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White Maltese with flowing coat on a pillow
small Toy 4/10 — Moderate Risk

Maltese

Monthly $15–$35
Risk Score 4/10
Size small
GentlePlayfulCharmingAffectionate
View Insurance Costs Compare Breeds

Maltese at a Glance

Breed Characteristics

Lifespan

12–15 years

Weight

4–7 lbs

Height

7–9 inches

Exercise Needs

low

Grooming Needs

high

Trainability

moderate

Good with Kids

No

Good with Other Dogs

Yes

Apartment Friendly

Yes

Health Risks & Common Conditions

4 /10
Maltese Health Risk Score

Patellar Luxation

Moderate

The kneecap slips out of place, common in toy breeds. May require surgical correction.

Avg. Treatment: $3,000

Dental Disease

High

Very prone to periodontal disease due to small jaw and crowded teeth.

Avg. Treatment: $800

White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Low

A neurological condition causing full-body tremors, most common in small white dogs. Treatable with corticosteroids.

Avg. Treatment: $1,000

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Low

Gradual deterioration of the retina leading to vision loss. Genetic testing can identify carriers.

Avg. Treatment: $1,500

Recommended Genetic Tests

  • Patella Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • PRA Test

Insurance Costs for Maltese

Monthly Cost

$15–$35

Avg. Annual Claim

$550

Claim Frequency

below_average

Suggested Deductible

$250

Coverage Highlights

Dental coverage recommended for this breed Orthopedic coverage for patellar luxation Generally healthy breed with lower premiums

Insurance Provider Comparison

Compare coverage, costs, and ratings from top pet insurance providers

Best Overall
L

Lemonade

4.5

Monthly Premium

$20 - $80

Deductible $100, $250, $500
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Fast claims processing via app
  • Customizable coverage plans
  • Affordable base premiums
  • Preventive care add-on available
  • No exam fee coverage on base plan
  • Limited availability in some states
  • Newer company with less track record
Get a Free Quote from Lemonade
Highest Rated
H

Healthy Paws

4.7

Monthly Premium

$25 - $90

Deductible $100, $250, $500, $750
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Unlimited annual and lifetime benefits
  • No caps on claim payouts
  • Fast claim processing (2-3 days average)
  • Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
  • No routine or preventive care coverage
  • No dental coverage
  • Longer waiting period for accidents than competitors
Get a Free Quote from Healthy Paws
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
E

Embrace

4.6

Monthly Premium

$25 - $85

Deductible $200, $300, $500, $750, $1000
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Diminishing deductible (decreases $50/year with no claims)
  • Covers exam fees
  • Dental illness coverage included
  • Wellness Rewards add-on for routine care
  • Annual limits (no unlimited option)
  • Premiums can increase with age
  • Orthopedic conditions have 6-month waiting period
Get a Free Quote from Embrace
Best for Exotic Pets
N

Nationwide

4.2

Monthly Premium

$30 - $100

Deductible $250, $500, $750
Reimbursement 50%, 70%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Whole Pet plan covers wellness and illness
  • Only major insurer covering exotic pets
  • Employer-sponsored plans available
  • Long-established company since 1982
  • Higher premiums than competitors
  • Slower claims processing
  • Benefit schedule plans pay less than expected
  • 14-day waiting period for accidents
Get a Free Quote from Nationwide
Best for Large Breeds
T

Trupanion

4.5

Monthly Premium

$30 - $120

Deductible $0, $100, $200, $500, $1000
Reimbursement 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • 90% reimbursement on all plans
  • No payout limits per incident or lifetime
  • Direct vet payment option at many clinics
  • Covers hereditary and congenital conditions from day one
  • Only 90% reimbursement option (no 70% or 80%)
  • No wellness or routine care coverage
  • 30-day waiting period for illnesses
  • Higher premiums overall
Get a Free Quote from Trupanion
Best Value
P

Pets Best

4.4

Monthly Premium

$18 - $75

Deductible $50, $100, $200, $250, $500
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Very affordable base premiums
  • Low deductible options starting at $50
  • Fast claims processing (5 days average)
  • BestWellness plan for routine care add-on
  • No dental coverage
  • Customer service can be slow
  • Lower annual limits on budget plans
  • Premium increases with age can be significant
Get a Free Quote from Pets Best

Protect Your Maltese Today

With a moderate health risk profile, having the right insurance plan can save you thousands in unexpected vet bills.

Without Insurance

$1,470 /year estimated
  • Full cost of emergencies out of pocket
  • Difficult financial decisions during crises
  • Unpredictable veterinary expenses
Recommended

With Insurance

$420 /year estimated
  • Up to 90% of vet bills covered
  • Peace of mind for emergencies
  • Predictable monthly expenses
Get Your Free Quote

Plans from as low as $15/month

Compare quotes from top providers: Lemonade Healthy Paws Embrace Trupanion Pets Best View All →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Insurance

Pet insurance for a Maltese typically costs $15-$35 per month. Maltese are generally healthy dogs, making them one of the more affordable breeds to insure.
Maltese are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, white dog shaker syndrome, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy.
Yes. While Maltese are generally healthy, dental procedures can cost $500-$1,500 per cleaning, and patellar luxation surgery ranges from $1,500-$5,000. Insurance helps manage these costs.