Based on our survey of major pet insurance providers, pet insurance costs average $330 annually for cats and around $607 for dogs in South Carolina, making it 5% more affordable than the national average for both pet types. However, your pet's breed and age, along with your coverage choice, can make prices vary.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in South Carolina?
Updated: July 28, 2025
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Key Takeaways
In South Carolina, dog insurance averages $51 per month ($607 per year), while cat insurance averages $28 per month ($330 per year).
According to our survey, pet insurance costs in South Carolina are 5% lower than the national average for both dogs and cats.
Find the best cheap pet insurance in South Carolina by researching providers, selecting appropriate coverage and comparing multiple quotes.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
| Cat | $28 | $330 |
| Dog | $51 | $607 |
*These accident-only coverage rates (which cover injuries but not illnesses) apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (7-year-old cat) and a Labrador Retriever (6-year-old dog). While we included most pet insurance providers, some don't have these offerings, which we excluded for consistency.
What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs in South Carolina?
Below are the key factors affecting pet insurance costs in South Carolina and how influential they are. Click each factor to see pricing details.
Coverage level
Coverage level is the primary factor affecting pet insurance costs in South Carolina. Our baseline accident-only rates average $330 to $607 annually, while comprehensive accident and illness coverage ranges from $520 to $1,027 annually for standard parameters.
Pet type and breed
Cats and dogs cost different amounts to insure, and your pet's breed makes a big difference too. Cats are usually cheaper to insure, with annual premiums from $214 to $853, while dogs cost $607 to $1,151 per year since they tend to have more health problems and pricier vet bills.
Pet age
Insurance costs increase as your pet ages since older animals face higher health risks. Our research shows premiums in South Carolina range from $214 to $2,114 per year based on age alone. Senior pets typically have the highest premiums due to increased likelihood of chronic conditions and medical needs.
Location
Where you live affects your rates because of local vet costs and regional risks. South Carolina pet insurance runs about $32 less for dogs and $18 less for cats compared to the national average. Cities within South Carolina don't vary much though.
Your vet
When you get quotes, insurers often ask about your vet. Different vets charge different prices, which affects how much claims cost and ultimately impacts your premiums.
Average South Carolina Pet Insurance Costs by Coverage
Your coverage choice has the biggest impact on what you'll pay. South Carolina monthly prices range from $18 to $458, depending on your pet type and coverage details.
The table below shows comprehensive accident and illness coverage rates. Individual rates may vary significantly based on your pet's specific health history, your chosen veterinarian and other factors.
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Annual Limit:$5,000
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Reimbursement %:80%
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Deductible:$500
| Cat | $43 | $520 | -5% |
| Dog | $86 | $1,027 | -5% |
Average South Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by Breed
Your pet's type and breed are the second-biggest factors affecting your rates in South Carolina. Our research shows costs range from $853 to $1,151 annually, depending on your pet's breed.
Average Pet Dog Insurance Costs in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your dog's breed has a significant impact on pet insurance costs, with monthly rates ranging from $48 to $223 per month. Check out the breed-specific rates in the table below to see what you might pay for your furry friend.
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Dog Breed:Affenpinscher
| Affenpinscher | $96 | $1,151 |
*These rates represent policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for pet insurance policies.
Average Pet Cat Insurance Costs in South Carolina
Monthly cat insurance rates in South Carolina vary significantly by breed, with costs ranging from $52 for Domestic Shorthairs to $72 for Exotic Shorthairs, as shown in the detailed breakdown below.
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Cat Breed:Abyssinian
| Abyssinian | $71 | $853 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for pet insurance policies.
Average South Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by Age
Age ranks as the third most significant factor in South Carolina pet insurance pricing, with annual costs ranging from $214 to $2,114 depending on your pet's age and increasing health risks over time. The table below breaks down exactly what you'll pay based on your pet's current age.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Under 1 | $18 | $214 |
| 1 | $20 | $234 |
| 2 | $21 | $251 |
| 3 | $23 | $274 |
| 4 | $25 | $300 |
| 5 | $27 | $326 |
| 6 | $29 | $353 |
| 7 | $40 | $485 |
| 8 | $35 | $415 |
| 9 | $38 | $458 |
| 10 | $43 | $509 |
| 11 | $48 | $570 |
| 12 | $54 | $641 |
| 13 | $58 | $690 |
| 14 | $64 | $768 |
| 15 | $71 | $849 |
| 16 | $78 | $937 |
| 17 | $80 | $953 |
| 18 | $88 | $1,051 |
| 19 | $96 | $1,145 |
| 20 | $103 | $1,237 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (cat) and a Labrador Retriever (dog).
Average South Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by City
Your city barely affects pet insurance rates in South Carolina: costs typically vary by just a few dollars each month. Below are costs for some of South Carolina's biggest cities.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Charleston | $27 | $328 |
| Columbia | $30 | $361 |
| Greeneville | $25 | $300 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (cat) and a Labrador Retriever (dog).
How to Get the Best Cheap Pet Insurance in South Carolina
To help you find the best pet insurance for the lowest price, we've created a simple step-by-step guide below.
- 1
Assess Your Coverage Needs
Before buying pet insurance, find out how much coverage you need that's both pet and budget-friendly. Consider how much you can afford, the common health problems for your pet's breed, and vet costs in your area.
- 2
Find Available Discounts
Research average costs for your pet and coverage level so you'll know a good deal when you see one. Pet insurance doesn't offer as many discounts as other insurance, but look for multi-pet and bundling savings where available.
- 3
Evaluate Insurance Providers
Check customer opinions on forums to get the real story about different companies. Also look at coverage options, waiting periods, and claims processes to make sure you won't hit surprises when you need to file a claim.
- 4
Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from several companies to make sure you're getting the best deal. Most insurers offer quick online quotes for dogs and cats, though you'll need to call if you have an exotic pet.
- 5
Review Policy Details
Read the fine print of each policy, focusing on coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Make sure you understand what conditions are covered, which are excluded, and any waiting periods before coverage begins.
Average Pet Insurance Cost in South Carolina: Bottom Line
Pet insurance costs in South Carolina are more affordable than most states. Expect to pay around $28 monthly for cats and $51 for dogs, though your actual costs depend on your pet's breed, age and coverage choice.
Want better rates? Research what coverage level makes sense for your pet, then compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Pet Insurance Cost in South Carolina: FAQ
Find expert answers to common questions about pet insurance costs in South Carolina below:
How much does pet insurance cost in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, pet insurance costs an average of $51 per month for dogs, but depending on age, pricing ranges from $31 to $176 monthly. Insuring cats in the state costs around $28 monthly, but monthly pricing varies from $18 to $103 by age.
Is South Carolina pet insurance expensive?
South Carolina is relatively affordable for dog and cat insurance coverage, with monthly premiums lower than most states across the country.
How should I go about buying pet insurance in South Carolina?
To buy pet insurance in South Carolina, research coverage options and costs from multiple insurers, evaluate company reviews and policy details, then compare quotes to find the best pet insurance plan for your needs.
How We Determined Average Pet Insurance Costs in South Carolina
All costs in this article are based on or modified from the following profile:
- $5,000 annual limit
- 80% reimbursement
- $500 deductible
- For dogs: Labrador Retriever (6 years old)
- For cats: Ragdoll (7 years old)
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.