What is the cost of pet insurance in 2026?
Pet insurance can help protect you and your pet when it counts most. How much does pet coverage cost? How much pet insurance costs depends on the breed, age and location of your pet.
Pawlicy Advisor is the #1 site for comparing pet insurance recommended by veterinarians. We have access to real-time data on costs from the top companies and we’ve reviewed thousands of actual pet insurance quotes in the US so you don’t need to.
Review by a Licensed Pet Insurance Specialist
Updated to 2025 with the most recent pricing trends
The data is compiled by thousands of actual customers
Average Costs of Pet Insurance at a Glance
We found that, based on the comparison of quotes between top pet insurance companies by the millions of Americans in 2024 who used Pawlicy Advisor, the average range for cats and dogs (from the 25th percentile up to the 75th percentile), is:
| Monthly | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs: | $37.18 – $72.99 | $446.16 – $875.88 |
| Cats: | $23.84 – $49.76 | $286.08 – $597.12 |
What is covered by pet insurance?
The type of pet insurance plan you select will determine the coverage provided.
- Accident only planscovers emergency care for injuries such as broken bones, cuts and burns or if you pet is struck by a vehicle. These plans do not cover diseases or breed-related conditions.
- Accident plans and illness plans is the most popular choice (about 98%). These plans cover injuries as well as unexpected illnesses like infections, parasites and hip dysplasia. They also cover dental diseases (like extractions) and other types of disease. They do not cover pre-existing or preventive conditions.
- Wellness Plans are add-on riders which cover routine care such as annual exams, vaccinations and checkups but exclude emergencies or illnesses.
What is the cost of full coverage pet insurance?
According to data for 2024 from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association,
- The average cost of accident and illness pet insurance for dogs is $749.29 annually.
- The average cost of accident and illness pet insurance for cats is $386.47 a year.
Why Pet Insurance isn’t for Everyone but Could be Right For You
Pet insurance is not the best solution for everyone. Some people might not be able afford to add any additional costs to their monthly expenses. Some people have older pets that suffer from multiple pre-existing diseases. When comparing pet insurance companies and evaluating your coverage options, it is important to consider these factors.
Example of Vet Costs: Before and after reimbursement
| Veterinarian Treatment | Cost | Total* with Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | $225 | $22.50 |
| Abdominal Exploratory | $2,200 | $220 |
| Hospitalization | $250 | $25 |
| Pain Injection | $225 | $22.50 |
| Antibiotic Injection | $225 | $22.50 |
| EKG/Pulse, Ox/CO2/Temp/BP | $25 | $2.50 |
| Operating Room Fees | $10 | $1 |
| Fluids IV | $90 | $9 |
| Hazmat Disposal Fee | $5 | $0.50 |
| Take-Home Meds | $150 | $15 |
| TOTAL: | $3,405 | $340.50 |
What determines pet insurance prices?
Pet insurance prices are determined by a number of factors. Some factors are beyond your control (like the breed, age and location of your pet), while others you can adjust to suit your budget (like deductibles, reimbursement rates and payout limits).
Cost Factors you can (and cannot) control
| Cost Factor | Can You Control It? |
|---|---|
| Breed Health Risks | No, |
| Age of the Pet | No, |
| Location | No, |
| Insurer/Carrier | Yes, |
| Plan & Coverage Type | Yes, |
| Deductible | Yes, |
| Reimbursement rate | Yes, |
| Payout Limit | Yes, |
| Monthly vs. Annual Billing Schedule Annual) | Yes, |
| Discounts for Multi-Pets | Yes, |
FAQs
How can you determine the average price of pet insurance with so many outliers in your data?
When people use the word “average”, they usually mean the average. What we really mean is “the average value that represents the most probable price”.
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What is the difference in pet insurance costs between states?
The cost of pet insurance varies by state because of differences in local regulations and carrier pricing. Premiums are more expensive in urban areas where living costs are higher.
What is the difference in cost between dog breeds for pet insurance?
Insurance premiums are higher for certain dog breeds because of genetic predispositions to health problems.
What is the difference in cost between cat breeds for pet insurance?
Some cat breeds have higher insurance rates due to their genetic predisposition for certain health conditions.
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