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Best Golden Retriever Pet Insurance of 2024

Lisa Scott

You always want what’s best for your Golden Retriever so they can live a long, happy life. Pet insurance is a great way to ensure you are prepared for the unexpected and have access to medical care when needed. We’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality.

Super-extensive accident & illness coverage

$20,000

Coverage Up To

90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.

Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.

What we like

  • Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
  • Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
  • No exclusion on breeds or older pets
  • Offers a Fur Family Discount on multiple pets
  • Healthcare coverage in Canada and the US

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Pumpkin only covers dogs and cats

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.

Multiple options for wellness plans

$100,000

Coverage Up To

90% - 100%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Wagmo began by providing stand-alone pet wellness coverages. Today, it has expanded its portfolio to include customizable pet insurance coverage.

What we like

  • Customizable policies
  • Variety of wellness plans
  • Fast reimbursements
  • High incident limits
  • Visit a vet of your choice

What we don't

  • 15 day waiting period on accident policy

Affordable prices with a fast reimbursement process

$100,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.

What we like

  • Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
  • Claims are reimbursed in minutes
  • Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
  • Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
  • Pay deductible once per year and not per incident

What we don't

  • Lemonade is only available in 33 states
  • Certain hybrid breeds may be denied

Short waiting periods on accidental coverage

$25,000

Coverage Up To

50% - 100%

Reimbursement

Overview

MetLife Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and is known for the shortest waiting periods in the industry.

What we like

  • No restriction on breeds and pet age
  • Customizable annual benefit limits
  • Short waiting periods accidental coverage
  • Flexible deductibles from $50 to $2,000
  • No incident limits

What we don't

  • Wellness treatment not included (optional add-on)
  • Pay first out of pocket and reimbursed later

Quick claims process

$10,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Spot will insure older animals and provides a multi-pet discount when you insure two or more pets

What we like

  • Multi-pet discount
  • No upper age limit
  • Quick claims process
  • Fast and simple filing of claims
  • Optional no lifetime limits or caps on payouts

What we don't

  • Customer service limited to weekdays
  • 14 day waiting period

Pre-existing conditions and 6 pets covered for $24/m

$3,000

Coverage Up To

100%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.

With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.

What we like

  • Monthly premiums as low as $24
  • Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
  • Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
  • 24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors

What we don't

  • Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
  • Does not offer wellness coverage
  • Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year

Provides holistic therapy coverage

$15,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Fetch covers various conditions and offers holistic therapy coverage.

What we like

  • Covers examination fee during vet visits
  • Holistic therapy coverage
  • Comprehensive dental coverage
  • No penalty for multiple claims
  • No upper age limit for the pets

What we don't

  • Offers a single plan
  • No preventive care plans
  • No multi-pet discount

No age limit on pets - older dogs and cats are covered

Unlimited

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.

What we like

  • Older cats and dogs are covered
  • Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
  • Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
  • Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
  • 10% multiple pets discount

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Wellness add-ons can get expensive

Is pet insurance worth it for a Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers are a great pet for individuals and families alike. They are loyal, kind, easy to train, and fun to play with. Golden Retrievers also require a lot of exercise and enjoy being in open spaces so they are able to run around.

As your Golden Retriever is growing up, you will want to take them to the veterinarian on a regular basis to maintain their health. Like most dogs, when Golden Retrievers begin to age, they are prone to developing a number of health conditions that can lead to long-term illness and/or medical issues.

Taking your Golden Retriever to the veterinary clinic often can also become quite expensive. To help you take proper care of your dog and be able to afford their necessary medical treatments, you will want to take advantage of pet insurance.

Pet insurance helps you afford medical treatments and procedures to take care of your dog throughout its life. For more expensive or ongoing treatments, insurance can alleviate a large part of the financial obligations so you can feel confident that your Golden Retriever’s well-being is always put first.

Common health conditions for a Golden Retriever

Even if you are taking great care of your Golden Retriever, there may come a time later in your pet’s life when some health issues arise. The most common medical conditions Golden Retrievers experience include:

  • Hip dysplasia: considered one of the most common issues in Golden Retrievers. Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip socket becomes deformed or their bones wear unevenly. This causes the ligaments to become stressed and damaged. Common side effects of hip dysplasia include joint inflammation, stiffness, and bone degeneration. Hip dysplasia often requires surgery to correct.
  • Cataracts: causes a white or yellow film to develop over the eye(s). The only way to correct cataracts in dogs is to undergo invasive surgery. Cataracts can also cause a dog to go completely blind in the affected eye(s).
  • Respiratory conditions: Golden Retrievers are susceptible to a number of respiratory issues, more commonly subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). This reduces the amount of oxygenated blood from the dog’s heart to their body, and lead to risk of a heart attack and sometimes death. Medication may be able to help this ongoing issue.

How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Golden Retriever?

Insuring your dog is one of the best ways to secure its health long-term. Insurance providers determine premium costs based on a number of factors. The following are the most common part of the equation:

  • Medical history: Golden Retrievers are known to often experience hip and joint issues that require significant medical attention as they get older. Your dog’s medical history will factor into their insurance premium cost.
  • Age: As Golden Retrievers get older, they become more susceptible to certain issues that lead to expensive medical treatments and procedures. The older your Golden Retriever is, the higher your insurance premium will likely be.
  • Plan details: Insurance plans that cover wellness and preventive care as an add-on are great to help prevent your Golden Retriever from developing serious conditions later in life. To have coverage for these routine care options, you can expect a higher monthly insurance premium overall. Additionally, because male Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop serious medical issues during their lives, they will cost more on average to insure.

What does pet insurance cover for a Golden Retriever?

Depending on your pet insurance plan, you may have coverage for illness-only, injury-only, or a combination of illness and injury treatments. Pet insurance providers will cover most, if not all of the necessary procedures to treat health issues. Common treatments that are covered include:

  • Surgery: to treat hip dysplasia, cataracts, and other health issues that are often covered by pet insurance plans.
  • Physical and alternative therapy: therapy treatments to help treat various issues such as acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, and more.
  • Medication: used to help treat the various respiratory and heart conditions Golden Retrievers may experience.

Pet insurance for Golden Retrievers will not cover pre-existing conditions. It is encouraged to have your pet covered under an insurance policy from a young age so your dog can be treated when certain health issues arise.

Additionally, most pet insurance plans do not cover routine and preventative care. Often, providers will offer add-ons to their existing plans or a separate plan altogether.

How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Golden Retriever

There are several pet insurance plans available to cover your Golden Retriever. The following are some things to keep in mind as you search for the best plan for your dog:

  • Consider your dog’s unique needs: Golden Retrievers are likely to develop a few common health issues throughout their life. Be sure to confirm your insurance plan covers the necessary treatments, should your Golden Retriever become ill in the future.
  • Compare and budget: each plan differs in what they offer for yearly deductibles, monthly premiums, and overall reimbursement caps. Review what each potential plan offers and set a budget. This will help narrow down your options and find the most suitable plan for you and your pet.
  • Read customer reviews: read what customers have to say about your potential insurer, and understand how they handle customer inquiries and their overall claims process. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the insurance provider.

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