Average Cost of Pet Insurance in 2025
The national average cost of pet insurance is $42 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats.
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Pet insurance can help you cover vet bills for your dog, cat, or another pet, including costs associated with illness, injury, routine visits, and emergency care.
You’ll pay a monthly premium for pet insurance and can file a claim for reimbursement if your pet has an accident, illness, or other diagnosed medical condition. How much you pay for pet insurance will depend on the coverage you choose, your location, and your pet’s breed, age, and health history.
Here’s what you need to know to find pet insurance for your dog or cat, including how much it may cost.
Average cost of pet insurance for dogs
The national average cost for pet insurance for dogs is $42 per month. But the average monthly premium can vary depending on your dog’s breed, like whether you have a mixed-breed or purebred dog.
Below, you can see the average monthly cost of coverage for purebred and mixed-breed dogs from top insurance companies.
Dog insurance cost by state
Your location — including your state, ZIP code, and even your neighborhood — can affect your pet insurance premium costs. This is because the potential dangers facing a pet can vary from one area to another.
For example, Alaska has an average of $55 per month, or $660 per year, for dog pet insurance. This is likely related to the dangers Alaska’s long and severe winter can pose to dogs.
Below, you can compare the average premiums for dog insurance by state.
Average cost of pet insurance for cats
Whether you have a mixed-breed or purebred feline friend, the average cost of pet insurance for cats is $23 per month. The specific rate you pay will vary depending on the breed of your cat.
Here are the average monthly premiums for mixed-breed and purebred cats.
Cat insurance cost by state
Cat insurance costs can vary depending on the state you live in. Alaska and New Hampshire have the most expensive average cat insurance premiums. Cat owners in these states pay an average of $32 and $30 per month, respectively.
These higher premiums may reflect the higher cost of veterinary care in New Hampshire. Veterinarians in the state command some of the highest annual mean wages in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Here are the average monthly premiums by state for cat insurance.
Cost of pet insurance by company
Pets Best offers the lowest prices for pet insurance, with an average premium of $22 per month for dogs and $12 per month for cats. Spot is the second-cheapest pet insurance company on average, offering dog insurance for $25 per month and cat insurance for $13 per month.
The specific price you pay for pet insurance will depend on several factors, such as your location, the coverage level you choose, insurance company, and your pet’s breed, age, and health history.
Compare average pet insurance costs from different insurance companies below.
Tips for getting pet insurance coverage
You should consider the following coverage factors when choosing the best pet insurance coverage for your pet:
Consider your coverage options. Pet insurance companies offer several coverage levels, so make sure to choose the best option for you. Accident and illness coverage is the most comprehensive plan, while accident-only coverage exclusively covers accidents. You may also want to purchase a pet insurance wellness add-on for preventative veterinary care coverage.
Understand coverage exclusions. Pet insurance generally doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, some hereditary ailments (such as hip dysplasia), and pets older than a certain age.
Determine potential costs. Your pet insurance premium isn’t the only cost to consider. You’ll have to meet a deductible before you’re eligible for reimbursement, and your reimbursement rate and maximum payout can also affect how much you pay out of pocket for your dog or cat’s veterinary care. You should also consider how much your vet bills may cost out of pocket if you don’t receive reimbursement from a pet insurance company.
Look at the claims process. The best pet insurance options offer an easy process for filing a claim and timely claim payouts. Consider how long it may take your pet insurance company to reimburse your covered vet bills.
Compare quotes. Getting quotes from multiple pet insurers will ensure that you find the right coverage at the best price. The right pet insurance company for you will depend on your pet’s coverage needs and your budget.
Factors that affect your pet insurance premium
Your pet insurance premium will depend on the following factors:
Average cost of pet insurance FAQs
The following information can help you make the best pet insurance decision for your four-legged friend.
Is pet insurance worth it?
If you’re deciding whether you should buy pet insurance, you should look at your budget for coverage and concerns about your pet’s health. If you can’t afford to pay for a large and unexpected medical bill out of pocket for your pet, you should consider buying coverage.
Pet insurance is generally worth it if you have a young pet in relatively good health. If you have an older pet, or your pet has pre-existing conditions, pet insurance may not be worth it.
How much pet insurance coverage do you need?
It depends. Each pet owner may have different pet insurance coverage needs for their pet. To decide how much pet insurance you need, consider your pet’s age, breed, and activity level, as well as your financial situation.
For example, a pet owner with a young, indoor-only cat and a robust emergency fund could probably afford a lower pet insurance coverage level.
How much is pet insurance per month?
The average cost of pet insurance is $44 per month for a dog and $24 per month for a cat. But the cost of pet insurance can vary depending on your pet’s breed and age, the coverage level you choose, and your location.
Does pet insurance pay you or the vet?
Pet insurance typically reimburses you, the pet owner. When you take your pet to the vet, you’ll pay the full amount to the vet at the time of the visit. You’ll file a claim with your pet insurance company to receive a reimbursement for the covered amount of your vet visit.
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