Shih Tzu Insurance Cost in Illinois (2026)
Quick answer: insuring an adult Shih Tzu in Illinois costs an estimated $47.38 per month for an accident & illness plan, typically in the range of $42–$53 per month. That is about 3% more than the national average for this breed. Every figure on this page is an estimate from PetCostHub’s cost model, not a quote; your actual premium will depend on your dog’s age and health, your ZIP code, and the deductible and limits you choose.
Shih Tzu insurance costs in Illinois by age
Age is one of the biggest pricing factors for Shih Tzus. Here is what each life stage costs in Illinois for an accident & illness plan (all figures are monthly estimates):
| Age band | Estimated monthly cost in Illinois | Estimated yearly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 1 year) | $40.27 | $483 |
| Adult (1–7 years) | $47.38 | $569 |
| Senior (7+ years) | $85.28 | $1,023 |
A senior Shih Tzu costs roughly 1.8× as much to insure as an adult in Illinois, which is why enrolling while your dog is young, before health issues appear, usually locks in the lowest lifetime cost.
Accident & illness vs accident-only in Illinois
| Plan type | Adult Shih Tzu in Illinois (est. /mo) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Accident & illness | $47.38 | Accidents plus illnesses, including hereditary and chronic conditions |
| Accident only | $10.77 | Injuries from accidents only, illnesses are excluded |
Accident-only cover saves an estimated $36.61 per month for this breed and state, but it would not pay out for the illness claims Shih Tzus are most known for. Most owners choose accident & illness for that reason.
Why Shih Tzus cost what they do in Illinois
Two things set this price: the breed and the state. On the breed side, Shih Tzus are predisposed to Brachycephalic airway issues, Patellar luxation, Dental disease and Eye conditions (including corneal ulcers). Carriers price those known risks into the breed’s base premium before location is even considered, a Shih Tzu’s national base estimate is $46.00/mo for an adult. On top of that, Illinois is a higher-cost state for pet insurance: Insurify’s median quote there is $45/mo for dogs and $23/mo for cats, versus national medians of $43 and $23. Vet care and claim costs run above average, so our model applies a 1.03× state factor to the breed’s national base price.
3 ways to save on Shih Tzu insurance in Illinois
- Enroll young. A puppy Shih Tzu in Illinois starts at an estimated $40.27/mo versus $47.38/mo for an adult, and early enrollment means breed conditions that appear later are not treated as pre-existing.
- Compare accident-only carefully. At an estimated $10.77/mo it is $36.61/mo cheaper, but illnesses, the expensive claims for this breed, are not covered.
- Adjust the plan design. Choosing a higher deductible or a lower reimbursement rate (for example 70% instead of 90%) lowers the monthly premium with any carrier; pair that with an annual limit that still covers a major surgery.
Estimate your own Shih Tzu’s premium
Use our free estimator to adjust the age band, plan type and state and see an instant estimate range:
Your estimated monthly premium
How we calculate: breed base premium × your state’s cost factor × age band, from published industry data. See our full methodology →
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual premiums vary by provider, deductible and your pet’s health.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Shih Tzu insurance cost in Illinois?
An adult Shih Tzu in Illinois costs an estimated $47.38 per month for accident & illness coverage, typically ranging from $42 to $53 depending on the carrier and plan design. This is an estimate, not a quote.
How much is insurance for a young Shih Tzu in Illinois?
Puppy coverage (under 1 year) for a Shih Tzu in Illinois is estimated at $40.27 per month, about $7.11/mo less than the adult rate, and the cheapest point in your dog’s life to start a policy.
Does Shih Tzu insurance get more expensive with age in Illinois?
Yes. A senior Shih Tzu (7+ years) in Illinois is estimated at $85.28 per month, roughly 1.8× the adult price, because claim frequency and treatment costs rise sharply in later life.
Is accident-only insurance cheaper for a Shih Tzu in Illinois?
Yes, an estimated $10.77 per month versus $47.38 for accident & illness, a saving of about $36.61/mo. The trade-off: illnesses, including the hereditary conditions Shih Tzus are prone to, are excluded.
Keep exploring
- Pet insurance cost in Illinoisaverages for every pet in the state
- Shih Tzu insurance costnational guide for this breed
- Shih Tzu insurance cost in Ohio
- Maine Coon insurance cost in Illinois
- Pet insurance cost calculator
- How we calculate these estimates
All figures are estimates from PetCostHub’s dataset (breed base premium × state factor), for planning and comparison only. PetCostHub does not sell insurance; get real quotes from licensed carriers before buying.