How to Get the Best Pet Insurance for Shih Tzus in 2025

Shih tzus win hearts with their sweet temperaments and playful charm. They’re also a generally healthy breed. But these tiny powerhouses of personality can develop some health issues common in all dogs, like hip dysplasia, slipped kneecaps, and eye problems.

If you’re considering pet insurance to help pay for vet expenses, it’s a good idea to look for insurance plans that will meet your shih tzu’s unique needs.

On average, pet insurance for shih tzus costs around $36 per month, according to our data. That’s on par with the overall national average cost of pet insurance for dogs of $43 per month.

To help you find a pet insurance policy that’s right for your shih tzu, we analyzed thousands of pet insurance quotes and reviewed more than a dozen insurance companies. Here’s what we learned about the best pet insurance for shih tzus.

The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Shih Tzus

Your shih tzu’s little flat face may be adorable, but it also means they’re more susceptible to developing breathing problems. 

Their small faces and mouths can also make shih tzus prone to dental problems, including periodontal disease. And, although they’re considered hypoallergenic due to their low shedding, shih tzus are more likely to develop skin and ear allergies.

To help you find the right coverage for your shih tzu, we evaluated thousands of breed-specific quotes and more than a dozen top pet insurance companies. Here are our top choices for the best pet insurance for shih tzus.

Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Shih Tzus

​​Plenty of pet insurance companies offer plans for shih tzus, but monthly rates can vary depending on your dog’s age, health, and location.

Here’s a look at average monthly premiums for shih tzus from top insurers, according to our data. It’s a helpful way to spot which companies offer lower rates. But remember, the only way to find your best price is to compare personalized quotes.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Company	Average Monthly Premium
Pets Best	$16
Lemonade	$18
Spot	$23
ASPCA	$28
Healthy Paws	$29
Prudent Pet	$43
Figo	$50
Pumpkin	$56

What Pet Insurance Covers for Shih Tzus

Shih tzus have long life spans, averaging 10–18 years.^[1] In addition to regular grooming for their long, glossy coats, they require regular exercise and proper nutrition. Shih tzus also need regular veterinary care and, as they get older, may develop health problems like obesity, breathing problems, eye problems, and even liver issues.^[2]

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of diagnosing and treating these issues, which can get expensive over time.

Here’s a breakdown of some common health problems shih tzus may face, typical treatment costs, and whether pet insurance usually covers them. But keep in mind, most pet insurance plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions.^[3]

Condition	Typical Treatment Cost	Does Pet Insurance Cover It?
Cataracts	$3,300–$4,600	Yes
Ear infections	$100–$175 per episode	Yes
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (breathing issues)	$3,000–$5,000 for surgery	Yes
Dental disease	$500–$2,500 for cleaning and extractions	Maybe, depending on your insurer and policy
Dental cleaning	$100–$700	No, unless you buy a wellness plan add-on
Patellar luxation (knee dislocation)	$1,000–$3,000 per knee	Yes
Behavioral issues	$50–$500 per session	No, although some insurers may offer it as an add-on coverage
Hip dysplasia	$1,500–$4,500+ for surgery	Yes
Grooming and bathing	$40–$75	No
Tracheal collapse	$5,000–$6,000 for stent placement	Yes

Most insurers cover hereditary and congenital conditions like eye problems, brachycephalic syndrome, and heart or liver issues — but only if your shih tzu didn’t show symptoms or get diagnosed before your policy started. Some insurers also have waiting periods or exclusions for breed-specific conditions, so it’s important to read the fine print before signing up.

What pet insurance won’t cover for your shih tzu

Like any kind of insurance, pet insurance won’t cover every health condition. For example, most pet insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. But some may cover curable pre-existing conditions if your shih tzu remains symptom- and treatment-free for a certain length of time.

Here are some common pet insurance exclusions:

• Bilateral conditions: If your pet has the condition on one side of their body before you enroll in a pet insurance plan, your policy likely won’t cover the condition if it occurs on the other side of their body later.^[4]

• Preventable diseases: Most pet insurers won’t cover treatment if you choose not to vaccinate your pup and they later develop the disease that the vaccine could have prevented.

• Alternative treatments: A few pet insurance companies will cover alternative treatments like acupuncture, but most exclude them.

• Elective procedures: Pet insurance won’t cover cosmetic procedures like ear cropping or elective procedures that aren’t medically necessary.

Additional Pet Insurance Coverages for Shih Tzus

A standard accident and illness plan covers a lot, but it may not include everything your shih tzu needs. If you want more complete protection, many insurers offer optional add-ons that can help you manage the cost of routine and specialized care.

One of the most popular options is a wellness add-on, which helps pay for regular vet visits, vaccines, dental cleanings, and preventive care like flea, tick, and heartworm treatments. This type of coverage can make it easier to stay on top of routine health needs. And it can help catch potential issues early, which is especially helpful for any breed with hereditary health risks.

Other available add-ons may include:

• Exam fee coverage: Pays for the cost of vet consultations.

• Dental illness coverage: Pays to treat infections, extractions, and gum disease.

• Behavioral care: Covers issues like anxiety and aggression.

• End-of-life coverage: Pays for euthanasia and cremation.

• Physical therapy or rehab: This coverage can be especially useful for post-surgical recovery.

• Alternative therapies: Covers acupuncture or chiropractic care.

• Prescription food and supplements: Pays for special diet foods and supplements your vet may prescribe.

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How Pet Insurance Works for Shih Tzus

Pet insurance plans typically cover accidents and illnesses, although some lower-cost options cover only accidents. You also may be able to add wellness coverage or other optional insurance to your basic plan.

Most pet insurers work on a reimbursement model. That means you pay covered veterinary costs up front and submit a claim for reimbursement, and your insurer repays you based on your policy terms.

These are the key factors that affect how much your insurance company will reimburse you for a covered claim:

• Deductible: Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance has deductibles, too. Your deductible is the amount of covered bills that you’re responsible for before your insurance starts reimbursing costs. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more up front if your dog gets sick or injured. Choose a deductible that fits what you can afford in an emergency.

• Reimbursement rate: After meeting your deductible, your insurer reimburses a percentage of the bill — usually 70%, 80%, or 90%. But some pet insurance companies even offer 100% reimbursement. Higher reimbursement means more of your vet bills get covered, but it also means a higher monthly premium.

• Payout limit: Some plans cap how much they’ll pay each year or over your dog’s lifetime. Plans with higher or unlimited payout limits cost more. But they also offer more financial protection if your shih tzu develops a serious or ongoing condition.

• Waiting period: Most pet insurance policies have waiting periods — time frames during which the policy won’t pay for a health issue it would normally cover. Waiting periods can vary among insurers and even by condition. For example, a pet insurance policy may have no waiting period for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 180 days for pre-existing, curable conditions.

How to Find the Right Insurance for Your Shih Tzu

Finding the right pet insurance for your shih tzu isn’t just about picking the cheapest plan; it’s about making sure the coverage fits your dog’s needs and your budget.

Shih tzus are more likely to develop several breed-specific health issues, so it’s important to choose a plan that includes hereditary and congenital conditions. Not all insurers cover these by default, and some may have exclusions or waiting periods that affect coverage. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to read the fine print before signing up.

Here are a few things to consider as you compare your options:^[5]

• Coverage options: Look for a plan that covers accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions, and hereditary or congenital issues. Some insurers also cover behavioral treatment, prescription meds, and diagnostic testing. If your shih tzu is more likely to face certain health issues, make sure the policy includes those conditions.

• Add-ons/optional coverages: If you want help paying for routine care, look for an insurance company that offers a wellness add-on. And if your shih tzu has special needs, like anxiety or a physical disability, you may want to look for a company that offers optional coverages to help pay for those issues.

• Exclusions and waiting periods: Double-check for exclusions on pre-existing conditions and any breed-specific disorders. Also note how long you’ll have to wait before coverage starts, especially if you’re switching insurers or adopting an older dog.

• Cost and flexibility: Look for a plan that lets you adjust things like your deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limit. That way, you can tailor the plan to your monthly budget and your dog’s specific health needs.

• Customer service and claims process: When your dog needs care, a smooth claims process and a responsive support team can make a stressful situation a little easier to manage.

Comparing quotes from multiple pet insurance companies is the best way to find the right balance of cost and coverage. Take the time to review each policy’s details so you know exactly what it includes — and what it doesn’t — before you buy.

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How Your Shih Tzu’s Age Affects Pet Insurance Costs

Your shih tzu’s age plays a big role in how much you pay for pet insurance. Younger dogs generally get lower premiums since they’re less likely to have chronic conditions or need expensive vet care. But as your shih tzu gets older, those rates tend to go up.

That’s because older dogs have a higher risk of developing hereditary conditions, getting long-term illnesses, and needing surgeries, making them more expensive to insure. Many companies break pets down into three categories: puppy, adult, and senior. Puppies and younger dogs usually qualify for the lowest premiums, while senior dogs may face much higher costs.

Some insurers also restrict what kind of coverage older dogs can get. That might mean offering accident-only plans or excluding certain conditions altogether if your shih tzu has already shown symptoms.

Here’s a look at how your shih tzu’s age affects pet insurance premiums.

How Your Location Affects Pet Insurance Costs

Location affects multiple factors that in turn influence the cost of pet insurance, including:^[6]

• Vet costs in your area

• The overall cost of living

• State insurance regulations

• Exposure to certain health risks, like extreme heat or cold and parasites

• Availability of specialized veterinary care

If you live in a city with a high cost of living or expensive vet services, like New York City or Los Angeles, you’ll probably pay more each month for coverage. But in smaller towns or rural areas with lower average vet bills, premiums tend to be cheaper because it costs insurers less to pay claims.

Here’s a look at how where you live can affect the cost of pet insurance for your shih tzu:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

State	Average Monthly Premium
Arkansas	$15
Maine	$19
Iowa	$22
Alabama	$25
Mississippi	$26
Texas	$26
Wyoming	$26
Louisiana	$27
Minnesota	$28
North Carolina	$28
Rhode Island	$28
South Carolina	$29
Missouri	$29
Ohio	$30
Delaware	$31
Georgia	$31
Pennsylvania	$31
Kansas	$32
Kentucky	$32
Oklahoma	$32
Colorado	$33
Florida	$33
Indiana	$33
Nebraska	$33
New Mexico	$33
Tennessee	$33
West Virginia	$35
Wisconsin	$36
Illinois	$37
Washington	$37
Massachusetts	$38
Arizona	$39
Michigan	$39
California	$40
New Jersey	$40
Idaho	$41
Nevada	$43
Utah	$44
Virginia	$44
Connecticut	$45
Maryland	$45
Washington D.C.	$46
Oregon	$48
Hawaii	$49
New York	$54

Pet Insurance for Shih Tzus FAQs