Securing pet insurance for a cat remains the more affordable option, as the average rate for cat insurance is nearly half the rate for canines, according to Insurify data. In February 2025, the average monthly rate for cats was $24 per month nationwide, while dogs came in at $45.
Insurance rates can vary greatly based on location, which influences factors like the cost of living, frequency of potential pet-related hazards, and the availability and cost of veterinary care.
The table below illustrates how rates can shift in different parts of the country.
The Northeast is the most expensive region in the U.S. for insuring a pet, with New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts all making the top five most expensive states. Alaska also joins the group, tying for the national lead with an average of $45 per month for coverage.
The national average is $35 per month for coverage.
The Southeast is home to many of the states offering the nation’s most affordable pet insurance rates. Mississippi and Texas tied for the lowest overall pet insurance average in February with an average monthly rate of $27, according to Insurify data.
Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma were also well below the national monthly average of $35.
Pet insurance rates can vary significantly based on many factors that insurers use to estimate risk. Some common rating factors include the:
Pet’s age: Older pets are more likely to require veterinary care, increasing pet insurance premiums.
Deductible: A higher deductible means a pet’s owner will cover more of the expenses up front. This lowers premiums because owners are taking on more of the risk.
Reimbursement level: The plan’s reimbursement level represents the amount of covered costs the insurer will reimburse policyholders for once they meet the deductible. A lower reimbursement level will lower your premiums because you’ll get less money back from your insurer.
Location: Pet care prices differ drastically around the country. Pet owners in areas where care is very expensive, like New York City, will pay more for pet insurance than someone who lives in an area where care costs are lower.
Pet’s breed: Dogs are more expensive to insure than cats, in most cases, but the breed of pet matters as well. Breeds with known health issues will lead to more expensive insurance rates.
Pet owners can take steps to reduce the cost of pet insurance, including:
Comparison shopping: Many pet insurance options are available, and each offers different rates. Comparing rates for different plans can help identify the most affordable plan for each pet parent.
Reviewing plans: Plans generally come in three different coverage types: accident/illness, accident only, and wellness. Matching a pet’s needs to a plan can lead to significant savings. Pet owners who factor routine veterinary visits into their budget, for example, can save money by choosing an accident-only plan.
Increasing the deductible: A higher deductible typically leads to lower rates because pet parents are taking on more of the up-front risk themselves.
Enrolling ASAP: Older pets are more expensive to insure, and some insurers won’t offer coverage to pets with pre-existing conditions. Enrolling early allows customers to secure coverage before these considerations take effect.
Searching for discounts: Many pet insurers offer discounts, and customers can save by asking their insurer what discounts they may qualify for.
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