatments and pregnancy.
- Waiting time: this is the time you must wait before making a claim – usually 14 days but can be around 30 days. Check your policy as waiting periods can vary.
Do Golden Retrievers have known health conditions?
Golden Retrievers are never happier than when lounging around the house. But they do need lots of exercise, as they can become obese without regular walks and a good diet.
They're also at risk of developing genetic conditions, such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Golden Retrievers are prone to joint conditions due to their size and weight, which can put extra stress on their joints.
- Cataracts: Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to cataracts, which can develop as they age.
- Cancer: unfortunately, Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to other breeds. This is potentially partly due to their genetic makeup, which makes them more susceptible to certain types of cancer.
- Allergies: Golden Retrievers can suffer from skin allergies, often caused by environmental factors like pollen or certain foods. Their sensitive skin can react to these allergens, leading to discomfort.
- Heart disease: this can affect Golden Retrievers as they age, with conditions like subvalvular aortic stenosis being more common in the breed. Their genetic predisposition makes regular vet check-ups important.
- Epilepsy: some Golden Retrievers may experience seizures due to epilepsy, a neurological disorder. This condition can be hereditary, so it's important to monitor any unusual behaviour.
Oral health
Golden Retrievers can face oral health issues like periodontal disease due to plaque build-up. To keep their teeth healthy, brush regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental chews and routine vet check-ups also help maintain their oral hygiene.
When getting a Golden, it's wise to choose a pup from a registered breeder who provides hereditary screening results. This ensures you're aware of any potential health issues. Pair this with the right Golden Retriever pet insurance to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
How much does it cost to insure my Golden Retriever?
The average premium for dog insurance is £137 per year [2].
To find out how much it will cost you to ensure your Golden, start comparing pet insurance quotes now.
Compare Golden Retriever insurancePet insurance providers consider a few things when working out premiums, including:
- Policy type: different types of policies, such as lifetime or accident-only, can affect the premium cost.
- Age: older dogs may have higher premiums as they are prone to more health problems.
- Pedigree breed: as a pedigree breed, Golden Retrievers might cost more to insure as they are more likely to develop certain health issues.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: If your Golden Retriever has any pre-existing conditions, this can impact the cost of insurance.
- Location: Where you live can also affect premiums, as vet costs vary by region.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £136.20 for their dog insurance in December 2024.
Golden Retriever profile
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant attitudes, making them fabulous family pets. Here's a quick profile of a healthy adult Golden Retriever:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
---|---|---|
Large | 25 to 34 kg | 10 to 12 years |
Golden Retrievers require plenty of exercise, adult dogs ideally need at least two hours a day, to keep them fit and happy. They are highly trainable, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please, making them ideal for a wide range of activities and roles, from obedience training to specialised tasks such as search and rescue or therapy work.
Your Golden will thrive in a family setting, where they are actively involved in daily life. A roomy home with a garden is perfect for them, whether situated in the countryside or a suburban area. They adapt well, as long as they receive lots of love and affection.
Tips for keeping your Golden Retriever happy and healthy
- Diet: feed your pup a balanced diet rich in natural foods to provide the energy needed for growth and play. It’s also important to adjust food portions according to age and activity level, as their metabolism slows with age. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure about your dog’s dietary requirements.
- Grooming: take good care of your Retriever’s golden fur to keep it shiny and stop it becoming matted. Brush your dog’s fur with a firm-bristled brush every couple of days, to remove dead skin and help distribute the natural oils that give their coat that famous golden sheen. During their twice-yearly shedding season, you may need to brush your Golden more often. Grooming also gives you the chance to look out for health issues, feeling for bumps and lumps or checking the skins condition.
- Staying social: an active social life plays an important role in your dog’s happiness. Encourage your Retriever to engage with other pups or join dog walking groups in your area, to ensure they have plenty of social interaction.
- Vet check-ups: regular health checks, vaccinations and deworming will help you keep track of your dog’s physical wellbeing, so they can stay happy and healthy into old age.
Microchipping
Microchipping your furry friend isn't just a smart move—it's actually the law. By the time your Retriever pup hits eight weeks old, they need to be microchipped. If you skip this step, you might be looking at a fine of up to £500. You can get this done at your local vet or through some animal charities.
Your dog should also wear a collar with a tag with your name and address on. Forgetting this little detail can also lead to a fine of up to £2,000, so it's best to keep your pooch properly tagged.
Frequently asked questions
What is third party pet insurance and do I need it?
Although Golden Retrievers are generally obedient and well-mannered, even they can get into scrapes with other dogs. If your Retriever harms another dog or person, or damages property, third party pet insurance could help cover the cost of any claims made against you.
What if my Golden Retriever is lost or stolen?
It can be heartbreaking to have your Golden Retriever go missing. Some pet insurance policies will offer financial help towards advertising and posters, plus a reward for finding your dog. Check any limits on rewards before you advertise. Some policies may even pay compensation, up to the value you paid for your pet, if he or she can't be found.
Are Golden Retrievers good for new owners?
Golden Retrievers can be a great choice for first-time dog owners due to their friendly and gentle nature. They are known for being easy to train and generally well-behaved, which can make the transition to dog ownership smoother.
However, their size and energy levels require a commitment to regular exercise and grooming. New owners should consider whether they have the time and resources to meet these needs, as neglecting them can lead to behavioural issues. It's important to research and understand the long-term responsibilities involved in owning a Golden Retriever before making a decision.
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Golden Retrievers are often considered excellent companions for families with children. Their gentle and patient nature makes them well-suited for homes with kids. However, some Retriever puppies can have a tendency to nip or bite, although they can usually be trained out of this.
It's crucial to supervise all interactions between dogs and children to ensure safety for both parties. Additionally, teaching children how to properly interact with dogs is important to prevent any accidental harm or stress to the pet.
As with any breed, individual temperament can vary, so it's wise to spend time with a Golden Retriever before bringing one into a home with children.
Why should I compare pet insurance with Compare the Market?
Just tell us about your Golden Retriever and the type of cover you’d like, then we’ll search a selection of UK pet insurance providers to give you a list of competitive quotes to choose from – with the cheapest first.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare Golden Retriever insurance with Compare the Market, you’ll need to tell us:
- Your pet’s age and breed
- How much you paid or donated for them
- Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
- Whether they’re microchipped
- If you need cover for pre-existing illnesses.
What our expert says...
“Golden Retrievers make great family pets – they’re sociable and easy to train. However, their large size and intelligence also makes them a very active breed, meaning they need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.”
- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert
Why use Compare the Market?
We compare prices for 42 pet insurance products[2] | Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot[3] | Get a quote in 4 minutes[2] |
[2] Correct as of December 2024.
[3] As of January 2nd 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 64,551 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.8 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’.
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