MoneyGeek's analysis found pet insurance averages $649 annually for dogs and $347 yearly for cats, based on 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and 7-year-old Ragdoll profiles with $5,000 annual limits, $500 deductibles and 80% reimbursement rates. Your actual costs on many factors which we will detail below.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost on Average?
Updated: October 10, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Average Pet Insurance Cost: Key Takeaways
Pet insurance costs range anywhere from $19 to $236 per month on average depending on your provider, location, coverage detail and companion breed and age.
The top three most influential factors that affect your pet insurance premium are your coverage choice and your companion's breed and age.
Save money on pet insurance by choosing higher deductibles, reducing coverage limits and taking advantage of available discounts.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
| Dog | $53 | $639 |
| Cat | $29 | $347 |
FIND THE BEST CHEAP PET INSURANCE FOR YOU
Below we've provided guides to help inform you on your pet insurance comparison journey:
What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs?
Your pet insurance premium depends on the following factors, and you can click each to learn more:
- Coverage Type: The type of plan you choose directly affects what you'll pay each month. Accident-only policies cost much less than plans that cover accidents and illnesses because illness claims happen more often and cost more. Adding optional coverage for routine care increases costs even further, so expanding your coverage means paying more for greater financial protection.
- Provider: The provider you chose has as effect on your pet insurance mainly due to their risk assessment calculation methods, what markets they target and the coverage offerings, inclusions and discounts they have available.
- Breed: Your pet's breed affects costs because some breeds face more health problems than others due to their genetics and size. Purebreds like French Bulldogs face higher premiums because they suffer from breathing problems, spinal issues and allergies, while mixed breeds often cost less due to genetic diversity.
- Age: Young pets cost less to insure because they have better health and need less medical care. As pets age, they develop more health issues and face more accidents, so premiums increase yearly.
- Location: Location impacts pet insurance costs since veterinary care expenses vary across regions. Urban areas often cost more than rural locations due to higher overhead costs and the availability of advanced specialty treatments.
- Deductible: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers costs. This ranges from $0 to $1,000, with the most common amounts being $100, $250 or $500. The higher the deductible, the less you'll pay monthly, and vice versa.
- Coverage Limit: Your annual coverage limit affects your monthly premium since it determines the maximum amount your insurer will reimburse you yearly. Coverage limits range from $2,500 to unlimited. Higher limits cost more as they increase the insurer's financial risk. Lower limits reduce premiums but leave you responsible for expenses beyond that amount.
- Reimbursement Rate: Plans typically offer 60% to 90% reimbursement options, which determine what percentage of covered veterinary bills you'll get back after meeting your deductible. Higher reimbursement means paying more monthly, but receiving more money back when filing claims.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance by State
Where you live plays a major role in determining your pet insurance costs and rates can vary anywhere from $20/mo to $37/mo for cats and $36/mo to $69/mo for dogs. States with higher costs of living, greater population density and more advanced specialty veterinary services tend to drive up insurance rates.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
State:
Select
Pet Type:
| Alabama | Cat | $21 | $257 | -26% |
| Alabama | Dog | $39 | $471 | -27% |
| Alaska | Cat | $29 | $350 | 0% |
| Alaska | Dog | $53 | $639 | -0% |
| Arizona | Cat | $35 | $421 | 21% |
| Arizona | Dog | $65 | $779 | 21% |
| Arkansas | Cat | $20 | $235 | -33% |
| Arkansas | Dog | $36 | $430 | -33% |
| California | Cat | $36 | $437 | 25% |
| California | Dog | $67 | $809 | 26% |
| Colorado | Cat | $36 | $436 | 25% |
| Colorado | Dog | $67 | $805 | 26% |
| Connecticut | Cat | $33 | $398 | 14% |
| Connecticut | Dog | $62 | $738 | 15% |
| Delaware | Cat | $29 | $350 | 0% |
| Delaware | Dog | $54 | $644 | 0% |
| Florida | Cat | $33 | $393 | 13% |
| Florida | Dog | $60 | $725 | 13% |
| Georgia | Cat | $26 | $314 | -10% |
| Georgia | Dog | $48 | $577 | -10% |
| Hawaii | Cat | $30 | $355 | 2% |
| Hawaii | Dog | $54 | $654 | 2% |
| Idaho | Cat | $30 | $358 | 3% |
| Idaho | Dog | $55 | $656 | 2% |
| Illinois | Cat | $36 | $428 | 23% |
| Illinois | Dog | $66 | $792 | 23% |
| Indiana | Cat | $26 | $314 | -10% |
| Indiana | Dog | $48 | $579 | -10% |
| Iowa | Cat | $24 | $294 | -16% |
| Iowa | Dog | $45 | $538 | -16% |
| Kansas | Cat | $27 | $325 | -7% |
| Kansas | Dog | $50 | $595 | -7% |
| Kentucky | Cat | $24 | $290 | -17% |
| Kentucky | Dog | $44 | $526 | -18% |
| Louisiana | Cat | $23 | $281 | -20% |
| Louisiana | Dog | $43 | $516 | -20% |
| Maine | Cat | $36 | $437 | 25% |
| Maine | Dog | $66 | $796 | 24% |
| Maryland | Cat | $29 | $351 | 1% |
| Maryland | Dog | $52 | $629 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | Cat | $37 | $449 | 29% |
| Massachusetts | Dog | $69 | $833 | 30% |
| Michigan | Cat | $29 | $348 | -0% |
| Michigan | Dog | $54 | $642 | 0% |
| Minnesota | Cat | $30 | $362 | 4% |
| Minnesota | Dog | $56 | $670 | 4% |
| Mississippi | Cat | $25 | $296 | -15% |
| Mississippi | Dog | $45 | $545 | -15% |
| Missouri | Cat | $23 | $275 | -21% |
| Missouri | Dog | $42 | $505 | -21% |
| Montana | Cat | $24 | $291 | -17% |
| Montana | Dog | $45 | $536 | -16% |
| Nebraska | Cat | $26 | $314 | -10% |
| Nebraska | Dog | $48 | $579 | -10% |
| Nevada | Cat | $30 | $359 | 3% |
| Nevada | Dog | $55 | $664 | 3% |
| New Hampshire | Cat | $34 | $402 | 15% |
| New Hampshire | Dog | $62 | $742 | 16% |
| New Jersey | Cat | $33 | $393 | 13% |
| New Jersey | Dog | $60 | $723 | 13% |
| New Mexico | Cat | $26 | $307 | -12% |
| New Mexico | Dog | $47 | $565 | -12% |
| New York | Cat | $32 | $378 | 8% |
| New York | Dog | $58 | $697 | 9% |
| North Carolina | Cat | $26 | $311 | -11% |
| North Carolina | Dog | $48 | $571 | -11% |
| North Dakota | Cat | $22 | $267 | -23% |
| North Dakota | Dog | $41 | $492 | -23% |
| Ohio | Cat | $27 | $320 | -8% |
| Ohio | Dog | $49 | $588 | -8% |
| Oklahoma | Cat | $24 | $291 | -17% |
| Oklahoma | Dog | $45 | $535 | -17% |
| Oregon | Cat | $36 | $431 | 24% |
| Oregon | Dog | $66 | $796 | 24% |
| Pennsylvania | Cat | $30 | $362 | 4% |
| Pennsylvania | Dog | $56 | $667 | 4% |
| Rhode Island | Cat | $25 | $303 | -13% |
| Rhode Island | Dog | $46 | $557 | -13% |
| South Carolina | Cat | $28 | $330 | -5% |
| South Carolina | Dog | $51 | $607 | -5% |
| South Dakota | Cat | $27 | $318 | -9% |
| South Dakota | Dog | $48 | $581 | -10% |
| Tennessee | Cat | $27 | $321 | -8% |
| Tennessee | Dog | $49 | $591 | -8% |
| Texas | Cat | $31 | $367 | 5% |
| Texas | Dog | $56 | $677 | 6% |
| Utah | Cat | $28 | $332 | -5% |
| Utah | Dog | $51 | $611 | -5% |
| Vermont | Cat | $28 | $334 | -4% |
| Vermont | Dog | $51 | $610 | -5% |
| Virginia | Cat | $31 | $372 | 7% |
| Virginia | Dog | $57 | $684 | 7% |
| Washington | Cat | $34 | $403 | 16% |
| Washington | Dog | $62 | $745 | 16% |
| West Virginia | Cat | $26 | $309 | -11% |
| West Virginia | Dog | $47 | $567 | -12% |
| Wisconsin | Cat | $31 | $374 | 7% |
| Wisconsin | Dog | $57 | $687 | 7% |
| Wyoming | Cat | $28 | $332 | -5% |
| Wyoming | Dog | $51 | $608 | -5% |
Average Pet Insurance Cost By Provider
At the provider level, pet health insurance rates for dogs can range from $20/mo to $41/mo for cats and range from $41 to $94 per month for dogs. Providers offer services tailored to a market they are targeting, differing coverage selections and terms and even discounts that all influence the cost you pay to insure your companion.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Pet Type:
| AKC | Dog | $59 | $705 | -3% |
| AKC | Cat | $35 | $416 | 10% |
| ASPCA | Dog | $48 | $580 | -20% |
| ASPCA | Cat | $30 | $352 | -7% |
| Embrace | Dog | $73 | $874 | 21% |
| Embrace | Cat | $46 | $547 | 44% |
| Fetch | Dog | $77 | $929 | 28% |
| Fetch | Cat | $36 | $430 | 13% |
| Figo | Dog | $52 | $624 | -14% |
| Figo | Cat | $25 | $297 | -22% |
| Hartville | Dog | $55 | $665 | -8% |
| Hartville | Cat | $23 | $277 | -27% |
| Lemonade | Dog | $41 | $492 | -32% |
| Lemonade | Cat | $23 | $274 | -28% |
| Liberty Mutual | Dog | $65 | $774 | 7% |
| Liberty Mutual | Cat | $38 | $454 | 19% |
| Met Life | Dog | $57 | $684 | -6% |
| Met Life | Cat | $36 | $437 | 15% |
| Nationwide | Dog | $94 | $1,127 | 55% |
| Nationwide | Cat | $41 | $489 | 29% |
| Pets Best | Dog | $53 | $643 | -11% |
| Pets Best | Cat | $28 | $329 | -13% |
| Pumpkin | Dog | $46 | $548 | -25% |
| Pumpkin | Cat | $20 | $238 | -37% |
| Rainwalk | Dog | $60 | $717 | -1% |
| Rainwalk | Cat | $30 | $359 | -5% |
| Spot | Dog | $57 | $684 | -6% |
| Spot | Cat | $23 | $284 | -25% |
Average Pet Insurance Cost by Breed
We found that small mixed-breed dogs are the cheapest to insure, while large purebred dogs like Bullmastiffs are the most expensive. For cats, common breeds like Domestic Shorthairs cost less to insure than purebred cats such as Abyssinians.
Average Pet Insurance Cost by Dog Breed
On average, small mixed-breed dogs under 20 lb are the cheapest to insure at $49 monthly, while Bullmastiffs are the most expensive at $232 monthly.
Small mixed-breed dogs cost less because they have fewer inherited health problems and need smaller doses of medication. Bullmastiffs cost more because large dogs often develop hip and heart problems, don't live as long and require higher medication doses.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Dog Breed:
| Small Mix (Under 20 pounds) | $49 | $588 |
| Small Mix (11-25) | $56 | $675 |
| Small Mix (10 and less pounds) | $57 | $686 |
| Small Mix (0-20) | $58 | $687 |
| Small Mix (1-10 pounds) | $59 | $707 |
| Mixed breed Small (up to 20lbs when full grown) | $59 | $702 |
| Mixed Breed Small (>10 lbs) | $61 | $723 |
| Mixed Breed Small (11-30 lbs) | $63 | $758 |
| Chihuahua | $65 | $780 |
| Small Mix (11-30) | $67 | $800 |
| Small Mix (25 and less pounds) | $68 | $808 |
| Maltipoo | $68 | $825 |
| Small Mix (22 pounds or less) | $70 | $846 |
| Morkie | $71 | $852 |
| Shih Tzu | $71 | $855 |
| Toy Mix (10 and less pounds) | $73 | $871 |
| Mixed Breed Medium (31-50 lbs) | $73 | $869 |
| Cockapoo | $73 | $882 |
| Jack Russell Terrier | $73 | $884 |
| Cavapoo | $75 | $909 |
| Havanese | $76 | $911 |
| Medium Mix (20-55 pounds) | $77 | $931 |
| Miniature Poodle | $78 | $933 |
| Puggle | $78 | $934 |
| Yorkshire terrier | $78 | $942 |
| Shiba Inu | $79 | $947 |
| Cavachon | $79 | $947 |
| Schnoodle | $80 | $953 |
| Medium Mix (31-59 pounds) | $80 | $963 |
| Toy Poodle | $81 | $969 |
| Medium Mix (26-50 pounds) | $81 | $975 |
| Medium Mix (20-70 pounds) | $81 | $978 |
| Medium Mix (31-50 pounds) | $82 | $979 |
| Papillon | $82 | $991 |
| Maltese | $83 | $992 |
| Groodle | $83 | $994 |
| Australian Shepherd | $84 | $1,000 |
| Coton De Tulear | $84 | $1,009 |
| Lhasa Apso | $85 | $1,014 |
| Miniature Pinscher | $85 | $1,017 |
| Dachshund | $86 | $1,024 |
| Mixed Dog (21-50 pounds) | $86 | $1,032 |
| Pomeranian | $86 | $1,028 |
| Australian Silky Terrier | $86 | $1,029 |
| Japanese Chin | $86 | $1,030 |
| American Hairless Terrier | $86 | $1,033 |
| Japanese Spitz | $86 | $1,034 |
| Border Collie | $87 | $1,045 |
| Basenji | $88 | $1,050 |
| Dingo | $88 | $1,056 |
| American Eskimo | $88 | $1,058 |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $89 | $1,061 |
| English Toy Terrier | $89 | $1,062 |
| Large Mix (51-110 pounds) | $89 | $1,068 |
| Pekingese | $90 | $1,079 |
| Miniature Dachshund | $90 | $1,080 |
| Fox Terrier | $91 | $1,088 |
| Peruvian Hairless Dog | $91 | $1,091 |
| Australian Terrier | $91 | $1,095 |
| Labradoodle | $91 | $1,094 |
| Goldendoodle | $91 | $1,096 |
| Miniature Schnauzer | $92 | $1,097 |
| West Highland White Terrier | $92 | $1,097 |
| Border Terrier | $92 | $1,099 |
| Husky | $92 | $1,102 |
| Bichon Frise | $93 | $1,112 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | $93 | $1,117 |
| Norwich Terrier | $94 | $1,129 |
| German Pinscher | $95 | $1,141 |
| Miniature Fox Terrier | $96 | $1,144 |
| Brussels Griffon | $96 | $1,145 |
| Siberian Husky | $96 | $1,149 |
| Large Mix (Over 70 pounds) | $96 | $1,162 |
| Norfolk Terrier | $96 | $1,156 |
| Bearded Collie | $96 | $1,156 |
| Giant Mix (111 pounds+) | $97 | $1,161 |
| Large Mix (51-100 pounds) | $97 | $1,166 |
| Cairn Terrier | $97 | $1,165 |
| Large Mix (61+ pounds) | $97 | $1,169 |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $97 | $1,170 |
| Mixed Breed Large (51-90 lbs) | $97 | $1,166 |
| Medium Mix (23-70 pounds) | $98 | $1,171 |
| English Foxhound | $98 | $1,171 |
| Italian Greyhound | $98 | $1,179 |
| Large Mix (55-90 pounds) | $99 | $1,192 |
| Boston Terrier | $99 | $1,183 |
| Finnish Lapphund | $99 | $1,188 |
| Irish Terrier | $99 | $1,190 |
| Whippet | $99 | $1,193 |
| Wire Fox Terrier | $100 | $1,200 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens | $100 | $1,206 |
| Affenpinscher | $100 | $1,206 |
| Norwegian Elkhound | $101 | $1,208 |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | $101 | $1,210 |
| American Foxhound | $101 | $1,209 |
| Standard Schnauzer | $102 | $1,224 |
| Welsh Corgi Cardigan | $102 | $1,226 |
| Foxhound | $103 | $1,232 |
| German Spitz | $103 | $1,235 |
| Alaskan Husky | $104 | $1,243 |
| Australian Kelpie | $104 | $1,248 |
| Beagle | $104 | $1,248 |
| Mixed Dog (51-90 pounds) | $104 | $1,239 |
| Mixed Breed | $104 | $1,255 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | $104 | $1,251 |
| English Springer Spaniel | $104 | $1,254 |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $105 | $1,261 |
| Welsh Corgi Pembroke | $105 | $1,261 |
| Medium Mix (26-59 pounds) | $106 | $1,269 |
| Large Mix (60-109 pounds) | $106 | $1,269 |
| Giant Mix (110 pounds+) | $106 | $1,269 |
| Small Mix (0-25) | $106 | $1,269 |
| Welsh Terrier | $106 | $1,270 |
| Field Spaniel | $106 | $1,277 |
| Collie | $106 | $1,276 |
| Pointer | $107 | $1,285 |
| Harrier | $107 | $1,284 |
| Pug | $108 | $1,289 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | $108 | $1,291 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | $108 | $1,293 |
| Keeshond | $108 | $1,298 |
| Mixed Dog (91 pounds+) | $109 | $1,306 |
| Tibetan Terrier | $109 | $1,309 |
| Smooth Collie | $109 | $1,312 |
| Samoyed | $110 | $1,321 |
| Cocker spaniel | $111 | $1,334 |
| Puli | $111 | $1,335 |
| English Setter | $112 | $1,346 |
| Italian Spinone | $112 | $1,348 |
| Giant Mix (100 pounds+) | $113 | $1,343 |
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | $114 | $1,365 |
| Rough Collie | $114 | $1,367 |
| Standard Poodle | $114 | $1,368 |
| Scottish Terrier | $114 | $1,371 |
| Bracco Italiano | $115 | $1,377 |
| English Pointer | $115 | $1,378 |
| Vizsla | $116 | $1,389 |
| Belgian Shepherd Malinois | $116 | $1,391 |
| Saluki | $116 | $1,392 |
| Afghan Hound | $118 | $1,418 |
| Labrador Retriever | $118 | $1,423 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | $119 | $1,423 |
| Portuguese Water Dog | $119 | $1,424 |
| German Shepherd | $119 | $1,431 |
| Corgi | $120 | $1,434 |
| Irish Setter | $121 | $1,449 |
| Alaskan Malamute | $121 | $1,458 |
| Chow Chow | $122 | $1,460 |
| Briard | $122 | $1,466 |
| Golden Retriever | $124 | $1,488 |
| Airedale Terrier | $126 | $1,516 |
| Clumber Spaniel | $128 | $1,531 |
| Old English Sheepdog | $128 | $1,535 |
| Alsation | $128 | $1,534 |
| Akita | $129 | $1,550 |
| Pitbull | $131 | $1,575 |
| Komondor | $131 | $1,575 |
| Hungarian Vizsla | $133 | $1,594 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | $134 | $1,603 |
| Greyhound | $136 | $1,629 |
| Alsatian | $137 | $1,640 |
| Dalmatian | $137 | $1,639 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | $138 | $1,651 |
| Bull Terrier | $138 | $1,653 |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | $138 | $1,656 |
| Lurcher | $138 | $1,660 |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | $138 | $1,661 |
| Great Pyrenees | $139 | $1,668 |
| Gordon Setter | $139 | $1,672 |
| Basset Hound | $140 | $1,675 |
| Borzoi | $140 | $1,679 |
| Small Mix (20 and under pounds) | $140 | $1,686 |
| Weimaraner | $140 | $1,685 |
| Giant Mix (90 pounds+) | $143 | $1,702 |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | $143 | $1,719 |
| Mixed Breed Giant (>90 lbs) | $148 | $1,779 |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog | $153 | $1,840 |
| American Bully | $158 | $1,893 |
| Doberman Pincher | $160 | $1,916 |
| Bloodhound | $163 | $1,951 |
| Boxer | $163 | $1,951 |
| Scottish Deerhound | $167 | $2,000 |
| American Bulldog | $169 | $2,028 |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | $174 | $2,085 |
| Large Mix (71+ pounds) | $175 | $2,101 |
| Old English Buldogge | $176 | $2,115 |
| Shar Pei | $177 | $2,132 |
| Medium Mix (21-70 pounds) | $182 | $2,186 |
| French Bulldog | $182 | $2,190 |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | $187 | $2,247 |
| Cane Corso | $188 | $2,257 |
| Tibetan Mastiff | $194 | $2,333 |
| Newfoundland | $197 | $2,366 |
| British Bulldog | $197 | $2,366 |
| Rottweiler | $205 | $2,456 |
| English Bulldog | $205 | $2,460 |
| English Mastiff | $207 | $2,482 |
| Great Dane | $207 | $2,481 |
| Saint Bernard | $218 | $2,618 |
| Olde English Bulldogge | $219 | $2,629 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost by Cat Breed
Cat insurance costs vary by breed, with Abyssinians averaging $74 monthly compared to just $54 monthly for Domestic Shorthairs in our study.
Domestic Shorthairs cost less because they're mixed cats with varied genetics, which means fewer inherited health problems. Abyssinians are purebred cats that commonly develop gum disease and eye problems, leading to higher vet bills and insurance costs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Cat Breed:
| Domestic Shorthair | $54 | $653 |
| British Longhair | $55 | $659 |
| Bombay | $55 | $658 |
| Siamese | $56 | $673 |
| Ragdoll | $56 | $675 |
| Russian Blue | $57 | $683 |
| Norwegian Forest cat | $60 | $718 |
| Birman | $61 | $731 |
| Tonkinese | $61 | $729 |
| Chinchilla | $62 | $742 |
| Munchkin | $62 | $748 |
| Devon Rex | $62 | $745 |
| Burmese | $62 | $750 |
| Serengeti | $63 | $760 |
| Himalayan | $63 | $761 |
| Scottish Fold | $64 | $765 |
| Bengal | $64 | $771 |
| Snowshoe | $65 | $776 |
| Cornish Rex | $67 | $798 |
| British Shorthair | $67 | $800 |
| Persian | $67 | $802 |
| Siberian | $67 | $806 |
| Savannah | $68 | $811 |
| Balinese | $68 | $819 |
| Australian Mist | $69 | $822 |
| Sphynx | $72 | $858 |
| Maine Coon | $72 | $861 |
| Exotic Shorthair | $75 | $892 |
| Abyssinian | $75 | $892 |
Average Cost of Pet Insurance by Age
Pet age acts on a linear curve when it comes to pet insurance rates with puppies and kittens under 1 paying the least at $33 and $19 per month respectively and the highest pricing for senior dogs and cats at $189 and $110 monthly respectively.
| Cat | Under 1 | $19 | $227 |
| Dog | Under 1 | $33 | $395 |
| Cat | 1 | $21 | $248 |
| Dog | 1 | $36 | $430 |
| Cat | 2 | $22 | $266 |
| Dog | 2 | $40 | $474 |
| Cat | 3 | $24 | $290 |
| Dog | 3 | $43 | $521 |
| Cat | 4 | $26 | $317 |
| Dog | 4 | $47 | $569 |
| Cat | 5 | $29 | $345 |
| Dog | 5 | $52 | $619 |
| Cat | 6 | $31 | $373 |
| Dog | 6 | $73 | $876 |
| Cat | 7 | $43 | $514 |
| Dog | 7 | $61 | $734 |
| Cat | 8 | $37 | $439 |
| Dog | 8 | $68 | $814 |
| Cat | 9 | $40 | $483 |
| Dog | 9 | $76 | $913 |
| Cat | 10 | $45 | $538 |
| Dog | 10 | $86 | $1,030 |
| Cat | 11 | $50 | $602 |
| Dog | 11 | $97 | $1,168 |
| Cat | 12 | $57 | $678 |
| Dog | 12 | $105 | $1,259 |
| Cat | 13 | $61 | $728 |
| Dog | 13 | $116 | $1,392 |
| Cat | 14 | $68 | $810 |
| Dog | 14 | $124 | $1,493 |
| Cat | 15 | $75 | $895 |
| Dog | 15 | $138 | $1,654 |
| Cat | 16 | $83 | $989 |
| Dog | 16 | $147 | $1,765 |
| Cat | 17 | $85 | $1,016 |
| Dog | 17 | $160 | $1,925 |
| Cat | 18 | $94 | $1,122 |
| Dog | 18 | $173 | $2,072 |
| Cat | 19 | $102 | $1,222 |
| Dog | 19 | $180 | $2,153 |
| Cat | 20 | $110 | $1,321 |
| Dog | 20 | $189 | $2,267 |
Average Cost of Pet Insurance by Coverage
The coverage you choose directly affects your monthly premiums, with higher annual limits resulting in more expensive policies. At the coverage type level, accident and illness plans are the most expensive for cats and dogs with a combined dog and cat average of $41/mo or $492/yr. The least expensive plans are accident only policies which average $13/mo or $159/yr.
Pet Insurance Plan Type | Average Monthly Rate | Average Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
Accident and Illness | $41 | $492 |
Accident Only | $13 | $159 |
Wellness Plans | $26 | $309 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost By Annual Limit
Depending on your annual limits chosen and companion type for pet insurance, rate vary anywhere from $118 per month to as low as $25 monthly. Below you can see how different selections affect your premium for cats and dogs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Pet Type:
Select
Annual Limit:
| Cat | Unlimited | $57 | $681 |
| Dog | Unlimited | $105 | $1,259 |
| Cat | $2,000 | $42 | $510 |
| Dog | $2,000 | $84 | $1,008 |
| Cat | $2,500 | $49 | $591 |
| Dog | $2,500 | $87 | $1,045 |
| Cat | $3,000 | $46 | $556 |
| Dog | $3,000 | $77 | $927 |
| Cat | $4,000 | $46 | $552 |
| Dog | $4,000 | $77 | $920 |
| Cat | $5,000 | $46 | $551 |
| Dog | $5,000 | $91 | $1,089 |
| Cat | $7,000 | $47 | $568 |
| Dog | $7,000 | $77 | $923 |
| Cat | $7,500 | $39 | $473 |
| Dog | $7,500 | $77 | $919 |
| Cat | $8,000 | $35 | $416 |
| Dog | $8,000 | $89 | $1,071 |
| Cat | $10,000 | $48 | $576 |
| Dog | $10,000 | $94 | $1,126 |
| Cat | $12,000 | $35 | $417 |
| Dog | $12,000 | $50 | $598 |
| Cat | $15,000 | $50 | $598 |
| Dog | $15,000 | $118 | $1,416 |
| Cat | $20,000 | $33 | $401 |
| Dog | $20,000 | $76 | $906 |
| Cat | $50,000 | $25 | $294 |
| Dog | $50,000 | $47 | $562 |
| Cat | $100,000 | $25 | $299 |
| Dog | $100,000 | $47 | $567 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost By Deductible
Depending on the deductible you choose, pet insurance average cost ranges from $112 to $38 for dogs and $96 to $25 on a monthly basis. The lower your deductible is, the higher your premiums will typically be, depending on availability by provider.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Pet Type:
Select
Deductible:
| Cat | $50 | $73 | $865 |
| Dog | $50 | $112 | $1,339 |
| Cat | $100 | $56 | $668 |
| Dog | $100 | $77 | $924 |
| Cat | $200 | $49 | $591 |
| Dog | $200 | $64 | $768 |
| Cat | $250 | $47 | $557 |
| Dog | $250 | $69 | $827 |
| Cat | $300 | $96 | $1,157 |
| Dog | $300 | $88 | $1,053 |
| Cat | $350 | $37 | $448 |
| Dog | $350 | $58 | $700 |
| Cat | $400 | $50 | $597 |
| Dog | $400 | $79 | $945 |
| Cat | $500 | $46 | $551 |
| Dog | $500 | $91 | $1,089 |
| Cat | $600 | $32 | $386 |
| Dog | $600 | $51 | $616 |
| Cat | $700 | $63 | $760 |
| Dog | $700 | $87 | $1,045 |
| Cat | $750 | $28 | $339 |
| Dog | $750 | $42 | $508 |
| Cat | $1,000 | $25 | $297 |
| Dog | $1,000 | $38 | $463 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost By Reimbursement %
Your reimbursement rate is what determines how much you'll be paid back, as such, the higher it is, the higher premiums will be. Pet insurance costs for dogs can be as high as $236 monthly and as low as $46 per month depending on your choice. For cats this range is from $133/mo to $24/mo.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Pet Type:
Select
Reimbursement %:
| Cat | 50% | $32 | $387 |
| Dog | 50% | $59 | $710 |
| Cat | 60% | $24 | $284 |
| Dog | 60% | $46 | $550 |
| Cat | 70% | $41 | $490 |
| Dog | 70% | $82 | $987 |
| Cat | 80% | $46 | $551 |
| Dog | 80% | $91 | $1,089 |
| Cat | 90% | $59 | $708 |
| Dog | 90% | $117 | $1,403 |
| Cat | 100% | $133 | $1,590 |
| Dog | 100% | $236 | $2,836 |
How to Save Money on Pet Insurance
Pet insurance costs can quickly add up, but smart choices help you get quality coverage without breaking your budget. Here are five ways to cut your costs without sacrificing coverage:
- 1
Choose a Higher Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly premiums immediately. When you increase your deductible from $200 to $500, you're essentially telling the insurance company you'll handle smaller veterinary bills yourself, which reduces their risk and your monthly cost by 30%. This strategy works best if you have an emergency fund set aside to cover the deductible when needed, making it ideal for pet owners with some financial flexibility who want to save on regular premium payments.
- 2
Lower Your Reimbursement Rate
Choosing a lower reimbursement percentage can significantly reduce your monthly costs while still providing substantial coverage. Instead of selecting a 90% reimbursement rate, consider 70% or 80%, meaning you'll pay a larger portion of each vet bill out of pocket, but your premiums can drop by 23-31%. This approach makes sense if you can afford to cover a reasonable share of veterinary expenses and prefer to save money on premiums over time rather than maximizing claim payouts.
- 3
Reduce Your Annual Coverage Limit
Reducing your annual maximum payout can lower premiums substantially since you're limiting the insurer's potential liability. While unlimited coverage offers peace of mind, a $10,000 or $15,000 annual limit often suffices for most pets and can save you 20-40% on premiums compared to unlimited plans. Consider your pet's age, breed-specific health risks, and typical veterinary costs in your area when deciding. Healthy young pets often do well with moderate limits, while breeds prone to expensive chronic conditions may benefit from higher coverage.
- 4
Take Advantage of Discounts
Pet insurance companies offer numerous discounts that can stack together to reduce your premiums by up to 30%. Multi-pet discounts (typically 5-10% per additional pet), annual payment discounts (5-10% for paying yearly instead of monthly), and employer partnership programs can create significant savings. Military personnel, veterinary professionals, and members of certain organizations may also qualify for special rates, so always ask about available discounts before finalizing your policy.
- 5
Compare Multiple Providers
Premium rates for identical coverage can vary by as much as 56% between different insurance companies due to varying underwriting practices and business models. Request quotes from at least 3-5 major pet insurance providers, ensuring you're comparing the same deductible, reimbursement rate, and coverage limits for an accurate assessment. Some insurers specialize in certain breeds or age groups and offer more competitive pricing for specific pet profiles, so shopping around is essential to finding the best value for your particular situation.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance: Bottom Line
You'll pay around $53 a month for dog insurance and about $29 for cats. But your actual bill depends on your pet's breed, age and where you live. Try a higher deductible, pick lower coverage or look for discounts to save on pet insurance.
Cost of Pet Insurance: FAQ
Got questions about pet insurance costs? We've got answers:
What does a pet insurance deductible mean?
Think of your pet insurance deductible like this: if your vet bill is $1,000 and you have a $250 deductible, you pay the first $250. Insurance picks up the rest. Higher deductibles mean cheaper monthly payments.
How do pet insurance reimbursement rates work?
Pet insurance reimbursement rates determine what percentage of covered veterinary bills you'll receive back after meeting your deductible. If you have a $1,000 vet bill with 80% reimbursement and have already met your deductible, you'd receive $800 back and pay $200 out of pocket. Higher reimbursement rates mean lower out-of-pocket costs but result in higher monthly premiums.
Is pet insurance more expensive for certain dog breeds?
Yes, pet insurance costs vary by dog breed. Our analysis shows small mixed-breed dogs under 20 lb average $49 monthly, while Bullmastiffs average $232 monthly.
Purebred dogs cost more to insure because they often inherit health problems. For example, French Bulldogs commonly have breathing issues, and large breeds frequently develop hip problems. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier because they have more varied genetics, making them cheaper to insure.
What's the average cost of pet insurance by state?
Pet insurance costs vary by state due to differences in veterinary expenses and cost of living. Arkansas offers the most affordable rates, with dog insurance averaging $36 monthly and cat insurance at $20 monthly. Massachusetts has the highest average costs at $69 monthly for dogs and $37 monthly for cats.
How much does pet insurance cost for puppies and kittens?
Pet insurance is most affordable for young pets, with puppies under one year costing $33 monthly and kittens just $19 monthly in our analysis. These low rates reflect young animals' good health and no existing health problems.
What pet insurance discounts are available?
Pet insurance discounts can save up to 30% on premiums when combined. Common discounts include multi-pet savings for insuring multiple animals, military discounts for service members, online enrollment reductions and employer-sponsored plan savings. Professional discounts may also be available for health care workers, first responders or animal care staff.
Is pet insurance worth it for older pets?
Your 15-year-old dog just tore his ACL. The surgery? $4,000. This is why some people still buy insurance for senior pets despite steep premiums. You're looking at $186 a month for a 20-year-old dog and $108 for cats.
Old animals break down more — tumors, bad hearts, creaky joints. One major problem and you'd face thousands in vet bills.
How much does unlimited coverage pet insurance cost?
Pet insurance with unlimited coverage costs much more than standard plans. Our analysis shows that unlimited coverage averages $222 monthly for dogs and $104 monthly for cats, with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement. While expensive, unlimited coverage eliminates annual payout caps, ensuring full protection for chronic conditions or multiple health issues.
How We Determined Pet Insurance Costs
We gathered quotes from 20 major pet insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to ensure our cost data reflects what you'll encounter when shopping for coverage. Our base analysis used $10,000 annual coverage with a $500 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate to establish consistent comparison points. We used data analysis to determine average costs for specific dog and cat breeds at different ages.
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.