Dog Breeds / Yorkshire Terrier
Best Pet Insurance for Yorkshire Terriers (2026)
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny but can rack up big vet bills. Dental disease, knee problems, and liver issues are common in this breed. Don't let their small size fool you—Yorkies need solid insurance coverage.
See Top Picks →🏆 Our Top Picks for Yorkshire Terriers
Embrace
Best for small breeds (dental illness covered)
Pumpkin
Best coverage breadth (dental included)
Pets Best
Best budget option for small dogs
Why Yorkshire Terriers Need Insurance
Yorkies are prone to dental disease (their tiny mouths cause severe crowding), luxating patella (kneecap issues), and liver shunts. Surgery for these conditions can cost thousands.
Common Health Issues & Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Disease | Teeth crowding and decay | $500 - $2,500 |
| Luxating Patella | Kneecap dislocation | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Liver Shunt | Congenital liver condition | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Collapsed Trachea | Windpipe weakness | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Hypoglycemia | Low blood sugar | $500 - $2,000 |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes | Hip joint degeneration | $1,500 - $4,000 |
What to Look For in Yorkshire Terrier Insurance
✓ Must-Have Coverage
- Orthopedic coverage — Luxating patella is very common in Yorkies
- Congenital condition coverage — Liver shunts are hereditary
- Dental illness coverage — Yorkies have severe dental problems
- Emergency care coverage — Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening
✗ Red Flags to Avoid
- Dental exclusions (very common in policies)
- Congenital condition exclusions
- Low annual limits
- Bilateral exclusions for knees
Best Insurance Providers for Yorkshire Terriers
Embrace
Best for Small Breeds
$30-50/mo
estimated monthly
Embrace covers dental illness and congenital conditions—both crucial for Yorkies. Their 6-month orthopedic wait is also shorter than competitors.
Pros
- Covers dental illness
- Covers congenital conditions
- 6-month orthopedic wait
- Wellness plan available
Cons
- Annual limits apply
- Wellness costs extra
Pumpkin
Best Coverage Breadth
$28-45/mo
estimated monthly
Pumpkin includes dental illness coverage standard—rare among insurers. For Yorkies with their notorious dental problems, this is a big deal.
Pros
- Dental illness included
- 90% reimbursement available
- Covers hereditary conditions
- No breed restrictions
Cons
- Newer company
- Annual limits apply
Pets Best
Best Budget Option
$25-45/mo
estimated monthly
Pets Best offers competitive pricing for small dogs. While coverage isn't as comprehensive as Embrace, it's a solid budget choice.
Pros
- Lower premiums for small dogs
- Covers congenital conditions
- Multiple plan options
- No annual limit options
Cons
- Dental coverage varies by plan
- Customer service mixed reviews
How Much Does Yorkshire Terrier Insurance Cost?
Yorkies are inexpensive to insure due to their small size. Here's what to expect:
Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year)
$20 - $35/month
Adult (1-7 years)
$28 - $55/month
Senior (8+ years)
$50 - $90+/month
* Estimates based on average rates. Actual cost depends on your location, chosen deductible, reimbursement level, and coverage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Yorkies expensive to insure?
No, Yorkshire Terriers are among the cheapest breeds to insure—typically $30-55/month. Their small size means lower surgery costs, though dental and knee issues can still be expensive.
Why do Yorkies have so many dental problems?
Their tiny jaws can't accommodate all their teeth properly, leading to severe crowding, decay, and gum disease. Many Yorkies need teeth extracted. Look for insurance covering dental illness.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Yorkie?
Yes, particularly for knee problems and potential liver issues. Surgery for a liver shunt can cost $10,000+. Even dental disease adds up over their long lifespan.
What is luxating patella?
A condition where the kneecap slides out of place, common in toy breeds like Yorkies. It causes pain and lameness, often requiring surgery at $1,500-$3,500 per knee.
Should I get wellness coverage for my Yorkie?
Wellness coverage can be worthwhile since Yorkies need regular dental cleanings. However, do the math—sometimes paying out of pocket costs less than wellness plan premiums.
Protect Your Yorkshire Terrier
Protect your tiny Yorkie from big vet bills. Compare quotes and find the right coverage today.
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