How much does pet insurance cost? Pet insurance average cost depends on several factors, but understanding these costs can help you make an informed decision. HOW.EDU.VN offers expert insights to help you navigate the complexities of pet insurance, ensuring your furry friends receive the best possible care without breaking the bank. We explore pet health insurance costs, pet coverage options, and affordable pet care solutions.
1. Understanding Pet Insurance Costs: An Overview
Pet insurance cost is influenced by various factors, including your pet’s breed, age, location, and the type of coverage you choose. Understanding these elements is essential for finding a policy that fits your budget and meets your pet’s needs. The average pet insurance cost nationally can vary, so let’s break down the specifics.
1.1. Average Monthly Costs for Dogs and Cats
The average cost for pet insurance for dogs is roughly $60 per month, while for cats, it’s about $32 per month. This combined monthly cost averages around $46. These figures are based on a comprehensive analysis of over 17,330 quotes from 21 national pet insurance providers across all 50 U.S. states.
Pet Type | Average Monthly Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
---|---|---|
Dog | $52 | $65 |
Cat | $29 | $40 |
Puppy | $38 | $55 |
Kitten | $23 | $30 |



Note: These averages are calculated using sample pet profiles with a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate.
1.2. Dog Insurance Costs: Breed, Age, and Location
Dog insurance costs can fluctuate widely based on breed, age, and location. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific health issues, which can increase insurance premiums. Similarly, older dogs typically have higher premiums due to a greater risk of health problems.
1.2.1. Dog Insurance Cost by Breed
Certain dog breeds are more expensive to insure due to their predisposition to certain health conditions. For instance, French bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, and golden retrievers tend to have higher insurance costs compared to breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
Purebred breeds are subject to several different types of genetic and medical problems…even animals that are not purebred can have health problems. Obese dogs may rupture their cruciate ligaments. Other examples include cancer, heart disease and serious gastrointestinal issues.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, Professor at the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Here’s a comparison of average monthly costs for insuring popular dog breeds:
Dog Breed | Average Cost | Cost with Wellness Coverage |
---|---|---|
French Bulldog | $92 | $109 |
Chihuahua | $29 | $47 |
Golden Retriever | $61 | $78 |
Labrador Retriever | $62 | $79 |
German Shepherd | $57 | $77 |
Yorkshire Terrier | $35 | $51 |
Shih Tzu | $35 | $54 |
Goldendoodle | $44 | $61 |
American Pit Bull Terrier | $58 | $77 |
Pitbull | $59 | $79 |
Note: The popularity of dog breeds was determined by analyzing over 35,000 marketplace records of dogs gathered from PetInsurer in 2023.
1.2.2. Dog Insurance Cost by Age
As dogs age, their pet insurance costs tend to increase. This is because older dogs are more likely to develop health issues, leading to higher veterinary bills. Insuring your dog when they are young can help lock in lower rates and potentially save money over time.
1.2.3. Dog Insurance Cost by State
Location significantly impacts pet insurance costs. Connecticut is the most expensive state to insure a dog, costing 48% more than the national average. In contrast, Alabama and Louisiana are the cheapest, costing 22% less than the average.
State | Dog Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $47 | 22% less |
Alaska | $58 | 3% less |
Arizona | $67 | 12% more |
Arkansas | $49 | 18% less |
California | $72 | 20% more |
Colorado | $74 | 23% more |
Connecticut | $89 | 48% more |
District of Columbia | $78 | 30% more |
Delaware | $65 | 8% more |
Florida | $60 | Same |
Georgia | $62 | 3% more |
Hawaii | $64 | 7% more |
Idaho | $58 | 3% less |
Illinois | $68 | 13% more |
Indiana | $54 | 10% less |
Iowa | $64 | 7% more |
Kansas | $65 | 8% more |
Kentucky | $52 | 13% less |
Louisiana | $47 | 22% less |
Maine | $62 | 3% more |
Maryland | $72 | 20% more |
Massachusetts | $76 | 27% more |
Michigan | $61 | 2% more |
Minnesota | $53 | 12% less |
Mississippi | $54 | 10% less |
Missouri | $53 | 12% less |
Montana | $49 | 18% less |
Nebraska | $53 | 12% less |
Nevada | $54 | 10% less |
New Hampshire | $70 | 17% more |
New Jersey | $68 | 13% more |
New Mexico | $65 | 8% more |
New York | $71 | 18% more |
North Carolina | $63 | 5% more |
North Dakota | $48 | 20% less |
Ohio | $59 | 2% less |
Oklahoma | $56 | 7% less |
Oregon | $63 | 5% more |
Pennsylvania | $54 | 10% less |
Rhode Island | $51 | 15% less |
South Carolina | $56 | 7% less |
South Dakota | $57 | 5% less |
Tennessee | $55 | 8% less |
Texas | $56 | 7% less |
Utah | $58 | 3% less |
Vermont | $54 | 10% less |
Virginia | $60 | Same |
Washington | $62 | 3% more |
West Virginia | $54 | 10% less |
Wisconsin | $55 | 8% less |
Wyoming | $53 | 12% less |
1.3. Cat Insurance Costs: Breed, Age, and Location
Cat insurance costs, similar to dog insurance, depend on the cat’s breed, age, and where you live. Certain breeds are less expensive to insure than others.
1.3.1. Cat Insurance Cost by Breed
Some cat breeds are more affordable to insure. For example, ragdoll and Devon rex cats typically have lower insurance premiums compared to Maine coon or Persian cats.
Cat Breed | Average Cost | Cost With Wellness Coverage |
---|---|---|
Ragdoll | $27 | $43 |
Maine Coon | $31 | $46 |
Devon Rex | $29 | $43 |
Exotic Shorthair | $30 | $44 |
Persian | $31 | $45 |
British Shorthair | $31 | $46 |
Abyssinian | $30 | $44 |
Scottish Fold | $30 | $45 |
Sphynx | $31 | $46 |
1.3.2. Cat Insurance Cost by Age
As cats get older, insurance costs generally increase. Securing a policy for your cat when they are a kitten can help ensure the best value and price over time.
1.3.3. Cat Insurance Cost by State
Location significantly affects cat insurance costs. Connecticut is the most expensive state to insure a cat, 34% higher than the national average. Montana is the cheapest, costing 19% less than the average.
State | Cat Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $27 | 16% less |
Alaska | $33 | 3% more |
Arizona | $34 | 6% more |
Arkansas | $30 | 6% less |
California | $41 | 28% more |
Colorado | $39 | 22% more |
Connecticut | $43 | 34% more |
District of Columbia | $41 | 28% more |
Delaware | $37 | 16% more |
Florida | $32 | Same |
Georgia | $33 | 3% more |
Hawaii | $33 | 3% more |
Idaho | $31 | 3% less |
Illinois | $35 | 9% more |
Indiana | $30 | 6% less |
Iowa | $33 | 3% more |
Kansas | $32 | Same |
Kentucky | $27 | 16% less |
Louisiana | $27 | 16% less |
Maine | $32 | Same |
Maryland | $38 | 19% more |
Massachusetts | $38 | 19% more |
Michigan | $31 | 3% less |
Minnesota | $28 | 13% less |
Mississippi | $28 | 13% less |
Missouri | $28 | 13% less |
Montana | $26 | 19% less |
Nebraska | $29 | 9% less |
Nevada | $31 | 3% less |
New Hampshire | $37 | 16% more |
New Jersey | $36 | 13% more |
New Mexico | $34 | 6% more |
New York | $37 | 16% more |
North Carolina | $32 | Same |
North Dakota | $27 | 16% less |
Ohio | $32 | Same |
Oklahoma | $31 | 3% less |
Oregon | $33 | 3% more |
Pennsylvania | $30 | 6% less |
Rhode Island | $28 | 13% less |
South Carolina | $31 | 3% less |
South Dakota | $30 | 6% less |
Tennessee | $29 | 9% less |
Texas | $30 | 6% less |
Utah | $31 | 3% less |
Vermont | $29 | 9% less |
Virginia | $32 | Same |
Washington | $32 | Same |
West Virginia | $27 | 16% less |
Wisconsin | $28 | 13% less |
Wyoming | $31 | 3% less |
2. Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Costs
Several factors can affect pet insurance costs, including the plan you choose, annual limits, deductibles, reimbursement rates, your pet’s breed and age, and where you live.
2.1. Plan Choice: Accident-Only vs. Accident and Illness
Insurers often offer different plan types:
- Accident-only: Covers injuries from accidents.
- Accident and illness: Covers both accidents and illnesses, including X-rays, surgeries, and prescription drugs.
- Wellness add-on: Covers routine veterinary services like checkups and vaccinations.
2.2. Annual Limit: Coverage Caps
An annual limit is the maximum amount an insurer will reimburse for vet costs. Choosing a lower annual limit can result in lower monthly costs, but you will need to pay out-of-pocket if your pet’s bills exceed the limit.
2.3. Deductibles: Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Pet insurance plans often have deductibles, similar to human health insurance. The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium, and vice versa.
2.4. Reimbursement Rate: Percentage of Covered Costs
The reimbursement rate is the percentage of covered vet costs that the insurer will pay. A lower reimbursement rate means lower monthly premiums, but you will pay more if your pet needs care.
2.5. Pet Breed: Predisposition to Illnesses
Purebred pets can be predisposed to certain illnesses, increasing the cost of insurance. Owners of purebred animals should expect to pay more for a policy.
2.6. Pet Age: Increased Risk of Health Issues
Premiums typically increase as a pet gets older. Most pet insurance companies allow you to enroll your pet starting at 6 weeks old. Some have maximum age limits for enrollment.
Age | Sample Monthly Cost | Pet Insurance Price Changes |
---|---|---|
6 months | $51 | 0% (Base rate) |
1 year | $53 | +4% |
3 years | $55 | +8% |
5 years | $74 | +45% |
8 years | $107 | +110% |
10 years | $156 | +206% |
12 years | $298 | +484% |
Enrolling your pet in pet insurance while they are young can be beneficial. Younger pets typically have fewer pre-existing conditions and a lower risk for chronic health conditions, making them cheaper to insure.
2.6.1. When Should You Enroll Your Pet in a Plan?
Most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. A pet’s chance of developing health issues increases with age.
The best time to [buy] pet insurance is when [your pet is] young and healthy,” said Patrik Holmboe, the head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care. “Most policies are cheaper for younger pets. If you start early, most insurance policies allow you to either lock in a lower price or gain some form of discount as the animal ages.
2.7. Location: State-Specific Variations
Your location significantly impacts the cost of pet insurance. Connecticut and Massachusetts are among the most expensive states, while Louisiana, Alabama, Montana, and North Dakota are the cheapest.
2.8. Discounts Offered: Multi-Pet and More
Many providers offer discounts for enrolling multiple pets or paying for annual coverage upfront. Some also offer discounts for military members or animal care workers.
Provider | Annual Payment | Multi-Pet | Military Members | Animal Care Workers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lemonade | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Spot | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔* |
Healthy Paws | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Embrace | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Figo | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
*Spot also offers a 10% group employee discount for partnering employers.
2.9. Pre-Existing Conditions: Impact on Premiums
Some pet insurance premiums will cost more if your pet has a pre-existing condition. Most companies do not cover these conditions, which are health issues that began before or during a policy’s waiting period.
3. Finding the Cheapest Pet Insurance
The cheapest pet insurance can be found by comparing different providers and understanding what they offer. Figo is often cited as one of the most affordable options, with an average policy cost of $22 per month.
Company | Star Rating Rating is based off of MarketWatch Guides Methodology Guidelines | Monthly Cost for Dogs | Monthly Cost for Cats | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
Figo | 4.5 | $27 | $15 | EXPLORE PLANS |
Pets Best | 4.7 | $41 | $23 | EXPLORE PLANS |
ManyPets | 4.1 | $37 | $29 | |
Healthy Paws | 3.9 | $49 | $19 | EXPLORE PLANS |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | 4.5 | $50 | $22 | EXPLORE PLANS |
MetLife Pet Insurance | 4.3 | $50 | $29 | |
Lemonade | 4.4 | $52 | $29 | EXPLORE PLANS |
Fetch Pet Insurance | 4.4 | $50 | $28 | EXPLORE PLANS |
4. How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance works by paying a premium, and in return, the insurer covers the cost of services listed in your contract. The process includes enrolling, waiting for coverage to begin, getting treatment, filing a claim, and getting reimbursed.
- Enroll: Most pet insurers allow you to enroll in coverage online.
- Wait for coverage to begin: Providers enforce waiting periods, typically ranging from two days to two weeks.
- Get and pay for treatment: You will need to cover the bill at the time of the appointment and file for reimbursement later.
- File a claim: File a claim after your pet receives service.
- Get reimbursed: Once your insurer approves your claim, it will reimburse you for covered costs.
5. Veterinarian Acceptance of Pet Insurance
Most veterinarians accept pet insurance. Typically, you pay the vet bill upfront and file a claim with the insurance company for reimbursement. Some providers, like Trupanion and Pets Best, partner with vets to automatically process your reimbursement.
6. Average Costs of Pet Medical Treatments
The average cost of an emergency vet visit is between $374 and $1,285. Surgeries and hospitalizations can cost much more.
Condition | Treatment Costs |
---|---|
Ear infections | $850 |
Overnight hospitalization | $600–$3,500 |
Cruciate ligament tear (surgery) | $2,000–$5,000 |
Arthritis | $500–$750 |
Dental disease | $500–$800 |
Heart murmur or disease | $1,100–$2,500 |
Stomach conditions (infections, emergency surgery, chronic disease, etc.) | $1,600–$5,000 |
Urinary tract infection | $400–$1,050 |
Broken bone | $2,200–$2,400 |
Cancer | $3,200–$8,000 |
Note: Treatment costs were calculated using claims data for injuries and illnesses provided by several top-rated pet insurance companies.
State | Average Vet Visit Cost |
---|---|
Alabama | $61.26 |
Alaska | $80.06 |
Arizona | $79.28 |
Arkansas | $68.06 |
California | $71.45 |
Colorado | $77.72 |
Connecticut | $93.44 |
Delaware | $76.41 |
Florida | $60.41 |
Georgia | $67.10 |
Hawaii | $69.28 |
Idaho | $67.72 |
Illinois | $70.89 |
Indiana | $74.39 |
Iowa | $60.74 |
Kansas | $56.09 |
Kentucky | $61.30 |
Louisiana | $63.33 |
Maine | $81.08 |
Maryland | $80.65 |
Massachusetts | $85.06 |
Michigan | $52.78 |
Minnesota | $76.94 |
Mississippi | $70.55 |
Missouri | $65.94 |
Montana | $55.72 |
Nebraska | $55.00 |
Nevada | $65.44 |
New Hampshire | $75.32 |
New Jersey | $87.11 |
New Mexico | $66.79 |
New York | $84.72 |
North Carolina | $66.67 |
North Dakota | $62.97 |
Ohio | $58.43 |
Oklahoma | $53.44 |
Oregon | $65.94 |
Pennsylvania | $65.91 |
Rhode Island | $79.17 |
South Carolina | $73.00 |
South Dakota | $60.58 |
Tennessee | $64.56 |
Texas | $66.81 |
Utah | $70.11 |
Vermont | $73.54 |
Virginia | $69.67 |
Washington | $79.74 |
West Virginia | $64.28 |
Wisconsin | $71.11 |
Wyoming | $61.42 |
Source: CareCredit
7. Cost-Saving Preventative Care Tips
Preventative care can keep your pet healthy and reduce the chance of illnesses that require expensive treatments.
According to Emery, the four best preventative measures you can take for your pets include:
- Going to the vet annually and following the recommended vaccine protocol
- Testing and using prevention methods for heartworm and tick-borne diseases
- Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
- Making sure your pet’s teeth are healthy, either from dental treatments or toothbrushing
Dr. David Emery, DVM, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
8. Choosing the Best Pet Insurance for Your Budget
Researching different companies can help you find the best plan for your pet and your budget. Consider coverage options and services offered, keeping in mind that the cheapest plan may not be the best if it does not provide the necessary coverage.
Provider | Average Cost |
---|---|
Figo | $22 |
Pets Best | $33 |
Healthy Paws | $35 |
Petco | $35 |
ManyPets | $35 |
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $38 |
Hartville | $38 |
AKC | $38 |
Companion Protect | $39 |
MetLife | $40 |
Lemonade | $41 |
Fetch | $43 |
Wagmo | $43 |
Spot | $51 |
Liberty Mutual | $51 |
Prudent Pet | $51 |
Paw Protect | $52 |
Embrace | $53 |
Allstate | $53 |
Pumpkin | $74 |
Trupanion | $97 |
9. Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is worth it based on an analysis of monthly premiums compared to the potentially high costs of veterinary care. Most pet owners can only afford $500 in unexpected vet bills out of pocket, and one-third are unprepared financially to pay an emergency vet bill.
It’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits against your pet’s needs and your budget. If you own a high-risk dog breed or live in an area where vet care is expensive, pet insurance may be a good option.
10. Expert Tips and Insights on Pet Insurance Cost
People manage pet emergencies in a number of different ways. I think the most unsuccessful one is to expect not to have an emergency at some point throughout the life of your pet.
One option is to get a credit card specifically for your pets. You build credit by using it to pay for wellness-type visits, then pay those off quickly. You will then have available credit ready should you need it.
Another option is to budget and save money each month toward the possibility of an emergency. This has the benefit that if not used, you will still have access to the money (as opposed to insurance). A drawback is that if the emergency occurs early in your pet’s life, you may not have saved up enough to cover the costs.
Since these options both have their drawbacks, a growing trend is pet health insurance. The number of companies and options may be overwhelming, but if you do your homework this may very well be the best option for your pet. The only possible downside to this is that if you don’t get it immediately and/or adopt a grown dog, the insurance still may not cover certain pre-existing conditions.
Dr. Missy Matusicky, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Associate Professor Clinical at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
I think pet insurance agencies like to get paid money and if your planning on putting the $50-$100 a month to prepare for a pet emergency I would argue putting that money in a savings account or investing it would be a better use of your money.
I think it’s important to ensure that pets’ current medical records are easily accessible in the event of internet failure and that pet parents always have an adequate supply of prescription medications. It may be a good idea to set aside and regularly contribute to a small fund that can be used to supplement the cost of a medical emergency; similarly veterinary insurance policies that help offset the cost of illness and emergency treatment could help. Having contact information on hand for those family members or friends that can help during such stressful times could be valuable in an emergency as well.
Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, DVM, DABVP, FFCP, LSHC-S, Instructor Small Animal Primary Care at University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pet Insurance Cost
Q1: Which pet insurance provider offers the cheapest plans?
Our analysis shows that Figo and Pets Best offer the cheapest plans for cats and dogs, averaging $22 and $33 per month, respectively.
Q2: What are the benefits of pet insurance?
Pet insurance offers peace of mind and financial security, protecting you from exorbitant vet bills due to unexpected injuries or illnesses.
Q3: Does pet insurance cover dental care?
Most pet insurance providers cover dental accidents and illnesses, but not routine dental care. Some providers require an add-on for dental treatments.
Q4: Does pet insurance cover routine vet visits?
Most plans cover accidents and illnesses, not routine care. However, many providers offer a wellness plan add-on to include preventative care like checkups and vaccinations.
Q5: What’s the average cost of pet insurance for a senior dog?
The average cost of pet insurance for senior dogs can vary widely based on factors like breed, location, and coverage level. However, senior dogs typically have higher premiums due to their increased risk of age-related health issues. The average monthly cost can range from $50 to over $100, depending on the specific circumstances and the insurance provider.
Q6: Can I get pet insurance for a pet with pre-existing conditions?
Most standard pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, some companies offer policies that may cover curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each policy carefully to understand what is covered.
Q7: Is there a maximum age limit for enrolling in pet insurance?
Some pet insurance companies have maximum age limits for enrolling pets, often ranging from 10 to 14 years. However, certain providers may offer coverage beyond this limit if you enroll your pet before they reach the maximum age. It’s advisable to check with different insurance providers to find a suitable policy for older pets.
Q8: What are the key differences between pet insurance and pet wellness plans?
Pet insurance primarily covers unexpected medical costs related to accidents and illnesses, while pet wellness plans focus on routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, check-ups, and parasite prevention. Pet insurance is designed to help with unforeseen expenses, while wellness plans help manage the costs of regular healthcare needs.
Q9: How do pet insurance companies determine premiums?
Pet insurance companies determine premiums based on various factors, including the pet’s age, breed, location, the type of coverage selected, deductible amount, and reimbursement rate. Pets that are older, of certain breeds prone to health issues, or living in areas with higher veterinary costs may have higher premiums. The level of coverage and policy terms also play a significant role in determining the overall cost.
Q10: Can I switch pet insurance providers?
Yes, you can switch pet insurance providers at any time. However, it’s important to consider any potential gaps in coverage and waiting periods with the new provider. Pre-existing conditions diagnosed under the previous policy may not be covered by the new policy, so it’s crucial to review the terms and conditions before making the switch.
12. Need Expert Advice on Pet Insurance? Contact HOW.EDU.VN
Navigating the complexities of pet insurance can be daunting. If you’re struggling to find the right policy or need clarification on any aspect of pet insurance, HOW.EDU.VN is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let confusion prevent you from making the best decision for your furry friend. Contact HOW.EDU.VN today and let our team of over 100 renowned PhDs provide personalized advice and support. Ensure your pet receives the best possible care without financial strain.
Address: 456 Expertise Plaza, Consult City, CA 90210, United States
WhatsApp: +1 (310) 555-1212
Website: HOW.EDU.VN
Let how.edu.vn guide you through the world of pet insurance, ensuring you make the most informed and beneficial choice for your pet’s health and your financial well-being.
13. Our Methodology for Gathering Pet Insurance Cost Data
To analyze the average cost of pet insurance, we gathered 17,330 quotes from 21 providers across all 50 U.S. states based on 10 unique sample pet profiles. Our sample quotes were based on plans with the following limits:
- Plan 1: $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and $5,000 in annual coverage.
- Plan 2: $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and unlimited annual coverage.
In cases where providers did not offer the specific plan details, we used the following substitutes:
- AKC: Maximum annual payout of $20,000.
- Figo: Maximum annual payout of $10,000.
- Hartville: Maximum annual payout of $10,000.
- Healthy Paws: $500 deductible instead of $250; no annual coverage limit.
- Lemonade: Maximum annual payout of $100,000.
- Liberty Mutual: Maximum annual payout of $15,000.
- ManyPets: Deductibles varied by ZIP code.
- Paw Protect: 30% copay after the $250 deductible.
- Prudent Pet: Minimum annual payout of $10,000.
- Pumpkin: Annual payout of $7,000.
- Wagmo: Maximum annual payout of $20,000.
We use our rating system to compare and determine the best pet insurance companies.