Get Affordable Pet Insurance for Labradors

Protecting Labrador Retrievers with affordable and flexible cover.

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About Labrador Retrievers

Introducing the ever-popular Labrador Retriever! This friendly, outgoing breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and versatility. Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl with their webbed paws and “otter” tails, Labradors have deep roots in working roles. In Australia, they’re beloved as family pets, therapy dogs, and service or detection dogs.

Labradors thrive in active homes where they can enjoy swimming, fetching, and daily exercise to stay happy and focused. Their short, dense, waterproof double coat sheds throughout the year—with heavier molting seasons—so regular brushing helps keep things tidy. They come in three classic colours: black, yellow (cream to fox-red), and chocolate.

These dogs excel in obedience, agility, search‑and‑rescue, and detection work thanks to their eager-to-please nature and soft mouths. If you lead an active lifestyle, enjoy training sessions, and want a loyal, enthusiastic companion, the Labrador Retriever could be your perfect match!

🌊 FUN FACT! Labradors were originally bred to retrieve fishing nets and ropes in icy Canadian waters—hence their love for swimming!

Physical description

WEIGHT

24 – 36 kg

HEIGHT

54 – 62 cm

COAT LENGTH

Short

COLOUR

Solid creams, apricots, golds, chocolates, cafés, blacks, silvers, lavenders; patterns like parti, phantom, tri‑colour, roan, tuxedo

Puppy labrador retriever graphic

Things you should know about Labrador Retrievers

Dog Insurance

  • While the average lifespan is 10-12 years, some have lived much longer, like Adjutant, who lived to be 27.
  • Labrador Retrievers love food and can become overweight easily, which can lead to health issues. Consider using a slow feeder bowl if your dog is eating too fast!
  • Most need about an hour of exercise daily, depending on their age and health.
  • As curious puppies, they often chew or eat things they shouldn’t—like socks or furniture—so close supervision and training are a must to avoid dangerous food and objects.
  • In 2023-2024, the average benefits paid by Knose for Labrador Retrievers were $350.

Pet Ownership

  • A single litter can have puppies of all three standard colors: black, yellow, and chocolate!
  • Labradors are smart, gentle, and easy to train. That’s why they’re great as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and even for detecting diseases.
  • Their thick double coat helps them stay warm in water and sheds all year. Brush weekly to control the fur.
  • Labs are family-friendly dogs but can be too energetic around small kids—they might accidentally knock them over with their strong tails so keep an eye on them!

Essential preventative measures to keep your Labrador Rettrievers happy

As responsible pet owners, always ensure to give your pets the best care possible.

Regular veterinary
check-ups

Diet and weight
management

Tennis dog training balls graphic

Regular exercise and training

Speech bubble graphic

Mental stimulation and socialisation

Dental
care

Take the next step in pet care

Get affordable routine care for your furry friend today.

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Common health problems in Labrador Retrievers

Knose covers the following potential health problems in Labrador Retrievers:

Typically up to $15,000 per leg
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic condition in Labrador Retrievers, where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, leading to joint instability, pain, and over time, arthritis. It can be hereditary but may also be influenced by rapid growth, excessive weight, or high-impact exercise in puppies.

  • Knose: Annual excess

Other providers: Excess paid per condition

Typically up to $10,000 per leg
Cruciate ligament rupture is a frequent orthopaedic issue in Labrador Retrievers due to their active nature and solid build. The condition affects the knee joint, causing pain, limping, and reduced mobility. Labs are particularly prone to this injury from activities involving sudden turns or high-impact movements.

  • Knose: Annual excess

Other providers: Excess paid per condition

Typically up to $10,000 per leg
Elbow dysplasia is a common developmental joint condition in Labrador Retrievers, often also due to their rapid growth and genetic predisposition. It involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis over time. Treatment ranges from weight management and physiotherapy to surgical intervention, depending on severity. 

  • Knose: Annual excess

Other providers: Excess paid per condition

Typically up to $1,500 per treatment
Labrador Retrievers love swimming, but their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to ear infections. Signs of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching, redness, odour, or discharge. Regular ear cleaning and drying after swimming or bathing can help prevent infections, but prompt vet treatment is essential to relieve pain and avoid chronic problems.

  • Knose: Annual excess

Other providers: Excess paid per condition

Typically up to $500 per treatment
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are a common skin issue in Labrador Retrievers. These irritated, inflamed patches can appear suddenly and cause intense itching, leading dogs to lick, chew, or scratch the area, which worsens the condition. Labradors’ thick coats can trap moisture, making them more prone to hot spots. This can usually be treated with cleaning the area, and using topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and infection.

  • Knose: Annual excess

Other providers: Excess paid per condition

Extensive coverage and inclusions for dogs of all stages

Trusted to protect over 60,000 pets since 2017, with cover focused on the essential needs of your dog’s well-being.

What We Cover

  • Vet costs if your dog is injured
  • Vet costs if your dog suffers an illness
  • Vet costs for essential euthanasia
  • Vet costs overseas

Optional Benefits

  • Dental Illness
  • Behavioural Conditions
  • Alternative Therapies to treat covered conditions

What we don’t cover

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Preventive and routine items
  • Desexing
  • Brachycephalic Obstruction Airway Syndrome
  • Your actions including pet care
  • Certain treatment
  • Certain vet costs
  • Other general exclusions

Knose provides cover for dogs of all stages, from 6-week-old puppies to senior dogs, ensuring they’re protected throughout their lives.

Puppies (6 weeks-1 year)
Adult dogs (2-7 years)
Senior dogs (8 years+)
See our Coverage

Dog insurance claims made easy

With over 104,000 claims processed and $34 million paid, we’re proud to back Aussie pets when it matters most.

a miniature dachshund - Knose dog insurance cover

1 year-old Miniature Daschund

Lump removal surgery

Vet bill

$1,754

Claimed with Knose

$1,403

a golden retriever running in the park - knose dog insurance cover

3 year-old Golden Retriever

Cruciate Ligament rupture surgery

Vet bill

$4,838

Claimed with Knose

$4,264

a miniature poodle puppy sitting in the car - knose dog insurance claim

3 year-old Miniature Poodle

Atopy (Skin allergies)

Vet bill

$154

Claimed with Knose

$123

Photo of tamaruke dogs - knose dog insurance claims

4 year-old Tamaruke

Dental surgery for fractured tooth

Vet bill

$1,034

Claimed with Knose

$765

a white great dane dog - knose dog insurance claims

3 year-old Great Dane

Snake bite treatment

Vet bill

$4,203

Claimed with Knose

$3,783

Why Choose Knose?

  • Customisable Plans – Choose your cover level, benefit percentage, and excess to suit your budget.
  • No Sub-limits on Vet Bills – We don’t cap individual treatment costs within your annual limit.
  • Fast, Easy Claims – Submit claims online and get reimbursed quickly.
  • 24/7 Pet Health Advice – Get free, unlimited access to expert support anytime, anywhere.

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Trusted by Australian Pet Owners

Real testimonials from those who know best—the pet owners themselves.

Excellent 4.6 based on 782 Reviews

“

10/10 personalised service!

In January, we brought a puppy (Bella) into our lives – she is beautiful! Recently she had a few gastro issues and subsequent vet visits. Knose Pet Insurance has been awesome. They acknowledged the claims immediately, and then followed up with personal emails advising us of the progress of our claims. We even received a message asking after Bella and a follow up to say how pleased they were that Bella is now doing well. Top class personalized service and a thorough explanation of the claim refunds. 10/10 guys!

Bella, insured with dog insurance from Knose Pet Insurance
“

Quick refund process

Submitted a claim for the first time after 12 months of insurance and everything went smoothly. I received regular updates of the progress of my claim and the refund process was quick once the team had received all the information from the vet.

“

Affordable pet insurance with easy claims!

Knose has been a great choice for pet insurance. The premiums are relatively affordable, claims are super easy to make by just uploading vet invoices, and the 24 hour phoneline that connects you with a vet nurse is a brilliant feature.

“

Amazing claims service

We searched for quite sometime for pet insurance for our toy poodle puppy and we’re so glad we found Knose’s Dog Insurance. They have been amazing. I really appreciate how you can call them with any query you might have and speak to someone in Australia who is clear and concise. Easy to put a claim through and you’re emailed throughout until your claim has been paid. Thank you to everyone for the great service.

“

I recommend Knose’s Cat Insurance to fellow pet owners!

The last thing you want to worry about when you have a sick pet is the cost. Knose Pet Insurance gives me peace of mind knowing that we can get the care we need for our beloved Cat and our claim will be handled with ease and in a timely manner! I recommend Knose to all my pet owning friends and family. Thank you Knose!

“

Fast and friendly customer service

You are very easy to engage with, you keep me up to date with my claim and I love the way you always enquire after Harry my dog. Thank you

“

I love being insured with Knose

I’ve been insured with Knose since our Cavooodle was 8 weeks old and they’re consistently reliable and so easy to communicate with. The claim process is super simple which is one of them any things I love about being insured with Knose.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In general, dog insurance is worth it because of the financial and emotional benefits of ensured care for your furry friends. It is worthwhile for Labradors due to their predisposition to joint issues, ear infections, and other chronic conditions, which can lead to significant veterinary expenses over their lifetime.

Routine veterinary visits are recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if your dog has any health concerns.

Core vaccinations include canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus (C3), with additional protection for parainfluenza and Bordetella (kennel cough) often recommended.

Labradors don’t have unique dietary requirements, but they are prone to overeating and obesity, so it’s important to feed them a balanced, portion-controlled diet rich in protein and fibre to maintain a healthy weight.

Look for cover that includes hip and elbow dysplasia, which are common in Labradors and classified by Knose as “Specified Conditions” with a 6-month exclusion period. It’s also helpful to have a high annual limit and benefit percentage to manage potential ongoing treatment costs.

When purchasing a new dog insurance policy for your dog:

  • The minimum age for entry for a pet is 6 weeks old.
  • The maximum age for entry for a pet is 8 years and 364 days old.
  • The maximum age for including or adding optional extra benefits is 2 years and 364 days.

There are no age limits when renewing policies.

A brown dog is holding a brown envelope in its mouth.

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