Average Pet Insurance Cost Per Month
What Pet Owners Should Know About Premiums, Trends, and How Much You’ll Really Pay
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Discover the average pet insurance cost per month in 2026 for dogs and cats, what influences premiums, how much you can expect to pay, and tips to save on coverage. Comprehensive, up-to-date data and expert insights.
Introduction
Pet ownership is one of life’s greatest joys — but vet bills can be expensive. Pet insurance helps owners manage costs for diseases, injuries, and sometimes routine care. One of the first questions every potential buyer asks is:
👉 How much does pet insurance cost per month?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Current average monthly costs for dog and cat insurance
- Factors that influence premiums
- Cost comparisons by coverage type
- Tips for lowering your monthly premium
All backed by current industry data. (Forbes)
📊 What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Pet Insurance?
🐶 Dogs
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs (accident and illness coverage) in 2025–2026 generally falls in the range of:
- $46 – $62 per month for comprehensive illness & accident plans (fursurely)
- Some studies show averages around $43 per month depending on state and provider (Insurify)
- Accident-only plans are much cheaper — around $16 per month (PetMD)
🐱 Cats
Cats are typically less expensive to insure than dogs:
- $23 – $32 per month for accident and illness coverage (fursurely)
- Accident-only plans may be as low as $9 – $10 per month (PetMD)
Summary Table
| Pet Type | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs (Accident & Illness) | $46-$62 | Most common type of plan |
| Dogs (Accident Only) | ~$16 | Lower coverage, low cost |
| Cats (Accident & Illness) | $23-$32 | Less expensive than dogs |
| Cats (Accident Only) | ~$9 | Basic coverage only |
Costs above reflect U.S. data as of early 2026. (Forbes)
📈 Why Does Pet Insurance Cost What It Does?
Pet insurance premiums aren’t one-size-fits-all. The monthly cost you pay depends on several key factors:
1. Age of Your Pet
Older pets cost more to insure because they’re more likely to develop illnesses. A 2-year-old dog pays significantly less than a 7-year-old dog in premiums. (Forbes)
2. Breed
Certain breeds — especially large or purebred dogs — are prone to health issues. Expect higher rates for French bulldogs, Rottweilers, etc. (Forbes)
3. Coverage Type
- Accident-only policies cost much less but only cover injuries.
- Accident + Illness policies are the most common.
- Wellness add-ons increase the price but help cover routine care. (PetMD)
4. Deductible & Reimbursement Rate
A lower deductible and higher reimbursement percentage (e.g., 90%) raise premiums. Conversely, higher deductibles and lower reimbursement options lower your monthly cost. (PetMD)
5. Where You Live
Vet care costs differ by location. States in the U.S. with higher healthcare costs often have higher pet insurance premiums. (Insurify)
📍 Regional Cost Differences
According to recent data, pet insurance costs also vary significantly by state:
- National Average: Around $43 per month for dogs and $23 for cats. (Insurify)
- Lower-cost states: Arkansas and Mississippi often have cheaper premiums. (Insurify)
- Higher-cost states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York trend toward more expensive plans. (Insurify)
💡 How to Save on Pet Insurance
Here are proven strategies to lower your monthly premiums:
✅ Start Early
Insuring pets when they’re young saves money — older pets cost significantly more. (Forbes)
✅ Compare Multiple Quotes
Prices vary widely between companies. Shop at least 3–5 providers. (Vety)
✅ Adjust Coverage Levels
Choosing a slightly higher deductible or lower reimbursement rate can noticeably reduce monthly costs. (PetMD)
✅ Look For Discounts
Some providers offer multi-pet or loyalty discounts. Always ask. (Vety)
🧠 Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is a financial safety net — not an investment. It’s especially beneficial if:
- You have a breed prone to health issues
- You can’t easily afford sudden vet costs
- You want more predictable monthly expenses
Without insurance, emergency pet care costs can easily reach thousands of dollars — far exceeding the sum of monthly premiums over several years. (PetMD)
📌 Key Takeaways
- Average monthly cost (U.S.):
🐶 Dogs: $46-$62
🐱 Cats: $23-$32 (Forbes) - Accident-only plans are significantly cheaper. (PetMD)
- Age, breed, coverage type, and location all influence the premium. (Forbes)
- Comparing multiple insurers and adjusting plan options can save money. (Vety)
FAQs About Pet Insurance Costs
Q: Can I pay pet insurance annually instead of monthly?
Yes — many insurers offer discounts if you pay annually instead of monthly.
Q: Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions. Always read the fine print. (PetMD)
Q: How does deductible affect cost?
Higher deductibles usually mean lower monthly premiums. (PetMD)