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Medium risk breed
Dog
Updated March 2026

Pet Insurance for
Shih Tzu

Costs & Best Providers 2026

£26 /month avg

Range: £18–£40/month

Indicative premiums only. Prices shown are average estimates. Your actual premium will depend on your dog's age, health, postcode, and the level of cover chosen. VetCost is not regulated by the FCA and does not sell insurance.

Shih Tzu Insurance Overview

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed with protruding eyes, making them prone to eye injuries and conditions like corneal ulcers and dry eye. Their long coat also predisposes them to skin allergies and ear infections. Regular grooming costs should be budgeted for separately from insurance.

Key Facts

Avg Premium

£26/mo

Premium Range

£18–£40

Avg Claim

£850

Risk Level

Medium

Premium Range

£18/mo £40/mo
Average: £26/month

Lower-end premiums typically mean accident-only or basic cover. Higher-end reflects comprehensive lifetime policies.

Recommended Cover

Cover Type

Lifetime

Lifetime cover renews your vet fee limit each year, ensuring chronic and recurring conditions remain covered. This is the gold standard for Shih Tzus.

Min Vet Fee Limit

£6,000

Based on the average claim amount of £850 and common conditions for this breed, we recommend at least £6,000 in annual vet fee cover.

Common Insurance Claims

These are the conditions most frequently claimed for by Shih Tzu owners. Ensure your policy covers these.

#1
Eye conditions
#2
Ear infections
#3
Skin allergies
#4
Dental disease
#5
Breathing problems

Average claim amount: £850

Insurance Tips for Shih Tzu Owners

  • Eye condition cover is essential — corneal ulcers are very common
  • Ear infections recur frequently — lifetime cover prevents exclusion
  • Mild brachycephalic issues may still need treatment — check BOAS cover
  • Dental disease is common in small breeds — dental cover is worthwhile

Top Providers for Shih Tzus

These providers offer dog insurance and are among our top-rated in the UK.

#1

Petplan

4.5

Petplan is the UK's largest pet insurer, covering over 1.3 million pets. Backed by Allianz, they offer comprehensive lifetime cover with no upper age limit for renewals, direct vet payment, and cover for dental, hereditary, and behavioural conditions. A trusted name since 1976.

From £12/mo Hereditary
#2

ManyPets

4.6

ManyPets (formerly Bought By Many) is a 5x award-winning insurtech that insures over 600,000 pets. They're one of the few UK providers offering cover for pre-existing conditions, alongside a slick app-based claims experience and competitive pricing from just £5/month for dogs.

From £5/mo Hereditary
#3

Agria

4.7

Agria is a Swedish pet insurer and Which? Best Buy winner for three consecutive years. They specialise in comprehensive lifetime cover and are the official insurance partner of The Kennel Club. Known for excellent customer service and high-quality cover.

From £20/mo Hereditary

Affiliate links. See our methodology.

Compare Shih Tzu Insurance Quotes

Premiums vary significantly between providers. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal for your Shih Tzu.

Some links are affiliate links. See our methodology.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase insurance through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial ratings or rankings.