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Pet Insurance for Golden Retrievers

Find out all about Golden Retrievers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 21st, 2023       

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Price range

$800–$3,000

Height

51cm - 61cm

Weight

25kg - 34kg

Personality

Intelligent, friendly, devoted

Coat length

Long

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 12 years

Golden Retriever

Overview

The Golden Retriever has been voted one of the world’s top three most popular dogs for more than five decades. Known for their friendly disposition, intelligence, patience, and striking golden coats, they have earned a reputation as ideal family companions and versatile working dogs. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and excel in obedience training and as service or therapy dogs. 

Originally bred in Scotland during the 19th century, they were developed as hunting retrievers, adept at retrieving waterfowl in rugged terrain. They were originally a cross between the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, a Bloodhound and a Yellow-Coated Retriever. They have a dense, water-repellent coat that requires regular grooming, and are excellent swimmers.  

Today, their charming personality and adaptability make them the No. 1 choice for many families. They make loyal and loving family pets and are great with all ages of children. They are used extensively for therapy work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Their loving and loyal nature, coupled with their boundless energy, makes them an excellent addition to active households where they thrive on interaction, exercise, and human companionship.

Common diseases and conditions of Golden Retrievers

  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Cancer: Golden Retrievers have a higher-than-normal chance of developing cancer, which is the cause of death of 60% of this breed.  
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Golden Retrievers. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition. 

Breed-specific issues:  

Their friendly demeanour makes Golden Retrievers great companions, but they do require exercise and regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. Because of their genetic vulnerability to cancer, it is recommended that they are taken for a vet check-up at least twice a year. They are also known to suffer from separation anxiety, and don’t like being left alone.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Golden Retriever?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Golden Retrievers

Is a Golden Retriever and a Golden Labrador the same breed?

No, Golden Retrievers and Golden Labradors are distinct and separate breeds. Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland, and are known for their long, golden coats. They were bred primarily as hunting and retrieving dogs. Labradors, on the other hand, originate from the island of Newfoundland, which is part of modern-day Canada. In the early 19th century, they were imported to England where they were further developed into the breed we now know as the Labrador Retriever. Labradors come in many shades of colour, including a light tan colour which is not the same shade as a Golden Retriever’s coat. 

Are there different types of Golden Retriever?

Yes, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct types, American, British, and Canadian. These types vary only slightly in appearance and temperament and are all recognised as Golden Retrievers. In addition, there are specific colour variations such as the English Cream Golden Retriever, which has a paler whitish-cream coat. There is also a Red Golden Retriever, which has a much darker coat similar in colour to a fox.

 
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot of hair?

Yes, Golden Retrievers shed throughout the year and can shed heavily during seasonal changes. Very regular grooming is needed to help keep their coats looking shiny and healthy and to manage their shedding.  

How much exercise do Golden Retrievers need?

Golden Retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, or retrieving activities, to stay healthy and happy. Most families find that two 30-minute walks a day will keep their Golden Retriever content and prevent destructive behaviour caused by boredom. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Golden Retriever

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