The average monthly cost of pet insurance for cats and dogs is $43 for dogs and $23 for cats as of June 2026, according to Insurify data. Rates were the same in May.
Alaska, which has held the title of most expensive pet insurance state for several months, shares that distinction with Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Mississippi remains the cheapest state for pet insurance, a title it wrestled away from Arkansas earlier this year.
Average cost of pet insurance by state as of June 2026
Insurance rates can vary greatly by location, which influences factors like the cost of living, the frequency of potential pet-related hazards, and the availability and cost of veterinary care. Rates stayed largely consistent in most U.S. states through May, with fluctuations of only a dollar or two.
The table below shows average monthly rates by U.S. states.
State | Monthly Rate for Dogs | Monthly Rate for Cats |
|---|---|---|
| National | $43 | $23 |
| Alabama | $32 | $15 |
| Alaska | $66 | $30 |
| Arizona | $49 | $25 |
| Arkansas | $34 | $20 |
| California | $49 | $25 |
| Colorado | $53 | $29 |
| Connecticut | $54 | $28 |
| Delaware | $57 | $32 |
| Florida | $47 | $24 |
| Georgia | $38 | $23 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $27 |
| Idaho | $50 | $25 |
| Illinois | $48 | $23 |
| Indiana | $38 | $18 |
| Iowa | $43 | $18 |
| Kansas | $49 | $22 |
| Kentucky | $45 | $22 |
| Louisiana | $40 | $20 |
| Maine | $51 | $26 |
| Maryland | $50 | $25 |
| Massachusetts | $64 | $31 |
| Michigan | $43 | $18 |
| Minnesota | $42 | $20 |
| Mississippi | $32 | $11 |
| Missouri | $39 | $17 |
| Montana | $46 | $18 |
| Nebraska | $45 | $21 |
| Nevada | $39 | $18 |
| New Hampshire | $55 | $26 |
| New Jersey | $46 | $30 |
| New Mexico | $38 | $16 |
| New York | $56 | $28 |
| North Carolina | $38 | $20 |
| North Dakota | $45 | $20 |
| Ohio | $35 | $18 |
| Oklahoma | $33 | $15 |
| Oregon | $49 | $25 |
| Pennsylvania | $45 | $21 |
| Rhode Island | $37 | $16 |
| South Carolina | $36 | $17 |
| South Dakota | $48 | $24 |
| Tennessee | $42 | $18 |
| Texas | $38 | $20 |
| Utah | $45 | $22 |
| Vermont | $52 | $22 |
| Virginia | $43 | $21 |
| Washington | $43 | $26 |
| Washington, D.C. | $60 | $34 |
| West Virginia | $41 | $17 |
| Wisconsin | $47 | $24 |
| Wyoming | $47 | $25 |
5 states with the highest pet insurance rates as of June 2026
Massachusetts has tied Alaska for the most expensive state for pet insurance.
The Northeast in general also continues to rank as the most expensive area for pet insurance in the U.S., with Washington, D.C., Delaware, and New York all holding their spots from the previous month.
State | Overall Average |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $48 |
| Massachusetts | $48 |
| Washington, D.C. | $47 |
| Delaware | $45 |
| New York | $42 |
5 states with the lowest pet insurance rates as of June 2026
The cheapest states for pet insurance are predominantly in the Midwest and South. Mississippi retains its title as the cheapest state for pet insurance. Its rates sit well below the overall national average of $33 per month.
State | Overall Average |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $22 |
| Alabama | $24 |
| Oklahoma | $24 |
| Ohio | $27 |
| Rhode Island | $27 |
| South Carolina | $27 |
| Arkansas | $27 |
| New Mexico | $27 |
Pet insurance pricing trends in 2026
Pricing trends have remained relatively stagnant throughout 2026, and the median average has held steady at $33 per month since the start of the year, with only minor fluctuations.
Regions have held consistent pricing as well, with the Northeast and Alaska maintaining the highest prices. This is due predominantly to the high cost of living in the Northeast and the comparatively low number of veterinary providers in Alaska.
Similarly, states with the lowest pet insurance rates have held largely steady throughout the year. States with lower average pet insurance costs also generally have lower overall costs of living.
Factors that affect pet insurance rates
Pet insurance rates can vary significantly based on many factors that insurers use to estimate risk. Some common rating factors include:
Pet’s age: Older pets are more likely to require veterinary care, increasing pet insurance premiums.
Deductible: A higher deductible means a pet’s owner will cover more of the expenses up front. This lowers premiums because owners are taking on more of the risk.
Reimbursement level: The plan’s reimbursement level represents the amount of covered costs the insurer will pay once a pet owner meets the deductible. A lower reimbursement level will lower premiums, as the insurer has to pay out less money.
Location: Pet-care prices differ dramatically around the country. People in areas where care is very expensive, like New York City, will pay more for pet insurance than people in areas where care costs are lower.
Pet’s breed: Dogs are more expensive to insure than cats in most cases, but the breed of pet matters as well. Having a breed with known health issues will lead to more expensive insurance rates.
How to save on pet insurance
Pet owners can take steps to reduce the cost of pet insurance by:
Comparison shopping: Many pet insurance options are available, and each offers different rates. Comparing rates for different plans can help identify the most affordable plan for each pet owner.
Reviewing plans: Plans generally come in three different coverage types: accident and illness, accident only, and wellness. Matching a pet’s needs with a plan can lead to significant savings. Pet owners who already factor routine veterinary visits into their budget, for example, can save money by choosing an accident-only plan.
Increasing the deductible: A higher deductible typically leads to lower rates because pet owners take on more of the up-front risk themselves.
Enrolling as soon as possible: Older pets are more expensive to insure, and some insurers won’t offer coverage to pets with pre-existing conditions. Enrolling early in a pet’s life allows customers to secure coverage before these considerations take effect.
Searching for discounts: Many pet insurers offer discounts, and customers can save by asking their insurer which discounts they may qualify for.
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