How Much Is Full Coverage Pet Insurance
Everything pet owners need to know about prices, coverage, savings, and choosing the right plan.
Introduction
Pet insurance has become one of the most important expenses for responsible pet owners. With veterinary costs rising every year, full coverage pet insurance helps protect your dog or cat from expensive treatments, emergencies, and chronic illnesses.
But how much is full coverage pet insurance really?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down:
✔ What “full coverage” means
✔ Average costs for dogs & cats
✔ Factors that influence pricing
✔ Savings strategies & discounts
✔ Plan comparisons
✔ Common exclusions
✔ How to choose the best policy
What Is Full Coverage Pet Insurance?
“Full coverage” isn’t a standardized insurance term like it is in auto insurance. For pets, it generally means a policy that covers:
- Accidents (broken bones, ingestion of foreign objects)
- Illnesses (infections, cancer, skin issues)
- Hereditary conditions
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, arthritis)
- Diagnostic testing (X-rays, bloodwork)
- Surgeries
- Hospitalization
Note: Most full plans also offer optional wellness add-ons for preventive care — such as vaccines and annual checkups.
Average Costs of Full Coverage Pet Insurance (2026)
Below is the latest industry-wide price range for full coverage pet insurance:
| Pet Type | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $65 – $125 | $780 – $1,500 |
| Cat | $40 – $80 | $480 – $960 |
Key Insight: Dogs are typically more expensive than cats due to higher risk of injuries and breed-related conditions.
📌 Quick Answer: How Much Is Full Coverage Pet Insurance?
Plan costs typically range from:
- $40–$125 per month
- $480–$1,500 per year
Actual price varies based on age, breed, location, deductible, and coverage limits.
Who Pays More — Dogs or Cats?
| Category | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Costs | Higher | Lower |
| Illness Risk | Higher | Moderate |
| Average Premium | More Expensive | Cheaper |
Dogs incur more expensive care due to more frequent emergency visits and complex illnesses, which is why premiums tend to be higher.
Top 8 Factors That Affect Full Coverage Pet Insurance Cost
1. Age of Your Pet
Insurance costs rise as pets get older — older dogs/cats are more prone to illnesses.
- Puppies & kittens: cheapest
- Older pets: most expensive
2. Breed
Certain breeds are predisposed to hereditary conditions:
- Bulldogs & German Shepherds: high risk
- Mixed breeds: usually lower premiums
3. Location
Pet healthcare costs vary by region. For example:
- Urban areas = higher premiums
- Rural areas = lower premiums
4. Deductible
Your deductible — the amount you pay before insurance kicks in — affects price:
- Higher deductible → Lower monthly fee
- Lower deductible → Higher monthly fee
Common options: $100, $250, $500
5. Reimbursement Level
This is the percentage you get back after a claim:
| Reimbursement | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 70% | Lower |
| 80% | Moderate |
| 90% | Higher |
Higher reimbursement = higher monthly cost.
6. Annual Coverage Limit
This is the max amount the insurer pays per year.
| Limit | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | Lower |
| $10,000 | Moderate |
| Unlimited | Higher |
Unlimited plans cost more upfront but offer better protection.
7. Optional Wellness Coverage
Including wellness (vaccines, dental cleanings, flea control) adds to the premium.
8. Pre-Existing Conditions
Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some allow waiting periods before coverage kicks in for certain issues.
Do All Full Coverage Plans Cover Everything?
No — here’s what most plans typically include vs exclude:
✔ Usually Covered
- Accidents & injuries
- Illnesses
- Emergency care
- Diagnostics
- Surgery
⚠ Often Excluded
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic procedures
- Breeding/pregnancy
- Behavioral therapy
- Grooming
Always read the policy carefully.
Detailed Cost Examples by Pet Type
🐶 Full Coverage for Dogs
| Breed | Monthly Cost | Primary Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | $70 – $110 | Common injuries |
| German Shepherd | $80 – $120 | Joint issues |
| Bulldog | $90 – $130 | Respiratory & skin issues |
| Mixed Breed | $65 – $100 | Lower risk |
🐱 Full Coverage for Cats
| Type | Monthly Cost | Primary Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Shorthair | $40 – $70 | Standard risk |
| Siamese | $50 – $80 | Genetic health issues |
| Persian | $55 – $85 | Higher hereditary risk |
Ways to Lower Your Pet Insurance Cost
Here are proven strategies:
✅ Choose a Higher Deductible
A $500 deductible can save you 15–25% vs $100.
✅ Opt for 80% Reimbursement Instead of 90%
The savings can be significant.
✅ Compare Multiple Quotes
Never buy without comparing at least 3 companies.
✅ Buy When Young
Pets insured at a young age cost much less.
✅ Consider Wellness Bundles (Only if Useful)
If your pet has predictable preventive care needs.
✅ Ask About Discounts
Some carriers offer:
- Multi-pet discount
- Annual payment discount
- Military discount
Best Time to Get Full Coverage Pet Insurance
📍 Right after bringing your pet home
📍 Before health issues appear
📍 At annual checkups
Waiting risks pre-existing exclusions & higher premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is pet insurance worth it?
Yes — veterinary costs are increasing, and many major conditions cost $2,000–$10,000+ per treatment.
2. Does full coverage include preventive care?
Only if you choose a wellness add-on — standard full coverage focuses on accidents & illnesses.
3. What is the average claim payout?
Most insurers reimburse 70–90% of eligible costs after deductible.
4. Can I switch pet insurers?
Yes, but review waiting periods & coverage differences first.
5. Is age a big cost factor?
Absolutely — the older the pet, the higher the premium.
Conclusion: What You Should Do Next
✔ Get quotes from multiple insurers
✔ Choose the best deductible & reimbursement mix
✔ Consider wellness add-ons only if they save you money
✔ Insure early — before issues start
With the right plan, you protect your pet and your wallet from unexpected expenses.