Pet insurance for Golden Retrievers
Learning more about the Golden Retriever breed
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs?
As one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia, Golden Retrievers are incredibly well-suited to family life as they’re gentle, trainable, affectionate and famously patient with children. Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment near a park, if your Golden gets enough exercise and love, they’ll be content.
Do Golden Retrievers have a double coat?
Yes, one of the defining features of the Golden Retriever is its thick, double-layered coat.3 This coat was originally developed to help them retrieve waterfowl in cold, wet conditions. It consists of a soft undercoat that provides insulation and a longer, water-resistant outer coat.
Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Yes, while beautiful, this double coat does mean that Golden Retrievers are moderate to heavy shedders. You can expect shedding year-round, with heavier ‘coat-blowing’ periods during autumn and spring. To keep their coat shiny and healthy, regular brushing and de-shedding are recommended several times a week. Additionally, an occasional professional grooming every few months will be beneficial for them
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
In terms of lifespan, Golden Retrievers generally live until they are 10 and 12 years old.1 With proper care that includes a good diet, regular exercise and routine veterinary visits, some Goldens can live well beyond the average lifespan. Puppies grow quickly and usually reach their full height by 12 to 18 months, although Golden Retrievers stop growing at around two years of age.2
Golden Retriever health problems
Golden Retrievers are generally strong and friendly dogs, but like many purebred dogs, they are prone to certain inherited and breed-specific health conditions that can lead to costly vet bills.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together correctly.3 Over time, this misalignment causes the joint to wear down, resulting in pain, stiffness and, ultimately, arthritis.4
Signs of hip dysplasia can appear as early as six months old, and symptoms include difficulty standing up or lying down, reluctance to jump or climb stairs and decreased activity or signs of pain after exercise.
A vet can diagnose hip dysplasia through physical examination and X-rays. Treatment options range from weight management and anti-inflammatories to physiotherapy or even surgery in severe cases.
Elbow dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition that affects the elbow joint.3 It’s caused by abnormal bone growth or joint structure, leading to early-onset arthritis and pain. Symptoms of elbow dysplasia may include limping in the front leg, especially after rest or activity, stiffness or favouring one leg, swelling around the elbow or an unwillingness to play or go for walks.
This condition can be diagnosed through X-rays or CT scans. Treatment often involves medication, controlled exercise and, in some cases, surgery.
Cruciate ligament injuries
Golden Retrievers are active dogs, which puts them at risk of tearing the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee.4 It can happen suddenly during play or gradually over time.
Common signs pet owners should look for include sudden lameness in one of the back legs, limping that worsens with activity, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg and swelling around the knee joint.6
Cancer
Sadly, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Golden Retrievers.5 They are especially prone to types of cancer such as:
- Hemangiosarcoma: A fast-growing cancer of blood vessels, often in the spleen or heart.
- Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.
- Mast cell tumours: Skin cancer.
Early detection is key. If you notice any unusual changes in your dog’s body or behaviour, have them checked by a vet immediately. As cancer is harder to spot, signs may vary depending on the type, but may include:
- Lumps or bumps on the skin
- Sudden weakness or collapse (particularly with hemangiosarcoma)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or energy.
Skin conditions
Golden Retrievers are prone to skin allergies (atopic dermatitis), which can lead to secondary infections.3 Common allergens include pollens, grasses, dust mites and even certain foods. Flare-ups are common during spring and summer.
Signs of skin issues may include persistent scratching, licking, or chewing (especially paws, ears, or belly), red, inflamed skin or rashes, hair loss in certain areas and odour or discharge from skin or ears
Treatment may include antihistamines, medicated shampoos, prescription diets and allergy testing.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited eye condition that causes the gradual breakdown of the retina, eventually leading to blindness.3 There is no cure, but the condition progresses slowly, allowing dogs time to adapt.
Signs your dog is developing PRA may include cataracts, bumping into things, especially at night or a reluctance to go out at night or in low light.
Your vet can confirm PRA with an eye exam. While there’s no treatment, most dogs adjust well to vision loss if their environment remains consistent.
Why pet insurance for golden retrievers is important
Pet insurance is one of the best ways to ensure your Golden Retriever receives the care it needs, without worrying about the financial strain of treatment costs. All types of pet insurance cover accidental injuries, which can be particularly important for active breeds that love to play, such as the Golden Retriever.
Given their predisposition to hereditary and chronic conditions, depending on your level of cover, your dog’s insurance may also help cover these unexpected costs, allowing you to focus on their health; this depends on whether your pet was already covered before they developed one of these conditions. Most importantly, insurance can give you the ability to make medical decisions based on what’s best for your dog, not what you can afford at the time. That peace of mind is invaluable, especially during emergencies.
Beyond covering accidents and illness, many pet insurance policies also offer routine care add-ons, which can include cover for vaccinations, desexing, dental cleanings, worming treatments and even annual check-ups. For a breed that requires consistent maintenance and regular health monitoring, these extras can be beneficial.
How to choose pet insurance for Golden Retrievers
When choosing pet insurance in Australia, it’s important to find a policy that covers hereditary conditions, since many of the health issues Golden Retrievers face fall into that category.
Here are some more things to consider when looking into pet insurance:
- Compare plans. Compare insurance quotes for various pet insurance plans and select the best level of cover that suits your financial situation. Research different insurance providers to see their reviews and how their pet insurance claims process works, as having a good insurance company can make all the difference when you’re trying to claim vet expenses.
- Annual benefits and sub-limits. Look for accident and illness cover (also known as comprehensive policies) that offer high annual benefit limits and sub-limits, as treatments like cruciate ligament surgery or cancer therapies can be expensive.
- Reimbursement rates. Reimbursement rates for a comprehensive pet insurance policy typically range from 70% to 90%. A higher reimbursement rate means lower out-of-pocket costs when you need to claim. Check if the policy includes optional routine care or dental, which can add value.
- Check exclusions and waiting periods. Be sure to review any exclusions, waiting periods and caps on specific conditions or procedures as well. If possible, insure your Golden Retriever when they’re a puppy (as young as eight weeks old), as most policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Getting in early ensures you have the broadest coverage before any health issues The eligibility for an illness covers drastically decreases when your dog turns nine, and the majority of pet insurance policies only provide accidental coverage with a set annual limit.
Always read the policy terms on the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD) to know what the inclusions and exclusions of your pet insurance policy are, and that the insurance product is the right fit for you and your furry friend.
Meet our pet insurance expert, Adrian Taylor
As a General Insurance expert with over 13 years’ experience in financial services, Adrian Taylor knows that dogs and cats get themselves into all sorts of mischief. One part of Adrian’s work is to help empower consumers to understand how pet insurance can help save them from exorbitant vet bills when their pet gets injured or falls ill.
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1 American Kennel Club (AKC). ‘Dog Breeds, Golden Retrievers.’ Accessed July 2025.
2 My Golden Retriever Puppies. ‘When Do Golden Retrievers Stop Growing? Growth Stages, Key Milestones.’ Accessed July 2025.
3 PetMD. ‘Dog breeds: Golden Retrievers.’ Accessed July 2025.
4 Colorado State University. ‘Canine cruciate ligament injury.’ Accessed July 2025.
5 ImpriMed. ‘Why Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Cancer: Lymphoma in Goldens.’ Accessed July 2025.
6 Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. ‘Elbow dysplasia.’ Accessed July 2025.