Pet Insurance for Chow Chow
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Chow Chows for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this ancient breed is prone to, from hip and elbow dysplasia to eye conditions and thyroid problems.
Home » Dog Insurance »
Meet The Chow Chow
Fluffy like a cloud, serious as a bouncer, the Chow Chow is in a league of its own. Proud, independent and fussy about who they let into their circle, they are reserved with strangers but fiercely loyal at home — and stubborn enough that they suit experienced owners best.
A low-energy breed needing about an hour a day, out of the midday heat given that coat. Happy indoors, fine in an apartment, and completely fine left alone.
Over a 10 to 15 year lifespan they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye and thyroid problems. A reputable breeder lowers the odds, and the right cover takes care of the rest.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For Chow Chows
Known for their lion-like coat, distinctive blue tongue, and fiercely loyal nature, the Chow Chow, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,213.06 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,245.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $2,215.25 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $4,116.25 |
| Arthritis | $928.30 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $4,669.82 |
| Neoplasia | $4,700.50 |
| Mass Lesion | $10,035.90 |
| Neurological Condition | $4,604.00 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $1,509.24 |
Common Health Conditions
For Chow Chows
- Obesity: Chow Chows have a large appetite and low exercise needs, a combination that makes them prone to gaining weight quickly. Limiting treats, monitoring daily food intake and regular exercise all help, though weight gain may also be caused by a thyroid condition.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Joint dysplasia occurs when the joints don't develop properly or are injured, showing up as gait abnormalities and potentially leading to arthritis. Treatment can include medication, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
- Hyperthyroidism: A rare but serious condition affecting the thyroid, causing increased appetite and thirst, swelling on the neck and changes in weight. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice symptoms, as treatment may involve medication and surgery.
- Heat Intolerance: That thick coat leaves the Chow Chow far more susceptible to heat stroke, with symptoms including excessive panting and rapid breathing, lethargy and vomiting. Treatment involves fluids and bringing their body temperature down.
- Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the knee, which can present as abnormal posture, limping or bunny hopping. Treatment may include physical therapy and surgery.
- Cataracts: Chow Chows are more susceptible to cataracts, a clouding of the eye that causes irritation and can lead to vision loss. Treatment is surgical.
- Entropion: Another eye condition common in the breed, where the eyelid turns inward. Treatment is surgical.
- Pemphigus Foliaceus: An autoimmune disease that commonly affects Chow Chows, causing hair loss, lesions and scabs. There is no cure, but it can be managed with treatment including steroid medication.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your Chow Chow
Finding the right pet insurance for your Chow Chow doesn’t need to be confusing. It should be as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
| Option | What It Means | Your Choices | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual benefit limit2 | This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding. Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits. | $15,000; $25,000 and $35,000 | Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection. |
| Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement) | The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied. Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit. | 70%, 80%, 90% | Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills. |
| Annual Excess4 | The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid. | $0, $100, $300, $600* *$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage | Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time. |
| Routine care add-on7 | Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for additional vet-cost cover. |
| Specified dental conditions add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues. |
| Specialised therapies add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | Add to your policy or skip | Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium |
| Waiting periods8 | The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them. If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. | Accidental injury – 2days Illness – 30days Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days | Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later |
| Multi-pet discount12 | A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet. | Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max. Example: 2nd pet: 5% | Helpful for multi-pet households. |
| Choice of vet | Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself. | Included on all policies | Continue care with your preferred vet |
Want To Learn More? See Everything Our Dog Insurance Covers
Flexible Cover Options For Your Chow Chow
Finding the right pet insurance for your Chow Chow doesn’t need to be confusing. It should feel as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
Annual Benefit Limit2
What It Means
This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding.
Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits.
Your Choices
$15,000; $25,000 and $35,000
Why
Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection.
Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement)
What It Means
The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied.
Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit.
Your Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Why
Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills.
Annual Excess4
What It Means
The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid.
Your Choices
$0, $100, $300, $600*
*$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage
Why
Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time.
Routine Care Add-On7
What It Means
Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for additional vet-cost cover.
Specified Dental Conditions Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues.
Specialised Therapies Add-On Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
Add to your policy or skip
Why
Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium
Waiting Periods
What It Means
The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them.
If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover.
Your Choices
Accidental injury – 2days
Illness – 30days
Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months
Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months
Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days
Why
Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later
Multi-Pet Discount12
What It Means
A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet.
Your Choices
Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.*
Example:
2nd pet: 5%
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Choice Of Vet
What It Means
Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself.
Your Choices
Continue care with your preferred vet
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Caring For A Chow Chow
Chow Chows are intelligent and quick to pick up new skills, commands and tricks, but they are also strong-willed and stubborn, which makes consistent leadership essential from day one. Training and socialisation aren’t optional with this breed — without proper stimulation they can become increasingly reserved, anxious and potentially aggressive. They are best suited to experienced dog owners, and anyone newer to the breed should bring in a professional trainer. Training doubles as mental exercise, which they need.
Grooming depends on the coat. Rough-coated Chows need daily attention, while smooth coats can go a fortnight between sessions, with heavier shedding through spring and autumn. Regular grooming prevents matting, improves circulation and clears out dead fur. They are relatively low-energy, needing about an hour of exercise a day, but that thick coat makes them prone to overheating, so avoid walking in the heat of the day and watch for heat stroke. They are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, so excessive exercise can do more harm than good.
The Chow Chow is well suited to indoor living with regular walks, and may be perfectly content in an apartment, provided they have access to fans and cooling mats through the warmer months. They are reserved and cautious around strangers and other dogs with a strong guarding instinct, and they suit families with older children better, or households raising a puppy alongside young kids. Unlike most breeds, they are completely fine being left alone, though they benefit from puzzles and interactive games. When choosing a puppy, look for a reputable breeder who conducts genetic health testing, shares the parents’ health history, keeps a clean and safe environment, and asks you as many questions about your home as you ask about theirs.
Fast Facts
Average Height
43 – 51cm
Average Weight
18 – 32kg
Temperament
Calm, aloof, loyal, reserved, strong-willed
Lifespan
9 – 15 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, Bloat, Hypothyroidism, Heart Murmurs
Country of Origin
China
Exercise Requirements
Chow Chows need moderate exercise including a daily walk and gentle play to stay fit and mentally happy.
Coat
The Chow Chow has a thick double coat that sheds heavily and needs regular maintenance.
Coat Colours
Red, Cream, Gold, White, Black
Specific Care Requirements
Chow Chows have high grooming needs, must have early socialisation and training, can be sensitive to heat and are not ideal around small children.
Get Started with Pet Insurance Australia
Pet Insurance Australia is here to back your best mate with flexible options and fast claims. Get a quote today and explore pet insurance for Chow Chow in Australia—made to support your dog’s health every step of the way.
