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Yorkshire Terrier Insurance Guide

Everything you need to know about insuring your Yorkshire Terrier—costs, coverage, and breed-specific health risks to consider.

Estimated Monthly Cost
$40 - $70
$480 - $840 per year
Health Risk: MediumSize: Toy

Why Yorkshire Terriers Need Insurance

Yorkies are moderate cost to insure. Their small size keeps treatment costs down, but they have breed-specific concerns.

Portosystemic shunts (liver shunts) are more common in Yorkies than most breeds
Tracheal collapse causes chronic coughing and breathing issues
Patellar luxation affects a significant percentage of the breed

Yorkshire Terrier Health Conditions to Cover

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to certain health conditions. Make sure any policy you choose covers these conditions without breed-specific exclusions:

AllergiesThyroid IssuesHeart Conditions

Important: Use a harness, never a collar—collars worsen or cause tracheal collapse in this breed.

Recommended Coverage for Yorkshire Terriers

Look for coverage that includes congenital conditions like liver shunts. These can require $3,000-10,000 in surgery.

Look For
  • • Hereditary condition coverage
  • • No breed-specific exclusions
  • • Unlimited or high annual limits
  • • Low deductibles for chronic conditions
Avoid
  • • Policies with breed restrictions
  • • Long waiting periods for orthopedics
  • • Per-condition limits (caps quickly)
  • • Policies that exclude "breed-typical" issues

When to Insure Your Yorkshire Terrier

🏆
Ideal: 8-16 Weeks OldMaximum coverage before any pre-existing conditions develop. Lowest premiums.
👍
Good: Under 1 YearMost hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia haven't shown symptoms yet.
⚠️
Possible: 1-7 YearsStill valuable, but vet records may reveal pre-existing conditions that won't be covered.
😓
Difficult: 7+ YearsHigher premiums, more exclusions. Accident-only policies may be the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet insurance worth it for a Yorkshire Terrier?

Yes. Yorkshire Terriers are considered Medium risk. Yorkies are moderate cost to insure. Their small size keeps treatment costs down, but they have breed-specific concerns. Look for coverage that includes congenital conditions like liver shunts. These can require $3,000-10,000 in surgery.

What health issues should Yorkshire Terrier insurance cover?

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to Allergies, Thyroid Issues, Heart Conditions. Portosystemic shunts (liver shunts) are more common in Yorkies than most breeds

How much is pet insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier?

For a healthy Yorkshire Terrier, expected monthly premiums range from $40 to $70. Costs vary based on age, location, and deductible choices.

What if my Yorkshire Terrier already has a health condition?

Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by pet insurance. That's why insuring early (ideally as a puppy or kitten) is crucial for Yorkshire Terriers. Conditions diagnosed before coverage begins will be excluded. Some insurers offer coverage for "curable" pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free waiting period.

Breed-Specific Analysis

This guide contains insurance insights specific to Yorkshire Terriers, based on breed health data and veterinary research.