The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Golden Retrievers in 2025
MetLife and Lemonade are among our picks for the best pet insurance companies for golden retrievers.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed Insurance Agent
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
Golden retrievers are loyal, loving, and full of energy, but their adventurous nature and genetic health risks can add up to thousands in veterinary costs. The third most popular dog breed in the U.S.,[1] goldens are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, skin disorders, eye problems, and heart conditions.[2] That makes pet insurance something all golden retriever parents should consider.
On average, it costs around $53 per month to insure a golden retriever, according to Compare.com data. But how much you’ll pay depends on your dog’s age, where you live, and the type of coverage you choose.
To identify the best pet insurance for golden retrievers, we analyzed thousands of quotes from top pet insurance companies. Here’s what we learned.
Key Takeaways
MetLife and Lemonade are our top picks for the best pet insurance for golden retrievers.
Pets Best and Spot are the cheapest pet insurers for golden retrievers in the U.S.
Hip and elbow dysplasia and skin conditions are among the most common health issues for golden retrievers.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers have some specific health needs and concerns compared to other dogs. So, as you look for pet insurance, it’s important to consider what your golden needs to be healthy now and in the future.
We reviewed thousands of quotes and evaluated top pet insurance companies to find their usefulness for golden retriever parents.
Here are our picks for the best pet insurance for golden retrievers.
MetLife: Best for goldens with pre-existing conditions
Pros
No upper age limit for new policies
Family plan covers up to three pets with one deductible
Generally affordable premiums
Cons
Comparatively low reimbursement rates
Doesn’t cover organ transplants
Exotic pet coverage available in only 19 states
Like all pet insurance companies, MetLife generally won’t cover any health issues that emerge before you enroll in a MetLife policy. But it may make an exception and cover some pre-existing conditions if your previous insurer covered the condition first.
It also covers prescription foods and alternative therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Lemonade: Best for affordable coverage
Pros
Affordable premiums for goldens
Offers bundling discounts
Mobile claims filing available
Cons
Behavioral treatment covered only with add-on
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Not available in every state
Lemonade offers some of the lowest premiums for golden retrievers, according to our data. It also offers a good range of plan types with varying coverage, including add-ons for preventive and wellness care.
Reimbursement options range from 70% to 90%, and annual coverage limits can be as high as $100,000.
Pumpkin: Best for senior golden retrievers
Pros
Covers behavioral issues and dental illnesses
Includes an optional wellness package
No upper age limit for coverage
Cons
Higher premiums than some competitors
Preventive care only available as add-on
14-day waiting period for illnesses
Pumpkin has no upper age limit for enrollment, so it can be a great option for older goldens. It also covers prescription food, which can be helpful for senior golden retrievers with special dietary needs.
Pumpkin’s rates tend to be higher than many competitors, but it also covers some things others exclude, like behavioral issues and tooth extractions. The insurer’s national average price for golden retrievers is $80 per month.
Trupanion: Best for unlimited payout flexibility
Pros
Directly pays participating vets
Covers all breeds
No annual or lifetime limits for payouts
Cons
Doesn’t offer wellness or preventive care coverage
Higher-than-average premiums
Won’t cover pre-existing conditions, without exception
Parents of golden retrievers that experience more than one significant health issue in a year may benefit from Trupanion’s unlimited payouts — something most insurers don’t offer.
Although it doesn’t offer a wellness package, its standard accident and illness plans provide comprehensive coverage. And, if you visit a participating veterinarian, Trupanion will pay the vet office directly when you check out, so you won’t have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement.
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The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Golden Retrievers
Finding affordable pet insurance for your golden retriever starts with comparing quotes. Monthly pet insurance costs can vary a lot depending on your dog’s age, where you live, and how much coverage you choose, so shopping around is important.
Some pet insurers offer plans that work especially well for breeds like golden retrievers, which are more likely to need treatment for hereditary conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly premiums for accident and injury policies from top insurers, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pets Best | $31 |
| Spot | $32 |
| Lemonade | $35 |
| ASPCA | $37 |
| Healthy Paws | $50 |
| Prudent Pet | $58 |
| Figo | $59 |
| Pumpkin | $80 |
What Does Pet Insurance for Golden Retrievers Cover?
Generally, pet insurance covers unexpected illnesses and injuries. But some insurers also offer accident-only policies that won’t cover illnesses at all. On the other end of the spectrum, most insurance companies provide wellness coverage as an optional add-on to their standard accident and illness policies.
In most cases, pet insurance that covers illnesses will also cover the kind of congenital and hereditary conditions that golden retrievers are susceptible to — as long as your dog’s symptoms first emerge after your policy starts.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common health issues for golden retrievers, their estimated treatment costs, and whether pet insurance typically covers them:[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Condition | Cost to Treat | Covered by Pet Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | $1,200–$7,000+, depending on surgery type | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Cancer | $5,000+ | Yes, if diagnosed post-policy |
| Cosmetic procedures | N/A | No |
| Foreign object ingestion | $500–$3,000 | Yes |
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) | $1,500–$7,500 | Yes |
| Torn ligaments | $1,200–$9,500 | Yes |
| Pre-existing conditions | N/A | No |
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Other Coverages to Consider for Your Golden Retriever
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Most pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, but you can add extra coverage to make your plan more complete.
One of the most popular add-ons is a wellness plan, which helps cover routine and preventive care, like annual checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Wellness coverage can help prevent problems from developing and catch new conditions early, potentially saving you money on bigger vet bills later on.
You’ll also find add-ons for things like behavioral treatments, physical therapy, end-of-life care, and more.
Adding these extras to your plan means better protection for your golden retriever, especially if you want to avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs for things standard plans don’t include.
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance for Your Golden Retriever
Choosing the best pet insurance for your golden retriever means balancing your dog’s health needs with what you’re comfortable spending. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing plans:
Breed-specific coverage
Like many purebreds, golden retrievers are more likely to develop certain issues like hip and elbow dysplasia or cancer. Not all plans cover these conditions, so make sure the insurer includes breed-specific and genetic coverage in your policy.
Reimbursement rate
When you buy a pet insurance policy, you’ll have to choose what percentage of eligible vet bills your plan will pay for. Reimbursement rates are usually 70%, 80%, or 90%, but some insurers offer 100%. A higher reimbursement rate means your insurance pays more of your vet bill, but your monthly premium will be higher.
Deductible
Depending on the insurance company, you’ll be able to pick an annual deductible amount or one that applies per condition. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means you’ll pay more out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
Payout limits
Some plans cap how much they’ll reimburse each year or per condition, while others offer unlimited payouts. If you want full protection for big expenses like surgery or chronic illness care, an unlimited plan might be worth the higher cost.
Waiting periods
Most insurers won’t start covering accidents or illnesses right away. Check how long you’ll need to wait for coverage to begin, especially for orthopedic issues, which often have longer delays.
Company reputation
Look at customer reviews for insight into how quickly and fairly a company handles claims, especially for golden retrievers and other large breeds with known health risks.
Discounts
Some pet insurance companies offer discounts that can help you cut down your monthly bill. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you enroll more than one pet on the same policy. And if you buy your pet insurance policy from the same company as your renters or auto insurance, you may be able to get a bundling discount.
Quick Tip
If you’re mainly worried about big-ticket bills — like emergency surgery — go with a higher deductible and lower premium. But if you’d rather minimize out-of-pocket costs at the vet, a lower deductible with a higher reimbursement rate might be the better fit.
How Your Golden Retriever’s Age Affects Costs
Just like with people, age plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance for your golden retriever. The older your pup gets, the more likely it is to face costly health issues. That means it typically costs more to insure older dogs.
Younger dogs usually have the lowest premiums — puppies tend to be healthier and need fewer medical treatments, so insurers see them as less risky to cover. That means if you sign up early, you’ll likely lock in a lower rate and better long-term coverage. And some insurers offer wellness packages tailored for puppies.
Adult golden retrievers may cost a bit more to insure. Once they hit maturity, chances increase that hereditary issues like hip dysplasia or cancer will appear, so premiums increase as well.
But senior dogs tend to have the highest monthly costs. As your golden ages, it’s more likely to develop conditions like arthritis or heart disease, which require ongoing care and expensive treatments. It’s important to know that some insurers have age limits for new enrollments, while others may offer only accident plans for senior dogs.
Here’s a look at how pet insurance premiums for golden retrievers typically change based on age. This can help you plan ahead for your dog’s care and budget smarter.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Average Monthly Premium: Young Golden Retrievers | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Golden Retrievers | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Golden Retrievers |
|---|---|---|
| $48 | $56 | $128 |
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How Your Location Affects Pet Insurance Costs
Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for pet insurance. That’s because vet care costs vary a lot from one place to another, and insurers use those local costs to help set your premium.
For example, if you and your golden retriever live in a big city where the overall cost of living is higher, like New York or San Francisco, you can expect to pay more for coverage. Vet clinics in high-cost areas often charge more for exams, surgeries, and even routine care, which drives up insurance rates. On the other hand, premiums tend to be lower in rural areas or smaller towns where the cost of living, including veterinary services, is lower.
Your location can also affect what health risks your golden retriever might face. For example, warmer climates can mean higher chances of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease or heartworm.[8] On the other hand, colder climates may come with fewer parasites but more joint problems, especially if your dog slips on icy sidewalks.
Take a look at the table below to see how average monthly premiums for golden retrievers stack up in different states.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT.
State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Iowa | $35 |
| Delaware | $37 |
| Missouri | $40 |
| Montana | $40 |
| Ohio | $40 |
| Texas | $42 |
| Kentucky | $43 |
| Florida | $44 |
| Georgia | $44 |
| North Carolina | $47 |
| Oklahoma | $47 |
| South Carolina | $48 |
| Kansas | $48 |
| Minnesota | $48 |
| Mississippi | $48 |
| West Virginia | $48 |
| Colorado | $50 |
| Rhode Island | $50 |
| Connecticut | $51 |
| Hawaii | $51 |
| Arizona | $53 |
| Pennsylvania | $53 |
| Maryland | $54 |
| Michigan | $54 |
| California | $55 |
| Illinois | $55 |
| Nebraska | $56 |
| New Jersey | $56 |
| Massachusetts | $58 |
| Wisconsin | $58 |
| Idaho | $60 |
| New York | $64 |
| Virginia | $65 |
| Oregon | $67 |
| Indiana | $72 |
| Maine | $72 |
Pet Insurance for Golden Retrievers FAQs
Pets with health insurance get more care than uninsured pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.[9] Protecting your golden retriever with pet insurance can help keep them healthy.
Here’s some more information to consider as you shop for pet insurance.
How much does pet insurance cost for golden retrievers?
It depends on your dog’s age, where you live, and the type of coverage you choose. On average, accident and illness plans cost around $53 per month, according to our data. But you’ll likely pay more if your dog is older or lives in an area with high vet costs. Adding wellness coverage or other extras can also increase your premium.
Which insurance company has the best pet insurance for golden retrievers?
MetLife and Lemonade are two of the best insurance companies for golden retrievers, according to our research. MetLife stands out for its competitive rates and willingness to cover certain pre-existing conditions if a previous insurer covered them first. And Lemonade has consistently low rates and an easy-to-use, fully digital experience.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary conditions in golden retrievers?
Most pet insurance plans cover hereditary issues — like hip and elbow dysplasia or certain cancers — as long as your dog hasn’t shown symptoms before your policy starts. That’s why it’s smart to enroll your golden early, before any problems pop up. Always double-check the policy details to make sure breed-specific conditions are included.
What doesn’t pet insurance for golden retrievers cover?
In general, pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions, elective or cosmetic procedures, or routine care (unless you’ve added a wellness plan). Some policies may also exclude certain therapies or genetic conditions unless they’re spelled out in the coverage. It’s important to read the fine print to avoid surprises later.
When should you get pet insurance for your golden retriever?
The sooner, the better. Puppies usually get the best rates, and early enrollment means more conditions will have coverage down the line. If you wait until your golden develops a health issue, that condition likely won’t be covered, and your premiums may be higher.
Sources
- PetMD. "Golden Retriever."
- American Kennel Club. "Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024."
- New England Veterinary Center and Cancer Care. "Fixing Your Dog's Hip - Dysplasia Surgery Cost."
- CareCredit. "How Much Does Chemotherapy Cost for Dogs and Cats?."
- PetMD. "Dog Has Something Stuck in Throat: Signs and Remedies."
- Embrace Pet Insurance. "Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat)."
- CareCredit. "How Much Does CCL (ACL) Surgery for Dogs Cost?."
- Inside Climate News. "Climate Change Is Helping Heartworm Spread to Pets in the Mountain West."
- American Veterinary Medical Association. "Does pet health insurance make sense for clients?."
