Pet Insurance Calculator

Whether you are insuring a dog or cat is the first pricing variable, and dogs cost more to insure on average because they tend to have higher veterinary utilization rates. Within each species, breed is one of the most significant pricing factors. Certain breeds carry well-documented predispositions to expensive conditions. French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to respiratory issues and orthopedic problems. Large breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards have elevated rates of bloat, hip dysplasia and heart conditions. Carriers price these known breed risks directly into their base rates, which is why two dogs of the same age and size can receive very different quotes based on breed alone.

Age affects pet insurance premiums in two ways. First, older pets are statistically more likely to need veterinary care, so premiums are higher for pets enrolled later in life. Second, and more importantly, any conditions your pet has already developed before the policy start date will be classified as pre-existing and excluded from coverage.

Your state and even your zip code affect your premium because veterinary costs vary substantially by geography. A routine procedure in a major metropolitan area often costs two to three times what the same procedure costs in a rural area. Carriers price policies based on the average veterinary costs in your region, which means pet owners in cities like New York, San Francisco and Boston typically pay more for the same coverage than those in lower-cost markets. Regional differences in the prevalence of certain conditions and parasites also factor into geographic pricing.

The plan variables you control, including your reimbursement percentage, deductible and annual benefit limit, have a direct effect on both your monthly cost and your out-of-pocket exposure at claim time. Higher reimbursement, lower deductibles and unlimited annual benefits increase your premium but reduce what you pay when a serious claim arises.