🛡️Shih Tzu pet insurance in France: monthly cost, refunds and useful cover

In short: insuring a Shih Tzu in France generally costs 15 to 40 € per month. Its 12 to 16 years lifespan and health watchpoints (breathing problems linked to the short muzzle and corneal ulcers and irritation) make the choice of plan a decision that shapes its whole care pathway.

What insurance brings to a Shih Tzu

Over 12 to 16 years of shared life, the question is not whether your Shih Tzu will see the vet, but how many times — and at what cost. At 4.5 to 8 kg as an adult, veterinary procedures — anaesthesia, imaging, surgery — are billed in proportion: the bigger the animal, the faster the invoice climbs. Do not forget the animal’s character, which shapes its exposure to mishaps: “An affectionate, fairly calm flat companion, not very sporty but always close to its people.” Insurance does not make care free: it replaces an unpredictable invoice with a known monthly budget, which changes the decision at the moment of treatment.

Shih Tzu: the health watchpoints that cost the most

The Shih Tzu’s documented predispositions — breathing problems linked to the short muzzle and corneal ulcers and irritation — define the specification for its contract. Three checks are essential: none of these conditions in the exclusion list, an annual cap worthy of real surgery costs, and waiting periods (30 to 60 days for illness, up to 6 months for some surgery) compatible with the animal’s age. A rule that applies everywhere: no insurer covers conditions already declared before sign-up. Our profile stresses it too: “Its continuously growing coat and short muzzle add up to two budgets: grooming every six to eight weeks and constant heat vigilance, with a harness rather than a collar.” The Shih Tzu’s short muzzle (brachycephaly) catches insurers’ attention: depending on the contract, conformation-related respiratory conditions may be excluded or restricted.

Observed French prices for insuring a Shih Tzu

For a Shih Tzu, the French market shows premiums of 15 to 40 € per month — the spread mostly reflects the chosen refund rate and cap. The exact price depends on age at sign-up, the refund rate (50 to 100%), the annual cap and sometimes the postcode. A rock-bottom price almost always hides a trade-off — a reduced annual cap, a per-claim deductible or a refund rate limited to 50-60%.

Our method for comparing contracts

Sign up young: most insurers refuse new enrolments beyond 7 to 10 years of age, and an animal insured early clears its waiting periods before the first problems appear. Put the quotes side by side in four columns (refund rate, annual cap, deductible, waiting periods): the “best price” often changes name under that light. To place the market players and their conditions, our French pet insurance comparison sets out the ranges; the Shih Tzu profile covers the rest of its gear.

🩺 This health information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation: at the slightest doubt about your animal’s condition, talk to your vet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the price of a pet policy for a Shih Tzu?

Between 15 to 40 € per month depending on cover. The animal’s age at signature remains the first price factor: every year of waiting is paid for over the whole life of the contract.

Which of the Shih Tzu’s health risks must the contract cover?

Its documented predispositions: breathing problems linked to the short muzzle and corneal ulcers and irritation. Check that none of them appears in the exclusions and that the annual cap covers full treatment, surgery included.

Can an older Shih Tzu still be insured in France?

As early as possible, ideally before one year old: waiting periods are cleared before the first risks, and no condition is yet pre-existing. Beyond 7 to 10 years, most French insurers refuse new sign-ups — over a 12 to 16 years lifespan, that window closes fast.