Shih Tzu Insurance: Cost & Carriers (2026) | VETX

Shih Tzu insurance guide: Moderate health risk, avg. $25–$50/mo. Common conditions, costs, and recommended carriers.

Shih Tzu Pet Insurance Guide by VETX.

Type: dog | Lifespan: 10–18 years | Weight: 9–16 lbs

Health Risk Level: Moderate

Average Insurance Cost: $25–$50/mo

Annual Vet Cost: $350–$1,200

Overview

Shih Tzus are charming companion dogs with a long lifespan but several breed-specific health concerns related to their flat face and prominent eyes. Their brachycephalic structure causes breathing difficulties, and their large, protruding eyes are vulnerable to injury and disease.

Why Insurance

Shih Tzus' long lifespan (up to 18 years) means many years of potential health issues. Eye emergencies are common and can require immediate surgery. The combination of dental disease, eye problems, and breathing issues creates cumulative costs over time.

Common Conditions

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Eye Problems
Dental Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections

Expensive Conditions

Eye Surgery (Proptosis): $2,000–$5,000
BOAS Surgery: $2,000–$5,000
Dental Extractions: $500–$3,000
Patella Surgery: $2,000–$4,000

Breed-Specific Risks

Eye problems are the most urgent concern — Shih Tzus' prominent eyes are prone to proptosis (eye popping out of socket), corneal ulcers, and dry eye. Brachycephalic airway issues cause breathing difficulties, especially in heat. Dental disease is nearly universal due to their small jaw.

Insurance Tips

For Shih Tzus, prioritize plans with strong emergency coverage (for eye emergencies) and coverage for dental disease. Given their long lifespan, consider the total cost of premiums over 15+ years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does pet insurance cost for a Shih Tzu?

A: Shih Tzu pet insurance typically costs $25–$50/mo for an accident & illness plan. Premiums vary based on your zip code, the puppy's age at enrollment, the deductible and reimbursement rate you choose, and whether you add wellness coverage. Shih Tzus rated as moderate health risk tend to land near the middle of that range.

Q: Are brachycephalic airway syndrome and other common Shih Tzu conditions covered by pet insurance?

A: Yes — brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye problems, and other Shih Tzu-prone conditions like dental disease are covered as illnesses by every major pet insurance carrier, provided no symptoms appeared before enrollment or during the carrier's waiting period. Hereditary and congenital conditions are explicitly covered by Healthy Paws, Trupanion, Embrace, Spot, Lemonade, Pets Best, ASPCA, and Figo from day one of an active policy.

Q: What is the best pet insurance for a Shih Tzu?

A: For a Shih Tzu, the strongest pick depends on your priorities: choose Healthy Paws for unlimited coverage on expensive eye surgery (proptosis) ($2,000–$5,000) with no annual cap, Trupanion if you want direct vet payment and a per-condition lifetime deductible, or Pets Best if you want the lowest-deductible value play. Capped annual plans can work for healthier examples of the breed, but unlimited remains the safer long-term bet.

Q: At what age should I get pet insurance for my Shih Tzu?

A: The single best time to insure a Shih Tzu is between 8 weeks and 6 months — before any vet visits document conditions that could later be classified as pre-existing. Shih Tzus have a 10–18 years lifespan, so enrolling early locks in lower premiums for the longest possible coverage window. After age 6–8, conditions like brachycephalic airway syndrome become much more likely to already appear in medical records and become permanently excluded.

Q: Does pet insurance cover boas surgery for Shih Tzus?

A: Yes — boas surgery (typically $2,000–$5,000) is covered as an illness/surgical procedure by all major carriers, after any applicable waiting period. The catch: most carriers apply a 14-day illness waiting period, and Embrace, Spot, and Pets Best add a 6-month orthopedic waiting period for cruciate-ligament-related procedures (reducible to 14 days with a vet-completed orthopedic exam waiver). Shih Tzu owners with capped annual plans should choose at least the $10,000 tier to avoid exhausting coverage on a single major event.