Best Pet Insurance For Chihuahuas

The Chihuahua is among the smallest dog breeds but packs a large personality. The best insurance policy for a Chihuahua may not match that of a larger dog breed. This is why we’ve dedicated this insurance guide to Chihuahuas.

This breed is the 37th most popular dog breed. Each dog is unique, and your budget isn’t the same as your neighbor’s. So we’ve compiled a list of health insurance considerations to help you find the best fit for your individual needs.

At 5 to 8 inches tall and weighing less than 6 pounds, your Chihuahua may be more susceptible to accidents and illnesses than some other, sturdier breeds. And like all other purebreds, they are prone to more health concerns than most mixed breeds, making pet insurance an excellent investment consideration.

At A Glance

Note: Clicking the above links take you to each company’s website to learn more and get a quote. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

The short answer is yes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance states that 63% of pet owners couldn’t afford unexpected medical care for their pets. Not only does pet insurance allow you to choose the best medical treatment for your pet, but it also provides stability to your finances.

The key thing to remember is that you need to sign up for pet insurance before an emergency arises. You cannot count on coverage for your Chihuahua’s pre-diagnosed health issues. So it’s crucial to get your dog covered as soon as possible.

Common Health Issues In Chihuahuas

However, the health issues below can give you an idea of what to look for regarding symptoms and insurance coverage.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus is a heart defect that happens when the ductus arteriosus (an arterial shunt between the pulmonary artery and the aorta) doesn’t close down at birth. Failure of closure of the ductus arteriosus results in less blood being pumped into their circulation, causing the left side of the heart to work harder. Depending on the defect’s size, the left side of the heart will become enlarged and can lead to congestive heart failure.

PDA is diagnosed by your vet hearing a heart murmur during the examination. Your vet may recommend X-rays and an electrocardiogram. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess red blood cell count. And finally, echocardiography may be used to examine the heart while in movement.

Treatment for PDA in dogs can be expensive. You’ll be referred to a veterinary cardiovascular surgeon who will help determine the optimal treatment for your pup, which is most likely surgery. When everything is said and done, you may be looking at $2,500 to $5,000 in vet bills for diagnosis and treatment.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Upon examination, if your vet hears a heart murmur in your dog, it could be due to mitral valve disease. The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. In a dog suffering from mitral valve disease, the mitral valve is thickened and short, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium. Over time, MVD can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF).

Diagnosing MVD includes an echocardiogram and chest X-ray. Follow-up care includes echocardiograms every six months to prevent CHF. Depending on the stage of MVD, your dog may require several medications throughout the rest of their life.

Eye Conditions

Eye conditions Chihuahuas are known for include glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Glaucoma is an eye disorder where fluid builds up because there’s improper drainage. The excess fluid increases the intraocular pressure in the eye, which causes retina and optic nerve damage, ultimately leading to vision loss and eventually blindness. Glaucoma treatment may consist of medication, surgery, and potentially eye removal and can cost thousands of dollars.

As for PRA, surgery and other medical intervention cannot correct it. Diagnosis for PRA can be costly, and adjusting your dog’s environment may be necessary, but ultimately there is no cure.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation (or luxating patella) occurs when the kneecap doesn’t sit correctly and essentially floats like it is dislocated. It affects mobility, and symptoms include kicking out, hopping, and exercise intolerance. In some cases, the kneecap can slip back into place and never happen again. But usually, if it happens once, it’s likely to happen again. Surgery is often the only option to improve the quality of your dog’s life and prevent the issue from recurring.

The average surgery cost to resolve a luxating patella falls between $1,500 and $3,000 per knee. However, this price doesn’t include the cost of diagnosis, pre-surgery blood work, post-surgery treatment, and any complications they might experience along the way. If your dog requires surgery on both knees, you could face a hefty bill.

Molera

Molera is when the soft spot of a dog’s skull doesn’t fuse together. An X-ray and ultrasound may be used to diagnose the molera and determine its size.

There is no cure for this condition. Dogs who have molera should be treated carefully and not be allowed to jump off of furniture, out of your arms, or off high stairs as they could suffer severe brain injuries. It’s also important to be choosy with who you let around your dog because rough playmates (whether they be other canines or humans, like children) could accidentally injure your dog.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is among the most common health issues in dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) states that genetics plays the most significant factor in joint dysplasia and other joint problems. Be sure to work with a breeder who provides you with healthy hip and elbow scores and if you adopt from a shelter, check to see if they can share any details on joint health.

Surgery is often needed to improve the quality of your dog’s life. And this procedure ranges from $1,700 to $4,500+, depending on the type of surgery required.

Considerations When Choosing An Insurer

Age Restrictions & Waiting Periods

Most pet insurance companies have a minimum age requirement (typically between six and eight weeks old) before allowing you to enroll your pet. And some companies cap the age at which you can sign up an older dog (14 years old is the most common, although it’s only a few companies). Additionally, some companies may exclude specific conditions from coverage if your pup is above a certain age (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament surgery, and orthopedic disorders).

All providers have waiting periods, which are short periods at the beginning of a new policy until your pet’s condition becomes eligible for reimbursement. Keep in mind that any pre-existing conditions, accidents, or illnesses diagnosed or showing symptoms during the waiting period are excluded from coverage. The average waiting period for illnesses is 14 days and for accidents is less than five days.

Coverage Type

There are two types of insurance coverage to choose from:

1. Accident-Only – These policies offer coverage for accidents (e.g., torn ligaments, broken bones, etc.), so basically any sudden physical injury. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness policies. This can be a reasonable option for a pet with many pre-existing conditions.
2. Accident and Illness – These policies are the most popular because they cover both accidents and illnesses (i.e., cancer, arthritis, allergies, etc.), including most unexpected medical expenses. Because no provider covers pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to sign your pet up for coverage as early as possible.

Some companies also offer a wellness plan (aka preventative care plan) during the enrollment process. This commonly covers routine vet expenses (i.e., annual exams, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, etc.) but varies by provider. It’s typically available as an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, but some companies allow you to purchase it without an insurance policy. This add-on coverage isn’t technically an insurance product.

To find the best option for your Chihuahua, you need to consider what type of coverage you need and your budget.

Premium: Deductible, Reimbursement & Payout Options

The fee you pay for your Chihuahua’s pet insurance coverage is the premium usually paid monthly or annually. Monthly payments often add transaction fees, so if you can pay annually, it can save you a little money.

According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness insurance policy in the U.S. in 2022 was $53.34 for dogs. Of course, this varies for every dog and situation, including yours, so be sure to get multiple quotes from top-rated companies.

The premium is based on several factors: breed (or mix), location, age, gender, pre-existing conditions, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and payout. The beginning of the list is self-explanatory, you have a Chihuahua, and you know your zip code, your dog’s age (or best guess), gender, and medical history. But what is a deductible, reimbursement, and payout?

• Deductible – The money you have to pay before your policy begins to reimburse you. This is typically reset each policy period (annually). However, some companies have per-incident deductibles, so you must pay this amount each time your dog suffers a new condition. Each company may have its own spin on this, so be sure to understand your policy because annual vs. per-incident deductibles can impact the amount of money you’re expected to pay.
• Reimbursement – The percentage of a claim that you’re eligible for repayment by the company after you’ve paid your coinsurance. The most popular reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%, but some companies offer other options or restricted options based on the dog’s age or location.
• Payout – The maximum amount a provider will reimburse during the policy period. Lower payout limits mean you may be responsible for more costs if your pet has expensive vet treatment.

Many companies allow you to customize your plan to fit your budget. For example, a higher deductible and reimbursement percentage paired with a lower payout will lower your premium. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between what your budget allows and the worst-case scenario if your Chihuahua’s health takes a turn for the worst and you have several expensive vet bills to pay.

Exclusions

Exclusions refer to the conditions not covered by your policy. This can include pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, specific dental treatment, and more.

Possibly the most significant concern regarding Chihuahuas is that a few companies require additional waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Because Chihuahuas are at an increased risk for hip dysplasia, you’ll want to ensure you understand any additional restrictions for it. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read and understand your policy.

Who Offers The Best Policy?

Below are our top pet insurance picks for Chihuahuas based on their breed-specific needs. And, once you are ready, we’ve made a free quote form that provides customized policy quotes from top pet insurance companies when you fill in your pet’s details. By entering your pet’s specific characteristics, you can get a better understanding of the coverage needed.

Best Overall Pet Insurance

Pets Best may be the best pet insurance for your Chihuahua because of its shorter waiting period for hip dysplasia (only 14 days for this common breed health concern), lower prices on average, and it has no maximum age limits for enrollment. Pets Best also has few exclusions compared to other providers, including coverage for behavioral therapies and optional wellness care.

Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs

Best Insurance For Bilateral Conditions

Additional Options We Recommend

How To Save Money

Some Chihuahua parents can save money on insurance policies if the following circumstances are met.

Pay Annually

Most insurance companies offer two ways of paying your premiums, either monthly or annually. In many cases, transaction fees are added to your bill if you choose the monthly payment option. Therefore, you can minimize or avoid these altogether if you pay your premium annually.

Multi-Pet Discount

Many pet insurers offer multi-pet discounts for pet owners who take out several policies for their household’s dogs and cats. You could get up to a 10% discount on each pet’s insurance, amounting to significant savings. Some companies only offer multi-pet discounts on additional pets (not the first), so be sure to clarify this point before enrolling in a new policy.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, investing in pet insurance for your Chihuahua is frequently worthwhile. The premium often deters pet parents. But when you consider the costs associated with common non-routine vet bills for the breed, you realize it can be a more budget-friendly option. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll never be faced with choosing between your wallet and your best friend’s health or life.

Remember to read the fine print to understand the coverage and limitations before you sign up, no matter which policy you are considering. If you’re unsure about something or have questions, give the pet insurance company a call or speak with your vet.