The Best Pet Insurance Plans for Your Shih Tzu in 2025
Shih Tzu: Health & Insurance
The Shih Tzu is a beloved toy breed known for its charming, affectionate personality. However, its small size, short-nosed (brachycephalic) facial structure, and prominent eyes make it one of the more medically fragile breeds.This breed is highly predisposed to costly health problems, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps), and various eye conditions like proptosis and cataracts. Dental disease and chronic skin allergies are also extremely common.Due to its high likelihood of developing multiple hereditary and conformational issues, the Shih Tzu has a breed vulnerability score of 8 out of 10.While routine care may average $400-$700 annually, treating a common Shih Tzu condition can be very expensive. For example, BOAS corrective surgery can cost $2,000-$6,000, IVDD surgery can exceed $8,000, and managing chronic eye or skin conditions can accumulate to thousands over the dog's lifetime.Many generic insurance plans are inadequate for a Shih Tzu. They often feature long 6- to 12-month waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like patellar luxation, exclude hereditary issues like BOAS, or have low coverage limits for dental and eye treatments, leaving owners with significant out-of-pocket costs.To secure proper coverage, owners should choose a plan specifically designed to handle these risks.➡️ Spot is an excellent choice due to its short 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including the knee and spinal issues common in the breed.➡️ Fetch stands out for its comprehensive dental illness coverage, which is crucial for a breed prone to severe periodontal disease.➡️ Trupanion is ideal for managing chronic conditions, offering a per-condition deductible and no payout limits, which is beneficial for lifelong issues like allergies or IVDD.Below, you will find a complete health sheet, a detailed comparison table of the best plans, and essential cost-saving tips for your Shih Tzu.
- ✅Excellent coverage for hereditary and breed-specific conditions like BOAS, IVDD, and patellar luxation.
- ✅Top providers offer high or unlimited annual payout limits, essential for costly surgeries and chronic care.
- ✅Best-in-class plans feature short waiting periods (e.g., 14 days) for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ❌Premiums are higher than average, reflecting the breed's significant health vulnerabilities.
- ❌Many insurers impose long waiting periods (6+ months) for orthopedic conditions, making careful provider selection essential.
- ❌Coverage for dental illness, a key risk, may require add-ons or have specific prerequisites with some plans.
- ✅Excellent coverage for hereditary and breed-specific conditions like BOAS, IVDD, and patellar luxation.
- ✅Top providers offer high or unlimited annual payout limits, essential for costly surgeries and chronic care.
- ✅Best-in-class plans feature short waiting periods (e.g., 14 days) for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
Shih Tzu: Health & Insurance
- ✅Excellent coverage for hereditary and breed-specific conditions like BOAS, IVDD, and patellar luxation.
- ✅Top providers offer high or unlimited annual payout limits, essential for costly surgeries and chronic care.
- ✅Best-in-class plans feature short waiting periods (e.g., 14 days) for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ❌Premiums are higher than average, reflecting the breed's significant health vulnerabilities.
- ❌Many insurers impose long waiting periods (6+ months) for orthopedic conditions, making careful provider selection essential.
- ❌Coverage for dental illness, a key risk, may require add-ons or have specific prerequisites with some plans.
- ✅Excellent coverage for hereditary and breed-specific conditions like BOAS, IVDD, and patellar luxation.
- ✅Top providers offer high or unlimited annual payout limits, essential for costly surgeries and chronic care.
- ✅Best-in-class plans feature short waiting periods (e.g., 14 days) for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- Shih Tzu at a glance
- Veterinary Issues & Cost
- Best Insurance Plans
- Insurance Criteria
- Savings Tips
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
To create this guide, our HelloSafe pet insurance expert combined insights from veterinary professionals, real feedback from Shih Tzu 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 at every stage of your Shih Tzu's life.
The Shih Tzu: At a Glance
| 🐶 Shih Tzu Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕰️ Average lifespan | 10–16 years (often lives into early or mid teens) |
| 🧠 Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, outgoing, alert, sometimes stubborn; thrives on human company and gentle attention |
| 🐕 Lifestyle needs | Low-to-moderate exercise; daily walks and indoor play; prefers being indoors and is ideal for apartment living |
| 🫶🏻 Physical traits | Small, sturdy, compact body; brachycephalic (short-nosed); large, round eyes; luxuriously long, flowing double coat |
| 📑 Animal type/category | Companion/Toy breed |
| 🐾 Trainability | Moderate; intelligent but can be stubborn, responds best to gentle, positive training techniques |
| 👶🏻 Child-friendly? | Yes, with respectful children; generally gentle but supervise around young kids due to small size |
| 🧗♀️ Stairs compatibility | Yes (but supervision needed due to small size, possible orthopedic and spinal risks) |
| 📏 Size (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 2–4 lb (0.9–1.8 kg) Adult: 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm) at shoulder |
| ⚖️ Weight (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 2–7 lb (0.9–3.2 kg) Adult: 9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg) |
| 🧥 Coat & grooming | Long, luxurious, double coat; very high grooming needs; daily brushing, frequent trims, eye cleaning is essential |
| 💰 Purchase price | $1,000–$2,500 (from reputable breeders; pet quality) |
| ❤️ Popularity (US) | Very popular; consistently ranks in the top 20 AKC breeds |
| 🩺 Food & health budget | $40–$80/month; with potential for higher vet bills due to breed-specific health issues |
| 🏥 Health risks | Fragile; prone to breathing problems (BOAS), eye injuries, dental/oral disease, patellar luxation, skin allergies, IVDD |
Adult: 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm) at shoulder
Adult: 9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg)
Legend: Key facts about Shih Tzu in US.
Is Pet Insurance Relevant for a Shih Tzu?
Breed Risk Index for Shih Tzu: 8/10
The Shih Tzu earns a high breed risk score of 8/10, supported by extensive veterinary evidence and insurance claims data:
- Respiratory issues: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is highly prevalent due to the breed’s short-nosed skull. Corrective surgeries for nares, palate, or collapsed larynx are frequently necessary, with costs often exceeding $2,000–$4,000 (The Kennel Club, UK; American College of Veterinary Surgeons).
- Ocular risks: Eye injuries (proptosis, corneal ulcer), dry eye (KCS), and cataracts are common, requiring urgent and/or ongoing ophthalmic care. Corneal ulcer repair can cost $800–$2,500 (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine).
- Orthopedic diseases: Patellar luxation and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) have a notably high incidence in this breed. Corrective orthopedic surgeries average $1,500–$3,000 per procedure (O’Neill et al., Vet Rec 2021).
- Dental disease: Early and severe dental overcrowding and periodontal disease are nearly universal, demanding regular prophylaxis and sometimes advanced dental work ($400–$1,000/year; Vet Clin North Am Small Anim 2015).
- Chronic skin allergies: Lifelong management common.
- Many insurance providers exclude or limit coverage for hereditary, orthopedic, and dental conditions—necessitating advanced or tailored plans for Shih Tzu.
🩺 Health conditions & veterinary costs for Shih Tzu
| Type of Condition | Example Condition | 📊 Occurrence frequency | Treatment / Care | Average Cost & Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common illnesses | Periodontal disease | Very frequent (majority by age 7) | Annual cleaning, extractions | $400–$1,000/year – ✔️ Dental illness plan essential |
| Hereditary diseases | Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Very frequent (most adults) | Surgery (nares, soft palate), monitoring | $2,000–$4,000 – ✔️ Advanced surgery coverage needed |
| Chronic conditions | Dry eye (KCS), atopic dermatitis | Frequent (lifelong risk) | Lifelong meds, drops, allergy management | $300–$800/year – ✔️ Chronic illness/med coverage |
| Age/species-related risks | Patellar luxation, IVDD | Frequent (>20% by some studies) | Orthopedic or spinal surgery | $1,500–$3,000 per surgery – ✔️ Early ortho coverage |
| Cataracts, corneal ulcer | Occasional (age-related/trauma) | Ophthalmology, possible surgery | $800–$2,500 – ✔️ Hereditary/eye coverage | |
| Behavioral risks | Separation anxiety, noise reactivity | Occasional (indoor dogs) | Training, behavioral therapy | $200–$600/year – ⚠️ Therapy often an add-on |
| Emergency or accident risks | Eye proptosis, trauma | Occasional (bulging eyes) | Emergency surgery, hospitalization | $1,000–$2,500 – ✔️ Emergency/accident plan |
| Preventive care needed | Annual dental and ophthalmic exams | Annual recommendation | Preventive/prophylaxis | $300–$600/year – ✔️ Include preventive coverage |
| Skin allergy checkups | 3–4 times/year (allergy prone) | Dermatology consult, allergy meds | $200–$500/year – ✔️ Include in chronic/preventive plan |
The Best Insurance Plans for a Shih Tzu in the U.S.
After thoroughly reviewing and comparing all available General Terms & Conditions (GTC) and Insurance Product Information Documents (IPID), I carefully analyzed leading insurance providers to see which offer the most complete and breed-adapted coverage for a Shih Tzu. My review focused on key guarantees (including coverage of hereditary, orthopedic, respiratory, and dental treatments, reimbursement rates, and annual limits), main exclusions (especially for breed-specific or hereditary conditions), and policy flexibility (waiting periods, age caps, deductible models) to help owners secure optimal, tailored insurance for their Shih Tzu.
| Insurer | 💬 Verdict | 🛡️ Key Coverage Strengths | ❌ Exclusions / Weak Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | ✅ High breed adaptation - Excellent for all major Shih Tzu risks |
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| Fetch | ✅ High breed adaptation - Top-tier for dental and breed-specific coverage |
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| Trupanion | ✅ High breed adaptation - Best for serious or chronic hereditary issues |
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| Embrace | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Robust base, but ortho wait is significant |
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| Prudent Pet | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Strong plans, but ortho wait impacts value |
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| Figo | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Customizable, but base plan has gaps for Shih Tzu |
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| Pets Best | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Flexible, but full coverage needs add-ons |
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| AKC / PetPartners | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Modular, but risky unless core riders added |
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| Kanguro | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Good core, but ortho wait and availability limit value |
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| ASPCA / Hartville | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation - Good terms, but customer service concerns |
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| Lemonade | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Base policy misses critical Shih Tzu needs |
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| Nationwide (VPI) | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Exclusions and long waits make it unsuitable |
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| Metlife | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Poor customer reviews and rate hikes |
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| Many Pets | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Leaving US, creating policy instability |
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| Physicians Mutual | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Orthopedic wait and weak reputation |
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| Safeco | ❌ Low breed adaptation - Excludes most core Shih Tzu risks by default |
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- Excellent for all major Shih Tzu risks
- 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including knees and IVDD
- Hereditary & chronic conditions covered
- Exam fees, prescription food, and alternative therapies included
- Highly customizable plans
- 180-day symptom-free period for curable pre-existing conditions
- Top-tier for dental and breed-specific coverage
- Extensive dental coverage for injury & disease (all teeth)
- Exam fees for sick visits included
- Hereditary, congenital, and breed-specific (e.g., BOAS) issues covered
- No lifetime payout cap
- Deductible is per-condition, per-year (costly for multiple issues)
- Annual health & dental exams required to maintain full coverage
- Best for serious or chronic hereditary issues
- No payout limits (annual/lifetime)
- Hereditary & congenital conditions, including BOAS, IVDD, covered
- Optional riders for alternative therapies & rehab
- Direct vet pay available
- Deductible is per-condition for life
- Exam fees not covered
- 30-day wait (illnesses) longer than average
- Robust base, but ortho wait is significant
- Hereditary, chronic, and dental conditions (up to $1k/year) covered
- Exam fees & behavioral therapy included
- Optional wellness add-on
- 12-month window for curable pre-existing conditions
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic issues (cannot be waived for this breed)
- Strong plans, but ortho wait impacts value
- Unlimited annual benefit option
- 24/7 vet chat
- Hereditary & congenital coverage
- Optional wellness available
- 6-month wait for knees (patellar luxation, IVDD, etc.)
- Customizable, but base plan has gaps for Shih Tzu
- Optional riders for exam fees, wellness, rehab, and alternative care
- Diminishing deductible
- Hereditary & congenital conditions; 12-month window for curable pre-existing issues
- 6-month wait for ortho
- Base excludes exam & alternative therapies
- Flexible, but full coverage needs add-ons
- Highly customizable
- Hereditary & congenital conditions
- 24/7 pet helpline
- Optional riders for rehab, exam fees
- 6-month wait for cruciate ligament/knees
- Base does not cover exam fees
- Dental illness coverage has strict prerequisites
- Modular, but risky unless core riders added
- Riders for hereditary and exam fees
- Covers curable pre-ex after 365 days
- Wellness add-on available
- Base EXCLUDES hereditary (patellar luxation, eye issues, etc.)
- 180-day waiting period for IVDD/cruciate ligament conditions
- Good core, but ortho wait and availability limit value
- Exam fees in base
- Hereditary/genetic/IVDD coverage
- Dental sub-limit ($1,000) included
- 6-month knee condition wait
- Alternative therapies excluded
- Limited state offering
- Good terms, but customer service concerns
- 14-day waiting for all conditions, including knees
- Alternative therapies & behavioral covered
- Curable pre-ex may be covered (180 days)
- Many negative reviews regarding claims/processing
- Site access issues (403 error) noted recently
- Base policy misses critical Shih Tzu needs
- Fast digital-first claims
- Preventative care packages
- Multi-policy discounts
- Excludes dental illness, behavioral, exam fees from base
- 6-month wait for cruciate injuries
- Exclusions and long waits make it unsuitable
- Stable, major provider
- Wellness options
- Excludes hereditary/congenital in some plans
- 1-year ortho wait is among longest
- Poor customer reviews and rate hikes
- Exams, PT, holistic included
- Deductible reduction for healthy pets
- 2.6/5 Trustpilot, premium hikes, claim denials
- Leaving US, creating policy instability
- No annual limit (old plans)
- Wellness add-on was available
- Exiting market, policies shifting to Odie
- Orthopedic wait and weak reputation
- Optional riders
- Diminishing deductible
- 6-month ortho waiting
- Very poor customer reviews
- Excludes most core Shih Tzu risks by default
- Customizable via endorsements
- Hereditary/congenital excluded in base (add-on needed)
- 1-year wait for cruciate injuries
You can explore and compare these insurance options directly on our comparison tool to find the plan that fits your Shih Tzu's needs and your budget.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareHow to Choose the Best Insurance for your Shih Tzu?
For a Shih Tzu, choosing the right insurance plan is crucial due to their higher risk for costly conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), patellar luxation, and dental disease. Select a policy with a high annual limit—at least $1,500–$2,000 per year—to ensure you’re covered in case of expensive respiratory surgery, IVDD treatments, or eye procedures (proptosis, cataracts).
Aim for a high reimbursement rate (80–100%) so that you minimize your share of these frequent expenses, and pick a plan with a low annual deductible (under $100).
Always check for exclusions affecting chronic, hereditary, or breed-specific issues, since Shih Tzu are prone to congenital eye and airway problems as well as ongoing skin and dental care.
Finally, enroll your Shih Tzu as early as possible, before symptoms emerge, to avoid pre-existing condition waiting periods or exclusions—timing is key for full coverage.
🧾 Recommended Coverage Levels
| Condition Type | Recommended Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| Respiratory & surgical care | ≥ $1,500 |
| Ophthalmic & dental care | ≥ $1,500 |
| Orthopedic / neuro issues | ≥ $2,000 |
| Chronic allergy management | ≥ $1,000 |
How to Save on Pet Insurance for Your Shih Tzu
| Savings Tip | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Choose an annual limit tailored to Shih Tzu risks | Selecting a $2,000–$5,000 annual limit (instead of unlimited) can lower premiums while still covering common BOAS, eye, and orthopedic surgeries needed by Shih Tzus. | Medium |
| Decline prescription food add-ons if your vet doesn't recommend them | Shih Tzus often don't require these add-ons unless dealing with specific chronic conditions, so skipping them avoids paying for unused coverage. | Low |
| Verify hereditary coverage in base plan | Ensuring key Shih Tzu hereditary conditions are covered without extra-cost riders prevents both exclusions and surprise premium increases from add-ons. | Medium |
| Insure before age 2, before symptoms develop | Early enrollment locks in low risk-based premiums and avoids higher costs due to early-onset BOAS or patellar luxation being classified as pre-existing. | High |
| Document annual vet and dental care for "healthy pet" discounts | Submitting proof of routine check-ups and cleanings qualifies for discounts or diminishing deductible benefits, directly reducing premium and claim costs. | Low |
FAQ
Are Shih Tzus at higher risk for certain health problems that insurance should cover?
Yes, Shih Tzus often face issues like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), eye problems (proptosis, cataracts), patellar luxation, spinal disorders like IVDD, and chronic dental disease. It’s wise to choose a plan that specifically covers hereditary, orthopedic, respiratory, and dental conditions.
Why is dental coverage particularly important for a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus have compact jaws prone to overcrowding and periodontal disease, making dental care an ongoing need. Dental coverage ensures expenses for cleanings, tooth extractions, and treatment for infections are reimbursed, reducing your veterinary costs over your Shih Tzu’s lifetime.
Will pet insurance cover expensive surgeries such as BOAS corrections or knee repairs?
Many top-tier pet insurance policies cover breed-specific surgeries like those for BOAS or patellar luxation, provided these are not pre-existing. Be sure to review whether hereditary and congenital issues and related surgeries are included in the base plan.
When should I get insurance for my Shih Tzu?
Enroll your Shih Tzu as early as possible, ideally before any symptoms appear. Early subscription helps secure lower, risk-based premiums and gives you the broadest coverage, especially for conditions that commonly emerge while young.
Do insurance policies cover chronic skin allergies in Shih Tzus?
Some plans reimburse chronic allergy treatments, including medications and allergy testing, but not all do. If your Shih Tzu is sensitive or has a history of skin issues, be sure to confirm coverage for allergy management in policy documents.
How long are typical waiting periods for orthopedic or eye conditions?
Policies often impose waiting periods of 14 to 180 days for orthopedic problems like patellar luxation or spinal issues. Choose a plan with the shortest wait period for these conditions, as they are frequent and costly in Shih Tzus.
Does standard insurance include wellness care, or do I need an add-on?
Standard accident/illness insurance does not cover routine vet visits, vaccines, or dental cleanings unless you purchase a wellness add-on. Decide whether the additional cost is justified based on your Shih Tzu’s preventive care needs.
Are Shih Tzus at higher risk for certain health problems that insurance should cover?
Yes, Shih Tzus often face issues like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), eye problems (proptosis, cataracts), patellar luxation, spinal disorders like IVDD, and chronic dental disease. It’s wise to choose a plan that specifically covers hereditary, orthopedic, respiratory, and dental conditions.
Why is dental coverage particularly important for a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus have compact jaws prone to overcrowding and periodontal disease, making dental care an ongoing need. Dental coverage ensures expenses for cleanings, tooth extractions, and treatment for infections are reimbursed, reducing your veterinary costs over your Shih Tzu’s lifetime.
Will pet insurance cover expensive surgeries such as BOAS corrections or knee repairs?
Many top-tier pet insurance policies cover breed-specific surgeries like those for BOAS or patellar luxation, provided these are not pre-existing. Be sure to review whether hereditary and congenital issues and related surgeries are included in the base plan.
When should I get insurance for my Shih Tzu?
Enroll your Shih Tzu as early as possible, ideally before any symptoms appear. Early subscription helps secure lower, risk-based premiums and gives you the broadest coverage, especially for conditions that commonly emerge while young.
Do insurance policies cover chronic skin allergies in Shih Tzus?
Some plans reimburse chronic allergy treatments, including medications and allergy testing, but not all do. If your Shih Tzu is sensitive or has a history of skin issues, be sure to confirm coverage for allergy management in policy documents.
How long are typical waiting periods for orthopedic or eye conditions?
Policies often impose waiting periods of 14 to 180 days for orthopedic problems like patellar luxation or spinal issues. Choose a plan with the shortest wait period for these conditions, as they are frequent and costly in Shih Tzus.
Does standard insurance include wellness care, or do I need an add-on?
Standard accident/illness insurance does not cover routine vet visits, vaccines, or dental cleanings unless you purchase a wellness add-on. Decide whether the additional cost is justified based on your Shih Tzu’s preventive care needs.
