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Labrador Retriever Insurance – Costs, Cover & Common Health Issues

The Labrador Retriever is one of the UK’s most loved and recognisable dog breeds. Originally bred as working gundogs, Labradors are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please — qualities that have made them exceptional family companions and working dogs alike.

Recognised by the The Kennel Club as one of the UK’s most popular breeds year after year, Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly temperament, trainability, and adaptability. They thrive in busy family homes but are equally suited to active households where they can work, train, and explore. Whether black, yellow, or chocolate, Labradors are affectionate, outgoing dogs that form strong bonds with their owners.

🐾 Average lifespan: 10–12 years

🐾 Average adult weight: 25–36 kg

🐾 UK popularity ranking: Consistently in the Top 5 breeds registered with The Kennel Club

🐾 Originally recognised as a breed by The Kennel Club in 1903

🐾 The average claim for Labradors is £1,481

Black Labrador in water

Common Labrador Health Issues

Labradors are prone to certain hereditary and lifestyle-related conditions.

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – Surgery £3,000–£7,000 per joint

  • Cruciate Ligament Injury – Surgery £2,500–£5,000

  • Obesity & Diabetes – £1,000+ per year treatment

  • Ear Infections – £150–£300 per episode

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Testing £300–£600

Joint surgery and ongoing conditions like diabetes can become costly over time, which is why many Labrador owners choose comprehensive cover.

🐶 Gentle, Devoted, Playful — Protect Your Labrador Properly

Your Guide To Owning a Labrador Retriever

Wondering if a Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you? Here’s a few things you should know before you bring a ‘bum wiggler’ home…

ALL Breed Specific Animal Labrador Web Images 720 x 480 v16022026_03

Diet & Nutrition

Labradors thrive on a balanced, high-quality diet suited to their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).

Key dietary considerations:

  • Portion control is essential to prevent obesity.
  • High-protein diets support muscle health.
  • Joint supplements (glucosamine & chondroitin) may benefit active or ageing Labradors.
  • Avoid overfeeding treats — Labradors rarely self-regulate.

Because of their strong appetite, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important preventative health measures for this breed.

Labrador playing tug

Exercise Requirements

Labradors are energetic and intelligent dogs who require both physical and mental stimulation.

Daily exercise needs:

  • 1–2 hours per day
  • Off-lead running (where safe)
  • Swimming (they love water!)
  • Retrieval games and scent work

Without adequate stimulation, Labradors may become bored and destructive. They excel in obedience, agility, and working roles.

ALL Breed Specific Animal Labrador Web Images 720 x 480 v16022026_04

Who Is the Labrador Perfect For?

Labradors are ideal for:

  • Active families with children
  • First-time dog owners (with commitment to training)
  • Households with space and access to outdoor walks
  • Owners who enjoy outdoor activities
  • People looking for a friendly, sociable companion

They are less suited to sedentary lifestyles or homes where they are left alone for long periods. Their affectionate and steady temperament makes them popular as therapy and assistance dogs.

Why Insurance Matters for Labrador Retrievers?

From joint surgery to long-term medication, Labradors can require significant veterinary support over their lifetime. Having the right level of cover means you can focus on their health — not the cost of treatment.

Choose The Best Policy For Your Labrador

Superior – the most comprehensive insurance cover we offer, with the lowest excess, giving you confidence that your dog will be looked after if illness or injury strikes.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £12,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £9,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Superior

Mid-point

Entry

Claimable period

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£12,000

£9,000

£6,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

100%

100%

100%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Mid-range – our most flexible plan, offering a choice of co-payment and excess levels and packed with a range of optional extras to suit your dog’s needs.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £12,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £9,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Key

Vital

Core

Claimable period

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£12,000

£9,000

£6,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

90%, 80% or 70%

90%, 80% or 70%

90%, 80% or 70%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Safety-net – accidents or illness can happen at any time, and our Catastrophe and Economy policies provide cover for your dog when emergency treatment is needed.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.

  • Veterinary fees

    £4,000
    for each injury and illness for 12 months

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £3,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Economy

Catastrophe 2

Catastrophe 1

Claimable period

Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months

£6,000

£3,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

100%

100%

100%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Terms, conditions, and excesses apply. Cover depends on acceptance criteria, and there may be policy limits and exclusions. Make sure to check the policy details on the dog insurance page before taking out a policy.