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Premiums depend on ZIP code, deductible, reimbursement rate and the puppy’s age. Enroll early: NAPHIA notes that conditions present before coverage or during waiting periods are generally excluded as pre-existing. Compare same-deductible quotes from a few companies before you pick a plan. Answer page →
We haven’t bought these policies ourselves, and we don’t publish prices. Premiums depend on your Lab’s age, ZIP code, deductible and reimbursement choices, and they change often. What we can do is show which policy features matter most for a Lab and how each insurer describes its plan. Then you can get quotes and compare like-for-like.
What matters most for a Lab
Lab risk
Policy clause to check
Cruciate (CCL) tears, often both knees
Orthopedic/cruciate waiting period; is the second knee excluded if the first tore before coverage?
Covered as hereditary/congenital? Any age cutoff or special waiting period?
Chronic ear & skin allergies
Are chronic conditions covered year after year, or capped?
Lumps & cancer
Annual or lifetime limit high enough for oncology?
Swallowed objects
Accident coverage, short waiting period
Exam fees
Are vet exam fees reimbursed or excluded?
How the major insurers describe themselves
Trupanion. One plan with no payout limits on new illnesses and injuries, and it can pay participating vets directly at checkout (per Trupanion). Good if you’d rather not front a $5,000 surgery bill.
Embrace. Accident & illness plan with a diminishing deductible that drops each claim-free year, plus an optional Wellness Rewards add-on (per Embrace).
Lemonade. App-first quotes and claims, modular add-ons, and bundle discounts if you have other Lemonade policies.
Fetch. Accident & illness coverage underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company (per Fetch). Compare its exam-fee and alternative-therapy terms.
How to compare quotes properly
Get quotes at the same deductible and reimbursement % from each insurer.
Download each sample policy and search for “cruciate”, “hip”, “bilateral”, “hereditary”, “waiting period” and “exam”.
Check how premiums rise with age. Some insurers reprice sharply for senior dogs.
For a Lab, the features that matter are orthopedic coverage without nasty waiting-period or bilateral exclusions, high or unlimited annual limits, and buying young. Which insurer is “best” depends on your quotes. Use the table below to start.
New puppy? Enroll before the first illness note lands in the chart. Our new Lab puppy checklist puts insurance on the before-day-one list, next to the first vet visit.
Products mentioned
Pet insurance
Trupanion medical insurance
Trupanion
Best for: Owners who want no payout caps and direct vet payment
Single accident & illness plan
No payout limits on new illnesses/injuries (per Trupanion)
We don't list prices because they change often. Check the current price with the seller.
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy pet insurance for my Lab?
As early as possible, ideally as a puppy. Anything diagnosed or showing symptoms before coverage starts is usually excluded as pre-existing.
Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia in Labs?
Many accident & illness plans cover it if it isn't pre-existing, but terms differ, and some have special waiting periods or age rules for hip conditions. Read the sample policy.
Is wellness coverage worth it?
Wellness add-ons pay for routine care such as vaccines and checkups. Do the math: they rarely pay out much more than they cost. The core value of insurance is accident & illness coverage.
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