Best Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terriers [2024 Review]
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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Meri Halvari, DVM Candidate.
This guide is the most comprehensive resource for finding the best pet insurance for Yorkshire Terriers. Many Yorkie owners ponder the value of pet insurance, influenced by stories of those who have faced the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their pets due to unaffordable vet bills. But is pet insurance truly a vital safeguard for your furry friend in times of emergency? This blog post aims to explore both perspectives, assisting you in determining whether pet insurance is a suitable choice for you and your Yorkie. We will also guide you in selecting the right pet insurance for Yorkies and provide insights into potential accidents and veterinary expenses you might face as a Yorkie owner. This information will help you assess the necessity of coverage. Let’s delve into the details.
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.
Best Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance — At A Glance
Best Overall
Lemonade
The most comprehensive
options with excellent
monthly pricing for Yorkshire Terrier
Best Personalized
Best No-Cap Payouts
Healthy Paws
Great for covering major
medical or ongoing expenses.
Beneficial for high-risk breeds.
What Is Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a healthcare policy that provides coverage for your pet, offering reimbursement for 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.
The monthly premium for Yorkshire Terrier pet insurance
$26 to $50
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost For Yorkshire Terriers?
The cost of pet insurance for a Yorkie 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 Yorkie is quoted at $55 per month, this rate is not fixed and could change.
According to our research, plans for Yorkshire Terriers can range from $26 to $50. You may spend more or less depending on where you live, the deductible rate and the reimbursement percentage you choose. Yorkshire Terrier owners can expect to pay an average $34 monthly premium.
Pet Insurance Quotes For Yorkshire Terriers
We compared quotes from renowned pet insurance providers to estimate your expected average monthly premium for different life stages in Yorkies.
| Company | Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Reimbursement Limit | Monthly Price | Location | Gender | Breed | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $28.14 | SC, 29044 | Male | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 years |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $41.05 | SC, 29044 | Male | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 years |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $32.97 | SC, 29044 | Male | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 years |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $26.15 | CA, 95842 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 2 year |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $50.40 | CA, 95842 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 2 year |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $26.94 | CA, 95842 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 2 year |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $31.00 | TX, 75219 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 months |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $44.41 | TX, 75219 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 months |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $29.25 | TX, 75219 | Female | Yorkshire Terrier | 6 months |
Yorkie puppy monthly cost: $35
Adult Yorkie monthly cost: $34
Senior Yorkie monthly cost: $34
Is Pet Insurance For Yorkie Worth it?
The decision to purchase pet insurance for your Yorkie hinges on various factors, including your pet’s health risk proclivity, tolerance for financial risk, and overall financial circumstances.
Consider a scenario where your Yorkie 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 Yorkies, like Portosystemic Shunts, can cost between $2,000 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 Yorkie 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 Yorkshire Terrier’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 Yorkie’s potential future health issues and risks, you can take preventive action today and ensure that your Yorkie 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]
29.6%
Yorkies are susceptible to early periodontitis.[4]
1.7%
of all Yorkies are at risk of Degenerative Myelopathy.[5]
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 Yorkshire Terrier’s life. Pet Insurance can spare you a lot of financial trouble.
Dogs that develop chronic conditions under pet insurance coverage are guaranteed reimbursement for these issues for the duration of their life.Most Common Health Conditions In Yorkshire Terriers
Cost to treat entropion
Entropion in Yorkshire Terriers is where the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This results in discomfort, tearing, and potential corneal damage. It’s often inherited but can arise from eyelid injuries or muscular spasms. Treatment typically involves surgical correction.
*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 progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in dogs is a genetic disorder leading to the gradual deterioration of the retina, resulting in vision loss and potentially blindness. Early signs include night blindness and dilated pupils. There’s no cure, but affected dogs often adapt well to their limited vision in a safe, consistent environment.
*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 Yorkshire Terriers 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 portosystemic shunts
Portosystemic shunts in dogs involve abnormal blood vessel connections allowing blood to bypass the liver, leading to unfiltered blood reaching systemic circulation. This condition can cause toxins to accumulate, affecting neurological and digestive health. It’s often congenital, resulting from genetic predispositions in this breed.
*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 Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Yorkshire Terriers is characterized by the deterioration of the femoral head in the hip joint. This occurs due to inadequate blood supply, leading to bone necrosis. Common in young, small breeds, it causes limping, joint stiffness, and pain, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life.
*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 mitral valve disease
Yorkshire Terriers often suffer from mitral valve disease, where the heart’s mitral valve deteriorates. This leads to blood flow issues and potential heart failure. Aging and genetic factors predominantly cause this condition, affecting the dog’s overall cardiac health and stamina.
*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 diabetes
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to diabetes, characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels. This chronic condition is often linked to genetic predispositions and obesity, requiring lifelong insulin therapy and diet management to prevent serious health complications.
*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 pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, is common in this breed. Factors such as a high-fat diet, obesity, or certain medications can induce this painful condition, leading to digestive problems and, in severe cases, systemic illness.
*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 obesity
Obesity is a significant concern in Yorkies, primarily caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. This excess weight puts strain on the dog’s body, leading to joint problems, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. Proper diet and regular exercise are crucial for prevention.
*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 hydrocephalus
Commonly known as “water on the brain,” this condition is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased pressure. In Yorkies, it can be congenital or acquired. Symptoms include a domed skull, lethargy, and uncoordinated movement. Treatment may involve surgery or medication.
*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 tracheal collapse
Tracheal Collapse in Yorkshire Terriers is characterized by a weakened trachea, leading to a characteristic honking cough and difficulty in breathing. Factors such as obesity or environmental stressors often aggravate this condition, necessitating careful management.
*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 hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in Yorkies, often stems from their small body size, which can’t store much glucose. Skipping meals, overactivity, or illness can trigger this. Symptoms include lethargy and shaking, and it’s critical to provide a quick sugar source for recovery.
*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 dental disease
Poor dental hygiene in Yorkshire Terriers leads to plaque build-up, gingivitis, and periodontitis. This results in tooth loss, bad breath, and can affect overall health.
*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 Yorkshire Terrier?
How to Pick The Best Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance
Best Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terriers
1. Best Overall Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance
Lemonade
Who It’s For: Excellent for Yorkie parents seeking the best all-around comprehensive coverage for accidents & illness at a value price.
Why we picked and recommended it: We named Lemonade our best overall pet insurance for Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage to estimate your monthly premium. Based on our research, you can expect to pay between $26 and $31 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 Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance
Spot Insurance
Who It’s For: Spot Pet Insurance is ideal for Yorkshire Terrier dog owners who want the most flexibility when customizing their policy to fit their budget and coverage needs.
Why we picked and 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 Yorkie 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 for meeting 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 Yorkie at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage, based on our research, you can expect to pay between $41 and $50, but prices may vary depending on your location, Yorkie’s age, and other factors. Spot covers you when your Yorkie gets hurt unexpectedly, from tooth extractions and torn ligaments to surgery and hospitalizations.
3. Best No-Cap Payout Yorkshire Terrier 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. Beneficial for high-risk breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers.
Why we picked and 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 Yorkshire Terrier at a $500 deductible with 70% coverage. Depending on your location, pet’s age, and other factors, you can expect to pay between $27 and $33. 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 Yorkshire Terrier
There are two main types of pet insurance plans.
What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
When choosing pet insurance for your Yorkshire Terrier, 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 Yorkshire Terrier is adequately covered by the plan you select and help prevent surprises in the future.
Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
Should you get pet insurance for your Yorkie puppy? Here are the top reasons you should consider Yorkies puppy insurance.
Average Cost of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkies 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 Yorkshire Terriers Pet Insurance Work?
Imagine your Yorkie’s pet insurance policy has the following terms:
Now, let’s say your Yorkshire Terrier incurs a veterinary bill of $2,000 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. And, since every claim you make contributes to your annual payout limit after the insurance company pays $1,620 for this claim, the remaining yearly payout limit is $10,000 – $1,620 = $8,380.
Frequently Asked Question
Yorkshire Terriers Pet Insurance — Conclusion
If you’re still uncertain whether getting pet insurance for your Yorkshire Terrier is right, consider these points. First, consider how much you could save on vet bills with insurance coverage. Second, compare the cost of monthly premiums against your potential out-of-pocket expenses should something happen to your dog. Finally, consider the peace of mind you would gain knowing that your beloved pup is protected, no matter what happens.
If, after weighing all of these factors, you decide that pet insurance is the best choice for you and your Yorkie, we encourage you to proceed! And don’t forget to carefully read the fine print for any exclusions, waiting periods, reimbursement details, and everything else we’ve discussed above.
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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.
- Wallis, C., Pesci, I., Colyer, A., Milella, L., Southerden, P., Holcombe, L. J., & Desforges, N. (2019). A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in Yorkshire terriers. BMC Veterinary Research, 15(1).
- Peterson, L. (2024, January 11). Genetic Health Testing for Yorkshire Terriers. Embarkvet.
- DeProspero, D. J., O’Donnell, K. A., DeFrancesco, T. C., Keene, B. W., Tou, S. P., Adin, D. B., Atkins, C. E., & Meurs, K. M. (2021). Myxomatous mitral valve disease in Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers: 134 cases (2007–2016). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(12).
- 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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