Labrador pet insurance
- Protect your furry friend from £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 Labradors great pets?
The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds, according to the Kennel Club. Their bright, gentle and friendly disposition makes them a great family pet. They're patient and kind around children, and generally sweet and loveable.
To return the love you get from your dog, it’s well worth considering taking out Labrador pet insurance, to give them the care they may need if they become ill.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
There are four main types of pet insurance for dogs and here’s a quick outline of the differences between them:
- Lifetime policy: this is the most comprehensive pet insurance for your Labrador. It offers cover for new conditions that your dog may develop, as long as you renew your policy. Because of this it’s usually the most expensive. Existing conditions aren’t usually covered.
- Maximum benefit: this covers a condition, throughout your dog’s life, up to a set amount. Once that amount is reached, that condition won’t be covered going forward – even if you renew your policy.
- Time limited: this will only cover a condition for up to 12 months, or when you reach the limit of the policy . After that, the condition will no longer be covered - even if you renew the policy.
- Accident only: these policies cover your dog if it has an accident, but doesn't offer cover for any illnesses or medical conditions. Accident only cover is usually the cheapest option.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing a pet insurance policy for your Labrador, it's important to understand the specific details that could affect your coverage and costs. Here are some key things to look out for:
- Excess: this is the portion you must cover out of pocket before your insurance kicks in to pay for a claim. Make sure you're okay with the excess amount, as it can differ from one policy to another.
- Cover limits: check the maximum amount your policy will pay out for a claim. Some policies have limits per condition, per year, or over the lifetime of your pet.
- Exclusions: be aware of what isn’t covered by your policy. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments like defleaing or worming and pregnancy.
- Waiting time: many dog insurance policies have a waiting time before you can make a claim – usually 14 days but it may be up to 30. This means you won’t be able to claim for any conditions that arise during this time.
Do Labradors have any known health conditions?
Although Labradors are resilient dogs, poor breeding practices have created a few health conditions to look out for. They include:
- Joint conditions: Labradors, like other retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. This is due to the way their joints develop, and it can be exacerbated by their energetic nature and love for exercise.
- Cancer: Labradors can be susceptible to certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and mast cell tumours. Regular vet check-ups can help catch these early.
- Hepatitis: this liver condition can affect Labradors, leading to symptoms like lethargy and jaundice. It's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary advice if you notice any changes.
- Epilepsy: some Labradors may experience seizures due to epilepsy. While it can be managed with medication, it's crucial to have a vet diagnose and treat this condition.
- Eye problems: Labradors can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, which affects their vision over time. Regular eye check-ups can help manage this condition.
Oral health
Labradors, like many breeds, can develop dental issues such as periodontal disease from plaque and tartar build-up. To maintain good oral health, brush their teeth regularly, offer dental chews or toys, and schedule routine vet check-ups to catch any issues early.
Choosing a reputable breeder can help reduce the risk of some of these conditions, ensuring your Labrador remains happy and healthy throughout their life. Good breeders will provide the results of hereditary screening tests to alert you to potential issues. But to make sure you and your four-legged friend are covered, invest in quality Labrador pet insurance.
How much is pet insurance for a Labrador?
The average premium for dog insurance is £137 per year [2]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing pet insurance quotes now.
Compare Labrador insuranceSeveral factors influence your premium cost, including:
- Policy type: comprehensive policies with more extensive coverage tend to cost more than basic or accident-only policies.
- Age: older dogs often have higher premiums due to the increased risk of health issues.
- Pedigree breed: as a pedigree breed, Labradors may have higher premiums due to their susceptibility to certain health conditions.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: if your Labrador has any pre-existing conditions, this could increase the cost of insurance or limit the coverage available.
- Location: where you live can affect the cost too, as vet fees can vary by region.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £136.20 for their dog insurance in December 2024.
Labrador profile
Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. Here's the average profile of this beloved breed:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
---|---|---|
Medium to large | 29 to 35 kg | 10 to 12 years |
Labradors require a significant amount of exercise, ideally at least an hour or two a day, to keep them healthy and happy. They are generally easy to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong desire for human interaction. Labradors are highly food-motivated, which can be an effective tool during training sessions.
You'll find that Labradors are quite adaptable and can fit into different living environments. However, they thrive in places with a bit more space, like suburban or rural areas, where they can fully enjoy an active lifestyle.
Tips for keeping your Labrador happy and healthy
- Diet: a balanced diet is key to your Labrador’s long-term health. If you’re unsure about dietary needs, consult your vet, but do be sure to adjust portions based on age and activity. As your dog ages, their metabolism slows so they’ll need less food. Labradors also have a high food drive, so they can put on weight which is bad for their health. For treats, consider swapping calorie-heavy biscuits for natural or homemade options.
- Grooming: Labs have short, dense, water-resistant coats, making them excellent swimmers. However, they do shed, particularly in spring and autumn. A weekly brush will help manage this, keeping their coat healthy, while occasional baths will keep them clean and shiny.
- Staying social: encourage your pet to engage with other pups while you’re out and about, or team up with other dog walkers to give your Labrador plenty of dog-to-dog social interaction. Labradors tend to be naturally friendly and enjoy the company of both humans and other dogs. They need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
- Vet check-ups: regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and deworming will keep your Lab’s health in check. Try to get your dog used to going to the vet from a young age, so visits are less stressful later on.
Microchipping
In the UK, it's a legal requirement to have your Labrador microchipped by the time they're eight weeks old. If you skip this, you could face a fine of up to £500. Microchipping is a great way to ensure you can be reunited if they unexpectedly wander off. You can arrange for microchipping at your local vet or local animal charity.
Additionally, UK law requires your Labrador to wear a collar with a tag showing your name and address when you're out and about. This helps make sure that if your adventurous Lab gets lost, they can be quickly identified and returned to you. Skipping this step could also lead to a fine, up to £2,000, so it's best to keep your pet's ID up to date.
Frequently asked questions
What is third party pet insurance and do I need it?
Third party pet insurance, also known as third party public liability insurance, will give you cover if your dog injures another pet or person, or if it accidentally damages property.
Chances are your pet is very gentle and loving, but even the friendliest dog can sometimes get into trouble while out and about, so covering yourself with Labrador pet insurance is a great idea.
As many pet insurance policies include third party cover as standard, it’s a good idea to check what’s included in yours before going ahead with a stand-alone policy.
What if my Labrador is lost or stolen?
Losing your Labrador can be very upsetting. To help get your dog back if it’s lost or stolen, some Labrador pet insurance policies offer a reward for finding your dog or pay for adverts or posters to help find your pet. Some even offer compensation up to the value of your pet if he or she can’t be retrieved.
Are Labradors good for new owners?
Labradors are a popular choice for first-time dog owners due to their friendly and gentle nature, which makes them eager to please and relatively easy to train.
With that said, Labradors are high-energy dogs that require significant exercise and mental stimulation. If you are thinking of getting a Lab, you need to be prepared for the commitment of regular walks, playtime, and training sessions.
Are Labradors good with kids?
Labradors are a popular family choice as their gentle nature allows them to tolerate the noise and activity of kids.
It’s advisable to always keep an eye on interactions between your dog and children, as Labs can be boisterous. Focus on training and socialising them to ensure they’re great with kids. But it’s never a good idea to leave any dog alone with children without adult supervision.
Why should I compare Labrador insurance with Compare the Market?
We search a range of UK dog insurance providers and give you a list of Labrador insurance quotes in price order, with the cheapest first. Just tell us about yourself, your Labrador and what type of cover you'd like.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare pet insurance with Compare the Market, we’ll need to know:
- 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 want cover for pre-existing illnesses.
What our expert says...
“Taking care of a dog is a huge commitment, especially with big dogs that need plenty of exercise to keep them fit and healthy. Labradors that don’t get the right amount of activity and engagement can develop bad habits, such as chewing, biting and barking. Give your dog a varied exercise routine and try to avoid leaving them alone for long periods, especially when they’re young.”
- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.