MoneyGeek's analysis found pet insurance averages $53 monthly for dogs and $29 monthly 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 depend on coverage, breed, age and location, which we'll break down below.
Pet Insurance Cost
Updated: August 8, 2025
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Key Takeaways
On average, pet insurance for dogs costs $53 monthly, while pet insurance for cats costs $29 monthly, based on our study.
Pet insurance costs vary based on several factors, including coverage, breed, age and location.
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 |
What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs?
Your pet insurance premium depends on factors that help insurers predict how much your pet costs to cover. Understanding these can help you choose the right policy for your furry friend.
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.
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 Coverage
The coverage you choose directly affects your monthly premiums, with higher annual limits resulting in more expensive policies. Dogs consistently cost more to insure than cats across all coverage limit options because they face higher veterinary bills and more health risks. Cats live longer and face fewer injuries and infectious diseases than dogs, making them cheaper to insure.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance by Coverage
Dog insurance with $10,000 coverage, a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement costs $149 monthly in our study. Want unlimited coverage instead? Expect to pay $222 monthly. The table below shows how different coverage limits affect your monthly costs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Limit:$10,000
Select
Deductible:$250
Select
Reimbursement Rate:90%
| $149 | $1,797 |
Average Cost of Cat Insurance by Coverage
Our analysis shows cat insurance costs an average of $74 monthly with $2,500 coverage, a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement rate. Upgrading to unlimited coverage increases premiums to $104 monthly. The filterable table below lets you explore how different coverage limits impact your cat's insurance costs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Limit:$2,500
Select
Deductible:$250
Select
Reimbursement Rate:90%
| $74 | $887 |
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.
| Small Mix (under 20 lb) | $49 | $585 |
| Small Mix (11–25 lb) | $56 | $671 |
| Small Mix (10 lb and less) | $57 | $682 |
| Small Mix (0–20 lb) | $58 | $684 |
| Small Mix (1–10 lb) | $59 | $703 |
| Mixed Breed Small (up to 20 lb when full grown) | $59 | $698 |
| Mixed Breed Small (>10 lb) | $61 | $719 |
| Mixed Breed Small (11–30 lb) | $62 | $753 |
| Chihuahua | $65 | $776 |
| Small Mix ((((11–30 lb)))) | $66 | $796 |
| Small Mix (25 lb and less) | $68 | $804 |
| Maltipoo | $68 | $820 |
| Small Mix (22 lb and less) | $70 | $841 |
| Morkie | $70 | $847 |
| Shih Tzu | $71 | $850 |
| Toy Mix (10 lb and less) | $72 | $866 |
| Mixed Breed Medium (31–50 lb) | $73 | $864 |
| Cockapoo | $73 | $877 |
| Jack Russell Terrier | $73 | $878 |
| Cavapoo | $75 | $904 |
| Havanese | $75 | $905 |
| Medium Mix (20–55 lb) | $76 | $926 |
| Miniature Poodle | $77 | $927 |
| Puggle | $77 | $928 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | $78 | $937 |
| Shiba Inu | $78 | $941 |
| Cavachon | $79 | $942 |
| Schnoodle | $79 | $948 |
| Medium Mix (31–59 lb) | $80 | $958 |
| Toy Poodle | $80 | $963 |
| Medium Mix (26–50 lb) | $81 | $969 |
| Medium Mix (20–70 lb) | $81 | $972 |
| Medium Mix (31–50 lb) | $81 | $974 |
| Papillon | $82 | $985 |
| Maltese | $82 | $986 |
| Groodle | $83 | $988 |
| Australian Shepherd | $83 | $994 |
| Coton De Tulear | $84 | $1,003 |
| Lhasa Apso | $84 | $1,008 |
| Miniature Pinscher | $84 | $1,011 |
| Dachshund | $85 | $1,018 |
| Mixed Dog (21–50 lb) | $85 | $1,027 |
| Pomeranian | $85 | $1,022 |
| Australian Silky Terrier | $85 | $1,022 |
| Japanese Chin | $85 | $1,024 |
| American Hairless Terrier | $86 | $1,027 |
| Japanese Spitz | $86 | $1,028 |
| Border Collie | $87 | $1,039 |
| Basenji | $87 | $1,044 |
| Dingo | $87 | $1,050 |
| American Eskimo | $88 | $1,051 |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $88 | $1,054 |
| English Toy Terrier | $88 | $1,056 |
| Large Mix (51–110 lb) | $88 | $1,062 |
| Pekingese | $90 | $1,073 |
| Miniature Dachshund | $90 | $1,074 |
| Fox Terrier | $90 | $1,082 |
| Peruvian Hairless Dog | $91 | $1,085 |
| Australian Terrier | $91 | $1,088 |
| Labradoodle | $91 | $1,087 |
| Goldendoodle | $91 | $1,089 |
| Miniature Schnauzer | $91 | $1,090 |
| West Highland White Terrier | $91 | $1,091 |
| Border Terrier | $91 | $1,092 |
| Husky | $92 | $1,096 |
| Bichon Frise | $92 | $1,105 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | $92 | $1,110 |
| Norwich Terrier | $93 | $1,122 |
| German Pinscher | $95 | $1,134 |
| Miniature Fox Terrier | $95 | $1,137 |
| Brussels Griffon | $95 | $1,138 |
| Siberian Husky | $95 | $1,142 |
| Large Mix (over 70 lb) | $96 | $1,155 |
| Norfolk Terrier | $96 | $1,148 |
| Bearded Collie | $96 | $1,149 |
| Giant Mix (111 lb+) | $96 | $1,154 |
| Large Mix (51–100 lb) | $96 | $1,159 |
| Cairn Terrier | $97 | $1,158 |
| Large Mix (61+ lb) | $97 | $1,162 |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $97 | $1,163 |
| Mixed Breed Large (51–90 lb) | $97 | $1,159 |
| Medium Mix (23–70 lb) | $97 | $1,164 |
| English Foxhound | $97 | $1,164 |
| Italian Greyhound | $98 | $1,172 |
| Large Mix (55–90 lb) | $98 | $1,185 |
| Boston Terrier | $98 | $1,176 |
| Finnish Lapphund | $98 | $1,181 |
| Irish Terrier | $99 | $1,183 |
| Whippet | $99 | $1,185 |
| Wire Fox Terrier | $99 | $1,193 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens | $100 | $1,199 |
| Affenpinscher | $100 | $1,198 |
| Norwegian Elkhound | $100 | $1,200 |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | $100 | $1,202 |
| American Foxhound | $100 | $1,202 |
| Standard Schnauzer | $101 | $1,217 |
| Welsh Corgi Cardigan | $102 | $1,219 |
| Foxhound | $102 | $1,224 |
| German Spitz | $102 | $1,228 |
| Alaskan Husky | $103 | $1,235 |
| Australian Kelpie | $103 | $1,241 |
| Beagle | $103 | $1,241 |
| Mixed Dog (51–90 lb) | $104 | $1,232 |
| Mixed Breed | $104 | $1,248 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | $104 | $1,244 |
| English Springer Spaniel | $104 | $1,247 |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $105 | $1,253 |
| Welsh Corgi Pembroke | $105 | $1,253 |
| Large Mix (60–109 lb) | $105 | $1,261 |
| Giant Mix (110 lb+) | $105 | $1,261 |
| Small Mix (0–25) | $105 | $1,261 |
| Medium Mix (26–59 lb) | $105 | $1,261 |
| Welsh Terrier | $105 | $1,263 |
| Field Spaniel | $106 | $1,269 |
| Collie | $106 | $1,268 |
| Pointer | $106 | $1,278 |
| Harrier | $107 | $1,277 |
| Pug | $107 | $1,281 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | $107 | $1,283 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | $107 | $1,285 |
| Keeshond | $107 | $1,290 |
| Mixed Dog (91 lb+) | $108 | $1,299 |
| Tibetan Terrier | $108 | $1,301 |
| Smooth Collie | $109 | $1,304 |
| Samoyed | $109 | $1,313 |
| Puli | $111 | $1,327 |
| Cocker Spaniel | $111 | $1,326 |
| English Setter | $112 | $1,338 |
| Italian Spinone | $112 | $1,340 |
| Giant Mix (100 lb+) | $112 | $1,336 |
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | $113 | $1,357 |
| Standard Poodle | $113 | $1,359 |
| Rough Collie | $113 | $1,359 |
| Scottish Terrier | $114 | $1,362 |
| Bracco Italiano | $114 | $1,368 |
| English Pointer | $114 | $1,369 |
| Vizsla | $115 | $1,380 |
| Belgian Shepherd Malinois | $115 | $1,383 |
| Saluki | $115 | $1,384 |
| Afghan Hound | $118 | $1,410 |
| Labrador Retriever | $118 | $1,415 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | $118 | $1,414 |
| Portuguese Water Dog | $118 | $1,416 |
| German Shepherd | $119 | $1,422 |
| Corgi | $119 | $1,426 |
| Irish Setter | $120 | $1,440 |
| Alaskan Malamute | $121 | $1,449 |
| Chow Chow | $121 | $1,451 |
| Briard | $122 | $1,457 |
| Golden Retriever | $123 | $1,479 |
| Airedale Terrier | $126 | $1,506 |
| Clumber Spaniel | $127 | $1,521 |
| Old English Sheepdog | $127 | $1,526 |
| Alsation | $127 | $1,526 |
| Akita | $129 | $1,541 |
| Pitbull | $130 | $1,565 |
| Komondor | $130 | $1,565 |
| Hungarian Vizsla | $132 | $1,585 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | $133 | $1,593 |
| Greyhound | $135 | $1,619 |
| Dalmatian | $136 | $1,629 |
| Alsatian | $136 | $1,631 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | $137 | $1,641 |
| Bull Terrier | $137 | $1,643 |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | $137 | $1,646 |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | $137 | $1,651 |
| Lurcher | $137 | $1,651 |
| Great Pyrenees | $138 | $1,658 |
| Gordon Setter | $139 | $1,662 |
| Basset Hound | $139 | $1,665 |
| Borzoi | $139 | $1,669 |
| Weimaraner | $140 | $1,675 |
| Small Mix (20 lb and less) | $140 | $1,677 |
| Giant Mix (90 lb+) | $142 | $1,692 |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | $142 | $1,708 |
| Mixed Breed Giant (>90 lb) | $147 | $1,769 |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog | $153 | $1,829 |
| American Bully | $157 | $1,882 |
| Doberman Pincher | $159 | $1,905 |
| Boxer | $162 | $1,939 |
| Bloodhound | $162 | $1,939 |
| Scottish Deerhound | $166 | $1,988 |
| American Bulldog | $168 | $2,016 |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | $173 | $2,073 |
| Large Mix (71+ lb) | $174 | $2,090 |
| Old English Buldogge | $175 | $2,101 |
| Shar Pei | $176 | $2,119 |
| Medium Mix (21–70 lb) | $181 | $2,174 |
| French Bulldog | $181 | $2,177 |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | $186 | $2,235 |
| Cane Corso | $187 | $2,245 |
| Tibetan Mastiff | $193 | $2,319 |
| British Bulldog | $196 | $2,352 |
| Newfoundland | $196 | $2,352 |
| Rottweiler | $204 | $2,442 |
| English Bulldog | $204 | $2,445 |
| English Mastiff | $206 | $2,467 |
| Great Dane | $206 | $2,466 |
| Saint Bernard | $217 | $2,604 |
| Olde English Bulldogge | $218 | $2,614 |
| Doberman Pinscher | $221 | $2,652 |
| Bullmastiff | $225 | $2,702 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $226 | $2,708 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | $228 | $2,740 |
| Bullmastiff | $232 | $2,783 |
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.
| Domestic Shorthair | $54 | $650 |
| British Longhair | $55 | $655 |
| Bombay | $55 | $654 |
| Siamese | $56 | $669 |
| Ragdoll | $56 | $672 |
| Russian Blue | $57 | $679 |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | $60 | $715 |
| Birman | $61 | $727 |
| Tonkinese | $61 | $726 |
| Chinchilla | $62 | $738 |
| Munchkin | $62 | $744 |
| Devon Rex | $62 | $741 |
| Burmese | $62 | $746 |
| Himalayan | $63 | $757 |
| Serengeti | $63 | $756 |
| Scottish Fold | $64 | $761 |
| Bengal | $64 | $767 |
| Snowshoe | $64 | $772 |
| Cornish Rex | $66 | $794 |
| British Shorthair | $66 | $795 |
| Persian | $67 | $797 |
| Siberian | $67 | $802 |
| Savannah | $67 | $807 |
| Balinese | $68 | $815 |
| Australian Mist | $68 | $818 |
| Sphynx | $71 | $853 |
| Maine Coon | $71 | $857 |
| Exotic Shorthair | $74 | $887 |
| Abyssinian | $74 | $887 |
Average Cost of Pet Insurance by Age
Puppies and kittens under one year old are the cheapest to insure. They pose the lowest risk to insurance companies because they're healthy and haven't developed health problems yet.
As pets age, they develop more health problems and need costlier treatments, causing insurance premiums to rise steadily throughout their lifetime.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance by Age
Dog insurance starts at an average of $33 monthly for puppies under one year old, then increases steadily as dogs age, reaching $76 monthly by age nine and $186 monthly by age 20. Check the table below to see how pet insurance costs change based on a dog's age.
| Under 1 | $33 | $392 |
| 1 | $36 | $427 |
| 2 | $39 | $471 |
| 3 | $43 | $518 |
| 4 | $47 | $566 |
| 5 | $51 | $615 |
| 6 | $72 | $870 |
| 7 | $61 | $730 |
| 8 | $67 | $809 |
| 9 | $76 | $908 |
| 10 | $85 | $1,024 |
| 11 | $97 | $1,161 |
| 12 | $104 | $1,252 |
| 13 | $115 | $1,384 |
| 14 | $123 | $1,477 |
| 15 | $136 | $1,635 |
| 16 | $145 | $1,735 |
| 17 | $158 | $1,891 |
| 18 | $170 | $2,036 |
| 19 | $176 | $2,114 |
| 20 | $186 | $2,226 |
Average Cost of Cat Insurance by Age
Kittens under one year old have the lowest premiums at just $19 monthly, but costs climb with age to $40 monthly by age nine and $108 monthly by age 20. The table below shows how your cat's age affects pet insurance costs.
| Under 1 | $19 | $226 |
| 1 | $21 | $246 |
| 2 | $22 | $264 |
| 3 | $24 | $288 |
| 4 | $26 | $315 |
| 5 | $29 | $343 |
| 6 | $31 | $371 |
| 7 | $43 | $510 |
| 8 | $36 | $437 |
| 9 | $40 | $481 |
| 10 | $45 | $535 |
| 11 | $50 | $599 |
| 12 | $56 | $674 |
| 13 | $60 | $724 |
| 14 | $67 | $805 |
| 15 | $74 | $889 |
| 16 | $82 | $982 |
| 17 | $83 | $999 |
| 18 | $92 | $1,102 |
| 19 | $100 | $1,200 |
| 20 | $108 | $1,296 |
Average Cost of Pet Insurance by State
Where you live plays a major role in determining your pet insurance costs. Urban areas typically have higher premiums than rural locations due to increased overhead costs, higher veterinarian salaries and more expensive commercial rent. Additionally, states with higher costs of living, greater population density and more advanced specialty veterinary services tend to drive up insurance rates.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance by State
According to our analysis, Arkansas dog owners pay the least for pet insurance, an average of $36 monthly. Dog owners in Massachusetts face the highest pet insurance costs, averaging $69.
| Alabama | $39 | $471 | -26% |
| Alaska | $52 | $624 | -2% |
| Arizona | $65 | $779 | 22% |
| Arkansas | $36 | $430 | -33% |
| California | $67 | $809 | 27% |
| Colorado | $67 | $805 | 26% |
| Connecticut | $61 | $731 | 14% |
| Delaware | $54 | $644 | 1% |
| Florida | $60 | $725 | 13% |
| Georgia | $48 | $577 | -10% |
| Hawaii | $54 | $647 | 1% |
| Idaho | $53 | $640 | 0% |
| Illinois | $66 | $792 | 24% |
| Indiana | $48 | $579 | -9% |
| Iowa | $45 | $538 | -16% |
| Kansas | $48 | $581 | -9% |
| Kentucky | $42 | $507 | -21% |
| Louisiana | $43 | $516 | -19% |
| Maine | $65 | $777 | 22% |
| Maryland | $52 | $629 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | $69 | $825 | 29% |
| Michigan | $54 | $642 | 1% |
| Minnesota | $55 | $664 | 4% |
| Mississippi | $45 | $545 | -15% |
| Missouri | $42 | $505 | -21% |
| Montana | $45 | $536 | -16% |
| Nebraska | $48 | $579 | -9% |
| Nevada | $55 | $664 | 4% |
| New Hampshire | $62 | $742 | 16% |
| New Jersey | $60 | $723 | 13% |
| New Mexico | $47 | $565 | -12% |
| New York | $58 | $697 | 9% |
| North Carolina | $48 | $571 | -11% |
| North Dakota | $41 | $492 | -23% |
| Ohio | $49 | $588 | -8% |
| Oklahoma | $45 | $535 | -16% |
| Oregon | $66 | $796 | 24% |
| Pennsylvania | $56 | $667 | 4% |
| Rhode Island | $46 | $557 | -13% |
| South Carolina | $51 | $607 | -5% |
| South Dakota | $47 | $567 | -11% |
| Tennessee | $49 | $591 | -7% |
| Texas | $56 | $677 | 6% |
| Utah | $51 | $611 | -4% |
| Vermont | $50 | $596 | -7% |
| Virginia | $57 | $684 | 7% |
| Washington | $61 | $738 | 15% |
| West Virginia | $46 | $553 | -13% |
| Wisconsin | $57 | $687 | 7% |
| Wyoming | $49 | $593 | -7% |
Average Cost of Cat Insurance by State
Cat owners in Arkansas enjoy the most affordable coverage, with pet insurance averaging $20 monthly. Massachusetts cat owners pay the highest premium at an average of $37.
| Alabama | $21 | $257 | -26% |
| Alaska | $28 | $339 | -2% |
| Arizona | $35 | $421 | 21% |
| Arkansas | $20 | $235 | -32% |
| California | $36 | $437 | 26% |
| Colorado | $36 | $436 | 26% |
| Connecticut | $33 | $396 | 14% |
| Delaware | $29 | $350 | 1% |
| Florida | $33 | $393 | 13% |
| Georgia | $26 | $314 | -9% |
| Hawaii | $29 | $353 | 2% |
| Idaho | $29 | $347 | -0% |
| Illinois | $36 | $428 | 23% |
| Indiana | $26 | $314 | -10% |
| Iowa | $24 | $294 | -15% |
| Kansas | $26 | $315 | -9% |
| Kentucky | $23 | $278 | -20% |
| Louisiana | $23 | $281 | -19% |
| Maine | $35 | $423 | 22% |
| Maryland | $29 | $351 | 1% |
| Massachusetts | $37 | $446 | 29% |
| Michigan | $29 | $348 | 0% |
| Minnesota | $30 | $360 | 4% |
| Mississippi | $25 | $296 | -15% |
| Missouri | $23 | $275 | -21% |
| Montana | $24 | $291 | -16% |
| Nebraska | $26 | $314 | -10% |
| Nevada | $30 | $359 | 4% |
| New Hampshire | $34 | $402 | 16% |
| New Jersey | $33 | $393 | 13% |
| New Mexico | $26 | $307 | -11% |
| New York | $32 | $378 | 9% |
| North Carolina | $26 | $311 | -10% |
| North Dakota | $22 | $267 | -23% |
| Ohio | $27 | $320 | -8% |
| Oklahoma | $24 | $291 | -16% |
| Oregon | $36 | $431 | 24% |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | $362 | 4% |
| Rhode Island | $25 | $303 | -13% |
| South Carolina | $28 | $330 | -5% |
| South Dakota | $26 | $308 | -11% |
| Tennessee | $27 | $321 | -8% |
| Texas | $31 | $367 | 6% |
| Utah | $28 | $332 | -4% |
| Vermont | $27 | $324 | -7% |
| Virginia | $31 | $372 | 7% |
| Washington | $33 | $401 | 16% |
| West Virginia | $25 | $300 | -14% |
| Wisconsin | $31 | $374 | 8% |
| Wyoming | $27 | $322 | -7% |
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
A higher deductible means lower monthly payments because you'll cover more costs before insurance kicks in. You can save real money this way — bumping your deductible from $200 to $500 usually cuts $20 off your monthly bill.
- 2
Lower Your Reimbursement Rate
Pick 70% reimbursement instead of 90% and you'll pay less each month. Why? Your insurance company covers a smaller chunk of each vet bill, charging you less upfront.
- 3
Reduce Your Annual Coverage Limit
Choosing a lower annual limit reduces premiums since you limit the insurer's maximum payout risk. Consider your pet's health history and breed-specific risks when selecting limits. Healthy young pets might do well with moderate limits, while breeds prone to expensive conditions benefit from higher coverage.
- 4
Take Advantage of Discounts
Many insurers offer multi-pet discounts, military discounts, online enrollment savings and employer-sponsored plan reductions. These discounts can stack to save up to 30% on premiums. Check with your employer, professional organizations and existing insurance providers for bundling opportunities.
- 5
Compare Multiple Providers
Shopping around for pet insurance reveals big rate differences between insurers for identical coverage. When you get pet insurance quotes from at least three companies, compare premiums, coverage details and customer service ratings. Some insurers specialize in certain breeds or age groups, potentially offering better deals for your pet.
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. Need to save money? Try a higher deductible, pick lower coverage or look for discounts. You'll still have good coverage when you need it.
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 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. Bump yours from $200 to $500? You'll save about $20 every month. The catch is you're on the hook for that bigger upfront cost when something happens.
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.