Chihuahuas are one of the cheapest breeds to insure, which makes them look like a low-risk choice. The reality is more specific: the bills are less frequent and smaller on average, but they cluster in two places, the teeth and the knees, and a policy can quietly leave both out. This guide shows what a Chihuahua policy costs by age and what to check in the wording.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Premium figures come from a MoneyGeek report updated September 17, 2026, and treatment ranges from a BestMoney cost guide. Sources are listed at the end.
Chihuahua Insurance Costs
MoneyGeek averaged modeled premiums from 18 U.S. insurers for a standard policy with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement:
| Chihuahua’s age group | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | $22 | $269 |
| Younger dog | $23 | $278 |
| Middle-aged | $33 | $397 |
| Senior | $82 | $986 |
At $269 a year for a puppy, a Chihuahua costs about half what a Labrador does ($502) and well under a Bulldog ($787). The senior price still rises by 3.7 times, to $986.
Where the Claims Come From
- Dental disease. Tiny mouths crowd teeth, and periodontal disease is very common. BestMoney’s range for dental treatment is wide: about $400 for a routine cleaning up to $10,000 for serious cases.
- Luxating patella. The kneecap slips out of place. It can be mild or require surgery.
- Heart disease. Mitral valve disease is common in small breeds as they age.
- Collapsing trachea. Coughing and breathing trouble, often managed with medication and sometimes surgery.
- Puppy hypoglycemia and injuries. Very small puppies can get dangerously low blood sugar, and a fall from a couch can break a leg.
| Problem | Typical U.S. cost range |
|---|---|
| Routine dental cleaning | About $400 |
| Serious dental disease or fractured teeth | Up to $10,000 |
| Broken bones | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Foreign object removal | $800 to $5,000 |
| Ear infection | About $400 |
Ranges come from BestMoney’s guide to common pet health costs. We did not find a reliable average for luxating patella surgery or heart disease management.
Three Gaps to Check Before You Buy
- Dental coverage. Most base policies pay for dental illness and injury but not routine cleanings, and some exclude dental disease unless the teeth were checked at enrollment. Our wellness add-ons guide shows what routine plans add.
- Knee exclusions. Luxating patella is often excluded if it appears before enrollment, and some plans limit coverage for the second knee. Ask directly.
- Whether a lower limit is enough. For a small dog, a $5,000 limit covers most bills. The expensive cases are fractures and rare cardiac issues, so a mid-range limit is often adequate.
An Example: A Fall and a Dental Year
This is an illustration, not a real claim. A Chihuahua breaks a leg in a fall: the bill is $3,500. On the standard plan:
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bill | $3,500 |
| After $500 deductible | $3,000 |
| 80% reimbursed | $2,400 |
| You pay | $1,100 |
The $3,500 bill equals about 13 years of puppy-age premiums at $269, which is why even a cheap breed benefits from accident coverage. A dental cleaning the same year would likely not be covered under the base plan, so it is worth budgeting separately.
Is a Chihuahua Worth Insuring?
The low price makes the case easy for accidents and sudden illness. For older dogs, the numbers move: $986 a year as a senior, with dental and heart problems becoming more likely. Owners who want something cheaper can look at accident-only plans, but those leave out the breed’s usual illnesses. See accident-only vs. accident and illness and our small-breeds guide for comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover dental work for Chihuahuas? Sometimes. Dental illness and injury may be covered, while routine cleaning usually is not. Read the plan’s dental clause.
Is a Chihuahua cheap to insure? Yes. In the MoneyGeek data it is among the lowest of the breeds we compared: $22 a month as a puppy versus $42 for a Labrador.
Is a patella problem covered? Only if it first appears after the policy starts and the waiting period ends.
Do Chihuahuas need a high annual limit? Usually not as much as large breeds, but fractures and heart disease can exceed $5,000, so choose a limit you can reasonably afford to top up.
The Bottom Line
A Chihuahua costs about $269 a year to insure as a puppy, and the policy that fits best covers accidents and illness, treats dental and knee conditions clearly, and does not rely on a minimal limit. Read the dental and patella wording before you compare prices.
Sources
- MoneyGeek, Average Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs, updated September 17, 2026.
- BestMoney via MediaFeed, The 17 Most Common Pet Health Issues Will Set You Back This Much.
- American Kennel Club, Chihuahua breed page.
This article is general information, not veterinary or insurance advice. Premiums and policy terms vary by company, location and policy date.