The Best Pet Insurance for Your Maltese in 2025
- Is Pet Insurance Relevant for Maltese?
- The Best Insurance Plans for Maltese in the United States
- How to choose the best insurance for your Maltese?
- How to Save on Pet Insurance for Your Maltese
- Maltese: At a Glance
- FAQ
Delicate, spirited, and instantly recognizable, the Maltese brings joy with its signature silky coat and lively temperament.
But beneath this breed’s charm lies a vulnerability to several medical challenges that can impact even the healthiest-looking dog. Patellar luxation tops the list, requiring prompt veterinary attention and sometimes costly surgery.
Major genetic threats include portosystemic shunts affecting liver function, as well as a high risk for periodontal disease due to crowded teeth—making dental care and intervention essential.
Other frequent issues are tracheal collapse, heart disease, and the neurological "White Shaker Syndrome." Given these risks, even minor accidents or routine problems can lead to complex and expensive treatment. This is where comprehensive pet insurance becomes a wise safeguard, protecting families from unpredictable expenses tied to hereditary, chronic, or orthopedic issues.
Dive into the following comparison for expert insights and actionable tips to give every Maltese the healthiest life possible.
Why trust HelloSafe?
To create this guide, our HelloSafe pet insurance expert combined insights from veterinary professionals, real feedback from Maltese owners, and an in-depth review of 34 active insurance policies. The result: a clear, expert-driven comparison of the best options tailored to the unique needs of this breed. Read on for practical advice and trusted recommendations to help you find the right coverage—and lasting peace of mind—at every stage of your Maltese's life.
Is Pet Insurance Relevant for Maltese?
Breed Risk Index for Maltese: 7/10
The Maltese is a toy breed with a moderate-to-high predisposition for certain chronic and hereditary health concerns. Orthopedic problems, especially patellar luxation, are particularly frequent, with reports showing rates over 10% in the breed—often warranting expensive surgical correction.
The breed is also at above-average risk for congenital liver shunts (portosystemic shunt) which may require complex diagnostics and surgery. Dental overcrowding is universal, leading to high rates of periodontal disease and a recurrent need for professional cleanings and extractions.
Other notable risks include tracheal collapse, heart murmurs (including Mitral Valve Disease), and breed-specific neurological disorders like White Shaker Syndrome. Most US pet insurers enforce waiting periods or exclusions for hereditary and orthopedic conditions, while dental illness coverage varies. These multifaceted risks—supported by data from OFA, ACVS, and breed health surveys—justify a Breed Risk Index score of 7/10, signaling the clear value of securing robust, early insurance coverage for any Maltese.
🩺 Health conditions & veterinary costs for Maltese
| Type of Condition | Example Condition | 📊 Occurrence frequency | Treatment / Care | Average Cost & Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common illnesses | Otitis externa (ear infection) | Frequent: 2–4 times/year | Regular cleaning, medications | $200–$500/year – ✔️ Routine/recurrent care plan |
| Tracheal collapse | Occasional: jumps, pulls, seniors | Anti-cough meds, weight control, surgery if severe | $300–$700 (medical), $3,000–$5,000 (surgery) – ✔️ Major illness rider | |
| Hereditary diseases | Patellar luxation | Frequent: >10% breed | Orthopedic surgery, pain management | $1,500–$2,800/event – ✔️ Ortho/hereditary inclusion |
| Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) | Occasional to moderate | Surgery, specialist imaging, lifelong dietary therapy | $2,500–$5,000/event – ✔️ High-limit/hereditary coverage | |
| Chronic conditions | Periodontal disease (dental illness) | Very frequent: annual risk | Annual dental scaling, extractions as needed | $400–$900/year – ✔️ Strong dental/illness rider |
| Age/species-related risks | Mitral Valve Disease (heart murmur) | Increasing after age 6 | Cardiac medications, follow-up imaging, specialist | $600–$1,200/year – ✔️ Chronic/heart coverage needed |
| Behavioral risks | Separation anxiety | Common in affectionate pets | Behavioral therapy, environmental support | $300–$600/year – ⚠️ Coverage varies by insurer |
| Emergency or accident risks | Foreign body (GI obstruction) | Occasional: toy/chew ingestion | Emergency care, abdominal surgery | $1,800–$3,500/event – ✔️ High-limit accident coverage |
| Preventive care needed | Annual wellness & dental checkups | Very frequent: 1–2x/year | Exams, scaling, vaccines, bloodwork | $400–$800/year – ✔️ Wellness/dental add-on recommended |
The Best Insurance Plans for Maltese in the United States
I thoroughly reviewed and compared all available General Terms & Conditions (GTC) and Insurance Product Information Documents (IPID) to determine which insurance providers in the United States offer the most suitable coverage for a Maltese. This analysis focused on guarantees (treatments covered, generosity of reimbursement and annual caps), careful examination of exclusions (especially for hereditary conditions and small-breed risks), and policy flexibility (waiting periods, age caps, and deductible models). Below is a ranked table highlighting the best pet insurance options for Maltese owners.
| Insurer | 💬 Verdict | 🛡️ Key Coverage Strengths | ❌ Exclusions / Weak Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trupanion | ✅ High breed adaptation. A top-tier choice for Maltese owners prioritizing major hereditary condition coverage with unlimited payouts. |
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| Spot | ✅ High breed adaptation. Excellent all-around for Maltese, with strong protection and a short orthopedic waiting period. |
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| Fetch | ✅ High breed adaptation. Great for dental-prone Maltese, and strong hereditary condition coverage. |
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| Embrace | ✅ High breed adaptation. Well-rounded with advantages for dental and vet consult coverage. |
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| MetLife | ✅ High breed adaptation. Comprehensive base plan and short waiting period for all (including orthopedics). |
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| ASPCA | ✅ High breed adaptation. Suitable due to a favorable orthopedic wait and broad hereditary coverage. |
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| Healthy Paws | ✅ High breed adaptation. Strong for significant hereditary conditions due to unlimited payouts. |
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| Prudent Pet | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation. Good unlimited option, but problematic knee waiting period for Maltese. |
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| Figo | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation. Customizable, but requires owner proactivity for ortho risks. |
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| AKC Pet Insurance | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation. Can be tailored, but needs careful add-on selection and has a long ortho wait. |
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| Pets Best | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation. Long wait for knees and strict requirements for dental limit suitability. |
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| Lemonade | ❌ Low breed adaptation. Key breed risks missing in standard plan. |
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| Nationwide | ❌ Low breed adaptation. Extraordinarily long wait for a key risk (orthopedic) makes it unsuitable. |
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| Safeco | ❌ Low breed adaptation. Critical exclusions for staples of Maltese health risks. |
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| Many Pets | ❌ Low breed adaptation. Current US market exit introduces future risk. |
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A top-tier choice for Maltese owners prioritizing major hereditary condition coverage with unlimited payouts.
- Hereditary & congenital condition coverage
No annual/lifetime payout limits - Direct payment to participating vets
- Per-condition deductible can add up for multiple issues
30-day illness waiting period - Does not cover exam fees
- 14-day waiting period for knee/ligament injuries
Dental illness and vet exam fees covered - Hereditary & congenital conditions
- Customizable, but not always unlimited, annual limits
Curable pre-existing conditions: 180-day symptom-free period required
- Comprehensive dental illness/injury coverage
Hereditary conditions, vet exam fees, and holistic therapy included - Behavioral therapy
- Per-condition, per-year deductible
Annual health & dental exam requirement for continued coverage - Knee coverage requires following specific rules
- Dental illness (up to $1,000/year)
Vet exam fees covered - Orthopedic wait can be waived with vet exam
- 180-day waiting period for orthopedic issues without waiver
Annual payout limits apply
- 14-day wait for all conditions (including knees)
Vet exams, physical therapy, Rx food included - Deductible shrinks each claim-free year
- Annual limits (e.g., $5,000 base) may not cover major surgeries without customization
Some premium variability after claims
- 14-day waiting period for knee/ligament risks
Exam fees, behavioral, and alternative therapies - Hereditary and congenital illness coverage
- Customizable, not unlimited, annual limits
Some reports of claims denials, so review policy closely
- No payout caps
Covers hereditary/chronic conditionsFast mobile claims
- No coverage for vet exam fees12-month hip dysplasia wait
- Unlimited payout with "Ultimate" plan
Hereditary/congenital coverage24/7 vet chat
- 6-month knee waiting period (can be waived with vet exam, owner must act)
Exam fees are an add-on
- Diminishing deductible for claim-free years
Ortho waiting period waivable with vet exam - Covers some pre-existing with 12-month look-back
- 6-month ortho wait if waiver not completed
Exam fees and alternative care require riders
- Pre-existing possible after 1 year
Highly customizable add-ons including HereditaryPlus
- Requires HereditaryPlus for main Maltese risks180-day knee/ligament waiting period
- Accident-only and customized options
24/7 pet helpline
- 6-month cruciate ligament wait
Dental coverage only when annual dental under anesthesia provided - Exam fees need a rider
- Fast claims with digital app
Preventative care packages add-ons
- No dental illness in base plan
30-day wait for ortho, 6-month for cruciate ligament injuries
- Wellness add-on available
Strong reputation
- 1-year cruciate/orthopedic wait
Hereditary/congenital issues excluded in some plans
- Wellness, alternative medicine endorsements
- Excludes luxating patella, a major Maltese surgical need1-year cruciate wait period
- Previous plans with unlimited coverage and short waits
- Transferring all US business to other carrier (Odie) in 2025; policy stability not guaranteed
You can explore and compare these insurance options directly on our comparison tool to find the plan that fits your Maltese's needs and your budget.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareHow to choose the best insurance for your Maltese?
For your Maltese, select an insurance plan with a high annual limit—minimum $1,500–$2,000—to ensure coverage for major expenses such as patellar luxation surgery or treatment of congenital liver shunts, both of which are high-cost, high-risk issues in this breed. Prioritize a high reimbursement rate (80–100%) to offset costs of recurring care, especially since Maltese are prone to chronic dental disease requiring frequent cleanings and possible extractions.
Choose a policy with a low annual deductible—under $100—to minimize your out-of-pocket costs for frequent vet visits due to dental or orthopedic issues. It is crucial to carefully review exclusions: many insurers impose restrictions on chronic, genetic, or breed-specific conditions, which are common in the Maltese, as well as for dental illnesses. Enroll your Maltese as early as possible, before any symptoms develop, since pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage.
🧾 Recommended Coverage Levels
| Condition Type | Recommended Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic (patellar luxation, knees) | ≥ $2,000 |
| Hereditary (liver shunt, heart disease) | ≥ $2,000 |
| Dental disease (cleaning, extractions) | ≥ $1,500 |
| Respiratory (tracheal collapse) | ≥ $1,500 |
How to Save on Pet Insurance for Your Maltese
| Savings Tip | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Compare offers | Using HelloSafe's comparison tool helps identify the best-value plans | High |
| Choose higher deductible | A higher deductible lowers monthly premiums but increases out-of pocket costs per claim | Medium |
| Insure early | Enroll before any health issues arise to access lower risk-based rates | High |
| Bundle policies | Adding home or auto insurance with the same provider unlocks discounts | Medium |
| Avoid useless add-ons | Removing optional coverages reduces monthly cost without affecting core protection | Low |
pocket costs per claim
Medium
core protection
Maltese: At a Glance
| 🐶 Maltese Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕰️ Average lifespan | 12–15 years |
| 🧠 Temperament | Gentle, playful, affectionate, alert, and loving; can be spirited and responsive |
| 🐕 Lifestyle needs | Requires daily walks, indoor play, companionship, and gentle stimulation |
| 🫶🏻 Physical traits | Small size, compact body, round skull, dark expressive eyes, black nose, long white silky coat |
| 📑 Animal type/category | Toy dog (companion and lapdog) |
| 🐾 Trainability | Highly trainable, eager to please, learns quickly with positive reinforcement |
| 👶🏻 Child-friendly? | Yes (with supervision; best with respectful children due to small size) |
| 🧗♀️ Stairs compatibility | Yes (but monitor young puppies and elderly dogs for safety) |
| 📏 Size (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 4–7 in; Adult: 7–9 in at shoulder |
| ⚖️ Weight (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 2–5 lbs; Adult: 4–7 lbs |
| 🧥 Coat & grooming | Long, straight, pure white coat; daily brushing needed, regular trimming and professional grooming recommended |
| 💰 Purchase price | $1,000–$3,000 (reputable US breeders) |
| ❤️ Popularity (US) | Very popular, especially among city dwellers and families; consistently top 40 AKC breed |
| 🩺 Food & health budget | $500–$1,000 annually (includes quality food, grooming, dental and veterinary care) |
| 🏥 Health risks | Fragile (prone to dental, orthopedic, liver, and airway issues; regular monitoring essential) |
Legend: Key facts about Maltese in US.
FAQ
What health problems are most common for Maltese dogs, and does pet insurance cover them?
Maltese are prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunts, dental disease, tracheal collapse, and heart disease. These conditions can require surgery or ongoing treatment. Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover hereditary, congenital, and dental illnesses, but it is important to confirm your policy’s specific inclusions and any waiting periods.
Does insurance for Maltese dogs pay for dental problems like extractions or cleanings?
Many leading pet insurance plans cover dental illness and injury, including infections, extractions, and sometimes advanced cleaning. Coverage details—including annual caps and deductibles—vary by provider. Routine cleanings for prevention may only be included as part of an optional wellness add-on, so check your chosen plan’s dental provisions.
Will pet insurance cover surgery or treatment for patellar luxation in my Maltese?
Yes, as long as your plan covers hereditary and orthopedic conditions, patellar luxation surgery is typically included. However, insurers often have a waiting period for knee or ligament problems—sometimes as long as six months without a waiver. Early enrollment and a prompt veterinary exam help minimize potential exclusions.
Are genetic liver problems like portosystemic shunt covered by pet insurance for Maltese?
Most reputable pet insurance companies cover portosystemic shunts, a serious hereditary liver condition, as long as it is not pre-existing at the time of enrollment. Coverage includes diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up care. Be sure to read the fine print about waiting periods and required wellness checks.
Does insurance for Maltese include coverage for chronic bronchial or tracheal issues?
Tracheal collapse and bronchial conditions are common in Maltese dogs and typically fall under illness coverage in most pet insurance plans. Insurers usually cover diagnostics and treatment for new cases but may exclude pre-existing problems. It is important to enroll your Maltese while they are young and healthy for best results.
Will exam fees for sick visits be paid by pet insurance with a Maltese?
Some policies pay for veterinary exam fees for accidents and illnesses, while others only offer this benefit as an optional add-on. Since Maltese are prone to health issues requiring regular vet trips, it’s wise to choose a plan that covers these fees to lower your out-of-pocket expenses over time.
Are heart conditions and neurological disorders, like White Shaker Syndrome, covered for a Maltese?
Heart problems and neurological disorders, if diagnosed after enrollment, are usually covered by top pet insurance providers. Coverage typically includes exams, imaging, medications, and ongoing care. Always check your policy for any annual or lifetime payout limits and review any waiting periods that may apply before coverage starts.
How can I be sure my Maltese’s insurance covers all its major breed risks?
The best way is to select a plan that explicitly lists hereditary and congenital illnesses, orthopedic and dental treatment, and has a short or waivable waiting period for knee and liver issues. Thoroughly read the policy terms and ask about restrictions, exclusions, and recommended upgrades before enrolling your Maltese.
What health problems are most common for Maltese dogs, and does pet insurance cover them?
Maltese are prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunts, dental disease, tracheal collapse, and heart disease. These conditions can require surgery or ongoing treatment. Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover hereditary, congenital, and dental illnesses, but it is important to confirm your policy’s specific inclusions and any waiting periods.
Does insurance for Maltese dogs pay for dental problems like extractions or cleanings?
Many leading pet insurance plans cover dental illness and injury, including infections, extractions, and sometimes advanced cleaning. Coverage details—including annual caps and deductibles—vary by provider. Routine cleanings for prevention may only be included as part of an optional wellness add-on, so check your chosen plan’s dental provisions.
Will pet insurance cover surgery or treatment for patellar luxation in my Maltese?
Yes, as long as your plan covers hereditary and orthopedic conditions, patellar luxation surgery is typically included. However, insurers often have a waiting period for knee or ligament problems—sometimes as long as six months without a waiver. Early enrollment and a prompt veterinary exam help minimize potential exclusions.
Are genetic liver problems like portosystemic shunt covered by pet insurance for Maltese?
Most reputable pet insurance companies cover portosystemic shunts, a serious hereditary liver condition, as long as it is not pre-existing at the time of enrollment. Coverage includes diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up care. Be sure to read the fine print about waiting periods and required wellness checks.
Does insurance for Maltese include coverage for chronic bronchial or tracheal issues?
Tracheal collapse and bronchial conditions are common in Maltese dogs and typically fall under illness coverage in most pet insurance plans. Insurers usually cover diagnostics and treatment for new cases but may exclude pre-existing problems. It is important to enroll your Maltese while they are young and healthy for best results.
Will exam fees for sick visits be paid by pet insurance with a Maltese?
Some policies pay for veterinary exam fees for accidents and illnesses, while others only offer this benefit as an optional add-on. Since Maltese are prone to health issues requiring regular vet trips, it’s wise to choose a plan that covers these fees to lower your out-of-pocket expenses over time.
Are heart conditions and neurological disorders, like White Shaker Syndrome, covered for a Maltese?
Heart problems and neurological disorders, if diagnosed after enrollment, are usually covered by top pet insurance providers. Coverage typically includes exams, imaging, medications, and ongoing care. Always check your policy for any annual or lifetime payout limits and review any waiting periods that may apply before coverage starts.
How can I be sure my Maltese’s insurance covers all its major breed risks?
The best way is to select a plan that explicitly lists hereditary and congenital illnesses, orthopedic and dental treatment, and has a short or waivable waiting period for knee and liver issues. Thoroughly read the policy terms and ask about restrictions, exclusions, and recommended upgrades before enrolling your Maltese.
