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A trip to the emergency veterinarian clinic for a problem like a broken bone or an illness can set you back thousands of dollars. Finding the best pet insurance can offset those unexpected costs. And it may be more affordable than you think.
Pet insurance costs about $48 per month for a dog and $28 per month for a cat. That covers accidents (like bite wounds and broken paws) and illnesses (like cancer and ear infections).
How Much Is Pet Insurance on Average?
The average pet insurance cost for dogs is $576 per year and the average pet insurance cost for cats is $336 per year, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis. That’s for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursem*nt level. A policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursem*nt level costs an average of $816 per year for dogs and $480 per year for cats.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats
| $5,000 annual coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | Unlimited annual coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | |
|---|---|---|
Puppy | $41/month | $58/month |
Dog | $48/month | $68/month |
Kitten | $23/month | $32/month |
Cat | $28/month | $40/month |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of data from PetInsurer.com.
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Dogs?
Pet insurance costs an average of $48 per month for a dog for $5,000 of annual coverage. The average pet insurance cost for a dog is $68 per month for a policy with unlimited annual coverage. Dog owners can expect to pay anywhere from $37 to $103 per month for pet insurance, depending on the dog’s age, the amount of coverage and the insurance company.
Average Pet Insurance Cost by Dog Age
| Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | Average monthly cost for unlimited coverage, $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt | |
|---|---|---|
Age 3 months | $37/month | $56/month |
Age 2 years | $35/month | $55/month |
Age 5 years | $45/month | $70/month |
Age 7 years | $59/month | $91/month |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs based on data from PetInsurer.com.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance by Company
| Company | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a puppy | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a dog | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a puppy | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a dog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Embrace | $45 | $53 | $67 | $78 |
Fetch | $36 | $37 | $47 | $47 |
Figo | $30 | $40 | $48 | $63 |
Healthy Paws | N/A | N/A | $40 | $57 |
Lemonade | $31 | $40 | $46 | $40 |
Paw Protect | $46 | $54 | $68 | $79 |
Pets Best | $32 | $41 | $36 | $46 |
Pumpkin | $71 | $71 | $101 | $101 |
Spot | $38 | $51 | $77 | $103 |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs based on data provided by PetInsurer.com for policies with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Average Dog Insurance Cost by Breed
You can find pet insurance that fits almost any budget by adjusting the levels of coverage inside the plan. Know that pet insurance rates generally rise every year at renewal time as your pet gets older.
The cost of pet insurance varies based on multiple factors, including the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and the pet’s breed and age.
| Breed | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a puppy age 3 months | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a puppy age 3 months | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for dog age 3 years | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a dog age 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beagle | $49 | $68 | $49 | $69 |
Bulldog | $76 | $107 | $81 | $113 |
Dachshund | $39 | $54 | $39 | $54 |
French bulldog | $85 | $117 | $86 | $120 |
German shepherd | $53 | $74 | $54 | $76 |
Golden retriever | $56 | $77 | $56 | $79 |
Labrador retriever | $57 | $78 | $57 | $80 |
Mixed breed (large) | $46 | $64 | $47 | $66 |
Mixed breed (medium) | $38 | $53 | $39 | $54 |
Mixed breed (small) | $31 | $43 | $31 | $43 |
Poodle | $55 | $75 | $55 | $76 |
Rottweiler | $89 | $124 | $91 | $128 |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs based on data provided by PetInsurer.com for policies with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Cats?
Pet insurance costs an average of $28 per month for a cat for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursem*nt level. A policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursem*nt level costs $40 per month.
The insurer and age of the cat influence how much you will pay. Cat owners can expect to pay anywhere from $21 to $62 per month for pet insurance, depending on the cat’s age, the amount of coverage and the insurance company.
Average Cost of Cat Insurance by Company
| Company | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a kitten | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a cat | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a kitten | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Embrace | $25 | $34 | $37 | $51 |
Fetch | $22 | $32 | $25 | $62 |
Figo | $18 | $21 | $28 | $33 |
Healthy Paws | N/A | N/A | $18 | $25 |
Lemonade | $21 | $24 | $27 | $22 |
Paw Protect | $25 | $34 | $37 | $50 |
Pets Best | $20 | $24 | $23 | $26 |
Pumpkin | $33 | $33 | $50 | $50 |
Spot | $20 | $25 | $39 | $48 |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs based on data provided by PetInsurer.com for policies with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
Average Cost of Cat Insurance Cost by Breed
| Breed | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a kitten age 3 months | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a kitten age 3 months | Average monthly cost for $5,000 annual coverage for a cat age 3 years | Average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage for a cat age 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Abyssinian | $28 | $39 | $29 | $40 |
Bengal | $29 | $40 | $29 | $42 |
Bombay | $26 | $37 | $27 | $38 |
British shorthair | $30 | $42 | $31 | $43 |
Exotic shorthair | $30 | $41 | $31 | $43 |
Maine coon | $30 | $43 | $31 | $44 |
Mixed breed | $22 | $31 | $23 | $32 |
Persian | $30 | $42 | $31 | $43 |
Ragdoll | $26 | $36 | $27 | $37 |
Siamese | $25 | $35 | $26 | $37 |
Source: Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs based on data provided by PetInsurer.com for policies with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level.
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Pros & Cons
- Short 2-day waiting period for accident coverage.
- Covers the veterinarian office visit fee for illness and accidents.
- Covers end of life expenses.
- Can pay a veterinary hospital directly—but generally only for very large claims where it would be prohibitively expensive for the policyholder to pay and wait for reimbursem*nt.
- Lacks a range of options for annual coverage and deductibles.
- There’s a 6-month waiting period for coverage of orthopedic conditions, but it can be waived if your pet has an orthopedic exam after you purchase the plan.
Average Cost of Veterinary Care and Medical Treatments for Cats and Dogs
The cost of veterinarian services has increased 8.1% from October 2022 to October 2023, according to the consumer price index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multiple factors have contributed to the rise in veterinarian costs, including inflation and a higher level of veterinary care, such as ligament surgeries.
The average vet visit cost is about $61, according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of veterinarian costs. But your vet bills could quickly add up depending on the types of services your pet needs, including vaccinations or treatments for accidents and illnesses. Here’s a look at the average cost of a veterinary visit in several different states.
Cost of Veterinary Care
| State | Average cost for a veterinary visit for one pet | Average cost for a veterinary visit with additional pet | Total cost for a veterinary visit with two pets |
|---|---|---|---|
North Carolina | $57 | $44 | $101 |
Florida | $58 | $45 | $102 |
Ohio | $58 | $45 | $102 |
Michigan | $58 | $45 | $102 |
Texas | $59 | $46 | $104 |
New York | $67 | $52 | $119 |
California | $72 | $56 | $128 |
Average | $61 | $48 | $108 |
Source: Banfield Pet Hospital
Average Cost of Medical Treatments for Cats and Dogs
The average cost of a pet’s medical treatment can be thousands of dollars, depending on the problem, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of vet visit costs.
| Condition | Average cost of treatment for dogs | Average cost of treatment for cats |
|---|---|---|
Cancer | $4,100 | $3,800 |
Ingested foreign objects | $3,500 | $3,400 |
Diabetes | $2,700 | $1,900 |
Broken bone | $2,700 | $2,300 |
Heart murmur | $1,200 | $1,400 |
Arthritis | $700 | $500 |
Dental disease | $600 | $800 |
Bladder infection/UTI | $400 | $1,100 |
Eye conditions | $300 | $260 |
Feline kidney disease | N/A | $1,300 |
Source: Pets Best, based on claims costs over one year, from 2017 to 2021
7 Factors That Impact Pet Insurance Prices
Pet insurance companies use multiple factors when setting rates.
1. Coverage Type
One of the biggest factors determining pet insurance cost is the coverage. For example, a comprehensive policy that covers a range of treatments and also routine care will cost more than an accident-only policy.
Your coverage choices depend on the pet insurance company. Here are the common types of pet insurance plans:
- Comprehensive pet insurance plan. A comprehensive pet insurance plan will combine an accident and illness policy with a routine care plan.
- Accident and illness coverage. This type of policy helps pay for vet bills for unexpected incidents, such as sprains from accidents, poisonings and common illnesses, such as ear infections. This might also cover lab tests, surgeries, hospitalization, prescription medications and emergency care.
- Accident-only coverage. This type of policy covers certain medical expenses if your pet suffers an accident, such as a broken bone. Coverage might include diagnostic tests, surgeries, X-rays, hospitalization, prescription medications and emergency care.
- Routine wellness plans. This type of policy covers medical expenses for wellness exams, flea and heartworm prevention, vaccinations and other routine annual care. These plans are typically add-ons.
2. Deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket every year to a veterinarian before coverage starts. You can typically choose a pet insurance deductible that ranges from $0 to $1,000.
The higher your deductible amount, the less you pay in pet insurance costs.
3. Reimbursem*nt Levels
Pet insurance policies are reimbursem*nt-based, meaning you usually have to pay up front for your pet’s medical bills and submit a claim to the pet insurance company.
Once you meet the deductible for your plan by paying out-of-pocket, coverage kicks in at the level outlined in the plan. You can typically choose reimbursem*nt options of 70%, 80% or 90% of the pet medical expenses that are covered by the plan.
Pet insurance costs are higher for better levels of reimbursem*nt.
For example, say you have a pet insurance plan with a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursem*nt level:
- If the pet has a medical procedure that costs $1,500 and it’s your first claim of the policy period, you would first pay $1,500 to the vet.
- The first $500 of that is your deductible.
- Then you’d be reimbursed 80% of the remaining $1,000, for a reimbursem*nt of $800.
4. Pet’s Breed
Your pet’s breed is a factor in determining pet insurance costs. That’s because some breeds are predisposed to illnesses, which typically translates to more veterinary visits and higher medical bills. For example, some larger breeds of dogs are more susceptible to heart and hip issues.
In our analysis of filings by pet insurers to state regulators, we found many pricing levels based on dog breeds but little variation for cats.
Cats are cheaper to insure than dogs. And birds, reptiles, rabbits and ferrets cost less to insure than cats.
5. Age of Pet
A pet’s age is another piece of the pet insurance cost puzzle. As your pet gets older, the chances of illness and injury increase, which results in higher pet insurance costs. We analyzed age rating factors for a Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. policy and found that the best prices were after a pet’s first birthday until around age six. By the pet’s ninth birthday, you can expect its age rating factor to more than double.
Pet insurance increases as pets get older
6. Location
Where you live and the local cost of veterinary care will affect pet insurance costs. For instance, pet owners in urban areas may pay more for pet insurance due to higher average vet costs.
Pet Insurance Costs by State
7. Discounts
Pet insurance companies sometimes offer discounts such as:
- Multi-pet discount
- Bundling multiple policies like pet and home insurance
- Membership in organizations such as AARP
- Military member
- Annual pay discount
Pet Insurance Discounts by Provider
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How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance is generally reimbursem*nt-based. You’ll pay up front for your pet’s vet expenses and submit a claim for reimbursem*nt. Unlike health insurance, veterinarians aren’t in a provider network, so you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian.
Here’s an example of a typical pet insurance claim:
- You take your dog to the vet for a problem, such as a skin infection.
- You pay the veterinarian bill.
- You submit a pet insurance claim to your pet insurance company. The claim should include a copy of the vet’s invoice and the dog’s medical record.
- The pet insurance company reviews the claim. If the problem is covered by your policy, the insurer will send you reimbursem*nt.
How much you are reimbursed will depend on your policy’s reimbursem*nt level. Many pet insurance companies allow you to choose a reimbursem*nt level. Common reimbursem*nt levels are 70%, 80% and 90%.
Relatable: How Does Pet Insurance Work?
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Most pet insurance plans cover:
- Accidents and injuries (such as broken bones, bite wounds, and swallowing objects or toxins)
- Cancer (if it develops after the plan is in place and not pre-existing)
- Diagnostic tests (such as MRIs, X-rays and lab work)
- Emergency care
- Illnesses (such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections and vomiting)
- Prescription medication
- Specialty care
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
What pet insurance covers will depend on the type of plan you purchase. Review a plan’s benefits, coverage types and limits before buying to make sure it fits your needs.
What Doesn’t Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance can offer your pet and your wallet vital protection, but it doesn’t cover everything. Pet insurance policy doesn’t typically cover expenses such as:
- Boarding
- Breeding, pregnancy or whelping
- Cloning
- Cosmetic procedures (such as ear cropping or tail docking)
- Experimental treatment
- Food, dietary and nutritional supplements
- Grooming
- Pre-existing conditions
- Training
What Are the Disadvantages of Pet Insurance?
Some possible disadvantages of pet insurance include:
- It’s an added cost to budget for.
- If you want coverage for routine care, such as annual checkups and vaccinations, you’ll usually need to buy a wellness plan, too.
- Pet insurance generally won’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions.
- You will have some out-of-pocket expenses, even with a good pet insurance plan. Most plans require you to pay upfront for your pet’s medical expenses, then submit a claim for reimbursem*nt. There’s also usually a deductible and co-insurance.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
If you can’t afford to pay for a large unexpected vet bill out of pocket, pet insurance is worth it for the financial safety net it provides.
You can also buy add-on plans that help cover expenses for wellness and preventive care.
You may instead decide to set money aside for your pet’s care. But an unforeseen vet bill could set you back thousands of dollars. For example, the average cost to treat an ingested foreign object for a dog is $3,500, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of vet visit costs.
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Pet Insurance Cost Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What discounts are offered by pet insurance companies?
Similar to other types of insurance, you can sometimes get discounts on a pet insurance policy.
Pet insurance discounts may include annual pay discounts, multi-pet discounts and bundling multiple types of policies. You may also save if you’re in the military or if the policy is part of your employer’s benefits.
Will pet insurance offset the average cost of medical treatments?
Pet insurance plans will pay for many types of treatment and some pay for the cost of a vet visit, but whether you come out ahead will depend on how much you’ve been paying in premiums vs. how much you get back in claims. It will also depend on your deductible and reimbursem*nt percentage.
Do dogs really need insurance?
Medical bills for dogs can quickly add up if they are injured or fall ill. Pet insurance can be a good way to cover unexpected health care costs that pop up.
When considering if your dog needs pet insurance, run the numbers. Estimate the cost of veterinary services for medical issues that could arise and get quotes for pet insurance for your specific dog. You may find a cheap pet insurance plan is your best bet or instead decide to put money aside in a savings account for potential medical costs.
What percentage of dogs are insured?
Slightly less than 4% of dogs in the U.S. are insured by pet insurance, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
Even fewer cats are covered by cat insurance. NAPHIA finds less than 1% of cats in the U.S. are insured.
Does pet insurance cost increase with age?
Pet insurance costs typically increase with a pet’s age. Older pets are more likely to fall ill or be injured, so pet insurance companies raise rates as your pet ages.
Your cost for pet insurance can go up at renewal time. Many pet insurance companies stop offering new pet insurance policies after pets reach a certain age. The maximum pet age for buying new pet insurance plans varies. Some companies have a maximum age limit of 10 and others sell coverage for pets age 14 or older.
If you want pet insurance coverage, it’s better to buy the plan before your pet is considered a senior and has developed medical issues. Pre-existing conditions are not generally covered by pet insurance, which may be more of an issue for an older pet.
Are pet vaccinations covered by pet insurance?
Pet vaccinations are not typically covered by pet insurance. But some insurers offer an optional wellness plan that you can add to an accident and illness policy to help cover the cost of vaccinations.
For example, the Wellness Rewards plan from Embrace pet insurance will reimburse you the cost of preventative care, including vaccinations, up to the reimbursem*nt amount that you select.
Can pet insurance be used at any veterinarian?
Most pet insurance companies will work with any licensed veterinarians. It also typically covers emergency visits and hospitalizations.
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