Shih Tzus are the royalty of the dog world — literally. Bred for centuries as companion dogs for Chinese emperors, they've traded palace floors for Australian living rooms and they haven't lost an ounce of that regal attitude. Behind those big dark eyes, flowing coat, and comically squished face is a dog that genuinely believes the universe revolves around them. And honestly? Most Shih Tzu owners agree.
But that adorable flat face comes at a cost. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, which means their shortened skull creates a cascade of potential health issues: breathing difficulties, eye problems (those gorgeous bulging eyes are terrifyingly vulnerable), dental crowding, and overheating risk. Add in a predisposition to luxating patella, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and chronic skin allergies, and you've got a breed where a single bad year at the vet can easily cost $5,000–$10,000+.
We scraped real quotes from Australia's major pet insurers for a 3-year-old Shih Tzu in Sydney to find the best value cover for this breed.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Comparison: Top Providers for Shih Tzus
| Provider | Monthly Premium | Annual Limit | Excess | Benefit % | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Circle ⭐ | ~$87–$235 | $10,000–$17,500 | $75–$150 | Up to 90% | Best value — competitive premiums with high benefit percentage |
| Bow Wow Meow | ~$88–$263 | $10,000–$30,000 | $0–$500 | Up to 90% | Best for high annual limits — ideal for multi-condition years |
⚠️ Premiums are based on real quotes for a 3-year-old desexed male Shih Tzu in Sydney (2000 postcode), scraped March 2026. Your actual quote will vary by age, location, and cover level. Always get a personalised quote.
Why Shih Tzus Need Insurance
Shih Tzus might look like pampered lap dogs that never encounter danger, but their anatomy works against them in ways that generate serious vet bills. Unlike larger breeds where one catastrophic injury drives the cost, Shih Tzu health expenses come from multiple directions simultaneously — chronic eye issues, breathing difficulties, skin problems, and joint conditions that all compound over a 12–16 year lifespan.
The brachycephalic factor alone puts Shih Tzus in the same risk category as French Bulldogs and Pugs — breeds where the flat-face tax on veterinary care is real and ongoing. But Shih Tzus add their own unique challenges, particularly around their protruding eyes and luxurious (but high-maintenance) coat.
Common Shih Tzu Health Issues & Typical Vet Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and restricted breathing. Worsens with age, heat, and weight gain. | $3,000–$8,000 (corrective surgery) |
| Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) | Shih Tzus are one of the most predisposed breeds. Requires lifelong lubricant and medication. | $500–$2,000/year (ongoing) |
| Corneal Ulcers | Those prominent eyes are extremely vulnerable to scratches, ulcers, and trauma. Can lead to emergency surgery. | $1,000–$4,000 per episode |
| Proptosis (Eye Prolapse) | The eyeball partially or fully dislodges from the socket — a genuine emergency in brachycephalic breeds. | $1,500–$5,000 (emergency surgery) |
| Luxating Patella | Kneecap dislocation — very common in small breeds, especially Shih Tzus. Often bilateral. | $1,500–$4,000 per knee |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Disc herniation causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis. Less common than in Dachshunds but Shih Tzus are still at risk. | $5,000–$12,000+ (surgery + rehab) |
| Dental Disease | Brachycephalic jaw means overcrowded, misaligned teeth. Tartar, infections, and extractions are near-inevitable. | $800–$3,000 per dental procedure |
| Allergic Dermatitis | Chronic skin allergies causing itching, hot spots, and secondary infections — compounded by their dense coat. | $500–$2,500/year (ongoing) |
| Ear Infections (Otitis) | Heavy, floppy ears with abundant hair trap moisture and bacteria. Recurring problem for many Shih Tzus. | $200–$800 per episode |
| Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) | Abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver — Shih Tzus have a higher incidence than most breeds. | $3,000–$10,000 (diagnosis + surgery) |
| Renal Dysplasia | Hereditary kidney malformation. Can lead to kidney failure, especially in younger dogs. | $2,000–$8,000+ (management, ongoing) |
The Brachycephalic Factor
Being flat-faced isn't just a cosmetic feature — it's a structural compromise that affects almost every aspect of a Shih Tzu's health:
Breathing: BOAS means your Shih Tzu may snore, snort, and struggle in warm weather. Mild cases are manageable, but moderate-to-severe BOAS often requires surgery to widen the nostrils and trim the soft palate. That's a $3,000–$8,000 procedure — and some dogs need it again as they age.
Eyes: This is the big one for Shih Tzus. Their shallow eye sockets mean the eyeballs protrude more than they should. The result? Corneal ulcers from minor bumps, dry eye from inadequate tear film coverage, and in worst cases, proptosis (eye popping out). One Shih Tzu eye emergency can cost $2,000–$5,000, and many owners deal with chronic eye conditions requiring daily medication for years.
Teeth: A shortened jaw means the same number of teeth crammed into less space. Dental disease is virtually guaranteed — the question isn't if your Shih Tzu will need dental work, but how often. Budget for at least one professional dental procedure ($800–$3,000) every 1–2 years.
Heat intolerance: Shih Tzus overheat faster than most breeds. Heatstroke is a genuine risk in Australian summers, requiring emergency veterinary treatment ($1,500–$5,000).
The Eye Emergency Reality
Ask any Shih Tzu owner about their biggest fear and they'll say eyes. Those beautiful, expressive, slightly-too-prominent eyes are a liability:
- Corneal ulcers can happen from a blade of grass, a cat swipe, or even rubbing against furniture. Minor ulcers need medication ($300–$800). Deep ulcers need surgery ($1,500–$4,000). Some Shih Tzus get multiple ulcers in their lifetime.
- Dry eye (KCS) requires twice-daily medication — usually cyclosporine drops — for life. That's $500–$2,000/year in ongoing treatment, every year, potentially for a decade or more.
- Eye removal (enucleation) is sometimes necessary when chronic conditions become unmanageable. Cost: $1,500–$3,500 per eye.
Insurance that covers ophthalmology consultations, eye surgery, and ongoing medication is non-negotiable for Shih Tzu owners.
Detailed Provider Reviews
Pet Circle Insurance ⭐ Editor's Pick
Best for: Competitive premiums with high benefit percentage — strong all-round cover for Shih Tzu owners
Pet Circle Insurance offers genuinely competitive pricing for Shih Tzus. With plans starting from around $87/month (70% benefit, $150 excess), they're the most affordable option we found. The standout is their 90% benefit tier — meaning you only pay 10% out of pocket on claims, which makes a real difference when you're dealing with $3,000+ eye surgeries or BOAS corrections. Their $17,500 annual limit option is also a sweet spot for a breed where multiple moderate claims can stack up in a single year.
Quoted premiums (3yo male Shih Tzu, Sydney):
- Essential (70%, $10K limit, $150 excess): ~$87/mo
- Standard (80%, $10K limit, $150 excess): ~$117/mo
- Standard Plus (80%, $17.5K limit, $150 excess): ~$132/mo
- Premium (80%, $10K limit, $0 excess): ~$147/mo
- Ultimate (90%, $10K+ limit): ~$196–$235/mo
Key features:
- Annual limit: $10,000–$17,500 depending on plan
- Benefit percentage: 70%–90%
- $75 or $150 excess (lower than most competitors)
- Covers brachycephalic conditions (BOAS, eye issues) if not pre-existing
- Simple online claiming with quick turnaround
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 2 days
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate/ligament: 6 months
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- Cheapest entry point we found for Shih Tzus at ~$87/mo
- 90% benefit percentage option minimises out-of-pocket costs on expensive claims
- Low excess ($75–$150) means you're not paying a large upfront fee before each claim
- $17,500 limit tier is well-suited to a breed with multiple concurrent conditions
Cons:
- $10,000 base limit could be tight in a year with BOAS surgery + eye treatment + dental
- No $30,000 limit option for worst-case scenarios
- Less brand recognition than some competitors
Bow Wow Meow
Best for: Highest annual limits — up to $30,000 coverage for catastrophic years
Bow Wow Meow (underwritten by PetSure) offers the highest annual limits we found at $30,000, which is reassuring for a breed where multiple expensive conditions can collide. Their pricing is slightly higher than Pet Circle at the entry level ($88/mo vs $87/mo), but the ability to get $30,000 in annual cover with 90% benefit percentage is unmatched. If you're worried about a year where BOAS surgery ($5,000+), eye emergency ($3,000+), and luxating patella repair ($4,000) all hit simultaneously, Bow Wow Meow gives you the headroom.
Quoted premiums (3yo male Shih Tzu, Sydney):
| Annual Limit | Benefit % | $0 Excess | $250 Excess | $500 Excess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 70% | $160/mo | $88/mo | — |
| $10,000 | 80% | $192/mo | $106/mo | — |
| $10,000 | 90% | $228/mo | $125/mo | $97/mo |
| $20,000 | 80% | $211/mo | $116/mo | $90/mo |
| $20,000 | 90% | $250/mo | $137/mo | $107/mo |
| $30,000 | 80% | $222/mo | $122/mo | $95/mo |
| $30,000 | 90% | $263/mo | $144/mo | $112/mo |
Key features:
- Annual limit: $10,000–$30,000 (widest range of any provider)
- Benefit percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Excess options: $0, $250, or $500
- Covers brachycephalic conditions (BOAS, eye issues) if not pre-existing
- GapOnly — some vets can process claims instantly at the counter
- Multi-pet discount available
Waiting periods:
- Accident: 0 days (immediate cover)
- Illness: 30 days
- Cruciate ligament: 6 months
- Tick paralysis: 30 days
- Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
Pros:
- $30,000 annual limit is the highest we found — genuine peace of mind for multi-condition years
- Flexible excess/benefit combinations let you fine-tune premium vs out-of-pocket balance
- 0-day accident waiting period means immediate cover from day one
- GapOnly instant claiming at participating vets reduces the paperwork burden
- Multi-pet discount if you insure more than one pet
Cons:
- $250 excess on the mid-range plans means you pay more upfront per claim than Pet Circle's $75–$150
- Premium pricing at the top end ($263/mo for 90%/$30K) — over $3,100/year
- The sheer number of plan combinations can make choosing overwhelming
- BOAS-related claims may face scrutiny if symptoms appeared before policy inception
Get a Quote from Bow Wow Meow →
How We Compared
We scraped real quotes from Australia's major pet insurance comparison sites in March 2026 for a 3-year-old desexed male Shih Tzu in Sydney (postcode 2000). This gives you actual pricing rather than vague ranges or outdated figures.
What we looked at:
- Premiums: Monthly cost across different cover levels and excess options
- Annual limits: How much the insurer will pay per year — critical for a breed with multiple ongoing conditions
- Benefit percentage: The percentage of the vet bill the insurer covers (after excess)
- Excess options: The upfront amount you pay per claim
- Breed-specific coverage: Whether brachycephalic conditions, eye problems, and luxating patella are covered
- Waiting periods: How long before cover kicks in for accidents, illness, and cruciate conditions
- Claims process: Online, phone, or GapOnly instant processing
Why these providers? We focused on providers that returned competitive quotes for Shih Tzus and have established reputations in the Australian market. Some providers either don't cover brachycephalic breeds at all or charge prohibitively high premiums — we excluded those as they don't represent good value.
💡 Pricing varies significantly by age, location, and cover level. A Shih Tzu in Melbourne might pay 10–15% more or less than the Sydney quotes shown here. Always get a personalised quote.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look for in Shih Tzu Insurance
1. Brachycephalic Coverage
This is the single most important factor. Some policies exclude or limit claims related to brachycephalic conditions (BOAS, soft palate surgery, stenotic nares correction). Check the PDS carefully and ask the insurer directly: "If my Shih Tzu needs BOAS surgery, is it covered?" Get it in writing.
2. Eye Condition Coverage
Shih Tzu eye problems are expensive and often recurring. Make sure your policy covers:
- Corneal ulcer treatment and surgery
- Dry eye (KCS) medication — this is an ongoing cost
- Emergency eye surgery (proptosis repair)
- Ophthalmology specialist consultations
3. Annual Limit
For Shih Tzus, we recommend a minimum $15,000 annual limit. Here's why:
- BOAS surgery: $5,000
- Corneal ulcer surgery: $3,000
- Luxating patella repair: $4,000
- That's already $12,000 in a single bad year — before any routine illness or dental work.
A $10,000 limit works for most years, but a $20,000+ limit gives you real peace of mind.
4. Dental Coverage
Shih Tzus will need dental work. Period. Check whether your policy covers:
- Dental disease treatment (many exclude "preventative" dental but cover dental illness)
- Tooth extractions due to disease or trauma
- Dental surgery for severe periodontal disease
5. Sign Up Early
Pre-existing conditions are never covered. The younger you insure your Shih Tzu, the fewer conditions will be pre-existing. Ideally, get cover from puppyhood — before eye problems, breathing issues, or knee conditions show up on the vet record.
6. Consider Higher Benefit Percentage Over Lower Excess
For a breed with frequent, moderate claims (eye drops, ear infections, skin treatment), an 80–90% benefit percentage often saves more money than choosing a lower excess. You'll claim more often with a Shih Tzu than with a Golden Retriever or Labrador, so maximise the rebate percentage.
Shih Tzu Insurance: The Numbers
To put the cost of insurance in perspective, here's what uninsured Shih Tzu ownership can look like:
Best case (healthy Shih Tzu, minimal issues):
- Annual check-ups, vaccinations, dental: ~$1,500–$2,000/year
- Occasional skin flare-ups: ~$500/year
- Total over 14 years: ~$28,000–$35,000
Average case (typical breed health issues):
- Everything above, plus:
- 2–3 corneal ulcer treatments: $3,000–$9,000
- Dry eye medication (lifelong): $7,000–$20,000
- One luxating patella surgery: $3,000–$4,000
- 3–4 dental procedures: $3,000–$10,000
- Total over 14 years: $44,000–$78,000
Worst case (multiple major conditions):
- Everything above, plus:
- BOAS surgery: $5,000–$8,000
- IVDD treatment/surgery: $5,000–$12,000
- Liver shunt surgery: $5,000–$10,000
- Emergency eye surgery: $3,000–$5,000
- Total over 14 years: $62,000–$113,000
At ~$87–$150/month ($1,044–$1,800/year), pet insurance pays for itself the moment your Shih Tzu needs one significant procedure. For a breed where "one significant procedure" is statistically likely, it's a sound investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet insurance cover BOAS surgery for Shih Tzus?
Yes — most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery, provided the condition was not present or showing symptoms before the policy started. BOAS surgery typically costs $3,000–$8,000 in Australia. The key is to insure your Shih Tzu before any breathing issues are noted in their vet records, as any documented symptoms would make it a pre-existing condition.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Shih Tzu in Australia?
Based on our March 2026 quotes for a 3-year-old desexed male in Sydney, Shih Tzu pet insurance ranges from approximately $87 to $263 per month depending on your cover level, annual limit, excess, and benefit percentage. Entry-level plans (70% benefit, $10,000 limit) start around $87/month, while premium plans (90% benefit, $30,000 limit) can reach $260+/month. Most owners find a good balance in the $110–$150/month range.
Are Shih Tzu eye problems covered by pet insurance?
Most pet insurance policies cover Shih Tzu eye conditions including corneal ulcers, dry eye (KCS), cataracts, and eye prolapse (proptosis) — as long as they develop after the policy inception and waiting periods. Ongoing eye conditions like dry eye are typically covered for the medication cost each year, subject to your annual limit and benefit percentage. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific eye condition exclusions.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?
Absolutely. Shih Tzus are among the breeds most likely to benefit from pet insurance due to their predisposition to multiple expensive conditions — brachycephalic issues, eye problems, dental disease, luxating patella, and skin allergies. A single BOAS surgery ($5,000+) or eye emergency ($3,000+) will likely exceed what you'd pay in premiums for an entire year. For a more detailed analysis, see our guide on whether pet insurance is worth it.
What waiting periods apply for Shih Tzu pet insurance?
Standard waiting periods are: accident cover starts immediately to 2 days after policy inception; illness cover starts after 30 days; cruciate ligament and knee conditions (relevant for luxating patella) typically have a 6-month waiting period. Pre-existing conditions are never covered. This is why insuring your Shih Tzu as a puppy — before conditions develop — is so important.
Should I choose a higher annual limit for my Shih Tzu?
We recommend at least $15,000–$20,000 for Shih Tzus. This breed commonly deals with multiple conditions simultaneously — eye problems, skin allergies, dental disease, and potentially joint or breathing issues. A $10,000 limit works for most individual years, but if your Shih Tzu needs surgery (BOAS, patella, or eye) plus ongoing treatment for chronic conditions in the same year, you'll hit that limit fast. A $20,000–$30,000 limit provides genuine breathing room.
Does pet insurance cover dental work for Shih Tzus?
This varies by provider and plan. Most comprehensive policies cover dental treatment for illness and injury (such as tooth extractions due to periodontal disease, broken teeth, or oral tumours). However, routine dental cleaning is usually excluded from standard cover — you may need a "routine care" add-on for that. Given Shih Tzus' predisposition to severe dental disease, check whether your policy covers dental surgery and extractions specifically.
Can I insure an older Shih Tzu?
Yes, most Australian pet insurers accept dogs up to 8–9 years of age for new policies, and some have no upper age limit for renewals. However, premiums increase significantly with age, and any conditions diagnosed before the policy starts won't be covered. If your older Shih Tzu is still healthy, it's worth getting cover now — premiums will only increase, and every month that passes is another chance for a condition to become "pre-existing."
The Bottom Line
Shih Tzus are wonderful, characterful companions — but their brachycephalic anatomy and predisposition to eye, joint, dental, and skin conditions make them one of the more expensive small breeds to keep healthy. Pet insurance won't prevent health problems, but it transforms unpredictable $3,000–$10,000 vet bills into a manageable monthly premium.
Our recommendation: Start with Pet Circle Insurance for the best balance of price and coverage. Their 90% benefit tier with $150 excess means you'll pay very little out of pocket on claims, and their pricing is the most competitive we found. If you want the security of a higher annual limit, Bow Wow Meow's $20,000–$30,000 options give you extra headroom for those years when multiple conditions collide.
Either way, insure early. Every month your Shih Tzu goes without cover is a month where a newly diagnosed condition becomes permanently uninsurable.
Compare pet insurance for other popular breeds: French Bulldogs · Cavalier King Charles Spaniels · Pugs · Maltese · Dachshunds · Beagles · Labradors · Golden Retrievers · Border Collies
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Last reviewed: March 2026. Prices are indicative and based on specific quote parameters — always get a personalised quote for your pet.