Are you looking for the best pet insurance for Golden Retrievers? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve looked at the top four dog insurance options.
Whether you’re looking for accident-only or illness coverage, there’s an option to suit your Golden pup.
We’ve broken everything down. We’re looking at the coverage, what you need to know about pet insurance, and how to make the best choice for your furry friend.
So, grab your Golden fluff ball and settle in. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Top Insurance Providers for Golden Retrievers
Best Overall: Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace is the best pet insurance for Golden Retrievers because of its extensive coverage. Whether your pup is sick or has an accident, you’re covered.
Here are some of the things you’re covered for when you join Embrace Pet Insurance:
- Follow-up care, including rehabilitation
- Procedures and treatments
- Dental illness up to $1,000 per year
- Exam and consultation fees
- Prescription medications
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Behavioral therapy
- Prosthetic limbs, devices, and mobility aids
- Emergency and specialty care
- Diagnostic tests
What we like most is the Wellness Reward program. This covers training, vaccines, spaying/neutering, grooming, teeth cleaning, and acupuncture. Those unforeseen costs can quickly rack up in the first year of life. So, this is an excellent addition to the policy.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another insurance willing to cover all of this. That’s why Embrace pet insurance is so popular.
Embrace pet insurance also separates curable and incurable conditions. Incurable conditions that you know about won’t be covered. DNA testing, pregnancy, breeding, and cosmetic procedures are also not covered in the plan.
When you sign up with Embrace, there is a two-day waiting period for accident cover and 14 days for illness. There may also be a six-month wait for orthopedic care. But you can reduce this to 30 days if the vet gives your pup the all-clear. This is important because Golden Retrievers are known to have hip dysplasia, so you want to get this sorted ASAP.
The whole point of dog insurance is to give you peace of mind. Of course, we don’t like to think of something happening to our furry friends. You also don’t want to be stuck with a massive bill when you should be worrying about your pup’s health.
Compared to other insurance companies, Embrace covers the most and doesn’t charge outrageous fees. That’s what makes it our top choice.
Pricing varies based on the reimbursement limit, annual deductible, and reimbursement percentage. So, it’s best to get your own quote.
For example, we put in the following info:
- Breed: Golden Retriever.
- Age: 3 years.
- Reimbursement limit: $5,000.
- Annual deductible: $750.
- Reimbursement percentage: 70%.
Total per month: $56.32
Adding $250 (annual) Wellness Rewards: $18.75 per month
Pros:
- Very comprehensive.
- Wellness program.
- Short waiting period.
- 24/7 customer supports.
Cons:
- The price is a little higher than others.
Best Online Claims: Lemonade
Lemonade is a pet insurance company that works with AI to settle your vet accounts in minutes. Forget about waiting weeks to get your money back.
All you need to do is log in, load the claim, and Bob’s your uncle. You can avoid the frustration that comes from waiting to get reimbursed. Pretty pawesome, right?
There are a few options for your insurance needs. You can select an accident-only cover that is much cheaper than the full one. However, the full coverage will cover your Golden Retriever for illness, injury, and other routine checks.
As with most pet insurance companies, Lemonade doesn’t cover any pre-existing conditions. This might be a deal breaker if you’ve got an older doggo.
The good news? When you sign up, there is only a two-day waiting period for accident cover and 14 days for illness.
However, if your Golden pup happens to have a ligament issue within the first six months, it isn’t covered.
You must opt-in when selecting coverage if you want things like:
- Dental.
- Behavioral conditions.
- Vet visits.
- Physical therapy.
These cost extra!
Choosing to cover the basics won’t cover you for the above, so be sure to read the terms and conditions.
Where Lemonade differs is its fantastic pricing for basic cover. Taking out an accident-only package can cost as little as $10 per month. It’s super inclusive for those that might not have the funds for a full pet insurance coverage plan.
However, Lemonade is pretty new to the market, opening its pet department in 2020. As such, it doesn’t include some basic treatments like heartworm and Lyme disease or dental illness in its cover option.
Unlike Embrace, Lemonade doesn’t have a 24/7 helpline. That’s unfortunate, as it’s a handy option if you don’t know if you should take your fluff ball to the vet.
The pricing can differ significantly, but let’s look at an example. We put in the following info:
- Breed: Golden Retriever.
- Age: 3 years.
Total per month: $74.52 or $852.69 per year (annual subscription).
Pros:
- Customizable.
- Great for accident-only cover.
- Quick reimbursement.
Cons:
- Lots of coverage limits.
Best Cover for Hip Dysplasia: Fetch by Dodo
Fetch dog insurance offers some of the most comprehensive pet insurance out there. They cover the common things we’ve seen already, like accidents and illness. Where they differ, particularly for the Golden Retriever, is their cover for hereditary/breed-specific conditions.
We love this! It means you won’t be penalized if you have a Golden Retriever who develops hip dysplasia. It’s not your dog’s fault for being a particular breed: imagine your health insurance didn’t cover you because you had brown hair.
Okay, that sounds pretty ridiculous. We get fired up when pups aren’t treated fairly, but more on Fetch.
Your dog is covered for various conditions, including:
- Cancer.
- Gum disease.
- Physical therapy.
- Allergies.
On top of that, all the lab tests, scans, and behavioral therapies are covered too!
In terms of what isn’t covered, it’s pretty much like the others – pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, vaccines, and teeth cleaning. Fetch also doesn’t cover spaying or neutering, which is surprising. You can choose this as a wellness rewards addition, though.
The Fetch waiting period for accidents is 14 days, which is long. Embrace only has a two-day waiting period for the same.
Price-wise, here’s what we got from Fetch:
- Breed: Golden Retriever.
- Age: 3 years.
- Reimbursement limit: $5,000.
- Annual deductible: $500.
- Reimbursement percentage: 80%.
Total per month: $61.28 for accidents and illness.
There is no option to add on a routine care package. However, the above price does cover alternative therapies like acupuncture.
Pros:
- Cover for hereditary/breed-specific conditions.
- Comprehensive cover.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Longer waiting periods.
Best for Senior Dogs: Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a relatively new pet insurance, having opened in 2020. It offers comprehensive medical care.
What we like about this brand is that they cover a lot more than many others on our list, including prescription food and supplements. These can be mighty expensive in the long run!
Additionally, compared to others, it has an enormous 90% reimbursement rate. Fetch by Dodo, in comparison, only covers 80%.
You also don’t have to take your doggo for a routine checkup to get coverage. Plus, there is only a 14-day waiting period.
If your pup is younger than 15, you can join the Pumpkin family for accident and illness cover. Those any older are only eligible for accident cover. This is awesome, as the cut-off limit for most of our other included plans is 14, regardless of the type of cover.
The reason we haven’t afforded Pumpkin the top spot is that it’s so new. Pet insurance companies tend to come and go quickly, so choosing to go with such a new one could be risky. Pumpkin’s prices are also hefty compared to the other included dog insurance companies.
Let’s look at an example of the premiums:
- Breed: Golden Retriever.
- Age: 3 years.
- Reimbursement limit: $10,000.
- Annual deductible: $500.
- Reimbursement percentage: 90%.
Total cost per month: $93.30.
That’s a lot when you compare it with the others. Granted, the reimbursement limit and percentage are higher, so it’s all down to how comprehensive your needs are.
Pros:
- High reimbursement percentage.
- Comprehensive cover.
- A good option for older doggos.
Cons:
- New on the market.
- Expensive.
Buyers Guide to the Best Pet Insurance for Golden Retrievers
Sifting through pet insurance companies can be time-consuming, but it’s important to check each one to know precisely what you’re getting. We can’t tell you how often owners receive a huge bill they genuinely thought insurance would cover.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with insights into pet insurance and what you need to know:-
Terms and conditions
You will notice terms including annual deductibles and reimbursement percentages. What do these actually mean? Let’s have a look.
- Reimbursement percentage: This is the percentage of the total bill that insurance will reimburse you. For example, a reimbursement percentage of 80% on a $500 vet bill means your insurance will pay back $400. Look for a policy with a higher percentage to get as much back as possible.
- Annual coverage: This means the annual amount your pet is covered for on a specific insurance plan. The average is about $5,000 per year per pet. It’s best to chat with your vet about the coverage they’d suggest for your doggo.
- Annual deductible: You are responsible for paying this amount before you can use the insurance. It can be a little confusing because lower monthly premiums usually mean a higher annual deductible.
Types of insurance
- Accident only: This insurance covers your dog for unexpected injuries. If they fall and hurt themself, that’s considered an accident. Anything unforeseen that could have been prevented will be included.
- Time-limited: Time limits are not popular options, as they only cover your dog for a set time. Anything outside that time frame will come out of your pocket.
- Full coverage: This is the most comprehensive cover. Your dog is covered when it’s injured or sick. So if it gets a diabetes diagnosis and falls down the stairs on the same day, it will be covered.
Is pet insurance worth it?
The age-old question is whether pet insurance is worth the hype. The simple answer is yes, it certainly is!
If your dog gets hurt and stares at you in pain, you’ll wish you had pet insurance. When our fur babies get sick, our capacity to handle other things is limited. If you’re sitting in the vet’s office waiting for results, the last thing you want is a massive vet bill on your mind. Or conditions like, we can help, but it will cost…
Insurance can be a lifesaver for your dog and your wallet. Unforeseen injuries get expensive very quickly, with an emergency vet visit potentially costing upwards of $1,500. Without insurance, you’re stuck if you don’t have that kind of money lying around.
In our opinion, a full coverage option is the best. It is more expensive but will cover your dog for most things. Purebred dogs like the Golden Retriever are prone to more genetic conditions that may, at some point, cost you a pretty penny.
It’s not worth stressing over this before it happens. With insurance, you can leave it to the professionals if it does.
Golden Retriever health conditions
The Golden Retriever is the third most popular breed in the US. It’s intelligent and caring, and that goofy smile will melt just about any heart.
However, Retrievers are predisposed to certain conditions, just like any other dog breed. Let’s investigate these:-
- Elbow and hip dysplasia: A condition in the joint sockets that can wear them down over time. It might not be evident at first, but as your dog gets older, it may be in pain and limp. Ensure you get your dog from a certified breeder to reduce the chances of genetic abnormalities like this. Sometimes it is still the luck of the draw.
- Cancer: There is sadly a 60% chance that your Golden Retriever will eventually get cancer, partly due to its average longer lifespan (12-15 years). Since it is so common, your premium may be higher to cover your dog if they get sick.
- Eye issues: Golden Retrievers are more prone to eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Keep an eye out for any weeping or change in color, as the earlier they get treatment, the better.
How to avoid unnecessary pet insurance costs
It goes without saying that keeping your Golden Retriever in good condition is vital. This means a good diet, exercise routine, and regular vet checkups.
In our opinion, diet is the single most important thing for your dog. You can’t expect a good result if you’re feeding it bad food. Speak with your vet about what they would recommend. Good dog foods are all based on breed, age, size, and lifestyle. More and more vets are recommending a switch to natural food sources.
If you’re looking for a fresh dog food option customized to your dog’s needs, we recommend checking out The Farmers Dog. It’s a dog meal delivery service that makes food your dog will love while keeping them in tip-top shape. Think Uber Eats for dogs!
All the food is vet-developed, so you can be sure your pup is getting all the best ingredients.
When it comes to exercise, be prepared for plenty of playtimes and walks with your Golden Retriever. Yes, they are great cuddlers, but they need activity routines to keep them happy and healthy.
Before heading out on your next great adventure, look into the best dog harness for a Golden Retriever. The fit and materials make a massive difference, so be sure your doggo has the right one for its needs.
What do insurance companies look for before providing cover?
- Age: Most pet insurance companies will cover puppies from eight weeks. They generally won’t start new pet insurance policies for dogs over 14 years old. If your dog is older than 14 and has had the cover before, it will be covered.
- Breed: Certain breeds have predispositions to certain medical conditions. Knowing this, some insurance companies may exclude specific coverage based on your dog’s breed.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your pup has any existing health concerns, it is unlikely the pet insurance company will cover these. Don’t try and hide any, as insurers will ask your vet. If you’re lying, they’ll cancel your policy, and you might even face legal action.
- Vet checkups: Even the best pet insurance plan requires a vet’s once-over for your dog. There is a time limit of likely between six months and a year to get this done. It’s the only way the insurance company knows your dog is in good health.
When is the right time to get pet insurance?
This is a little tricky to answer because it depends on your dog’s specific needs. In general, the earlier you take it out, the better. If you sign up with an insurance company when your puppy is young, they have a higher chance of providing better coverage.
As the years go by, your insurance company will get to know your pup and what cover is best suited to their medical needs.
We understand that getting those insurance calls can get a little irritating. We have first-hand experience, however, that often the company genuinely wants to give your little fur ball the best coverage at an affordable price. For example, if your little one has only claimed routine care and grooming in the last four years, a cheaper alternative is a likely solution.
The same goes for more severe conditions. If your puppy is diagnosed with a serious medical problem, your insurance may offer you a more comprehensive plan to save you money in the long run.
FAQs
What is the highest level of pet insurance?
The most comprehensive insurance is full coverage. It covers your dog for accidents and illness, with some insurances having extra wellness rewards and alternative therapies.
How much is pet insurance for a Golden Retriever?
A pet insurance cost can vary depending on which Golden Retriever pet insurance you choose. On average, you’re looking at about $55-$70 per month for comprehensive cover.
What should I consider for pet insurance?
It’s important to look at what’s included before speaking to Golden Retriever pet insurance providers. Also, what you need to provide before they grant you coverage and the time you’ll wait before the insurance kicks in.
Our Final Verdict
There are many pet insurance plans on the market, but only the four best pet insurance companies made it onto our list. We didn’t waste your time with sub-par competitors.
Our top pick for the best Golden Retriever pet insurance is Embrace. This company offers the most comprehensive insurance for the best price. We love that it offers a wellness rewards option so that you can get the most out of the plan. Whichever insurance you choose, the important thing is that you’ve taken the plunge. Most pet parents don’t and live to regret it!
For more guidance with pets, look at our other Barks in the Park resources.