About Labradors
One of the nation’s most popular breeds, the Labrador is often chosen by all sorts of families for their temperament and character and are also used as assistance dogs due to their intelligence. Whether you’re looking for a family pet or a companion for adventures, the Labrador is a versatile breed that suits a variety of different lifestyles.
Thinking of getting a Labrador?
Learn all about these popular pets with our breed guide.
Breed Health Conditions
Just like any other dog breed, there are certain conditions that Labradors could be prone to and inherit such as hip dysplasia and a variety of eye disorders. Breeders with good reputations ensure they breed from healthy dogs which can help minimise the number of health issues that can be passed on.
Want to know what to expect with a Labrador?
Learn more about the breed’s most common health conditions.
Did you know?
Your Animal Friends policy helps animal charities like the Good Life Dog Rescue who find forever homes for Labradors just like yours.
Insurance for Labradors made simple
Our step-by-step online quote process can help you determine the level of cover you need for your four-legged best friend. With just some quick information about yourself and some details about your dog, we'll give you quotes that suit you, your dog and your budget.
Want to know a bit more about what policy cover or type is right for you and your dog first? Find out how our award-winning policies work below;
Our policies
We have 5 types of pet insurance policies, including two options for Lifetime, each with different levels of cover for the cost of vet fees.
This aims to protect your dog if they have an accident. It doesn’t cover you for any illnesses or diseases they might have. If your dog has an accident, the policy offers £2,500 per year towards the cost of treating their injuries. The £2,500 limit applies to each accident your dog might have, and there’s no limit to the number of accidents you can claim for.
Each accident also has a lifetime limit of £15,000 – as long as you renew your policy. So, you can make claims over multiple years if your dog needs long-term treatment for their injuries – up to the £2,500 annual limit.
Time Limited products aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. You can claim up to a set amount for vet fees for each condition your dog might have.
Each new condition is covered for 12 months – as long as you renew your policy. The 12 months starts from the date your dog first showed signs or symptoms of the condition. Once you reach your vet fee limit – or after 12 months, whichever comes first – we won’t cover that condition anymore, even after you renew.
The annual limit in your schedule is the most we’ll pay in total each year for all conditions.
Maximum Benefit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. You can claim up to a set amount for vet fees for each condition your dog might have. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to, as long as you stay within the vet fee limit for each condition. Once you reach the limit for a condition, you won't be able to make a claim for it again, even after you renew.
Lifetime Annual Limit
Lifetime Annual Limit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. This policy allows you to claim up to a set amount for vet fees each policy year. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to each policy year, as long as you stay within your vet fee limit. The limit resets when you renew, and we’ll cover your dog’s conditions for as long as you have a policy with us.
Lifetime Condition Limit
Lifetime Condition Limit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. This policy allows you to claim up to a set amount for vet fees per policy year for each condition your dog might have. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to each policy year. This limit resets when you renew, and we’ll cover your dog’s conditions for as long as you have a policy with us.
Pet insurance premiums increase as your pet gets older, as the chance of your pet becoming ill increases. Excesses apply to all our policies and a co-payment is currently payable on claims if you renew your policy after your dog turns 8 years old.
Puppy insurance with PupStart
Our policies cover puppies from 4 weeks old, if your dog is under one year old you will also get additional exclusive benefits with PupStart, our uniquely tailored puppy programme.
You'll have access to:
- Puppy clinics and training with our vet experts at Joii Pet Care
- One month free flea and tick treatment
- Online introductory puppy first aid training
- The chance to win a puppy prize bundle worth £200*
Puppies are covered under our dog insurance policies. *Giveaway terms and conditions apply.
Why choose Animal Friends?
With over 25 years' experience, more than £8.5 million donated to support animal welfare, and over one million pets covered, customers choose Animal Friends for:
- Affordable, award-winning cover to suit you and your pet
- Free vet video calls 24/7/365 through the Joii app for dog and cat customers
- Every policy bought helps support animal charities and conservancies around the world
- Fuss-free claiming. Vets can claim on your behalf
- Expert advice and guides for you and your pet.
Labrador FAQs
Recognised as one of the nation’s favourite dog breeds, Labradors are loyal, family dogs whose cuddly nature is sure to make you smile. Also known as Labrador Retrievers, they quickly prove why you don’t need to be intimidated by their large size - their lovable personalities make them nothing short of a pleasure to be around.
As long as they’re in a happy home, they don’t mind living with a sole owner or a large family. Once well-trained, this breed is easily pleased and stimulated. All you need is a bowl full of food and a stick to keep them entertained!
Getting dog insurance is a great way to provide your Labrador with the protection and security they need, whilst reducing the cost of veterinary bills for you. With different insurance policies available, we’re here to help you find the right one.
At Animal Friends, the most important thing we want to ensure is that, through our different pet insurance policies, you're able to choose one that works for you, your pet and your budget.
This means that prices will differ subject to the level of cover you want for your Labrador. Here are a couple of things to consider that may impact your quote amount.
- Their age - As dogs get older, they are more likely to suffer from health issues and injuries. This means that insurance will be pricier for older dogs.
- Their location - Pet insurance prices are generally determined by region in the UK. Areas with lower veterinary costs typically come with cheaper insurance prices than that of areas with higher average costs.
Get a quote to insure your Labrador with one of our dog insurance policies.
Labradors typically live between 10 and 12 years - as with all other breeds, genetic and environmental factors can have an impact on this. It’s worth knowing that smaller dogs tend to live longer, and Labradors are on the larger side. However, this doesn’t mean their chances of a long life can’t be increased with a good diet, exercise plan and overall care.
It’s important to buy from the right breeder - they put a lot of effort into ensuring their litters are happy, healthy and well-cared for. Then, ensure that you’re providing your Labrador with several daily walks, regular health checks and a balanced diet. Labradors are prone to obesity which can, in turn, shorten life expectancy - so a tailored diet is always advised.
Unfortunately, there are some health conditions that Labradors are likely to suffer from - areas of their body that are often affected are their eyes, joints, weight, stomach and ears.
We recommend buying your dog from a reputable breeder who has done multiple health tests and screenings - we’d also suggest finding out as much as possible about the medical history of your Labrador’s family. This will help you gain awareness of any potential health conditions your dog may suffer from.
Yes, Labradors and Labrador Retrievers are the same. Both names refer to the same dog breed, with Labrador simply being a shorter term people use.
Labradors are friendly, intelligent and easy to train, making them a great option for first time owners. However, as everyone is different, it’s important to make sure they fit in well with your lifestyle.
One of the most vital things to know is that they can be very needy - they’re usually not far behind their owners at all times. From clambering on your lap to jumping up, these dogs are always keen for attention. As a result, they may experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time, which can cause them to bark excessively or chew your furniture.
They also require a lot of exercise, so you need to keep them active with walks, activities and playtime.
It’s essential to opt for a breed who you can seamlessly fit into your daily life - as well as one that you feel comfortable offering the best care to.
Labradors are very laid-back and don’t often display aggression, which makes it extremely easy for them to get along well with kids. Whether they live in the same house as a child or not, they often incorporate their energetic nature into interactions with those children they do meet.
However, it’s always important to supervise when dogs are around kids, especially if they are really young - older children are more likely to match the active personality of the Labrador.
Get a quote to insure your Labrador with one of our dog insurance policies.