How much is pet insurance? There is no single price that applies to every dog or cat.
The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors, including your pet’s species, age, breed, location, health history, deductible, reimbursement percentage, coverage limit, and the type of policy you choose.
For a useful benchmark, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reported that in the United States, the 2024 average accident-and-illness premium was $749.29 per year for dogs, or about $62.44 per month, and $386.47 per year for cats, or about $32.21 per month. These are industry averages, not quotes for an individual pet.
In this guide, you’ll learn how much pet insurance costs, what determines your premium, how deductibles and reimbursement work, and how to compare policies without focusing only on the monthly price.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Pet insurance costs vary considerably between pets and policies.
As a current U.S. benchmark, NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry data reported average 2024 accident-and-illness premiums of:
| Pet | Average yearly premium | Approx. monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | $749.29 | $62.44 |
| Cats | $386.47 | $32.21 |
These figures represent averages across the U.S. market and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed price for your pet. Your actual quote may be significantly lower or higher.
NAPHIA’s newer 2026 industry report, based on data through the end of 2025, shows that the North American pet insurance market continued to grow, with 7.6 million insured pets and approximately $6.2 billion in gross written premium across the U.S. and Canada.
How Much Is Pet Insurance Per Month?
Using the U.S. 2024 averages above, accident-and-illness coverage worked out to approximately:
Dogs: $62 per month on average
Cats: $32 per month on average
But monthly price alone does not tell you whether a policy is a good value.
Two plans can have very different premiums because they may have different deductibles, reimbursement percentages, annual limits, exclusions, and coverage options.
NAPHIA notes that premiums can vary based on factors such as location, breed, gender, age, and veterinary costs in the area where you live.
Why Is Dog Insurance Usually More Expensive Than Cat Insurance?
Dogs generally have higher average accident-and-illness premiums than cats.
The latest NAPHIA U.S. averages cited above show approximately $62.44 per month for dogs compared with $32.21 for cats.
However, these are market averages.
Your individual quote depends on your pet’s characteristics and the coverage you select.
For example, two dogs of the same age can receive different quotes because they may have different breeds, locations, or coverage choices.
What Determines the Cost of Pet Insurance?
Several factors can influence your premium.
1. Your Pet’s Species
Dog and cat insurance do not necessarily cost the same.
Current NAPHIA data shows substantially different average premiums for dogs and cats in the United States.
2. Your Pet’s Age
Age can affect pricing and eligibility.
Older pets may cost more to insure, and some insurers have age-related conditions or restrictions.
Buying coverage earlier can also matter because insurers commonly exclude pre-existing conditions. The NAIC advises consumers to review how a policy treats pre-existing conditions and other exclusions before purchasing.
3. Your Pet’s Breed
Breed can influence the cost of coverage.
NAPHIA explains that some breeds can be more expensive to insure because of differences in health risks and the likelihood of inherited conditions.
4. Where You Live
Location matters because veterinary costs vary between areas.
NAPHIA notes that veterinary treatment and veterinary-practice operating costs can be higher in urban markets, which can affect insurance premiums.
5. Deductible
The deductible is the amount you are responsible for according to the policy before reimbursement applies.
A higher deductible can sometimes reduce your premium, while a lower deductible can increase it.
Deductibles may be structured differently depending on the insurer, including annual or per-incident arrangements.
6. Reimbursement Percentage
Your policy may reimburse a percentage of eligible veterinary expenses after the deductible and according to the policy terms.
NAPHIA states that 80% is a commonly selected reimbursement level in North America, while 90% and 100% options may also be available depending on the plan.
7. Annual Coverage Limit
A higher annual coverage limit generally provides more protection against large veterinary expenses, but it can also affect the premium.
The policy documents should clearly explain the applicable annual, per-condition, or other limits.
8. Type of Coverage
Accident-only coverage is generally narrower than accident-and-illness coverage.
NAPHIA describes accident-only plans as covering eligible injuries from accidents, while accident-and-illness plans can also cover eligible illnesses.
Broader coverage can therefore cost more.
How Much Is Accident-Only Pet Insurance?
Accident-only insurance focuses on eligible injuries resulting from accidents.
Depending on the policy, examples can include certain injuries, broken bones, accidental ingestion, or other sudden incidents.
Because the coverage is narrower, accident-only plans can be a lower-cost option than broader accident-and-illness coverage.
However, a cheaper premium also means less protection.
Before choosing accident-only insurance, ask yourself whether you would be comfortable paying for an illness that is not covered.
How Much Is Accident and Illness Pet Insurance?
Accident-and-illness insurance generally provides broader protection.
Depending on the policy, eligible expenses may include treatment related to illnesses, infections, digestive problems, cancer, allergies, injuries, diagnostics, surgery, and other veterinary services.
The exact coverage varies by insurer and plan.
The U.S. 2024 average premiums from NAPHIA were approximately:
- $749.29 per year for dogs
- $386.47 per year for cats
Again, these are market averages rather than individual quotes.
Does a Higher Deductible Make Pet Insurance Cheaper?
It can.
The deductible is one of the factors you can compare when trying to reduce your monthly premium.
For example, imagine two otherwise similar plans:
Plan A
- Lower deductible
- Higher monthly premium
Plan B
- Higher deductible
- Lower monthly premium
Plan B may be attractive if you have enough savings to comfortably handle the deductible when your pet needs treatment.
But the cheapest monthly premium is not necessarily the cheapest option over time.
You should compare the entire policy rather than one number.
How Does Reimbursement Affect Pet Insurance Cost?
Suppose an eligible veterinary bill is $2,000.
Imagine your policy has:
- $500 deductible
- 80% reimbursement
Using a simple deductible-first illustration:
$2,000 − $500 = $1,500
80% of $1,500 = $1,200
The insurer would reimburse $1,200, leaving you responsible for $800.
The actual calculation can vary depending on the policy and whether the deductible is applied before or after other adjustments.
NAPHIA explains that reimbursement is affected by the deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost for a Puppy?
There is no universal puppy price.
A puppy’s quote can depend on:
- Breed
- Location
- Age
- Coverage level
- Deductible
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual limit
- Insurer
Buying insurance when a pet is young can be worth considering because conditions that appear before coverage begins may later be treated as pre-existing conditions.
Always check how the insurer defines and handles pre-existing conditions.
For everyday puppy and dog care, see our guide:
How to Take Care of a Dog: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost for an Older Dog?
Older dogs can have different premiums and eligibility rules than younger dogs.
The price can also be influenced by previous health conditions and the insurer’s approach to pre-existing conditions.
There is no reliable single average price for every senior dog.
The most useful approach is to request quotes based on your actual dog’s age, breed, location, and desired coverage.
How Much Does Cat Insurance Cost?
NAPHIA’s U.S. 2024 industry data puts the average accident-and-illness premium for cats at $386.47 per year, or about $32.21 per month.
Your cat’s actual quote may differ substantially.
Factors can include:
- Age
- Breed
- Location
- Health history
- Deductible
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual limit
- Coverage type
For everyday feline care, read:
How to Care for a Cat: A Complete Guide for New Cat Owners
Does Pet Insurance Cover Routine Vet Visits?
Not necessarily.
Standard accident-and-illness coverage is generally focused on eligible accidents and illnesses.
Some insurers offer wellness coverage or additional benefits that can help with certain routine or preventive expenses.
NAPHIA distinguishes accident-only, accident-and-illness, and plans that include wellness benefits.
Never assume a vaccination, wellness examination, dental cleaning, or preventive service is covered without checking the policy.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Most pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions.
This is one of the most important things to understand before buying a policy.
The NAIC emphasizes the importance of reviewing exclusions and understanding how a policy treats pre-existing conditions.
If your pet already has a documented health condition, ask the insurer specifically how that condition and related conditions would be handled.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Increase With Age?
There is no universal percentage that applies to every policy.
Premium changes can depend on:
- Your pet’s age
- Claims history
- Veterinary costs
- Location
- Insurer pricing
- Coverage changes
- Policy terms
A quote that looks affordable when your pet is young should therefore be evaluated with the possibility that premiums may change over time.
Read the policy documents and ask the insurer how premiums are determined and whether factors such as age or claim history can affect pricing.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Different States?
There is no single national price that applies equally to every U.S. state.
Veterinary costs and insurance pricing can vary geographically.
NAPHIA specifically notes that location and veterinary treatment costs can affect premiums.
This means an average U.S. figure should be treated as a benchmark, not a quote.
For example, a pet owner in a high-cost urban area may receive a very different price from someone with a similar pet living in another market.
How to Get an Accurate Pet Insurance Price
The best way to find out how much pet insurance actually costs for your pet is to request several quotes.
Prepare the following information:
- Dog or cat
- Breed
- Age
- Sex
- ZIP code
- Health history
- Desired coverage
- Preferred deductible
- Desired reimbursement percentage
- Preferred annual limit
Then compare multiple insurers using the same coverage parameters.
Otherwise, one insurer’s “cheap” quote may simply have much less coverage than another insurer’s more expensive plan.
Don’t Compare Pet Insurance by Price Alone
Imagine these two policies:
Policy A
$35 per month
- $1,000 deductible
- 70% reimbursement
- Low annual limit
- Several exclusions
Policy B
$55 per month
- $300 deductible
- 90% reimbursement
- Higher annual limit
- Broader eligible coverage
Policy A is cheaper every month.
But that does not automatically mean it offers better value.
If a major veterinary emergency occurs, the differences in deductible, reimbursement, and limits could become much more important than the monthly premium.
How to Find the Best Pet Insurance Price
The objective should not necessarily be to find the cheapest policy.
Instead, look for the best balance between:
Premium + deductible + reimbursement + coverage limit + exclusions
A useful comparison table can look like this:
| Feature | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | |||
| Annual deductible | |||
| Reimbursement | |||
| Annual limit | |||
| Accident coverage | |||
| Illness coverage | |||
| Wellness option | |||
| Waiting period | |||
| Pre-existing-condition rules | |||
| Claim process |
This makes it easier to compare plans on an equal basis.
Is Cheap Pet Insurance Worth It?
A cheap policy can be useful when its coverage matches your needs.
But a very low premium can also mean:
- Higher deductible
- Lower reimbursement
- Lower annual limit
- More exclusions
- Narrower coverage
Before choosing the cheapest option, check what you would actually receive after a major veterinary expense.
For the broader question, read:
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? A Complete Guide
How Much Should You Budget for Pet Insurance?
There is no universal amount that every pet owner should budget.
As a starting point, the latest published U.S. NAPHIA benchmark for accident-and-illness coverage was about $62 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats based on 2024 industry data.
Your own budget should also account for expenses that insurance may not reimburse, including:
- Deductibles
- Non-covered treatments
- Excluded conditions
- Amounts above policy limits
- Veterinary bills paid before reimbursement
- Routine expenses not included in the plan
That is why maintaining some emergency savings can still be useful even when you have pet insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is pet insurance per month?
The U.S. 2024 NAPHIA average for accident-and-illness coverage was approximately $62.44 per month for dogs and $32.21 per month for cats. Individual quotes can vary substantially.
How much is pet insurance for a dog?
The U.S. 2024 average accident-and-illness premium for dogs was $749.29 per year, or approximately $62.44 per month. Your dog’s breed, age, location, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and coverage can change the actual price.
How much is pet insurance for a cat?
The U.S. 2024 average accident-and-illness premium for cats was $386.47 per year, or approximately $32.21 per month. Individual prices can be higher or lower depending on the pet and policy.
What makes pet insurance more expensive?
Age, breed, location, veterinary costs, coverage level, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and policy limits can all affect the premium.
Does a higher deductible reduce pet insurance costs?
A higher deductible can sometimes result in a lower premium, although the exact relationship varies by insurer and policy. Compare the total financial exposure rather than looking only at the monthly price.
Is pet insurance cheaper for cats than dogs?
According to the latest published U.S. NAPHIA benchmark for accident-and-illness coverage, cats had a lower average premium than dogs in 2024.
Does pet insurance get more expensive as a pet gets older?
Pricing can change with age, but there is no universal increase that applies to every policy. Ask the insurer how premiums are calculated and review the policy terms.
Is pet insurance worth the cost?
It depends on your financial situation, your pet’s risk profile, and the coverage available. Insurance can provide valuable protection against large eligible veterinary expenses, while some owners may prefer to self-fund through savings.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is pet insurance?
For a current U.S. benchmark, NAPHIA reported average 2024 accident-and-illness premiums of about $62 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats.
But these averages are only a starting point.
Your actual price can be affected by your pet’s age, breed, location, health history, deductible, reimbursement percentage, coverage limit, and policy type.
When comparing plans, do not choose based only on the monthly premium. Look at what the policy actually covers, what it excludes, how much you must pay yourself, and how much financial protection you receive if your pet needs expensive treatment.
For the next step, read What Does Pet Insurance Cover? to understand exactly what you may and may not be able to claim.
You can also return to our broader guide:
Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) — State of the Industry Report 2026. (naphia.org)
- NAPHIA — State of the Industry Report 2025: U.S. Average Premiums. (naphia.org)
- NAPHIA — Pet Insurance Buying Guide. (naphia.org)
- NAPHIA — Pet Insurance Simplified: What It Is and How It Works. (naphia.org)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — Pet Insurance Consumer Information. (content.naic.org)
Important: Pet insurance prices and coverage vary by insurer, location, pet, and policy. The figures in this article are industry benchmarks, not personalized insurance quotes. Always read the current policy documents and obtain quotes based on your own pet’s information before purchasing coverage.