How Much Is Pet Insurance
Pet insurance helps cover vet bills for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and sometimes wellness care (like shots and dental). But one question every pet owner asks is:
📌 How much does pet insurance really cost?
Below is the most accurate range based on recent industry data.
🐶 Average Pet Insurance Costs — Dogs vs Cats
| Pet Type | Monthly Cost (Accident & Illness) | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Insurance | $35 – $85+ per month | $420 – $1,020+ per year (Bestmoney.com) |
| Cat Insurance | $15 – $55 per month | $180 – $660 per year (Bestmoney.com) |
👉 On average, dog insurance is more expensive than cat insurance because dogs typically cost more for vet care. (Forbes)
👉 Some policies for dogs can run $80–$120+ per month especially for older pets or those with breed-specific health concerns. (Forbes)
📊 Typical Cost Examples
🐕 Dogs
- Small breeds: $30–$65 / month
- Medium breeds: $35–$75 / month
- Large breeds: $45–$85+ / month
- Giant breeds: $60–$110+ / month
(Ranges include accident + illness coverage.) (petinsurancecostcalculator.com)
👉 Young dogs generally cost less. Older dogs, especially above age 7, can cost significantly more (sometimes 1.5× higher). (Forbes)
🐱 Cats
- Indoor & mixed-breed cats: $12–$35 / month
- Outdoor or purebred cats: $22–$48 / month
- Senior cats: $30–$60 / month (petinsurancecostcalculator.com)
Cats tend to be cheaper to insure than dogs overall due to lower average vet costs. (PetMD)
💡 What Influences Pet Insurance Cost?
Pet insurance premiums are not flat — they depend on:
🔹 Age of the pet
Older pets are more likely to get sick → higher premiums. (Forbes)
🔹 Breed & size
Certain breeds (e.g., French bulldogs, Rottweilers) have higher risk for genetic conditions, raising their insurance cost. (Forbes)
🔹 Type of plan
- Accident-only: cheapest (~$15–$30/month)
- Accident + illness: most common (~$35–$85+/month)
- Wellness add-ons: +$10–$25/month for preventive care (Bestmoney.com)
🔹 Deductible & reimbursement level
Higher reimbursement (80–90%) → higher premiums; higher deductibles → lower premiums.
💰 Real World Cost Ranges
| Policy Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accident-Only (Dogs) | ~$15–$30+ (CNBC) |
| Accident + Illness (Dogs) | ~$42–$66+ (Forbes) |
| Accident-Only (Cats) | ~$9–$20+ (CNBC) |
| Accident + Illness (Cats) | ~$28–$35+ (Bestmoney.com) |
📌 Exact costs vary by provider and policy setup.
📍 Example Pricing by Breed (Dogs)
| Breed | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| French bulldog | ~$74–$98+ (Compare.com) |
| German shepherd | ~$51+ (Compare.com) |
| Labrador retriever | ~$59+ (Compare.com) |
| Rottweiler | ~$84+ (Compare.com) |
Large, purebred dogs typically cost more due to higher health risk. (Compare.com)
📈 Annual vs Monthly Costs
Many providers allow annual payment (often cheaper overall than monthly billing). But if you prefer budgeting monthly, expect:
- Dogs: $420–$1,200+ per year
- Cats: $180–$700+ per year (Vety)
Annual costs can vary based on coverage levels and optional wellness add-ons.
❓ Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is designed to protect you from large, unexpected vet bills.
- Emergency surgeries can cost thousands of dollars.
- Accident/illness policies help cover most major costs after your deductible.
- Wellness plans are optional but help with routine care. (PetMD)
Example: A broken bone or hospitalization with no insurance could easily cost more than a year of premiums. Insurance helps manage this risk. (PetMD)
📌 Tips to Save on Pet Insurance
✔ Start insurance when your pet is young (premiums rise with age).
✔ Consider higher deductibles to reduce monthly costs.
✔ before buying.
✔ Bundle with other policies (some providers offer discounts).
✔ Shop for wellness coverage only if you need routine care.
✅ FAQ — Pet Insurance Costs
Q: Why do premiums vary so much?
A: Age, breed, coverage, deductible, and reimbursement level all influence cost. (Bestmoney.com)
Q: Is cat insurance cheaper than dog insurance?
A: Yes — cats generally cost significantly less to insure. (PetMD)
Q: Can I add wellness coverage?
A: Yes — most insurers offer wellness add-ons for vaccines, dental, etc., usually $10–$25 extra per month. (Bestmoney.com)
Q: Does location matter?
A: Yes — veterinary care costs vary by region and can affect premiums. (Forbes)
📌 Final Takeaway
Pet insurance cost in 2026 typically ranges from ~$15–$85+ per month, depending on your pet’s type, age, breed, and coverage. Investing in insurance early can help protect your pet’s health and your wallet when the unexpected happens.