Best Pet Insurance For Shiba Inus
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Shiba Inus might be internet famous for their ‘Doge’ meme, but their owners know there’s much more to these charismatic canines than viral fame. Like any pet, they can be prone to health issues and accidents, resulting in costly veterinary bills. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver for your pet’s life and wallet. After rigorously comparing dozens of policies, we’ve pinpointed the ones that offer the best coverage for Shiba Inu to help you make a more informed decision that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Best Shiba Inu Pet Insurance — At A Glance
Best Overall
Best Personalized
Spot
Offers the most
customizable plans for your budget
and specific needs of your Shiba Inu.
Best No-Cap Payouts
Healthy Paws
Great for covering major
medical or ongoing expenses.
Beneficial for high-risk breeds.
Why you should trust us: Our writers, editors, and in-house veterinarians spend hours analyzing and reviewing products and services to help find what’s best for you. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
What Is Shiba Inu Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a healthcare policy that provides coverage for your pet and reimburses specific veterinary expenses. This ensures that your savings remain secure despite unforeseen medical costs. Such a policy involves a monthly premium. Should your pet fall ill or sustain an injury, you would file a claim with the insurance company to recoup your expenses.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost For Shiba Inu?
The cost of pet insurance for a Shiba Inu dog will vary based on several factors, including the pet’s existing health conditions, sex, age, and the area you reside in. It’s important to remember that with the progression of veterinary technology and increased claims within your locality, your insurance premiums may rise. For example, even if your Shiba Inu is quoted at $55 per month, this rate is not fixed and could change.
According to our research, plans for Shiba Inu can range from $27 to $46. You may spend more or less depending on where you live, the deductible rate and the reimbursement percentage you choose. Shiba Inu owners can expect to pay an average $35 monthly premium.
The monthly premium for Shiba Inu pet insurance
$27 to $46
Pet Insurance Quotes For Shiba Inu
We compared quotes from renowned pet insurance providers to estimate your expected average monthly premium for Shiba Inu at different life stages.
| Company | Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Reimbursement Limit | Monthly Price | Location | Gender | Breed | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $27.16 | SC, 29044 | Male | Shiba Inu | 6 years |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $37.99 | SC, 29044 | Male | Shiba Inu | 6 years |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $37.43 | SC, 29044 | Male | Shiba Inu | 6 years |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $26.96 | CA, 95842 | Female | Shiba Inu | 2 year |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $46.02 | CA, 95842 | Female | Shiba Inu | 2 year |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $30.56 | CA, 95842 | Female | Shiba Inu | 2 year |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $34.38 | TX, 75219 | Female | Shiba Inu | 6 months |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $41.10 | TX, 75219 | Female | Shiba Inu | 6 months |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $33.22 | TX, 75219 | Female | Shiba Inu | 6 months |
Shiba Inu puppy monthly cost: $36
Adult Shiba Inu monthly cost: $35
Senior Shiba Inu monthly cost: $34
Is Pet Insurance For Shiba Inu Worth it?
The decision to purchase pet insurance for your Shiba Inu hinges on various factors, including your pet’s health risk proclivity, tolerance for financial risk, and overall financial circumstances.
Consider a scenario where your Shiba Inu falls seriously ill or suffers an injury from an accident, incurring veterinary bills in the thousands. On average, the most common dog treatments cost $254.[1] A more severe and common condition in Shiba Inu, like Hip Dysplasia, can cost between $1,500 and $6,000 to diagnose and treat. Can you pay for an unexpected $6,000 veterinary bill out-of-pocket? Most people can’t. The Federal Reserve states that 40% of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency and 57% of U.S. adults cannot afford a $1,000 emergency expense.[2]
Investing in pet insurance for your Shiba Inu is a wise choice to protect your finances and ensure your dog can receive the necessary care. With pet insurance, should an unexpected accident or illness occur, you could be reimbursed for 70% to 100% of the veterinary costs, depending on the details of your plan and provider. Pet insurance gives peace of mind, knowing your finances and pet’s health are covered.
Predict & Protect Your Shiba Inu’s Future Health
Canine Bible uses years of clinical health findings, pet insurance data points, trends, and surveys to identify common health conditions in dogs. By gaining insight into your Shiba Inu’s potential future health issues and risks, you can take preventive action today and ensure that your Shiba Inu does not become a part of these statistics.
1 in 3
dogs will need emergency veterinary treatment every year.
$250 to $8K
is the average cost of unexpected veterinary care for dogs.[3]
910
Shiba Inu dog parents seek health advice every month.
0.50%
of Shibas carry the GM1 Gangliosidosis gene, a deadly disease. [4]
Dogs that develop chronic conditions under pet insurance coverage are guaranteed reimbursement for these issues for the duration of their life. If you know your dog’s breed is predisposed to certain health issues, we strongly advise getting a pet insurance policy while your dog is still healthy. Chronic health conditions, emergencies, and vet visits can increase costs throughout your Shiba Inu’s life. Pet Insurance can spare you a lot of financial trouble.
How Pet Insurance Helps With Common Health Conditions In Shiba Inus
Cost to treat hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, skin issues, and fur thinning. It’s commonly treated with hormone replacement therapy.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia involves abnormal hip joint development, leading to looseness and instability. This genetic disorder is exacerbated by rapid growth, obesity, and environmental factors. Symptoms include limping, difficulty in movement, and arthritis.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat cataracts
Cataracts in Shiba Inu result in the lens of the eye becoming opaque, significantly impairing vision. Often hereditary, they can also arise from aging, diabetes, or eye injuries. Initially, cataracts may cause slight visual disturbances but can progress to blindness. Surgical removal is the primary treatment to improve sight.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat skin disease
Dogs can suffer from various skin diseases, often manifested as itchiness, rashes, or hair loss. Causes range from allergies, parasites, and hormonal imbalances, to infections. Effective treatment requires identifying the underlying cause, which may involve dietary changes, medications, or topical treatments, depending on the specific condition. Regular skin care can help prevent recurrences.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat patellar luxation
Patellar luxation in Shiba Inu involves the dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position. This condition, often genetic, can cause lameness or an abnormal gait. Factors like trauma or congenital defects contribute to its development. Severity varies, potentially leading to arthritis or reduced mobility in affected dogs.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat anxiety
Shiba Inus can also develop anxiety, such as barking or whining, pacing, destructive behavior, or aggression.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Why Get Pet Insurance For Shiba Inu?
Here is how pet insurance can benefit Shiba Inu owners and their pets.
Benefits For Shiba Inu
- Access to better care and health outcomes due to financial barriers removed
- Cover hereditary conditions and get better breed-specific care
- Prompt access to medical treatments
- Ongoing access to healthcare and emergency care
- Preventive care options
- Facilitates treatment from specialists
Benefits For Owners
- Decreases the likelihood of economic euthanasia when the cost is a limiting factor for treatment
- Reduces unexpected veterinary costs
- Financial peace of mind
- Cover third-party liabilities
- Avoid veterinary rising cost
- Can help you find your missing/stolen pet
How to Pick The Best Shiba Inu Pet Insurance
Best Pet Insurance For Shiba Inu
1. Best Overall Shiba Inu Pet Insurance
Lemonade
Who It’s For: Excellent for Shiba Inu parents seeking the best all-around comprehensive coverage for accidents & illness at a value price.
Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: $5K, $10K, $20K, $50K or $100K
Why we recommended it: We named Lemonade our best overall pet insurance for Shiba Inu for its comprehensive coverage, pricing, availability, and customer service. Lemonade premiums usually start at just $10 monthly, the lowest in the industry. We ran a few quotes for a healthy Shiba Inu at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage to estimate your monthly premium. Based on our research, you can expect to pay between $27 and $34 monthly. We love that Lemonade is tech-forward, making it easy to manage your policy and file claims through an app. Their plans cover accidents and illnesses, including injuries, poisonings, broken bones, sprains, infections, general sicknesses, cancer, heart disease, hip dysplasia, hernias, skin conditions and more. They also offer several add-ons to help pet owners pay for exam fees, physical therapy, and preventive care.
2. Best Personalized Shiba Inu Pet Insurance
Spot Insurance
Who It’s For: Spot Pet Insurance is ideal for Shiba Inu dog owners who want the most flexibility when customizing their policy to fit their budget and coverage needs.
Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: $2,500 to Unlimited
Why we recommended it: Spot Pet Insurance offers seven annual limit options, three reimbursement levels, and five annual deductibles. They offer the lowest deductible in the industry ($100), meaning that when your Shiba Inu gets sick, you pay less upfront before your plan starts paying. With so many customization options, this company is our top pick for finding a plan to meet your specific financial needs and those of your pet. Spot’s policies also cover some items, such as exam fees and microchipping, that many other pet insurance providers don’t offer. They also have one of the cheapest plans for accident-only coverage, making it perfect for pet owners who only need minimal coverage. We ran a few quotes for a healthy Shiba Inu at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage; based on our research, you can expect to pay between $38 and $46, but prices may vary depending on your location. Shiba Inu age, and other factors. Spot covers you when your Shiba Inu gets hurt unexpectedly, from tooth extractions and torn ligaments to surgery and hospitalizations.
3. Best No-Cap Payout Shiba Inu Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws
Who It’s For: With no financial cap, it’s ideal for covering major medical or ongoing expenses such as chronic conditions. It’s also beneficial for high-risk breeds such as Shiba Inu.
Deductible: $100, $250 or $500
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: Unlimited
Why we recommended it: Healthy Paws offers the benefit of no cap payout, meaning there’s no maximum limit on the amount they will pay, which is particularly advantageous for severe conditions or chronic diseases that require ongoing, expensive treatments. With no financial cap, you can choose the best treatments for your pet. This can include access to advanced medical procedures, specialized surgeries, or cutting-edge treatments that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, Healthy Paws stands out for its quick claim processing, typically paying 99% of claims in two days, notably faster than many competitors. We ran a quote for a healthy Shiba Inu at a $500 deductible with 70% coverage. Depending on your location, pet’s age, and other factors, you can expect to pay between $31 and $37. Healthy Paws insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, alternative care, etc. They have competitive premium prices and fewer coverage exclusions.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage For Shiba Inu
There are two main types of pet insurance plans.
What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
When choosing pet insurance for your Shiba Inu, reviewing and understanding your policy’s exclusions is important.
Exclusions vary based on the pet insurance company and the policy you choose. Be sure to review the list of exclusions before purchasing pet insurance to confirm that your Shiba Inu is adequately covered by the plan you select and help prevent surprises in the future.
Pet Insurance For Shiba Inu Puppies
Should you get pet insurance for your Shiba Inu puppy? Here are the top reasons you should consider Shiba Inu puppy insurance.
Average Cost of Shiba Inu Vet Bills
This is what you will pay out-of-pocket on average if you don’t have pet insurance or a wellness plan.
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
| Typical Vet 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 days holspitalization | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Wound treatment & repair | $800 - $1,500 |
| Emergency surgery | $800 - $2,500 |
| Oxygen therapy | 500 |
Sources: 5 & 6
Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Shiba Inu Pet Insurance Policy
Deductibles, co-pays & coverage limits
The lower the amount you pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your insurance premium will be. For instance, selecting a deductible of $300 instead of $800 means you’ll get reimbursed quicker for your pet’s care, but it also leads to higher premium payments.
Breed
Certain breeds are prone to congenital health issues. For example, breeds such as Shiba Inu often struggle with Cancer and bloat. These breed tendencies could influence your pet insurance expenses.
Location
Local veterinary care expenses are taken into account by pet insurance companies when setting the price of your policy.
Pet’s Age
Older pets generally face more health problems, which results in higher insurance premiums because there is a higher risk for the insurance company.
Understand Insurance Policy Basics
How Does Shiba Inu Pet Insurance Work?
Imagine your Shiba Inu pet insurance policy has the following terms:
Now, let’s say your Shiba Inu incurs a veterinary bill of $3,000 for medical treatment.
This example assumes you haven’t yet met your deductible for the year. If you’ve already met your annual deductible, you won’t have to pay again for this or any new claims within the same policy year. Since every claim you make contributes to your annual payout limit after the insurance company pays $2,475 for it, the remaining yearly payout limit is $15,000 – $2,475 = $12,525.
Frequently Asked Question
The Bottom Line
Shiba Inu owners should consider purchasing pet insurance. The right coverage can protect against unexpected vet bills and ensure their pet receives the best care. Selecting a policy that provides comprehensive coverage at an affordable price and has a good reputation is critical.
Shiba Inu owners can find the best policy by researching and comparing options. Pet insurance can give owners peace of mind, given the breed’s health tendencies. It is a wise decision for all pet owners, especially for Shiba Inu. Investing in insurance can ensure that your pet receives the best care, even if it suffers from an unexpected illness.
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Disclaimer: The details about insurance company offerings, including prices, availability, and contract specifics, can change at any time and are at the discretion of the insurance company. This website does not control these changes. The information provided here is for reference only. It is important to thoroughly read and understand your policy before signing up for a new insurance contract, as your situation may differ from the examples used in this article.
Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Breiner, B. (2023). Average Cost of Pet Insurance: 2023 Quotes. ValuePenguin.
- Gillespie, L. (2023, February 23). Bankrate’s Annual Emergency Fund Report. Bankrate.
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. (2019). 2019 Cost of Pet Health Care Report.
- Pervin, S., Islam, M. S., Yorisada, Y., Sakai, A., Masamune, S., Yabuki, A., Rakib, T. M., Maki, S., Tacharina, M. R., & Yamato, O. (2022). Carrier Rate and Mutant Allele Frequency of GM1 Gangliosidosis in Miniature Shiba Inus (Mame Shiba): Population Screening of Breeding Dogs in Japan. Animals (2076-2615), 12(10), 1242.
- Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Visits | Find Out What You Will Pay. (2020, March 19). Emergency Vets USA.
- Cost of Owning a Dog: From Initial Cost to Annual Essentials. (n.d.). The Dog People.
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