A Maltese's Life in Vet Bills: What to Expect at Each Age
The Maltese is not a breed that surprises you with a single expensive diagnosis. He is a breed that accompanies you over many years with small and medium costs. Here's a realistic overview:
Phase 1: Puppy (0–1 Year) – The Foundation
The first months are usually inexpensive. Vaccinations and worming are covered by the preventive care budget. What's important in this phase: persistent baby teeth that must be surgically removed (300–500 €). First tear duct problems, shown by tearing eyes and discoloration. The most important step: insure now. The 18-month waiting period for patellar luxation and the 12-month waiting period for teeth begin to run.
Phase 2: Young Adult (1–3 Years) – The Quiet Period
The most cost-effective phase. Routine examinations, occasional skin irritations or ear infections. Typical costs: 200–500 € per year. In this phase, waiting periods expire – full insurance coverage kicks in.
Phase 3: Adult (3–8 Years) – Dental Issues Emerge
From the third year of life, you'll see why the Maltese is a permanent patient at the dentist. Tartar forms quickly despite care, gum inflammation becomes chronic, individual teeth loosen. Add increasingly common allergies and skin problems. Typical costs: 500–1,500 € per year. From the fifth year of life, you should also watch the knees – patellar luxation often shows through occasional limping.
Phase 4: Senior (8+ Years) – When Everything Adds Up
In old age, chronic issues converge: tooth extractions (500–1,200 € per procedure), patellar luxation surgery if needed (1,200–2,000 €), possibly Cushing's syndrome (800–1,500 € annually), increasing eye problems and skin sensitivity. Typical costs: 1,000–3,000 € per year. And here's the advantage of early insurance: everything that occurs after the contract begins is covered.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
All Conditions and Their Costs at a Glance
· Patellar Luxation: common in small dogs. Diagnosis + surgery 1,200–2,000 €.
· Tear Duct Obstruction / Tear Stone: Flushing 80–150 €, surgery 300–800 €.
· Skin Problems and Allergies: 200–800 € per year.
· Dental Problems (Crowding, Tooth Loss): Dental treatment 300–700 €, dental surgery 500–1,200 €.
· Eye Problems (Inflammation, Corneal Injuries): Diagnosis 100–300 €, surgery up to 1,500 €.
· Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt): rare but serious. Surgery 1,500–4,000 €. Note: Can be congenital and is then not insurable.
· Luxations and Fractures: X-ray + surgery 1,200–2,500 €.
· Cushing's Syndrome: annual treatment costs 800–1,500 €.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Surgical Insurance or Full Cover: What the Maltese Needs
1. Surgical Insurance for Maltese
Surgical insurance covers costs when your Maltese needs surgery – such as for patellar luxation, dental surgery, or after an accident. Included with Dalma:
· Surgical procedures for illness or accident
· Diagnosis and pre-examination up to 30 days before surgery
· Clinic stays up to 30 days after surgery
· Medications, bandages, and follow-up care
· Physical therapy and alternative healing methods up to 30 days after surgery
· Dental surgery after waiting period
· Emergency accommodation up to 250 € per insurance year
2. Dog Health Insurance (Full Cover) for Maltese
The health insurance covers surgery, treatment, diagnosis, and preventive care. 80 to 100 percent reimbursement, annual maximum benefit between 1,500 € and unlimited. Included, among others:
· Diagnosis and medical examinations
· Prescribed medications and treatments
· Unlimited physiotherapy
· Alternative healing methods such as osteopathy or acupuncture
· Behavioral therapy up to 5 hours per year
· Telemedicine via FirstVet
· Preventive care budget for vaccinations, tick prevention, and dental care (from 1,500 € annual maximum benefit)
Assessment: For the Maltese, full cover is almost always the better choice. Most costs do not come from individual expensive surgeries, but from recurring dental treatments, skin care, and eye drops – and this over many years.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
How Much Does Maltese Insurance Cost at Dalma?
Costs vary depending on health status, age, and scope of benefits.
· Dog health insurance: from 35 € per month
· Surgical insurance: from 15 € per month
As of March 2026. Dalma offers 15 percent discount for multiple insured animals.
From the 10th year of life, the reimbursement rate for illnesses decreases by 5% annually. The Maltese often lives 12 to 15 years – the adjustment keeps the policy affordable over this long period. For accidents, the rate remains unchanged.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Waiting Periods for Maltese
· 2 days for accidents
· 14 days for surgery
· 30 days for medical treatment
· 12 Monate bei rassespezifischen Erkrankungen (z. B. Patellaluxation)
· 12 months for dental treatments such as FORL, gingivitis, or periodontitis
· 18 months for patellar luxation
Pre-existing conditions that existed before policy inception are not covered. Early insurance – ideally in puppyhood – is therefore advisable.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What Is Not Covered for Maltese
Some conditions are not insurable, especially if they are congenital or genetic. Not covered, among others:
· Congenital or hereditary malformations
· Congenital portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
· Epilepsy
· Treatments related to pregnancy and birth
· Cosmetic surgical procedures without medical indication
· Diseases due to lack of vaccination coverage
However, covered with waiting period are:
· Patellar luxation (after 18 months)
· Non-congenital dental diseases (after 12 months)
· Non-congenital eye problems (30 days)
· Acquired respiratory or skin problems
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Cost Reimbursement at Dalma
100% digital. Upload receipt via app, deadline 8 days. Reimbursement target 48 hours (contractually up to 5 business days). Up to 4x GOT rate including emergency service fees. Free choice of vet worldwide. Telemedicine via FirstVet free and unlimited.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Insuring Your Maltese: For Whom the Coverage Is Worth It
Insure early: Many typical conditions – dental, skin, or knee problems – develop only over time. If your Maltese is insured early, these conditions are considered acquired and may be covered.
Particularly relevant for Maltese: The long life expectancy makes the cumulative effect particularly strong. 200–800 € skin costs per year × 12 years = 2,400–9,600 € – for skin alone. Plus dental treatments, eyes, and joints.
Less value: If your Maltese already has patellar, dental, or liver diagnoses before policy inception.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Insurance
Are Maltese dogs really "expensive" at the vet despite their small size?
Yes, often they are. Maltese dogs are small, but they need regular treatment more often than average – due to dental problems, skin diseases, or tearing eyes. These recurring costs add up over the years.
Does dog insurance also pay for chronic skin problems in Maltese?
Yes. Non-congenital skin diseases such as allergies, dermatitis, or recurrent skin irritations are covered by Dalma.
Are dental problems in Maltese really covered by insurance?
Yes. Maltese dogs frequently have tartar, gum inflammation, or tooth loss due to their crowded teeth. Medically necessary dental treatments and dental surgery are covered by Dalma after the waiting period expires. Preventive dental cleanings can be claimed through the preventive care budget.
Is patellar luxation in Maltese covered?
Yes, patellar luxation can be covered after an 18-month waiting period, provided it was not already diagnosed before policy inception or is considered congenital.
Does insurance also pay for tearing eyes or tear duct problems?
Yes. Acquired eye problems such as inflammation, tear duct obstruction, or corneal injuries are covered. Congenital eye malformations, however, are excluded.
Is surgical insurance enough for a Maltese?
In many cases, not really. Maltese dogs often incur ongoing vet costs, for example due to skin, dental, or eye problems. These are only covered by a dog health insurance policy with full cover.
Is dog health insurance also worthwhile if my Maltese is rarely sick?
Yes. Especially in small breeds, many problems develop gradually and recurrently. Insurance ensures that you don't have to pay yourself every time for frequent minor treatments.
Can I still insure my Maltese in adulthood?
Yes. Insurance coverage at Dalma is possible up to under 9 years of age. Already known conditions are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded.
Are emergencies in Maltese also covered at night or on weekends?
Yes. Dalma reimburses vet costs up to 4x GOT rate, including emergency service fees.
Will my Maltese remain insured even after expensive treatment?
Yes. Dalma waives the right to cancel after a claim.
Is early insurance particularly worthwhile for Maltese?
Yes. Many typical conditions – such as dental, skin, or knee problems – develop only over time. If your Maltese is insured early, these conditions are usually considered acquired and may be covered.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
