Best Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers, cherished for their petite size and charming personalities, hold a special place among toy breeds. Originating from England, they are celebrated for their endearing traits and distinctive appearance.

With their silky coats and striking blue and tan coloration, Yorkshire Terriers captivate hearts with their elegant and dainty appearance.

Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers possess a lively and sociable nature. They thrive in the company of loving families and enjoy indoor activities. Known for their affectionate disposition, they form strong bonds with their owners, often becoming cherished lap dogs.

If you own a Yorkshire Terrier , you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, a Yorkshire Terrier is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t pay for an unexpected $500 veterinary bill out-of-pocket. However, pet insurance will help you reduce your financial risk.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the top pet insurers for Yorkshire Terriers and help you pick the policy that best meets your needs. You’ll find that pet insurance is much like personal health insurance; it provides better treatment options and limits out-of-pocket costs. But unlike private health insurance, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Common Health Issues For Yorkshire Terriers

Purebred dogs, like Yorkshire Terriers, often face health challenges. Over time, some breeders have not paid enough attention to genetics when breeding Yorkshire Terriers, causing problems that affect the entire Yorkie population. Generally, Yorkshire Terriers are more likely to have genetic health issues compared to other breeds.

Here are some common health concerns for Yorkshire Terriers:

• Patellar Luxation
• Dental Issues
• Tracheal Collapse
• Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
• Hypoglycemia
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation is a common orthopedic concern in Yorkshire Terriers, given their small size. This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecap (patella) from its normal position, leading to intermittent lameness and discomfort. Depending on the severity, treatment may range from rest and physical therapy to corrective surgery, aimed at stabilizing the knee joint and improving a Yorkshire Terrier’s mobility and quality of life.

Surgical treatment for patellar luxation typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per leg.

Dental Issues

Dental issues are a prevalent concern for Yorkshire Terriers due to their small mouths and overcrowded teeth. This can result in problems such as gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss. Regular dental care, including brushing your Yorkshire Terrier’s teeth and providing dental chews or toys, is essential to prevent these issues. Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian may also be necessary to address existing problems.

The cost of dog teeth cleaning typically ranges from $250 to $700.However, if the dog needs special treatments for periodontal disease or tooth extractions, the cost can increase by several hundred dollars.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse can affect Yorkshire Terriers, particularly those with fragile tracheal cartilage. This condition leads to breathing difficulties and symptoms like coughing and gagging. Management may involve medication to alleviate symptoms, weight management, and lifestyle modifications. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to provide support to the trachea and improve respiratory function.

Treatment for tracheal collapse typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)

Portosystemic Shunt, also known as Liver Shunt, is a congenital condition that Yorkshire Terriers can be predisposed to. It involves abnormal blood vessels bypassing the liver, leading to inadequate detoxification of blood. This can result in various symptoms, including stunted growth, neurological issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging, and treatment options may include dietary management, medication, or surgery to correct the shunting vessels and improve liver function.

Surgical treatment for liver shunt typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition that Yorkshire Terrier puppies are particularly susceptible to, given their small size and high energy needs. Low blood sugar levels can cause weakness, seizures, tremors, and loss of consciousness if not promptly addressed. Treatment involves providing a quick source of sugar, such as honey or syrup, and addressing the underlying cause, which may include dietary adjustments or monitoring for other health issues.

Research says, the cost of treatment for hypoglycemia in dogs can range from $500 to $1,000.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is an orthopedic condition that can affect Yorkshire Terriers. It involves the degeneration of the femoral head, leading to hip joint pain and lameness. Early detection and intervention are crucial, and treatment options may include surgery to remove the affected bone and promote the formation of a new hip joint. Proper care and rehabilitation can help Yorkshire Terriers affected by this condition regain their mobility and lead active lives.

Surgical treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terriers

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Yorkshire Terriers?

Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. Many pet owners pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s medical expenses, but most Americans can’t afford a $1500 emergency vet bill. The right pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver. Having coverage will give you the freedom to make medical decisions for your furry family member based on the quality of life, not finances.

The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company in our review covers preexisting conditions.

But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The costs and types of pet insurance plans available on the market vary by company, making choosing one over the others challenging. To find the best plan for your pet, consider these tips before applying for coverage:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays,  surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.·
• Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.

Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level — such as 70%, 80% or 90% — when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250, or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Alower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won’t pay for any treatment during the waiting period.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries — a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

Compare Quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Similar to your health insurance plan, your pet insurance price is going to vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
• Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
• Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German Shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
• Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.