Best Shih Tzu Pet Insurance: Coverage, Costs & Top Picks [2026]

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Your Shih Tzu’s adorable flat face and big personality come with a hidden price tag—these compact companions are prone to breathing difficulties, eye injuries, and joint problems that can rack up thousands in vet bills. A single corneal ulcer surgery can cost $1,500, while treating chronic brachycephalic syndrome might run $3,000 or more.

Pet insurance for Shih Tzus generally reimburses 70% to 90% of these costs, turning a financial crisis into a manageable monthly payment. The key is understanding which hereditary conditions you need covered and enrolling before problems show up, since pre-existing conditions won’t be covered. The right policy protects both your dog’s health and your savings account.

Why Shih Tzus Need Pet Insurance

Shih Tzus are adorable companions, but their flat faces and compact bodies make them prone to some serious health problems. When your pup needs surgery or ongoing treatment, those vet bills can climb into the thousands faster than you’d expect.

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Let’s look at why protecting yourself financially with pet insurance makes sense for this breed.

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Genetic Health Risks in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus come with a trade-off that’s hard to ignore: their adorable flat faces and compact build make them irresistible companions, but those same features put them at higher risk for a handful of genetic health problems. They’re also prone to autoimmune disease issues that can affect their quality of life.

These inherited diseases don’t just show up once. They’re chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment, which is exactly why pet insurance matters for your Shih Tzu’s health.

Understanding whether a Shih Tzu is the right fit for your family includes planning for their predictable healthcare needs throughout their long lifespan.

Unexpected Veterinary Expenses

Beyond those genetic risks, you’re also facing the reality that emergencies don’t wait for payday. A basic emergency visit can run $150 to $1,000, and that’s before diagnostics or treatment.

Survey data shows half of pet owners worry about unexpected vet bills, with good reason—emergency care averages $653 per visit. Without financial planning or accident insurance, even routine illness insurance claims can strain your budget fast.

Understanding emergency vet costs is essential for preparing for such expenses.

Financial Protection for Pet Owners

That’s where pet insurance steps in—it’s basically your safety net when those big bills hit. Most plans reimburse 70% to 90% of veterinary costs, which means you’re not draining your emergency funds or facing impossible financial risks.

For most Shih Tzu owners, affordable monthly premiums between $20 and $54 make coverage accessible without breaking the bank.

Pet insurance reimburses 70–90% of vet costs, protecting you from draining savings when emergencies hit

Pet insurance companies handle the heavy lifting while you focus on pet budgeting and financial planning for pet owners. When insurance claims come through, you’ll actually have the financial protection to say yes to treatment.

Common Health Issues in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are adorable companions, but their unique physical traits make them vulnerable to specific health problems. Understanding these common conditions helps you see why insurance coverage matters so much for this breed.

Let’s look at the main health issues that tend to affect Shih Tzus throughout their lives.

Respiratory and Airway Conditions

Your Shih Tzu’s adorable flat face comes with a serious downside: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. This inherited condition causes breathing difficulties through narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and sometimes tracheal collapse. Without pet insurance, surgical correction and ongoing treatment can drain your savings fast. Here’s what puts your pup at risk:

1. Narrowed airways that restrict oxygen flow
2. Exercise intolerance and overheating dangers
3. Anesthesia complications during routine procedures
4. Bronchitis issues from chronic airway obstruction
5. Potential respiratory failure requiring emergency care

Eye Diseases and Disorders

Those big, beautiful eyes that make your Shih Tzu irresistible also make them vulnerable to corneal ulcers, eye infections, and even vision loss. Their prominent eye position and reduced corneal sensitivity mean irritants linger longer, causing damage before you notice.

Severe cases may require cataract surgery or emergency procedures to prevent retinal damage. Pet insurance covers these costly treatments, protecting both your Shih Tzu’s health and your wallet.

Hip and Joint Problems

Small dogs like Shih Tzus face surprising mobility issues. Patellar luxation—where the kneecap slips out of place—causes intermittent lameness and joint pain in young to middle-aged pups.

Intervertebral disc disease ranks among the most common Shih Tzu health issues, potentially leading to paralysis that requires emergency surgical options.

Hip dysplasia and arthritis care become necessary as these conditions worsen, making complete pet insurance coverage from trusted veterinary care providers essential protection.

What Pet Insurance Covers for Shih Tzus

Most pet insurance plans for Shih Tzus cover a broad range of medical situations, from sudden accidents to ongoing health concerns. Understanding what’s included helps you know when you can file a claim and what expenses you’ll get reimbursed for.

Here’s what standard pet insurance usually covers for your Shih Tzu.

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Accident and Illness Coverage

Most dog health insurance plans reimburse you 70 to 90 percent of veterinary fees after you meet your deductible. Accident and illness coverage covers both sudden injuries and medical conditions, giving your Shih Tzu protection when they need it most. Here’s what these coverage options usually include:

1. Diagnostics like X-rays and blood work
2. Surgeries and hospitalization
3. Prescription medications
4. Treatment for cancer, diabetes, and allergies

Policy limits usually range from $2,500 to $20,000 annually, though some pet insurance companies offer unlimited reimbursement rates at higher premiums. The claim process is straightforward—you pay your vet first, then submit receipts for reimbursement. Keep in mind that preexisting conditions won’t be covered, so enrolling your Shih Tzu early protects against future health issues before symptoms appear.

Hereditary and Chronic Conditions

Your Shih Tzu’s breed risks—like brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, and chronic eye disease—are usually covered under most pet insurance policies, even though these are genetic conditions.

That’s a relief, since periodontal disease alone is the most common disorder in the breed and often requires repeated treatments.

Disease management for hereditary issues generally includes diagnostic tests, surgeries, and ongoing medications your pup needs.

Diagnostic Tests and Medications

When your Shih Tzu needs bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasound imaging to diagnose breathing issues or joint pain, pet insurance usually covers those diagnostic costs. Most policies also reimburse you for prescribed medications—like anti-inflammatories or antibiotics—that follow the tests.

That means fewer surprises on your veterinary bills when your pup requires medical imaging or lab work to pinpoint what’s wrong.

What Pet Insurance Won’t Cover

Pet insurance is a lifesaver for most medical emergencies, but it’s not a magic shield that covers everything. Understanding what’s excluded from your policy helps you budget for out-of-pocket costs and avoid surprises at the vet’s office.

Here are the main things most Shih Tzu insurance plans won’t pay for.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Here’s the challenge with pet insurance: any illness your Shih Tzu shows symptoms of before coverage starts won’t be covered—that’s the standard preexisting condition exclusion. Most pet insurance companies won’t budge on this, though a few like Spot offer preexisting condition coverage if the issue resolves completely.

Medical underwriting determines what counts, so honest disclosure during application protects you from claim denials later.

Elective and Cosmetic Procedures

Beyond preexisting conditions, pet insurance won’t cover elective procedures or cosmetic surgeries like tail docking or non-medically necessary eye work. Here’s what’s usually excluded:

• Declawing and purely aesthetic modifications
• Pet grooming services and routine beautification
• Cosmetic dental work without medical justification

Some wellness coverage add-ons might help with preventive care, but they won’t cover veterinary aesthetics or nonessential procedures your Shih Tzu doesn’t medically need.

Routine Care Without Wellness Add-Ons

Most pet insurance plans won’t reimburse you for routine exams, vaccinations, or dental cleanings unless you purchase a separate wellness add-on. Without that coverage, you’ll pay out-of-pocket expenses for preventive measures your Shih Tzu needs year after year.

Service	Average Cost	Frequency
Wellness exam	$70–$214	Annual
Core vaccines	$50–$100	Yearly/biannual
Dental cleaning	$300–$700	As needed

Standard accident-and-illness insurance coverage focuses on unexpected veterinary care—not scheduled veterinary fees. That’s why budgeting separately for routine pet insurance plans makes sense if you want full protection.

Types of Pet Insurance Plans for Shih Tzus

When you’re shopping for Shih Tzu insurance, you’ll run into three main types of coverage. Each one protects your pup in different ways, and the right choice depends on your budget and what kind of care you want covered.

Let’s break down what each plan offers so you can figure out which one fits your needs.

Accident-Only Plans

If you’re looking for bare-bones protection, accident-only dog insurance plans cover just that—unexpected injuries. These budget-friendly policies usually start around $9 per month and reimburse 80 to 90 percent of eligible costs after you meet your deductible. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Emergency care for fractures, lacerations, or foreign body ingestion
2. Diagnostic imaging like X-rays when your Shih Tzu gets hurt
3. Prescription medications tied directly to covered accidents
4. Lower premiums compared to extensive accident and illness plans

Accident and Illness Plans

When your Shih Tzu needs more than injury coverage, accident and illness plans step in. These dog insurance plans generally reimburse 70 to 90 percent of vet bills after you hit your deductible.

Pet insurance companies set policy limits and reimbursement rates based on your coverage options, so the claim process becomes smoother when respiratory flare-ups or eye infections strike unexpectedly.

Wellness and Preventive Care Add-Ons

Routine checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings aren’t usually covered by standard policies. That’s where wellness add-ons make a difference. You’ll pay a few extra dollars each month to reimburse annual exams, blood work, and even nail trims.

Most wellness programs cap reimbursements per year, so compare each insurer’s preventive care limits before you commit to a pet wellness plan.

Cost of Shih Tzu Pet Insurance

Understanding what you’ll actually pay for Shih Tzu insurance helps you budget and find a plan that won’t break the bank. The good news is that premiums are pretty reasonable compared to many other breeds, though your final cost depends on several key factors.

Let’s break down what you can expect to spend and what drives those numbers up or down.

Average Monthly and Annual Premiums

You’ll find monthly rates for Shih Tzu pet insurance generally ranging from $20 to $50, depending on your dog’s age and the coverage level you choose. That translates to annual premiums between $240 and $600 for standard accident and illness plans.

Many pet insurance companies offer annual discounts of 5–10% when you pay upfront, helping you save on insurance costs while getting quality protection.

Factors Influencing Cost (Age, Location, Health)

Your Shih Tzu’s age factors heavily into premium variations—younger pups start around $20 monthly, while seniors can hit $50 or more. Location costs matter too, since urban vet fees drive up insurance costs compared to rural areas.

Health risks like pre-existing conditions often mean higher rates or exclusions. Pet insurance companies weigh all three when calculating your policy price.

Customization Options and Their Impact

Your deductible levels and reimbursement rates make the biggest difference in what you’ll actually pay. Choose a higher deductible to lower monthly costs, but you’ll spend more upfront when filing claims. Reimbursement rates usually range from 70% to 90%—that ten or twenty percent gap adds up fast on expensive treatments.

Wellness add-ons cover routine care but increase premiums. Pet insurance companies also differ on waiting periods and exclusions lists, so compare plans carefully before committing.

Comparing Top Pet Insurance Companies

Not all pet insurance companies treat Shih Tzus the same way. Some offer better coverage for breed-specific conditions, while others keep premiums lower or provide more flexible policy options.

Here’s how the top providers stack up for your Shih Tzu’s needs.

AKC Insurance for Shih Tzus

AKC Pet Insurance stands out among pet insurance companies for a rare feature: it may cover certain pre-existing conditions after a 365-day waiting period. For your Shih Tzu, this matters if chronic issues arise.

Policy enrollment is straightforward, and insurance premiums remain competitive.

Pets Best, Lemonade, and Rainwalk

When you’re shopping around, Pets Best delivers some of the market’s lowest premium rates—monthly plans start at $22 for Shih Tzus. Lemonade impresses with outstanding customer support, earning a 4.9 out of 5 rating from over 200,000 users.

Feature	Pets Best	Lemonade
Monthly Cost	From $22	Around $19.44
Accident Wait	3 days	Standard
Illness Wait	14 days	Standard
Best For	Budget-conscious owners	Tech-savvy puppy parents

Both pet insurance companies offer solid claim process efficiency and policy flexibility.

Fetch, Spot, and Healthy Paws

Beyond those solid options, you’ll want to explore three more pet insurance companies that round out your shortlist. Here’s why each stands out:

1. Fetch covers extensive dental care—rare in standard policies
2. Spot reimburses curable pre-existing conditions after waiting periods
3. Healthy Paws offers unlimited annual coverage limits
4. All three balance premium rates with strong claim process efficiency

Each provider brings unique policy flexibility customized to Shih Tzus’ medical needs.

Getting The Best Value on Shih Tzu Insurance

You don’t need to overpay for solid coverage. The key is knowing how to shop smart, what really matters in a policy, and where you can save without cutting corners.

Let’s walk through the steps that’ll help you get the best protection for your Shih Tzu without breaking the bank.

How to Compare Quotes Online

How can you be sure you’re getting the best deal? Start by gathering three to five pet insurance quotes from different providers using online tools like Compare.com.

Your insurance checklist should include your Shih Tzu’s age, breed-specific risks, and any existing conditions. A thorough policy review means verifying coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and waiting periods—especially for hereditary issues common in this breed.

Evaluating Coverage Vs. Cost

Once you’ve collected quotes, the real work begins. You need to weigh premium rates against coverage limits—because a cheap policy that caps out at $5,000 won’t help much if your Shih Tzu needs surgery for hip dysplasia.

Look at policy flexibility, the claim process, and how well insurance plans match actual veterinary care costs your breed faces.

Discounts and Multi-Pet Savings

After you’ve weighed coverage against cost, check for multi-pet discounts—most pet insurance companies offer 5% to 10% off when you bundle two or more policies. These policy savings add up fast, especially if you’re insuring multiple Shih Tzus.

Some carriers require continuous coverage to keep your discount active, so read renewal terms carefully.

Regional rules and pet insurance companies comparison tools can reveal which insurers offer the best pet care costs relief in your area.

Choosing The Right Plan for Your Shih Tzu

Finding the right pet insurance plan for your Shih Tzu isn’t about picking the most expensive option—it’s about matching coverage to your dog’s actual needs and your budget. You’ll want to look closely at how much you’ll pay upfront, what percentage comes back to you, and what won’t be covered right away.

Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a plan that protects both your pup and your wallet.

Assessing Coverage Needs

Your Shih Tzu’s coverage needs depend on their age, health history, and the specific genetic risks that come with the breed. When doing your policy evaluation, think about what coverage limits make sense for conditions like eye disorders or breathing problems.

Look at benefit analysis carefully—you’ll want insurance coverage that protects against those pricey hereditary issues without breaking the bank.

Understanding Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates

Two numbers shape every pet insurance claim: the deductible you pay upfront and the reimbursement rate that determines your refund.

Most Shih Tzu insurance plans offer deductibles from $100 to $500, paired with reimbursement rates between 70% and 90%. Higher reimbursement percentages mean bigger refunds after you meet your deductible, but they’ll bump up your monthly premium.

Reviewing Waiting Periods and Policy Exclusions

Before filing your first claim, check when coverage actually kicks in. Most pet insurance policies enforce waiting periods of 14 to 30 days for illnesses and 48 to 72 hours for accidents.

Policy exclusions matter too—pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, and certain hereditary issues often won’t qualify.

Understanding these policy details and coverage limits prevents surprises when you need your deductible to work for you.

Pet Insurance for Senior Shih Tzus

Finding coverage for your senior Shih Tzu can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it’s not impossible. As your dog ages, you’ll notice premiums climb and some insurers start closing their doors to new applicants.

Here’s what you need to know about keeping your older companion protected without breaking the bank.

Coverage Options for Older Dogs

Most insurance providers offer solid pet accident and illness coverage for your senior Shih Tzu, though you’ll want to look closely at what’s actually included. Here’s what commonly comes with elderly pet support plans:

1. Accident and illness protection with elevated caps designed for chronic conditions like hip dysplasia or respiratory issues
2. Hereditary condition riders that specifically address age-related illness common in older Shih Tzus
3. Senior-specific diagnostics covering bloodwork and imaging for canine insurance claims
4. Extended wellness coverage options that include medications for ongoing health and wellness needs

Premium Increases With Age

Premiums usually climb as your Shih Tzu ages—sometimes doubling or tripling—because older dogs face higher health risks and file more claims. Age-based pricing reflects real veterinary costs: senior pet care averages $1,000 to $2,000 annually, with diagnostics alone running about $214 per visit. Insurance renewals bring premium hikes that insurance for senior dogs can’t escape, as pet accident and illness coverage adjusts to actual risk.

Age Range	Avg. Monthly Premium
Puppy (0-1)	$25-$35
Adult (2-6)	$35-$50
Senior (7-10)	$60-$90
Senior (11+)	$90-$150+

Pet owners should budget for these increases when evaluating insurance plans long-term.

No Upper Age Limit Providers

Several insurance providers welcome senior Shih Tzus without maximum enrollment guidelines, though availability varies by state and health status. Prudent Pet stands out with lifetime coverage options that eliminate age-based cutoffs on select plans.

You’ll find elderly dog insurance through carriers offering guaranteed acceptance for healthier seniors, though premiums usually run higher than standard policies. Always verify state-specific age limit policies and whether grandfathered eligibility applies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)