Best Pet Insurance For Chihuahuas In 2024
In my assessment, Healthy Paws offers the most comprehensive pet insurance for Chihuahuas.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $350 per year on their pet insurance.
If you own a Chihuahua, you probably worry about its health and well-being. Purebred Chihuahuas are more susceptible to genetic health problems than mixed breeds. Sadly, 4 in 5 pet parents can’t afford an unexpected $500 vet bill out-of-pocket. Pet insurance can help reduce this financial burden.
In this article, we’ll review some of the top pet insurance policies for Chihuahuas, helping you choose the right one for your needs. Pet insurance works similarly to human health insurance by providing better care and minimizing out-of-pocket expenses, but it’s much cheaper than private health insurance.
Best Pet Insurance Companies For Chihuahuas, 2024
Several pet insurance providers focus on Chihuahuas, offering similar benefits in pet care and financial protection, but with unique offerings. The best option for one Chihuahuas might not be ideal for another.
Here’s our guide to top pet insurance companies for Chihuahuas.
![healthy-paws](https://www.insuranceopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/healthy-paws.jpg)
![Lemonade](https://www.insuranceopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lemonade.jpg)
![manypetsicon-logo](https://www.insuranceopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/manypetsicon-logo.png)
![pumpkinicon-logo](https://www.insuranceopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pumpkinicon-logo.png)
![spot](https://www.insuranceopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/spot.jpg)
Compare The Best Pet Insurance Companies For Chihuahuas
We've detailed the leading pet insurance providers for Chihuahuas, emphasizing their respective strengths.
Overall Rating | Best For | Waiting Period | Reimbursement % | Benefit Limit | Get A Quote | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthy Paws |
|
Overall |
15 days accidents/illness |
70%, 80%, 90% |
Unlimited annual and lifetime |
Instant Quote |
Lemonade |
|
Cheap |
2 days accidents, 14 days illness |
70%, 80%, 90% |
$5,000 to $100,000 annually |
Instant Quote |
ManyPets |
|
Puppies |
15 days accidents/illness |
70% or 80% |
Unlimited annual and lifetime |
Instant Quote |
Pumpkin |
|
Older Dogs |
14 days accidents/illness |
90% |
$10,000, $20,000 or unlimited |
Instant Quote |
Spot |
|
Multiple Pets |
14 days accidents/illness |
70%, 80%, 90% |
$2,500 to unlimited |
Instant Quote |
Our Methodology
The opinions and ratings were developed through a detailed examination of insurer websites, customer reviews, reviews from alternative platforms, and personal experiences with pet insurance.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Chihuahua Insurance Companies
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Healthy Paws is renowned for its pet insurance, offering unlimited claim payouts and avoiding per-incident maximums or caps. This ensures you won’t have to navigate difficult decisions about your pet’s care due to policy limits. Their policy is straightforward, without expensive add-ons, and they welcome visits to any licensed veterinarian. Claims can be easily submitted through their app or website, typically processed within two days.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Annual or lifetime payouts have no boundaries.
- Return it within 30 days, get your money back.
- Our standard procedure completes most claims within 48 hours.
- It may be feasible to pay the vet directly. ✓
- A regular health check isn't an option. ✘
Runner-Up for Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Lemonade was found to be the cheapest pet insurance option for Chihuahuas. Unlike Healthy Paws, Lemonade’s coverage limits range from $5,000 to $100,000 per year, with premiums increasing according to the chosen limit. Their standard policy covers accidents, illnesses like cancer and heart disease, as well as common conditions such as broken bones and hip dysplasia in older Chihuahuas. However, they do not cover preexisting conditions, dental problems, behavioral issues, or elective procedures, which is standard among most insurers.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Choose a voluntary wellness plan.
- Waiting period for accident coverage is limited to two days.
- Save 10% on insurance costs when you bundle pet insurance with Lemonade's home, renters, or car insurance. ✓
- Pet telehealth services are not accessible 24 hours a day.
- There's an additional cost associated with covering vet exam fees.
- Insurance does not cover the costs of prescription food or microchipping. ✘
Best For Puppies
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅ManyPets provides comprehensive insurance options for puppies. Rates are unaffected by pre-existing conditions, and treated illnesses may be covered after 18 months, with unrelated conditions remaining eligible for coverage. Young Chihuahuas, like all puppies, are vulnerable to illnesses like poisoning, ingestion of foreign objects, and accidents due to their high energy levels. Early insurance coverage significantly reduces the risk of exclusions for pre-existing conditions as they mature.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Available across more than forty states
- Funds vet appointments for sickness and accident evaluations.
- Provides varied wellness choices. ✓
- Around-the-clock pet telehealth services are unavailable.
- Pet behavioral therapy falls outside of the coverage.
- Alternative therapies are not eligible for insurance reimbursement. ✘
Best For Older Dogs
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅As Chihuahuas grow older, they become prone to genetic illnesses like cruciate ligament issues and hip dysplasia that can necessitate expensive treatments. Pumpkin pet insurance offers immediate coverage for these conditions without waiting periods and includes reimbursement for veterinary exams for older Chihuahuas needing treatment. They provide comprehensive coverage options for a range of Chihuahuas health issues, including surgeries and dental problems, with three deductible options and a standard 90% reimbursement rate.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Wellness plan available at your choice
- Price cuts for covering multiple pets under one plan.
- Pets such as dogs and cats that are 8 weeks or older qualify for a 90% refund. ✓
- Around-the-clock pet health consultations aren't provided.
- They don't offer an accident-only insurance plan. ✘
Best For Multiple Pets
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Many Chihuahuas owners keep several pets due to the breed’s friendly nature. Spot offers a 10% discount for insuring more than one pet, leading to significant savings. Their optional preventive care plan covers wellness services such as an annual vet visit, fecal test, and teeth cleaning, and includes coverage for certain vaccinations. Spot provides a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the coverage or service. They also reimburse up to 90% of eligible vet expenses and provide a 24/7 vet helpline. Plus, you can choose any U.S.-licensed veterinarian or specialist.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Incorporates microchip technology
- Available: a deductible starting at $100.
- Offers continuous pet health consultations via their 24/7 line. ✓
- When it comes to accidents, expect a 14-day waiting period, unlike some top competitors who manage claims in 2 days. ✘
Common Health Issues For Chihuahuas
Like other purebred dogs, Chihuahuas tend to have a higher risk of health issues. Unfortunately, some breeders have not taken genetics into account when breeding Chihuahuas, which has led to the spread of genetic health problems within the breed. This makes Chihuahuas more susceptible to certain health conditions than other breeds.
Here are some of the most frequent health problems Chihuahuas face:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems (due to their small mouths)
- Heart Murmurs and Heart Disease
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Hydrocephalus (in some cases)
- Collapsing Trachea
- Luxating Trachea
Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Chihuahuas
Company | Deductible | Annual Reimbursement % | Monthly Price | Age of Dog |
Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | $70.30 | 5 year old |
Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $40.00 | 5 year old |
Spot | $500 | 70% | $73.34 | 5 year old |
Healthy Paws | $500 | 80% | $36.52 | 1 year old |
Lemonade | $500 | 80% | $20.67 | 1 year old |
Spot | $500 | 80% | $53.80 | 1 year old |
Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | $37.64 | 3 month old |
Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $29.13 | 3 month old |
Spot | $500 | 70% | $83.12 | 3 month old |
Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures
Typical Vet Procedure | Average Cost Of Procedure |
Puppy vaccinations | $75-100 |
Flea & tick prevention | $40-200 |
Heartworm prevention | $24-120 |
Spay or neuter surgery | $200-800 |
Annual exam | $240-600 |
Teeth cleaning | $200-500 |
Microchip | $40 |
Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures
Emergency Pet Procedure | Average Cost Of Procedure |
General consultation/exam | $100-$150 |
General bloodwork | $80-200 |
X-rays | $150-$250 |
Ultrasound | $300-$600 |
1-2 day hospitalization | $600-$1,700 |
3-5 day hospitalization | $1,500-$3,500 |
Wound treatment & repair | $800-$1,500 |
Emergency surgery | $800-$2,500 |
Oxygen therapy | $500 |
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Chihuahuas?
Pet insurance offers a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills. While many pet owners pay for their pet’s medical care out of pocket, most Americans can’t handle a $1,500 emergency expense. The right insurance plan can make a big difference, allowing you to focus on your pet’s health instead of finances. The true value of pet insurance depends on what you expect. If your pet is already being treated for a chronic condition, you’ll be disappointed as no policy covers preexisting conditions. However, if you choose a plan that fits your budget and needs, it can be worth it.
How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You
Different companies offer pet insurance plans with varying costs and types, making it tough to choose the right one. Before applying for coverage, use these tips to find the ideal plan for your pet.
Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible
Puppies and kittens must typically reach 6 to 10 weeks old to be eligible for insurance, depending on the insurer. Older pets may not qualify for initial enrollment or may be limited to accident coverage. Once enrolled, most plans ensure continuous coverage as long as premiums are paid.
Research What’s Covered
Pet insurance typically covers expenses such as surgery, hospital care, and medication if your pet becomes sick or injured. However, certain things may not be covered or could cost extra. Some examples include:
- Exam fees: Some plans cover treatments like X-rays and surgeries but won’t reimburse you for the vet’s exam fee.
- Alternative therapies: Coverage for treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy may be included in some policies but cost extra in others.
- Behavioral therapy: Treatments for aggression or behavioral issues may not be included in all policies.
- Prescription food: Special diets, even when prescribed by your vet, may not be covered by some plans.
- Dental care: Coverage for dental issues, like gingivitis, varies widely between plans. Some plans may require recent dental cleanings for coverage, while wellness plans might cover cleanings.
Pet insurance also usually excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, and breeding-related expenses.
Decide How Much Coverage You Want
Many pet insurance plans limit annual payouts, though some do not impose such restrictions. It’s your choice how much coverage gives you peace of mind for vet bills. With a healthy pet, you might only need to pay for routine care for years. But unforeseen surgeries or serious illnesses could result in significant costs.
Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles
Pet insurance plans often reimburse a percentage of your vet bill, with options like 70%, 80%, or 90% available when you sign up.
Some plans pay a standard fee for treatments, which may be less than what your vet charges, so you’d need to pay the remainder.
Most plans also have a deductible, the amount you must pay before the insurance starts covering costs. Deductibles can range from $100 to $250 or higher. Some policies apply this deductible per condition, while others reset it annually.
Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates generally lead to higher premiums, while higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates result in lower premiums.
Check Waiting Periods
Typically, insurance plans have a short waiting period, typically about 14 days after purchase, before they cover general accident and illness treatments. During this time, medical expenses are not reimbursed. Some plans have extended waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which are common orthopedic issues in dogs. Cruciate ligaments are crucial for knee stability, and their injury can impair a dog’s ability to walk.
Examine Extra Costs
A few pet insurance firms offer coverage for routine services like vet visits and vaccinations. Calculate if it’s worth it by comparing the yearly cost of the wellness plan with what you’d typically spend annually on these services. Review the details, as “wellness” coverage can vary among insurers.
Compare Quotes
Pet insurance costs vary according to the insurer and the coverage amount. Some insurers offer discounts, like savings for covering multiple pets. However, a discount doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best deal. To discover the right pet insurance, compare quotes from various plans with comparable coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement caps.
Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy
Much like health insurance, the price of pet insurance can vary depending on factors such as:
- Location. Veterinary care costs in your area will influence your premium.
- Your pet’s age. Older pets typically come with higher premiums because they are more likely to experience health problems.
- Your pet’s breed. Some breeds are more prone to specific health conditions. Bulldogs and Boston terriers often struggle with breathing issues, while larger breeds like German Shepherds may develop hip dysplasia. These risks are reflected in your plan’s cost.
- Deductibles and coverage options. A lower deductible will raise your premium, as the insurance covers more costs sooner. For example, a $100 deductible will increase your premium more than a $500 deductible.
FAQs
Is pet insurance cheaper for purebred dogs?
Purebred dogs often require higher insurance premiums because of their genetic predisposition to costly health issues, unlike mixed-breed dogs.
What is the average cost of owning a Chihuahua?
The first-year expenses, which encompass vaccinations, food, grooming, and insurance, come to about $3,000, but decrease to approximately $1,900 annually thereafter.
What insurance do you need for a dog?
Dog owners can benefit from pet insurance to cover vet bills and ensure their dog’s health.
Sources
⇅Pet Insurance In Your Area
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