How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? (June 2025)
Pet insurance can provide financial protection against expensive and emergency vet visits. While your exact cost may vary, buying a policy for your pet could help you avoid paying out-of-pocket for unexpected treatments — or having to make a difficult decision about whether to approve an expensive procedure.
We break down data gathered by our team to determine how much you might pay, on average, for pet insurance in your state. We also cover costs by species, breed and age — and where you can find the cheapest pet insurance policy for your pet’s needs. Finally, we offer tips from experts in the field to help you decide whether pet insurance is really worth it.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost on Average?
According to our research, pet insurance costs $60 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats, with a combined monthly cost of around $46. To determine pricing, our team secretly shopped with 21 national pet insurance providers and gathered over 17,330 quotes in all 50 U.S. states.
| Pet Type | Average Monthly Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $52 | $65 |
| Cat | $29 | $40 |
| Puppy | $38 | $55 |
| Kitten | $23 | $30 |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs?
According to quotes gathered by our research team across every state, pet insurance costs $60 per month for adult dogs and $46 for puppies.
Dog Insurance Cost by Breed
Your dog’s breed can factor into how much a pet insurance plan costs since certain breeds are more prone to specific illnesses and conditions. Based on our research, the most expensive breeds to insure include the French bulldog, labrador retriever and golden retriever. The cheapest breeds include Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
“Purebred breeds are subject to several different types of genetic and medical problems…even animals that are not purebred can have health problems. Obese dogs may rupture their cruciate ligaments. Other examples include cancer, heart disease and serious gastrointestinal issues.”
You can compare the average monthly costs of insuring popular dog breeds using the table below.
| Dog Breed* | Average Cost | Cost with Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| French bulldog | $92 | $109 |
| Chihuahua | $29 | $47 |
| Golden retriever | $61 | $78 |
| Labrador retriever | $62 | $79 |
| German shepherd | $57 | $77 |
| Yorkshire terrier | $35 | $51 |
| Shih Tzu | $35 | $54 |
| Goldendoodle | $44 | $61 |
| American pit bull terrier | $58 | $77 |
| Pitbull | $59 | $79 |
Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs by Company
Figo and ManyPets offer the cheapest pet insurance plans for dogs, based on our review. Below is a comparison of monthly rates from our top-rated providers, gathered using our sample pet profiles.
| Company | Average Puppy Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Puppy Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage | Average Dog Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Dog Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKC | $28 | $39 | $43 | $61 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $33 | $46 | $45 | $63 |
| Embrace | $41 | $61 | $53 | $78 |
| Fetch | $34 | $44 | $49 | $65 |
| Figo | $14 | Not available | $32 | Not available |
| Healthy Paws | Not available | $37 | Not available | $52 |
| Lemonade | $42 | $54 | $50 | $53 |
| ManyPets | Not available | $36 | Not available | $39 |
| MetLife | $39 | $51 | $45 | $60 |
| Petco | $43 | $46 | $47 | $51 |
| Pets Best | $31 | $35 | $40 | $45 |
| Prudent Pet | $45 | $59 | $59 | $78 |
| Pumpkin | $63 | $113 | $87 | $125 |
| Spot | $36 | $72 | $49 | $98 |
| Trupanion | Not available | $70 | Not available | $148 |
Dog Insurance Cost by Age
We collected quotes for a medium mixed-breed male dog to track how pet insurance costs change with age. Prices typically increase as your dog ages, so it is better to insure your dog as a puppy or as early as possible.
In fact, some insurers have maximum age limits for enrolling pets. Some may provide protection beyond the maximum age if you buy a policy and stay enrolled before your pet meets this limit.
Average Dog Insurance Cost by State
Location plays a large part in how much you will pay for your dog’s insurance. Our analysis found that Connecticut is the most expensive state to insure a dog, costing 48% more than the national average of $60 per month. Alabama and Louisiana are the cheapest states for insuring a dog, costing 22% less than the average.
Learn more about the average costs in your state in the table below.
| State | Dog Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $47 | 22% less |
| Alaska | $58 | 3% less |
| Arizona | $67 | 12% more |
| Arkansas | $49 | 18% less |
| California | $72 | 20% more |
| Colorado | $74 | 23% more |
| Connecticut | $89 | 48% more |
| District of Columbia | $78 | 30% more |
| Delaware | $65 | 8% more |
| Florida | $60 | Same |
| Georgia | $62 | 3% more |
| Hawaii | $64 | 7% more |
| Idaho | $58 | 3% less |
| Illinois | $68 | 13% more |
| Indiana | $54 | 10% less |
| Iowa | $64 | 7% more |
| Kansas | $65 | 8% more |
| Kentucky | $52 | 13% less |
| Louisiana | $47 | 22% less |
| Maine | $62 | 3% more |
| Maryland | $72 | 20% more |
| Massachusetts | $76 | 27% more |
| Michigan | $61 | 2% more |
| Minnesota | $53 | 12% less |
| Mississippi | $54 | 10% less |
| Missouri | $53 | 12% less |
| Montana | $49 | 18% less |
| Nebraska | $53 | 12% less |
| Nevada | $54 | 10% less |
| New Hampshire | $70 | 17% more |
| New Jersey | $68 | 13% more |
| New Mexico | $65 | 8% more |
| New York | $71 | 18% more |
| North Carolina | $63 | 5% more |
| North Dakota | $48 | 20% less |
| Ohio | $59 | 2% less |
| Oklahoma | $56 | 7% less |
| Oregon | $63 | 5% more |
| Pennsylvania | $54 | 10% less |
| Rhode Island | $51 | 15% less |
| South Carolina | $56 | 7% less |
| South Dakota | $57 | 5% less |
| Tennessee | $55 | 8% less |
| Texas | $56 | 7% less |
| Utah | $58 | 3% less |
| Vermont | $54 | 10% less |
| Virginia | $60 | Same |
| Washington | $62 | 3% more |
| West Virginia | $54 | 10% less |
| Wisconsin | $55 | 8% less |
| Wyoming | $53 | 12% less |
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Cats?
The average price of pet insurance for cats is $32 per month for adult cats and $25 per month for kittens. As with dogs, the cost to insure a cat will depend on its breed and age and where you live.
Cat Insurance Cost by Cat Breed
Your cat’s breed affects how much you pay for coverage. Some breeds, such as the ragdoll or Devon rex, cost less to insure than a Maine coon or Persian. Learn more about the average cost of accident and illness coverage for cats by breed in the chart below. Note that we chose cat breeds that Rover and Trupanion consider the most popular.
| Cat Breed | Average Cost | Cost With Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Ragdoll | $27 | $43 |
| Maine coon | $31 | $46 |
| Devon rex | $29 | $43 |
| Exotic shorthair | $30 | $44 |
| Persian | $31 | $45 |
| British shorthair | $31 | $46 |
| Abyssinian | $30 | $44 |
| Scottish fold | $30 | $45 |
| Sphynx | $31 | $46 |
Cat Insurance Cost by Provider
Based on our review, Figo and Healthy Paws are the cheapest pet insurance plans for cats. Compare the average monthly rates to insure various cats through our top-rated providers below.
| Company | Average Kitten Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Kitten Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage | Average Cat Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Cat Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKC | $18 | $26 | $24 | $33 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $18 | $24 | $21 | $30 |
| Embrace | $18 | $32 | $31 | $45 |
| Fetch | $23 | $27 | $30 | $39 |
| Figo | $14 | Not available | $16 | Not available |
| Healthy Paws | Not available | $14 | N/A | $23 |
| Lemonade | $25 | $32 | $29 | $34 |
| ManyPets | Not available | $33 | Not available | $33 |
| MetLife | $22 | $27 | $27 | $34 |
| Petco | $20 | $22 | $19 | $21 |
| Pets Best | $20 | $22 | $24 | $27 |
| Prudent Pet | $24 | $29 | $36 | $43 |
| Pumpkin | $30 | $46 | $38 | $57 |
| Spot | $19 | $36 | $23 | $45 |
| Trupanion | Not available | $30 | Not available | $70 |
Cat Insurance Cost by Age
To find out how pet insurance monthly prices change with age, we collected quotes for a mixed-breed male cat. Monthly or annual premiums go up as your cat ages, so we recommend purchasing a policy for cats when they’re still young kittens. This can help ensure you get the best value and price over time.
Some companies will only insure a cat up to a certain age, locking you out of the ability to buy a policy once your cat hits that limit. However, some providers may extend coverage beyond this limit if you buy coverage when your cat is young.
Average Cat Insurance Cost by State
Location can significantly affect the cost of cat insurance. Our cost-data analysis found that Connecticut is the most expensive state to insure a cat, costing 34% more than the national average of $32 per month. Montana is the cheapest state to insure a cat, costing 19% less than the average.
Find out how much it may cost to insure a cat in your state in the table below.
| State | Cat Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $27 | 16% less |
| Alaska | $33 | 3% more |
| Arizona | $34 | 6% more |
| Arkansas | $30 | 6% less |
| California | $41 | 28% more |
| Colorado | $39 | 22% more |
| Connecticut | $43 | 34% more |
| District of Columbia | $41 | 28% more |
| Delaware | $37 | 16% more |
| Florida | $32 | Same |
| Georgia | $33 | 3% more |
| Hawaii | $33 | 3% more |
| Idaho | $31 | 3% less |
| Illinois | $35 | 9% more |
| Indiana | $30 | 6% less |
| Iowa | $33 | 3% more |
| Kansas | $32 | Same |
| Kentucky | $27 | 16% less |
| Louisiana | $27 | 16% less |
| Maine | $32 | Same |
| Maryland | $38 | 19% more |
| Massachusetts | $38 | 19% more |
| Michigan | $31 | 3% less |
| Minnesota | $28 | 13% less |
| Mississippi | $28 | 13% less |
| Missouri | $28 | 13% less |
| Montana | $26 | 19% less |
| Nebraska | $29 | 9% less |
| Nevada | $31 | 3% less |
| New Hampshire | $37 | 16% more |
| New Jersey | $36 | 13% more |
| New Mexico | $34 | 6% more |
| New York | $37 | 16%more |
| North Carolina | $32 | Same |
| North Dakota | $27 | 16% less |
| Ohio | $32 | Same |
| Oklahoma | $31 | 3% less |
| Oregon | $33 | 3% more |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | 6% less |
| Rhode Island | $28 | 13% less |
| South Carolina | $31 | 3% less |
| South Dakota | $30 | 6% less |
| Tennessee | $29 | 9% less |
| Texas | $30 | 6% less |
| Utah | $31 | 3% less |
| Vermont | $29 | 9% less |
| Virginia | $32 | Same |
| Washington | $32 | Same |
| West Virginia | $27 | 16% less |
| Wisconsin | $28 | 13% less |
| Wyoming | $31 | 3% less |
What Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?
Your pet’s age, breed and location affect your insurance cost. So do the coverage options you select for your pets and any qualifying discounts.
1. Plan Choice
Many insurers give pet owners the choice of an accident-only or accident and illness plan, and some offer optional coverage for wellness services.
- Accident-only: The most basic pet insurance plan type, these policies solely cover the costs of diagnosing and treating injuries caused by an accident.
- Accident and illness: This plan covers veterinary costs in the event of an accident or illness, reimbursing pet owners for services such as X-rays, surgeries, prescription drugs and more.
- Wellness add-on: Typically sold as an optional coverage, wellness plan add-ons cover a portion of costs related to veterinary services such as checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and spay and neuter procedures.
The higher the level of coverage you pick, the more you will pay to protect your pet. If you pick a low-coverage plan, you will likely spend less money per month but you could pay more out of pocket if your pet has a medical emergency.
2. Annual Limit
An annual limit is the maximum amount a pet insurer will reimburse for veterinarian costs in a contract year. Choosing a lower annual limit versus a high or unlimited option will result in lower monthly costs. However, if your pet’s reimbursable vet bills exceed your yearly limit, you must pay out-of-pocket for any remaining costs.
3. Deductibles
Like standard health insurance policies for humans, pet insurance plans operate on a deductible-based model. You will receive reimbursement for covered vet expenses once you pay your chosen deductible. The higher the deductible, the less you will pay monthly, and vice-versa.
4. Reimbursement Rate
A reimbursement rate is the percentage of covered vet costs an insurance provider will pay out. If you choose a lower reimbursement rate, you will pay a lower monthly premium but more if your pet suffers an injury or illness. If you opt for a higher reimbursement rate, you will pay more monthly but less for covered veterinary care.
5. Pet Breed
Purebred pets can have a predisposition to illnesses, which can make veterinary care more expensive. Owners of purebred animals can expect to pay more for a pet insurance policy as a result.
6. Pet Age
Every provider has specific policies about when and how it raises premiums as a pet gets older. Most pet insurance companies let you enroll your pet starting at 6 weeks old. Some companies have a maximum age limit for enrollment, often ranging from 10 to 14 years. So, if you have an older dog or cat, you may need to find a company for senior pets that does not have upper age limits.
See the table below to learn more about the correlation between age and pet insurance prices. Note your actual pet insurance costs and annual rate changes will vary.
| Age | Sample Monthly Cost | Pet Insurance Price Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | $51 | 0% (Base rate) |
| 1 year | $53 | +4% |
| 3 years | $55 | +8% |
| 5 years | $74 | +45% |
| 8 years | $107 | +110% |
| 10 years | $156 | +206% |
| 12 years | $298 | +484% |
Enrolling dogs and cats in pet insurance while still young has its benefits. Younger pets typically have fewer pre-existing conditions and a lower risk for chronic health conditions, which makes them cheaper to insure. Policies generally cost less per year for a pet first insured when it was young rather than if you buy a policy at a certain, older age.
When Should You Enroll Your Pet in a Plan?
Most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, and a pet’s chance of developing such health issues increases with age.
“The best time to [buy] pet insurance is when [your pet is] young and healthy,” said Patrik Holmboe, the head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care. “Most policies are cheaper for younger pets. If you start early, most insurance policies allow you to either lock in a lower price or gain some form of discount as the animal ages.”
7. Where You Live
Your location plays a role in the price you will pay for any type of insurance coverage, including pet insurance. Our research shows Connecticut and Massachusetts are the most expensive states to buy pet insurance policies, with an average of $66 and $57 per month, respectively. The cheapest state to buy a pet insurance policy is Louisiana at $36 per month on average, with Alabama, Montana and North Dakota close behind at $37 per month.
In addition to climate-related risk factors your dog or cat may face, location also plays a role in the data states allow insurers to collect about consumers. For example, while most states allow insurance companies to collect credit score information to determine rates for homeowners insurance and auto insurance, California and Hawaii forbid insurers from collecting this information.
8. Discounts Offered
Many providers offer discounts when you enroll multiple pets or pay for annual coverage upfront. Also, some providers offer discounts for policyholders who are military members or animal care workers. Compare our top-rated companies based on the discounts offered in the table below.
| Provider | Annual Payment | Multi-Pet | Military Members | Animal Care Workers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Spot* | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔* |
| Healthy Paws | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Embrace | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Figo | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
9. Pre-Existing Conditions
Some pet insurance premiums will cost more if your dog or cat has a pre-existing condition. Most companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, or health issues that began before or during a policy’s waiting period. Some insurers may also increase your pet’s quote because of a pre-existing condition.
What Is the Cheapest Pet Insurance?
After collecting quotes from 21 pet insurance providers, our research team found that the cheapest pet insurance company is Figo, with an average policy cost of $22 per month. On the higher end, Trupanion has an average monthly cost of $97. The table below ranks the top five most affordable pet insurance companies in order of cost, based on our analysis.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet coverage works similarly to other forms of insurance, such as auto or property insurance. You pay a premium and in return, the insurer covers the cost of services listed in your contract. There are a few steps to the process of getting and using your pet insurance plan:
- Enroll: Most pet insurers allow you to enroll in coverage entirely online. However, if you have any questions during the enrollment process, many providers offer an online chat or the option to call and speak with a company representative.
- Wait for coverage to begin: Providers typically enforce waiting periods or the time you must wait before coverage begins, typically ranging from two days to two weeks. During this time, your pet is not eligible for coverage and you will have to pay for care out of pocket. The insurer will consider any conditions that occur during the waiting period as pre-existing and may not extend future coverage.
- Get and pay for treatment: When you need a covered veterinary service, you will take your pet in for care just as you would without insurance. You will need to cover the bill at the time of the appointment and file for reimbursement later unless your insurance provider offers vet direct pay.
- File a claim: Just as you would for other types of insurance, you will need to file a claim after your pet receives service to have the cost of your pet’s care reimbursed by your pet insurance provider.
- Get reimbursed: Once your insurer approves your claim, it will reimburse you for covered costs up to the policy’s coverage limit and reimbursement rate, minus any deductible.
How much of a veterinary bill your pet insurance provider will cover depends on your reimbursement rate, which you choose. As a rule, the higher your reimbursement level, the higher your monthly premium and vice versa.
Do All Veterinarians Accept Pet Insurance?
You can go to any veterinarian when you have pet insurance. Typically you will pay your pet’s full vet bill upfront and file a claim with the insurance company for reimbursement. Once the pet insurance provider approves your claim, you will get reimbursed for the vet visit. The percentage of total expenses your pet’s provider will cover depends on the reimbursement rate outlined in your policy terms.
If you want to avoid filing a claim and waiting for payment after, some providers such as Trupanion and Pets Best partner with vets to automatically process your reimbursement. This means you do not have to pay the whole bill upfront at the time of service. However, vet direct pay sometimes limits which vets you can go to as it requires a partnership with the insurance provider.
Average Costs of Pet Medical Treatments
According to our analysis, the average cost of an emergency vet visit is between $374 and $1,285. However, surgeries and hospitalizations cost much more.
The out-of-pocket cost of pet medical care can rack up quickly. Serious procedures or treatments such as ACL surgery, chemotherapy and foreign object removal can cost thousands of dollars. However, even treatments for common ailments such as diarrhea or ear infections can cost hundreds.
Learn more about out-of-pocket cost ranges for common veterinary treatments using the table below to see what you might pay if you do not have pet insurance.
| Condition | Treatment Costs |
|---|---|
| Ear infections | $850 |
| Overnight hospitalization | $600–$3,500 |
| Cruciate ligament tear (surgery) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Arthritis | $500–$750 |
| Dental disease | $500–$800 |
| Heart murmur or disease | $1,100–$2,500 |
| Stomach conditions (infections, emergency surgery, chronic disease, etc.) | $1,600–$5,000 |
| Urinary tract infection | $400–$1,050 |
| Broken bone | $2,200–$2,400 |
| Cancer | $3,200–$8,000 |
| State | |
| Alabama | $61.26 |
| Alaska | $80.06 |
| Arizona | $79.28 |
| Arkansas | $68.06 |
| California | $71.45 |
| Colorado | $77.72 |
| Connecticut | $93.44 |
| Delaware | $76.41 |
| Florida | $60.41 |
| Georgia | $67.10 |
| Hawaii | $69.28 |
| Idaho | $67.72 |
| Illinois | $70.89 |
| Indiana | $74.39 |
| Iowa | $60.74 |
| Kansas | $56.09 |
| Kentucky | $61.30 |
| Louisiana | $63.33 |
| Maine | $81.08 |
| Maryland | $80.65 |
| Massachusetts | $85.06 |
| Michigan | $52.78 |
| Minnesota | $76.94 |
| Mississippi | $70.55 |
| Missouri | $65.94 |
| Montana | $55.72 |
| Nebraska | $55.00 |
| Nevada | $65.44 |
| New Hampshire | $75.32 |
| New Jersey | $87.11 |
| New Mexico | $66.79 |
| New York | $84.72 |
| North Carolina | $66.67 |
| North Dakota | $62.97 |
| Ohio | $58.43 |
| Oklahoma | $53.44 |
| Oregon | $65.94 |
| Pennsylvania | $65.91 |
| Rhode Island | $79.17 |
| South Carolina | $73.00 |
| South Dakota | $60.58 |
| Tennessee | $64.56 |
| Texas | $66.81 |
| Utah | $70.11 |
| Vermont | $73.54 |
| Virginia | $69.67 |
| Washington | $79.74 |
| West Virginia | $64.28 |
| Wisconsin | $71.11 |
| Wyoming | $61.42 |
Source: CareCredit
Cost-Saving Preventative Care Tips
Preventative care can help keep your pet healthy and reduce the chance of illnesses that require expensive veterinary treatments.
Dr. David Emery, DVM, an assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted a few important preventative care tips for pet owners.
Ask an Expert
According to Emery, the four best preventative measures you can take for your pets include:
- Going to the vet annually and following the recommended vaccine protocol
- Testing and using prevention methods for heartworm and tick-borne diseases
- Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
- Making sure your pet’s teeth are healthy, either from dental treatments or toothbrushing
What’s the Best Pet Insurance for Your Budget?
Multiple pet insurance providers operate nationwide, and you can find the best plan for your pet and your budget by researching several different companies. Compare the coverage options and services offered by each insurer, keeping in mind that the cheapest plan may not be the best plan if it does not provide the coverage your pet needs.
We recommend Lemonade, Spot and Fetch as top pet insurance providers that offer affordable yet comprehensive accident and injury plans. Many providers also have wellness add-ons to cover routine preventive care, such as annual wellness visits, vaccines, parasite prevention, and spay or neuter surgery.
See the table below for a closer look at the average cost of a pet insurance policy with some of the top providers in the industry, with providers ordered from cheapest to most expensive.
| Provider | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Figo | $22 |
| Pets Best | $33 |
| Healthy Paws | $35 |
| Petco | $35 |
| ManyPets | $35 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $38 |
| Hartville | $38 |
| AKC | $38 |
| Companion Protect | $39 |
| MetLife | $40 |
| Lemonade | $41 |
| Fetch | $43 |
| Wagmo | $43 |
| Spot | $51 |
| Liberty Mutual | $51 |
| Prudent Pet | $51 |
| Paw Protect | $52 |
| Embrace | $53 |
| Allstate | $53 |
| Pumpkin | $74 |
| Trupanion | $97 |
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Our team found that pet insurance is worth it based on an analysis of monthly premiums compared to the potentially high costs of veterinary care for illnesses and injuries. Our most recent survey found that most pet owners can only afford $500 in unexpected vet bills out of pocket, and one-third of pet owners are completely unprepared financially to pay an emergency vet bill.
Our team recommends weighing the costs and benefits of enrolling in a pet insurance plan against your pet’s needs and your budget. For example, if you own a high-risk dog breed or live in an area where veterinarian care is expensive, pet insurance may offer a good option for offsetting care costs. If you are in a position to set aside savings in case of an emergency vet visit, pet insurance may not benefit you in the same way.
Regardless, if you research pet insurance and consider purchasing a policy, we encourage you to gather quotes from at least three providers to compare costs and coverage details. This will help you make the best choice for your pet’s needs.
Expert Tips and Insights
“People manage pet emergencies in a number of different ways. I think the most unsuccessful one is to expect not to have an emergency at some point throughout the life of your pet.
One option is to get a credit card specifically for your pets. You build credit by using it to pay for wellness-type visits, then pay those off quickly. You will then have available credit ready should you need it.
Another option is to budget and save money each month toward the possibility of an emergency. This has the benefit that if not used, you will still have access to the money (as opposed to insurance). A drawback is that if the emergency occurs early in your pet’s life, you may not have saved up enough to cover the costs.
Since these options both have their drawbacks, a growing trend is pet health insurance. The number of companies and options may be overwhelming, but if you do your homework this may very well be the best option for your pet. The only possible downside to this is that if you don’t get it immediately and/or adopt a grown dog, the insurance still may not cover certain pre-existing conditions.”
“I think pet insurance agencies like to get paid money and if your planning on putting the $50-$100 a month to prepare for a pet emergency I would argue putting that money in a savings account or investing it would be a better use of your money.”
“I think pet insurance agencies like to get paid money and if your planning on putting the $50-$100 a month to prepare for a pet emergency I would argue putting that money in a savings account or investing it would be a better use of your money.”
“I think it’s important to ensure that pets’ current medical records are easily accessible in the event of internet failure and that pet parents always have an adequate supply of prescription medications. It may be a good idea to set aside and regularly contribute to a small fund that can be used to supplement the cost of a medical emergency; similarly veterinary insurance policies that help offset the cost of illness and emergency treatment could help. Having contact information on hand for those family members or friends that can help during such stressful times could be valuable in an emergency as well.
“People manage pet emergencies in a number of different ways. I think the most unsuccessful one is to expect not to have an emergency at some point throughout the life of your pet.
One option is to get a credit card specifically for your pets. You build credit by using it to pay for wellness-type visits, then pay those off quickly. You will then have available credit ready should you need it.
Another option is to budget and save money each month toward the possibility of an emergency. This has the benefit that if not used, you will still have access to the money (as opposed to insurance). A drawback is that if the emergency occurs early in your pet’s life, you may not have saved up enough to cover the costs.
Since these options both have their drawbacks, a growing trend is pet health insurance. The number of companies and options may be overwhelming, but if you do your homework this may very well be the best option for your pet. The only possible downside to this is that if you don’t get it immediately and/or adopt a grown dog, the insurance still may not cover certain pre-existing conditions.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance Cost
Our analysis of the top 10 pet insurance providers shows that, on average, Figo and Pets Best offer the cheapest plans for cats and dogs. Compared to the overall national average of $46, Figo and Pets Best cost pet owners an average of $22 and $33 per month, respectively.
Pet insurance gives pet owners peace of mind and financial security, knowing they will not have to pay an exorbitant vet bill when their pet has an unexpected injury or illness. However, pet insurance can be expensive depending on your chosen plan and provider. Additionally, if your insurance provider does not pay your vet directly, you will still have to pay the full vet bill and wait for a reimbursement.
Most cat and dog insurance plans only cover the cost of accidents. illnesses and hospitalization, not routine care. However, most insurance providers offer an optional wellness plan that extends coverage to include preventative and routine care like checkups and vaccinations.
How We Gathered Pet Insurance Cost Data
To analyze the average cost of pet insurance, we gathered a total of 17,330 quotes from 21 providers across all 50 U.S. states based on our 10 unique sample pet profiles. We based our sample quotes on plans with the following limits:
- Plan 1: $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and $5,000 in annual coverage
- Plan 2: $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement rate and unlimited annual coverage
However, some providers did not offer the specific plan details listed above. In those cases, we used the following information:
- AKC: Since AKC does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $20,000.
- Figo: Since Figo does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $10,000.
- Hartville: Since Hartville does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $10,000.
- Healthy Paws: For both example plans above, we substituted a $250 deductible for a $500 deductible. Healthy Paws plans always have no annual coverage limit.
- Lemonade: Since Lemonade does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $100,000.
- Liberty Mutual: Since Liberty Mutual does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $15,000.
- ManyPets: Deductibles options varied by ZIP code for both plans.
- Paw Protect: This provider required a 30% copay after the $250 deductible.
- Prudent Pet: For our first sample plan, we substituted Prudent Pet’s minimum annual payout of $10,000.
- Pumpkin: We substituted an annual payout of $7,000 for both sample plans.
- Wagmo: Since Wagmo does not offer unlimited annual coverage, we substituted a maximum annual payout of $20,000.
We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology.
*Data accurate at time of publication
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