Considering pet insurance for your beloved dog? Understanding the cost is a crucial first step for any responsible pet owner. The monthly premium is often the primary concern when deciding if pet insurance is a worthwhile investment, and it’s true that the cost of dog insurance can vary significantly. Factors like your dog’s breed, age, and where you live all play a role in determining your premium.
As a leading pet insurance comparison site trusted by veterinarians, Pets.edu.vn understands the importance of transparent cost information. We’ve analyzed extensive real-world data from top pet insurance providers across the US to provide you with a clear picture of how much you can expect to pay for dog insurance.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance in the US
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average monthly premium for dog insurance in the United States is $49.51. This figure represents an accident and illness policy, the most common and comprehensive type of pet insurance.
Just like human health insurance, pet insurance operates on a premium basis. You pay a monthly premium to maintain an active policy for your dog. This premium is your regular cost for ensuring financial protection against unexpected veterinary expenses.
It’s important to understand the two main types of pet insurance coverage available for dogs: Accident-Only and Accident & Illness. While Accident-Only plans are cheaper, they offer significantly less coverage, primarily focusing on injuries from accidents. The data presented here focuses on Accident & Illness plans as they provide broader protection and are the preferred choice for most dog owners.
Average Monthly Dog Insurance Premiums (US), Year-Over-Year
| Year | Dog, Accident & Illness Premium |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $49.51 |
| 2019 | $48.78 |
| 2018 | $46.57 |
| 2017 | $45.40 |
| 2016 | $43.13 |
Important Note: These national averages serve as a general benchmark. The actual cost of pet insurance for your dog can vary considerably based on individual factors. To get a truly informative understanding, it’s essential to delve into breakdowns by breed, age, and location.
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Dog Insurance Costs by State
The cost of dog insurance isn’t uniform across the United States. Your geographic location, or zip code, is a significant factor influencing premiums. This is due to variations in veterinary costs, cost of living, and even the prevalence of certain health conditions in different regions.
Below is a table illustrating the average monthly dog insurance premiums across different states. You’ll notice considerable differences, highlighting the impact of location on your pet insurance expenses.
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 |
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Dog Insurance Costs by Age
Age is another significant determinant of dog insurance costs. Just as with human health insurance, older dogs typically have higher premiums. This is because the likelihood of health issues and the need for veterinary care increases as dogs age. Insurance providers factor in this increased risk when calculating premiums.
The table below breaks down average dog insurance costs by age, showing how premiums generally increase as your dog gets older.
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 |
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Dog Insurance Costs by Breed
Your dog’s breed is another crucial factor influencing pet insurance premiums. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific health conditions, making them potentially more expensive to insure. For example, breeds prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, or breathing issues may have higher premiums than breeds generally considered healthier.
The following table provides a comparison of average monthly dog insurance costs for various popular breeds across different age groups. This illustrates how breed-specific health risks can impact insurance expenses.
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 |
If you don’t see your dog’s breed listed above, you can find more information on our dog insurance breed directory page.
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Factors That Affect the Price of Dog Insurance
Beyond breed, age, and location, several other factors influence the monthly cost of your dog insurance plan. Some of these are within your control, allowing you to adjust your policy to better fit your budget.
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 |
As mentioned, your dog’s age, breed, and location are pre-set factors. However, you have control over aspects like the insurance provider you choose, the type of coverage (Accident & Illness or Accident Only), and the specific policy customizations such as deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual coverage limits.
Pro Tip: Utilize Pets.edu.vn to search for quotes from leading pet insurance providers in one convenient place. This allows you to easily compare options and find a plan that aligns with your financial needs.
If you have multiple pets, consider insuring them under the same plan. Many providers offer multi-pet discounts, often around 10% for each additional pet. Additionally, some insurers provide a discount for choosing an annual billing schedule over monthly payments.
Understanding Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Costs
When evaluating dog insurance plans, it’s crucial to understand how reimbursements and out-of-pocket costs work. Key elements include your annual deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit.
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance coverage begins to reimburse you for eligible veterinary expenses. A lower deductible generally means you’ll pay less out-of-pocket when your dog needs care, but it may also result in a slightly higher monthly premium.
The reimbursement percentage is the portion of your covered veterinary expenses that the insurance company will pay back to you after you’ve met your deductible. For example, with a 90% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 vet bill, you would be reimbursed $900, assuming your deductible has been met.
Finally, the annual coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance provider will reimburse you within a single policy year. Some plans offer “Unlimited” annual coverage, providing peace of mind without a reimbursement cap. Others have limits ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 per year.
The choices you make regarding deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits directly impact both your monthly premium and your potential out-of-pocket expenses at the vet. Choosing a plan with a lower reimbursement percentage, for instance, could lower your monthly costs, but it also means you’ll pay a larger share of the vet bill if your dog requires treatment.
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Considering Lifetime Costs of Dog Insurance
Just like any insurance, dog insurance premiums are based on risk assessment. Breeds with a higher likelihood of developing injuries or illnesses typically have higher premiums. Similarly, premiums tend to increase as your dog ages, reflecting the greater probability of needing medical care. The rate at which premiums increase with age can vary significantly among insurance companies.
Some providers may delay premium increases for several years after you initially enroll in a plan. Others might not increase premiums due to age at all, but instead, raise them after each claim you file.
It’s important to recognize that the plan with the lowest monthly premium today might not be the most cost-effective option over your dog’s entire lifetime.
To address this, Pets.edu.vn provides a free tool powered by Pawlicy Advisor to help you compare dog insurance options and analyze the long-term financial implications of different plans. This tool incorporates potential premium increases over time to give you a clearer picture of lifetime costs.
Alt text: Pawlicy Advisor Lifetime Price Score example. This score helps pet owners understand the estimated total cost of a pet insurance plan over the lifetime of their pet, factoring in potential premium increases.
This Lifetime Price Score is a unique feature, personalized to your dog and presented within your search results when you use Pets.edu.vn to shop for dog insurance.
The Lifetime Price Score ranks plans based on projected total costs throughout your dog’s life, accounting for potential premium increases as they age. A higher score indicates better long-term value, meaning you’re likely to save more money over your dog’s lifetime with that plan.
How to Save on Dog Insurance Costs and Find the Right Coverage
Navigating the world of dog insurance and determining the best plan for your needs can be overwhelming. Effectively comparing policies, evaluating providers, and securing the right coverage at the best price requires significant effort if done manually. Traditionally, this would involve:
- Creating complex spreadsheets to track policy details.
- Filling out numerous forms on each insurance provider’s website.
- Meticulously recording quote options, coverage details, exclusions, and waiting periods.
- Scrutinizing the fine print of each policy to identify breed-specific exclusions and limitations.
… Fortunately, Pets.edu.vn, powered by Pawlicy Advisor, simplifies this entire process, saving you considerable time and frustration.
Instead of manual research, you simply complete one online form on Pets.edu.vn. Our tool then analyzes hundreds of policy options from top-rated providers. You’ll receive a personalized recommendation based on the ideal coverage and lifetime costs tailored to your dog’s specific breed, age, and location.
Alt text: Example of a Pawlicy Advisor recommended pet insurance plan. The recommendation is personalized based on the pet’s breed, age, and location, considering both coverage and lifetime cost.
Finding the Lowest Dog Insurance Rates
If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible dog insurance cost, Pets.edu.vn makes it easy. You can quickly sort search results by price to view all available options ranked from least to most expensive.
Alt text: Screenshot of Pawlicy Advisor’s interface showing the option to sort pet insurance plans by lowest payment. This feature helps users quickly identify the most budget-friendly options.
Furthermore, Pets.edu.vn automatically applies any eligible discounts to your quotes, ensuring you see the most affordable prices.
Alt text: Positive Pawlicy Advisor customer review excerpt. The review highlights the platform’s ease of use and ability to simplify the pet insurance shopping process.
Alt text: Another positive Pawlicy Advisor customer review excerpt. This review emphasizes the platform’s effectiveness in helping pet owners find the right insurance plan and make informed decisions.
Pets.edu.vn empowers pet owners with an accessible and streamlined way to explore the diverse range of dog insurance plans available, enabling them to make well-informed decisions for their furry companions.
Instead of spending countless hours navigating individual provider websites and marketing materials, utilize pets.edu.vn to make buying dog insurance 100x easier. It’s the intelligent approach to discovering the ideal policy for your dog while staying within your budget.
