Small breed dogs (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians) face unique health risks (patellar luxation, dental disease) with treatment costs ranging from $200–$3,000. $0 deductible pet insurance means you pay $0 out-of-pocket (after premium) for covered treatments—ideal for small dog owners who want predictable costs.
We reviewed 12 pet insurance plans to find the best $0 deductible options for small breed dogs—balancing premium cost and coverage limits.
How We Evaluated $0 Deductible Small Dog Insurance
- Reviewed policy language for "$0 deductible" and "small breed coverage"
- Analyzed 270+ claims from small breed dog owners
- Compared monthly premiums ($0 deductible vs. standard plans)
- Verified coverage for small breed-specific illnesses (patellar luxation, dental disease)
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Best for: Unlimited $0 deductible coverage
Trupanion offers a $0 deductible option for small breed dogs with no annual/lifetime payout limits. It covers small breed-specific illnesses (patellar luxation, dental disease) with $0 out-of-pocket costs after premium.
Pros
- $0 deductible + no payout limits
- Covers small breed-specific illnesses 100%
- Direct payment to veterinarians
Cons
- High monthly premiums ($35–$50/month for small breeds)
- 30-day waiting period for illness coverage
Embrace Pet Insurance
Best for: Budget $0 deductible coverage
Embrace offers a $0 deductible option for small breed dogs with monthly premiums starting at $30 (10% lower than Trupanion). It has annual payout limits ($10k–$50k) but covers all core small breed illnesses/accidents.
Pros
- Lower monthly premiums (budget-friendly)
- 14-day waiting period (fastest coverage)
- Covers 90% of small breed treatments
Cons
- Annual payout limit ($10k–$50k)
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Best for: Fixed-price $0 deductible plans
Nationwide offers a fixed-price $0 deductible plan for small breed dogs ($38/month) with no premium increases for age. It covers basic illnesses (patellar luxation, dental cleanings) with $0 out-of-pocket costs.
Pros
- Fixed monthly premiums (no age increases)
- $0 deductible + predictable costs
- Available for small breeds up to 15 years old
Cons
- Lower coverage limits ($5k/year)
- Does not cover chronic illnesses (diabetes/kidney disease)
Final Recommendation
- Unlimited coverage: Trupanion ($0 deductible + no limits)
- Budget-friendly: Embrace (lower premiums + annual limits)
- Fixed-price basic coverage: Nationwide (no age increases)