Considering pet insurance for your beloved dog? Understanding the cost is a crucial first step for any pet owner. Just like human health insurance, pet insurance helps manage unexpected veterinary bills, but the monthly premium can vary significantly. Factors such as your dog’s breed, age, and where you live all play a role in determining the price. So, How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Dog really going to cost? Let’s dive into the details and explore the average costs, what influences them, and how you can find the best coverage for your canine companion.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance in the US
Nationally, the average monthly pet insurance premium for dogs is $49.51 for an accident and illness policy. This is based on the latest data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Think of this monthly premium as similar to your own health insurance payment – it’s what you pay to keep your dog’s policy active and ready to help when unexpected vet bills arise.
Most dog owners opt for Accident & Illness plans because they offer the most comprehensive coverage, protecting against both unforeseen accidents and illnesses. While cheaper Accident-Only plans exist, they provide significantly less coverage and are not the focus of the data presented below.
Average Monthly Pet Insurance Premiums (US), Year-Over-Year
| Year | Dog, Accident & Illness |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $49.51 |
| 2019 | $48.78 |
| 2018 | $46.57 |
| 2017 | $45.40 |
| 2016 | $43.13 |
It’s important to remember that these are national averages. The cost of pet insurance for your dog can be quite different. Factors like breed, age, and location have a significant impact, making these averages a starting point rather than a definitive price tag. To get a true understanding of how much pet insurance for a dog like yours will cost, you need to consider these individual elements.
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Dog Insurance Costs by State
Where you live has a notable impact on pet insurance premiums. Veterinary costs can vary across different states, which in turn influences insurance pricing. States with higher costs of living and veterinary care tend to see higher pet insurance premiums.
Below is a table showing the average monthly premium for dog insurance across different states. You can see a considerable range, highlighting the location factor when considering how much is pet insurance for a dog in your area.
Average Pet Insurance Costs by State, Monthly
| State | Average Premium for Dogs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $42.60 |
| Alaska | $46.89 |
| Arizona | $53.22 |
| Arkansas | $41.10 |
| California | $61.29 |
| Colorado | $47.56 |
| Connecticut | $52.63 |
| Delaware | $45.70 |
| Florida | $39.70 |
| Georgia | $35.61 |
| Hawaii | $45.82 |
| Idaho | $41.87 |
| Illinois | $43.71 |
| Indiana | $36.77 |
| Iowa | $37.34 |
| Kansas | $41.14 |
| Kentucky | $41.13 |
| Louisiana | $35.18 |
| Maine | $40.64 |
| Maryland | $50.02 |
| Massachusetts | $47.56 |
| Michigan | $36.79 |
| Minnesota | $46.58 |
| Mississippi | $34.17 |
| Missouri | $39.21 |
| Montana | $39.21 |
| Nebraska | $37.90 |
| Nevada | $42.72 |
| New Hampshire | $46.27 |
| New Jersey | $48.63 |
| New Mexico | $40.11 |
| New York | $61.05 |
| North Carolina | $40.07 |
| North Dakota | $39.90 |
| Ohio | $40.15 |
| Oklahoma | $35.71 |
| Oregon | $45.65 |
| Pennsylvania | $42.85 |
| Rhode Island | $42.43 |
| South Carolina | $38.07 |
| South Dakota | $39.00 |
| Tennessee | $40.92 |
| Texas | $41.65 |
| Utah | $40.40 |
| Vermont | $37.88 |
| Virginia | $45.46 |
| Washington | $43.63 |
| West Virginia | $36.95 |
| Wisconsin | $42.11 |
| Wyoming | $33.97 |
Dog Insurance Costs by State and Age
A dog’s age is another significant factor in determining insurance costs. Just like human health insurance becomes more expensive as we age, the same applies to our canine companions. Older dogs are statistically more likely to develop health issues, leading to higher premiums. Puppies, while generally healthy, can also be prone to accidents and certain illnesses, but typically are less expensive to insure than senior dogs.
The table below illustrates how average dog insurance premiums change with age across different states, giving you a clearer picture of how much is pet insurance for a dog at various life stages.
Average Dog Insurance Costs by State and Age, Monthly
| State | Average Premium for 6-month Puppy | Average Premium for 18-month Dog | Average Premium for 5.5-year Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $39.43 | $39.43 | $48.95 |
| Alaska | $43.41 | $43.41 | $53.85 |
| Arizona | $49.25 | $49.25 | $61.17 |
| Arkansas | $38.01 | $38.01 | $47.28 |
| California | $56.56 | $56.56 | $70.76 |
| Colorado | $43.96 | $43.96 | $54.76 |
| Connecticut | $48.66 | $48.66 | $60.58 |
| Delaware | $42.28 | $42.28 | $52.55 |
| Florida | $36.69 | $36.69 | $45.73 |
| Georgia | $32.45 | $34.00 | $40.38 |
| Hawaii | $42.37 | $42.37 | $52.73 |
| Idaho | $38.67 | $38.67 | $48.28 |
| Illinois | $40.38 | $40.38 | $50.38 |
| Indiana | $34.03 | $34.03 | $42.25 |
| Iowa | $34.55 | $34.55 | $42.93 |
| Kansas | $38.03 | $38.03 | $47.35 |
| Kentucky | $38.07 | $38.07 | $47.24 |
| Louisiana | $32.49 | $32.49 | $40.55 |
| Maine | $37.61 | $37.61 | $46.69 |
| Maryland | $46.30 | $46.30 | $57.46 |
| Massachusetts | $43.97 | $43.97 | $54.73 |
| Michigan | $33.98 | $33.98 | $42.41 |
| Minnesota | $43.21 | $43.21 | $53.33 |
| Mississippi | $31.58 | $31.58 | $39.34 |
| Missouri | $36.27 | $36.27 | $45.10 |
| Montana | $36.27 | $36.27 | $45.09 |
| Nebraska | $35.05 | $35.05 | $43.59 |
| Nevada | $39.49 | $39.49 | $49.17 |
| New Hampshire | $42.79 | $42.79 | $53.23 |
| New Jersey | $44.98 | $44.98 | $55.93 |
| New Mexico | $37.12 | $37.12 | $46.08 |
| New York | $56.47 | $56.47 | $70.22 |
| North Carolina | $37.07 | $37.07 | $46.08 |
| North Dakota | $36.89 | $36.89 | $45.92 |
| Ohio | $37.13 | $37.13 | $46.18 |
| Oklahoma | $33.03 | $33.03 | $41.09 |
| Oregon | $42.18 | $42.18 | $52.58 |
| Pennsylvania | $39.63 | $39.63 | $49.29 |
| Rhode Island | $39.27 | $39.27 | $48.75 |
| South Carolina | $35.23 | $35.23 | $43.76 |
| South Dakota | $36.00 | $36.00 | $45.00 |
| Tennessee | $37.88 | $37.88 | $46.99 |
| Texas | $38.51 | $38.51 | $47.94 |
| Utah | $37.33 | $37.33 | $46.54 |
| Vermont | $35.08 | $35.08 | $43.47 |
| Virginia | $42.00 | $42.00 | $52.38 |
| Washington | $43.31 | $39.37 | $48.22 |
| West Virginia | $34.17 | $34.17 | $42.51 |
| Wisconsin | $38.93 | $38.93 | $48.46 |
| Wyoming | $31.40 | $31.40 | $39.10 |
Dog Insurance Costs by Breed and Age
Breed is a critical factor when estimating pet insurance costs. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to specific health conditions. For example, breeds like German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, while Bulldogs are more likely to have respiratory issues. These breed-specific health risks influence insurance premiums.
The table below breaks down the average monthly cost of dog insurance for various popular breeds at different ages. If you’re wondering how much is pet insurance for a dog of a specific breed, this table offers valuable insights.
Average Dog Insurance Costs by Breed and Age, Monthly
| Dog Insurance Breeds | Average Premium for 6-month Puppy | Average Premium for 18-month Dog | Average Premium for 5.5-year Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Shepherd | $51.86 | $51.86 | $61.42 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $85.45 | $85.45 | $122.30 |
| Border Collie | $46.22 | $46.22 | $58.49 |
| Boxer | $74.88 | $74.88 | $100.68 |
| Chihuahua | $38.45 | $38.45 | $47.27 |
| Corgi | $56.49 | $56.49 | $71.56 |
| Dachshund | $45.16 | $45.16 | $55.70 |
| English Bulldog | $86.69 | $86.69 | $118.62 |
| French Bulldog | $86.70 | $86.70 | $110.52 |
| German Shepherd | $60.89 | $60.89 | $77.14 |
| Golden Retriever | $67.33 | $67.33 | $84.90 |
| Great Dane | $84.83 | $84.83 | $122.45 |
| Labrador Retriever | $65.36 | $65.36 | $82.60 |
| Pit Bull | $62.30 | $62.30 | $78.88 |
| Poodle | $51.07 | $51.07 | $64.75 |
| Pug | $59.22 | $59.22 | $72.91 |
| Rottweiler | $88.76 | $88.76 | $128.38 |
| Shiba Inu | $41.73 | $41.73 | $50.25 |
| Shih Tzu | $39.00 | $39.00 | $48.94 |
| Siberian Husky | $51.30 | $51.30 | $64.71 |
Didn’t see your breed list above? You might find it on our dog insurance directory page.
Factors That Affect the Price of Dog Insurance
Beyond breed, age, and location, several other factors influence how much is pet insurance for a dog. Some of these are within your control, allowing you to adjust your policy and potentially lower your monthly premium.
Pet Insurance Price Factors
| Impacts Premium Cost | Ability to Control |
|---|---|
| Breed | Not in your control |
| Age of pet | Not in your control |
| Zip code | Not in your control |
| Company partner discounts | Not in your control |
| Provider/Carrier | You control |
| Plan/Coverage Type | You control |
| Deductible | You control |
| Reimbursement | You control |
| Payout Limit | You control |
| Billing Schedule (Monthly vs Annual) | You control |
| Number of Pets Enrolled Under Same Plan | You control |
Provider/Carrier: Different insurance companies offer varying rates. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is crucial to finding the most competitive price.
Plan/Coverage Type: As mentioned, Accident & Illness plans are more expensive than Accident-Only plans, but offer far more comprehensive protection. Some providers also offer “Wellness” add-ons for routine care, which will increase your premium.
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible typically means a lower monthly premium, and vice versa. Choosing the right deductible involves balancing lower monthly costs with potential out-of-pocket expenses if you need to file a claim.
Reimbursement Percentage: This is the percentage of covered veterinary costs that the insurance company will reimburse you for after you’ve met your deductible. Common options are 70%, 80%, or 90%. A lower reimbursement percentage will result in a lower premium, but also means you’ll pay a larger share of the vet bill.
Payout Limit (Annual Coverage Limit): This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in a year. Some plans offer unlimited annual coverage, while others have limits ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Higher coverage limits generally mean higher premiums.
Billing Schedule: Some insurers offer a small discount for paying annually instead of monthly.
Multi-Pet Discount: If you insure multiple pets with the same provider, you can often get a multi-pet discount, typically around 10% for each additional pet.
Pro Tip: Using a pet insurance comparison tool like Pawlicy Advisor can significantly simplify the process of finding the best and most affordable plan. Search for quotes across top providers to see your personalized options.
Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Understanding the interplay between deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual coverage limits is key to grasping how much pet insurance for a dog will truly cost you, considering both premiums and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Your deductible is the initial amount you pay before your insurance starts covering costs. A lower deductible means less out-of-pocket expense at the vet, but higher monthly premiums.
Your reimbursement percentage determines how much of your covered vet bill you’ll get back after meeting your deductible. For example, an 80% reimbursement means you’ll be reimbursed for 80% of eligible costs, and you’ll pay the remaining 20%.
Finally, your annual coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurer will reimburse in a policy year. Choosing a plan with an appropriate annual limit ensures you have sufficient coverage for significant veterinary expenses. Some plans offer “unlimited” coverage, providing peace of mind knowing there’s no cap on reimbursements.
Carefully consider these factors in relation to your budget and risk tolerance to find a balance between monthly premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs when determining how much is pet insurance for a dog and what plan is right for you.
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Expected Lifetime Costs
When evaluating how much is pet insurance for a dog, it’s essential to think beyond just the initial monthly premium and consider the lifetime cost of the insurance. Premiums are likely to change over time, primarily increasing as your dog ages and becomes more susceptible to health problems.
The rate at which premiums increase can vary significantly between insurance companies. Some providers may have gradual increases over time, while others might adjust premiums more substantially after each claim or as your dog enters a new age bracket.
Therefore, the plan with the lowest premium today might not be the most cost-effective option over your dog’s entire life. To address this, Pawlicy Advisor developed the Lifetime Price Score. This tool analyzes potential premium increases over time to give you a clearer picture of the long-term cost of different pet insurance plans.
Lifetime Price Score helps to estimate the long-term cost of pet insurance for a dog.
The Lifetime Price Score, displayed in Pawlicy Advisor’s search results, ranks plans based on their estimated total cost over your pet’s lifetime. A higher score indicates a plan is projected to be more affordable in the long run, even if the initial premium isn’t the absolute lowest. This score takes into account potential premium increases due to age, helping you make a more informed decision about how much is pet insurance for a dog over its entire life.
How to Save on Insurance Costs and Get The Right Coverage
Finding the right pet insurance coverage at the best price can feel overwhelming. Manually comparing policies from multiple providers is a time-consuming and complex process. To effectively compare policies and find the best value, you would traditionally need to:
- Create spreadsheets to track policy details.
- Fill out numerous forms on each provider’s website.
- Meticulously record quote options, coverage details, exclusions, and waiting periods.
- Scrutinize the fine print of each policy to identify breed-specific exclusions and other crucial details.
Fortunately, Pawlicy Advisor simplifies this entire process, saving you considerable time and effort. Instead of manual research, you can fill out just one form on Pawlicy Advisor. Their tool then analyzes hundreds of policies from top providers, providing you with personalized recommendations based on your dog’s breed, age, location, and your desired coverage level.
Pawlicy Advisor provides personalized pet insurance recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and factors.
Finding the Lowest Rates
If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible monthly premium for dog insurance, Pawlicy Advisor makes that easy too. You can simply sort the search results by price to see all available options ranked from lowest to highest cost. This allows you to quickly identify the most budget-friendly plans.
Easily sort pet insurance plans by price on Pawlicy Advisor to find the lowest monthly premiums.
Pawlicy Advisor also automatically applies any available discounts, ensuring you see the most affordable rates possible.
Pawlicy Advisor helps pet owners find the best pet insurance plans.
Using Pawlicy Advisor simplifies pet insurance comparison and purchase.
By providing a user-friendly platform to compare a wide range of plans, Pawlicy Advisor empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about pet insurance and find the best coverage for their dogs at a price that fits their budget. Don’t spend hours struggling with manual comparisons – use Pawlicy Advisor to make finding dog insurance 100x easier.
Conclusion
Understanding how much is pet insurance for a dog involves considering various factors, from breed and age to location and the specific coverage options you choose. While the average monthly premium for dog insurance in the US is around $49.51, your actual cost can vary significantly. By considering factors like deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and lifetime costs, and by using comparison tools like Pawlicy Advisor, you can navigate the complexities of pet insurance and find a plan that provides both excellent coverage and fits your budget, ensuring your dog receives the best possible care without breaking the bank.
