Best Shih Tzu Insurance

Discuss with your veterinarian the health conditions your Shih Tzu may be more likely to develop based on its age, medical history, weight and lifestyle. Shih Tzus can develop dental disease caused by their small, crowded mouths, as well as eye and breathing problems due to their facial structure. They can also have orthopedic issues such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia because of inherited joint abnormalities.

Use your veterinarian's guidance to identify the types of care you may want your policy to cover. For a Shih Tzu, this could include hereditary condition coverage, veterinary exams for eye or respiratory problems, dental illness treatment, prescription medications and physical rehabilitation for orthopedic conditions.

Think about whether you want an accident-only plan, which generally pays for eligible injuries, or an accident and illness policy, which also covers eligible diseases. Because Shih Tzus can have both injury and illness risks, consider which types of veterinary expenses you want insurance to help with and whether an optional wellness plan for routine care is beneficial for your budget.

Then, select a deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate that fit your finances. The deductible is the amount you pay toward eligible veterinary expenses before the insurer starts paying, while the annual limit is the maximum the insurer will pay during the policy year. Your reimbursement rate determines the percentage of eligible costs the insurer pays after you've met your deductible, with a higher rate leaving you with less to pay for covered care.

Once you've identified the coverage you want, compare insurers available in your state by reading their sample policies carefully. Check for the following terms:

• Pre-existing condition rules: Determine how each insurer defines a pre-existing condition and how it treats symptoms that appeared before enrollment. Some insurers may exclude only conditions that were diagnosed or showed clear symptoms before coverage began, while others may apply exclusions to related or recurring signs even when your Shih Tzu never received a formal diagnosis.
• Curable condition terms: Find out whether an insurer can cover a condition that existed before enrollment if your Shih Tzu remains symptom- and treatment-free for a specified period. These periods commonly range from 180 days to 12 months, but the requirements vary by provider and condition.
• Waiting periods: Look for providers with waiting periods of one to five days for accident, 14 days or less for illnesses and under six months for orthopedic conditions. Also check whether an insurer can waive or shorten a waiting period under certain circumstances.
• Hereditary and congenital conditions: Confirm that the policy covers hereditary and congenital conditions, whether by default or through an optional add-on, and does not exclude them simply because Shih Tzus may be predisposed to certain problems.
• Dental illnesses: Check whether the policy covers dental illnesses and medically necessary dental treatment, including prescribed teeth cleanings. This is particularly important for Shih Tzus because their small mouths can result in crowded teeth and plaque buildup, which can contribute to periodontal disease and the need for professional dental treatment.
• Physical rehabilitation: Find out if therapies such as hydrotherapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture are included in the base plan or excluded unless you purchase an add-on. These benefits may be useful if your Shih Tzu needs recovery support after orthopedic surgery or treatment for a joint or mobility problem.

Aside from policy documents, research the providers you're considering based on what current and former customers report about their claims process, customer service, reimbursements and handling of coverage questions. 

Check multiple sources, including Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Reddit communities such as r/shihtzu and r/petinsurancereviews. Look out for recurring comments about requests for medical records, disputes over whether a Shih Tzu's condition is pre-existing and delays in processing claims for treatment.