How Much Is Pet Insurance? (2026)
Pet insurance costs an average of $43 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats, Insurify data shows.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
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Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Table of contents
Quick Facts
Insurify data shows that accident and illness policies for dogs cost an average of $43 per month. The monthly average for cat health insurance is $23.
Accident-only coverage is more affordable, with rates of $16.10 per month for dogs and $9.17 per month for cats, according to North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) data.
Dog insurance is usually more expensive than cat insurance, as dogs tend to go to the vet more often and require more costly care.
Average cost of pet insurance
Pet insurance reimburses you for your pet’s healthcare costs related to illness, injuries, or routine visits. The national average monthly pet insurance cost for dogs is $43 per month for an accident and illness policy and $16.10 per month for accident-only coverage. Cat insurance rates are a bit lower, at $23 per month for accident and illness insurance and $9.17 per month for an accident-only plan.
This table shows the average monthly pet insurance premiums for dogs and cats.
Plan Type | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Accident and illness policy | $43 | $23 |
Wellness plans cover routine care costs, such as exam fees, spay and neuter procedures, heartworm prevention, and vaccinations. They’re typically add-ons that increase monthly rates for accident and illness pet insurance policies. Since pricing varies by pet insurer, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes.
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How much is pet insurance for dogs?
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs is $43 per month. Compared to cats, dogs are more expensive to treat and insure. Factors like your location and your dog’s breed and age will affect your rates.
Here’s a look at dog insurance premiums for dogs, broken down by pet insurance company.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Spot | $26 |
| ASPCA | $31 |
| Lemonade | $32 |
| Pets Best | $44 |
| Healthy Paws | $45 |
| Prudent Pet | $53 |
| Figo | $56 |
| Fetch Pet | $57 |
| Pumpkin | $69 |
Dog insurance by age
Pet insurance rates for dogs vary by age. Due to the higher risk of health problems, many pet insurance companies won’t issue policies for dogs younger than 8 weeks or older than 14 years, or they may only offer accident-only plans for older dogs.
The older your dog is, the more you’ll pay for pet insurance coverage, as senior dogs are more likely to need veterinary care.
This table shows how pet insurance costs for dogs differ by age.
Typical Cost by Age | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy | $40 |
| Adult | $46 |
| Senior | $109 |
Pet insurance cost for top dog breeds
Some dog breeds are at a greater risk for health issues than others and, in turn, cost more to insure. For example, French bulldog pet insurance premiums are higher than for chihuahuas because they’re prone to genetic conditions, such as brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BOAS) and spinal deformities.
Below, you’ll find the average monthly cost of pet insurance for the two most popular dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Dog Breed | Average Monthly Cost: $5,000 Annual Coverage | Average Monthly Cost: Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| French bulldog | $64 | $111 |
| Golden retriever | $48 | $82 |
How much is pet insurance for cats?
Cat owners pay an average of $23 per month for pet insurance, which is less than dog owners. This is because cats are less likely to get injured and less expensive to treat than dogs. Your exact rate depends on your cat’s age and breed, the coverage you choose, and your location.
Here’s a breakdown of cat insurance costs by pet insurer.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Spot | $13 |
| ASPCA | $16 |
| Lemonade | $18 |
| Pets Best | $23 |
| Figo | $25 |
| Pumpkin | $30 |
| Prudent Pet | $31 |
| Fetch Pet | $42 |
Cat insurance by age
In most cases, pet insurance companies won’t insure kittens younger than 8 weeks old or senior cats, as they’re more likely to develop illnesses and injuries. Since pet insurance costs less for younger cats, it’s wise to buy coverage as soon as your cat is old enough.
The table below highlights the average monthly premiums for kittens, adult cats, and senior felines.
Typical Cost by Age | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Kitten | $20 |
| Adult | $22 |
| Senior | $60 |
Pet insurance cost for top cat breeds
Certain cat breeds are more likely to experience health problems than others. If you own a Maine coon, for example, you’ll pay higher pet insurance premiums than someone with an American shorthair. That’s because Maine coons are genetically predisposed to health issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).[1]
Here’s a look at pet insurance rates for the most popular cat breeds, according to the Cat Fanciers‘ Association (CFA).
Cat Breed | Average Monthly Cost: $5,000 Annual Coverage | Average Monthly Cost: Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Maine coon | $28 | $70 |
| Ragdoll | $21 | $70 |
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Cost of pet insurance by state
Veterinary care costs vary by location. Higher vet costs generally add up to higher premiums for pet parents. For example, pet insurers tend to charge higher rates to pet owners in more densely populated areas. Premiums can even vary by ZIP code.
This table shows the average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs and cats, broken down by state.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
State | Average Monthly Cost: Dog | Average Monthly Cost: Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $29 | $14 |
| Alabama | $31 | $18 |
| Mississippi | $33 | $17 |
| Iowa | $35 | $17 |
| Ohio | $35 | $20 |
| Texas | $35 | $17 |
| Louisiana | $36 | $18 |
| Missouri | $36 | $17 |
| North Carolina | $36 | $19 |
| South Carolina | $36 | $18 |
| Georgia | $37 | $20 |
| Oklahoma | $37 | $18 |
| Rhode Island | $38 | $22 |
| Indiana | $39 | $20 |
| Kentucky | $39 | $20 |
| New Mexico | $39 | $19 |
| Nevada | $40 | $20 |
| Pennsylvania | $40 | $22 |
| West Virginia | $40 | $17 |
| Nebraska | $41 | $26 |
| Tennessee | $41 | $20 |
| Utah | $41 | $23 |
| Florida | $42 | $22 |
| Minnesota | $42 | $21 |
| Virginia | $42 | $22 |
| Kansas | $43 | $21 |
| North Dakota | $43 | $21 |
| United States | $43 | $23 |
| Washington | $43 | $23 |
| Wisconsin | $43 | $25 |
| Wyoming | $43 | $18 |
| Michigan | $44 | $22 |
| Vermont | $44 | $23 |
| Arizona | $45 | $24 |
| Illinois | $45 | $24 |
| Montana | $45 | $18 |
| Maryland | $46 | $26 |
| New Jersey | $46 | $28 |
| California | $47 | $23 |
| Hawaii | $47 | $27 |
| South Dakota | $47 | $22 |
| Idaho | $48 | $25 |
| Colorado | $49 | $27 |
| Connecticut | $49 | $27 |
| Oregon | $49 | $25 |
| Delaware | $50 | $29 |
| Maine | $50 | $25 |
| Washington D.C. | $52 | $26 |
| New Hampshire | $53 | $27 |
| New York | $54 | $29 |
| Massachusetts | $55 | $30 |
| Alaska | $58 | $31 |
Compare the cheapest pet insurance companies
Insurify data shows the following pet insurance companies offer the cheapest average monthly rates:
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify users who received a pet insurance quote from our partner Fletch.
Factors that affect the cost of pet insurance
Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance costs depend on multiple factors, including where you live, the pet you want to insure, and the plan you choose.
These factors play a role in your premiums:
Pet age
Older pets tend to require more veterinary care, which can lead to higher pet insurance costs.
Pet’s breed
If your pet’s breed is prone to certain genetic conditions or illnesses, you’ll pay more for coverage.
Location
Pet insurance prices can differ significantly across the U.S. If you live in a city like New York City or Los Angeles, for example, your premiums may be higher than costs for a pet owner who lives in an area with a lower cost of living.
Type of coverage
An accident and illness policy offers more coverage than an accident-only plan and, in turn, comes with higher premiums. If you want wellness coverage that covers routine care like vaccines, you’ll face a higher premium for a preventive care add-on.
Deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits
A higher deductible, lower reimbursement rate, and lower annual limits will result in lower pet insurance rates. But your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher.
Pre-existing conditions
Most pet insurance companies won’t cover curable pre-existing conditions unless your pet has been free of symptoms for a set period of time. This means a pre-existing condition might not raise your rates, but you’ll likely have to spend more out of pocket.
Ways to save on pet insurance costs
To lock in the best deal on a pet insurance policy, shop around and compare pet insurance quotes from multiple insurers. These tips can also help you save on coverage.
Lower your reimbursement rate
Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of your vet bill the insurance company pays after you meet your deductible. Reimbursement levels typically fall between 60% and 100%.
If you choose a lower reimbursement rate, such as 60%, for example, you’ll have lower premiums than you’d get with an 80% rate. The caveat is you’ll have higher out-of-pocket costs if your pet needs veterinary care.
Increase your deductible
Most pet insurance companies let you choose your deductible, which is the amount you need to pay before your pet insurance plan covers the rest of your vet bill. Pet insurance deductibles usually range from $100 to $1,000. A higher deductible will lower your monthly rate. but you’ll pay more out of pocket for care.
Only buy the coverage you need
Consider what you’re looking for from a pet insurance policy. If you have a generally healthy pet and want to protect yourself financially from unexpected accidents, a more affordable, accident-only policy with more exclusions may suffice. For a higher premium, you can get accident and illness coverage — and save by skipping a wellness add-on.
Look for discounts
Some pet insurance companies offer discounts for pet parents. Depending on the insurer and your unique situation, you may score a discount for insuring multiple pets, being in the military, or bundling coverage. Check your insurance company’s website or ask your insurance agent for more information about discounts that might apply to you.
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Is pet insurance worth it?
Whether pet insurance is worth the cost depends on your unique pet, finances, and risk tolerance. Let’s take a look at two scenarios that show when pet insurance might be a smart investment and when you may want to skip it.
Example: When pet insurance is worth it
Let’s say your dog swallows a toy. At the emergency room, you learn your furry friend needs X-rays and foreign-body removal surgery, which costs an average of $1,260.[2]
If you have a pet insurance policy that runs you $30 per month, or $360 per year, it can definitely pay off in this situation. Without it, you may have to come up with more than $1,000 to cover the surgery on your own.
Example: When pet insurance may not be worth it
On the flip side, if your dog is in good health and you rarely go to the vet for hospitalization or injuries like broken bones, this $360 annual plan may not make sense. This is particularly true if you have a large emergency fund or the funds to cover unexpected vet costs out of pocket.
If you decide to buy pet insurance, explore different pet insurance companies and coverage options to find the best pet insurance. If you decide it’s not worth it, you may want to build a pet emergency fund so that you have savings to pay for medical care when necessary.
Pet insurance FAQs
Buying pet insurance is a big financial decision that can affect the long-term health of your best friend. Here are some common questions about pet insurance policies and how much you might pay for coverage.
How much is pet insurance each month?
Nationally, the average cost to insure a cat is $23 per month, according to Insurify data. For dogs, the average is $43 monthly. But many factors affect whether you pay more or less than average to insure your pet.
Why is dog insurance more expensive than cat insurance?
In general, dogs cost more to insure for multiple reasons. First, dog veterinary costs tend to be higher because dogs are typically larger than cats, which means they need higher doses of medications. Dog owners also tend to file more accident and illness claims than cat owners, and dogs are more at risk of getting into accidents than cats. Indoor cats generally encounter far fewer hazardous situations than active dogs.
Does pet insurance get more expensive as pets age?
Yes. Since the risk of health issues increases with age, pet insurance premiums for senior pets usually cost more than for younger pets.[3] To secure an affordable pet insurance policy, insure your pet at a young age.
Does pet insurance cover any pre-existing conditions?
No. Pet insurance doesn’t usually cover pre-existing conditions like cancer or diabetes. But if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period of time, some pet insurers might make an exception and provide coverage for chronic conditions.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Insurify’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of eight quotes is required for dogs and four quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
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Sources
- UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Maine Coons."
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). "Facts about pet insurance."
)
Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Featured in
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
