Considering pet health insurance and wondering about the expenses? Understanding the Average Cost Of Pet Insurance is a crucial first step for any pet owner. The monthly premium is a primary concern when deciding if pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for your furry companion. It’s important to know that the monthly cost of pet insurance can fluctuate significantly based on factors like your pet’s breed, age, and where you live.
As a leading pet insurance comparison platform trusted by veterinarians, Pawlicy Advisor provides insights into real-world cost data from top insurance providers. We analyze thousands of quotes across the US to bring you a clear picture of pet insurance expenses.
To help you navigate these costs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive dataset revealing how the average cost of pet insurance varies based on breed, age, and state.
What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Pet Insurance in the US?
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average monthly pet insurance premium in the U.S. is $49.51 for dogs and $28.48 for cats. This data reflects the most recent industry insights and provides a benchmark for pet owners exploring coverage options.
Like human health insurance, pet insurance operates on a premium basis. These monthly premiums are essential for maintaining an active policy and ensuring financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs. For many pet owners in the United States, the premium is the first and often most heavily weighted factor in their decision-making process.
It’s also important to understand the types of coverage available, as this significantly impacts the average cost of pet insurance:
Accident & Illness plans are the most popular choice amongst pet owners, offering comprehensive coverage. The data presented below primarily focuses on these Accident & Illness premiums to give you the most relevant cost insights. While Accident-Only plans are available at a lower price point, they provide a much narrower scope of coverage, limited to accidental injuries alone.
US Average Monthly Pet Insurance Premiums: A Year-Over-Year Look
| Year | Dog, Accident & Illness | Cat, Accident & Illness |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $49.51 | $28.48 |
| 2019 | $48.78 | $29.16 |
| 2018 | $46.57 | $29.11 |
| 2017 | $45.40 | $28.53 |
| 2016 | $43.13 | $26.77 |
Note: It’s vital to remember that these national averages serve as a general guide. Due to the significant variations in premiums based on individual pet characteristics, these figures should be considered with caution. For a more precise understanding of pet insurance costs, examining breakdowns by breed, age, and location is essential.
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Average Pet Insurance Costs by State (Monthly Premiums)
Pet insurance costs are not uniform across the United States. Regional variations in veterinary costs and other factors influence the average cost of pet insurance premiums. Below is a state-by-state breakdown to help you understand potential costs in your area:
| State | Average Premium for Cats | Average Premium for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $26.09 | $42.60 |
| Alaska | $28.35 | $46.89 |
| Arizona | $31.96 | $53.22 |
| Arkansas | $27.52 | $41.10 |
| California | $31.97 | $61.29 |
| Colorado | $28.78 | $47.56 |
| Connecticut | $31.56 | $52.63 |
| Delaware | $27.68 | $45.70 |
| Florida | $21.87 | $39.70 |
| Georgia | $22.44 | $35.61 |
| Hawaii | $28.15 | $45.82 |
| Idaho | $25.92 | $41.87 |
| Illinois | $26.90 | $43.71 |
| Indiana | $21.99 | $36.77 |
| Iowa | $22.54 | $37.34 |
| Kansas | $24.68 | $41.14 |
| Kentucky | $24.47 | $41.13 |
| Louisiana | $21.41 | $35.18 |
| Maine | $24.19 | $40.64 |
| Maryland | $30.17 | $50.02 |
| Massachusetts | $28.04 | $47.56 |
| Michigan | $21.71 | $36.79 |
| Minnesota | $23.05 | $46.58 |
| Mississippi | $19.46 | $34.17 |
| Missouri | $19.77 | $39.21 |
| Montana | $22.68 | $39.21 |
| Nebraska | $22.87 | $37.90 |
| Nevada | $26.08 | $42.72 |
| New Hampshire | $28.02 | $46.27 |
| New Jersey | $25.98 | $48.63 |
| New Mexico | $24.67 | $40.11 |
| New York | $30.30 | $61.05 |
| North Carolina | $23.84 | $40.07 |
| North Dakota | $23.25 | $39.90 |
| Ohio | $24.67 | $40.15 |
| Oklahoma | $21.77 | $35.71 |
| Oregon | $27.85 | $45.65 |
| Pennsylvania | $26.90 | $42.85 |
| Rhode Island | $25.85 | $42.43 |
| South Carolina | $24.63 | $38.07 |
| South Dakota | $23.72 | $39.00 |
| Tennessee | $24.35 | $40.92 |
| Texas | $20.68 | $41.65 |
| Utah | $23.90 | $40.40 |
| Vermont | $22.66 | $37.88 |
| Virginia | $27.14 | $45.46 |
| Washington | $26.46 | $43.63 |
| West Virginia | $21.61 | $36.95 |
| Wisconsin | $25.86 | $42.11 |
| Wyoming | $19.35 | $33.97 |
Average Dog Insurance Costs by State and Age (Monthly Premiums)
Age is a significant determinant of pet insurance premiums. As pets age, they become more susceptible to health issues, leading to increased insurance costs. Here’s a look at how average dog insurance costs change with age across different states:
| 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 |
Average Cat Insurance Costs by State and Age (Monthly Premiums)
Similarly, cat insurance premiums are also affected by age. Here’s a breakdown of average cat insurance costs across states, categorized by age:
| State | Average Premium for 6-month Kitten | Average Premium for 18-month Cat | Average Premium for 5.5-year Cat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $24.59 | $24.59 | $29.08 |
| Alaska | $26.73 | $26.73 | $31.59 |
| Arizona | $30.12 | $30.12 | $35.63 |
| Arkansas | $25.94 | $25.94 | $30.68 |
| California | $30.05 | $30.05 | $35.80 |
| Colorado | $27.11 | $27.11 | $32.13 |
| Connecticut | $29.73 | $29.73 | $35.23 |
| Delaware | $26.09 | $26.09 | $30.87 |
| Florida | $20.58 | $20.58 | $24.44 |
| Georgia | $20.88 | $21.72 | $24.71 |
| Hawaii | $26.53 | $26.53 | $31.41 |
| Idaho | $24.40 | $24.40 | $28.95 |
| Illinois | $25.34 | $25.34 | $30.04 |
| Indiana | $20.72 | $20.72 | $24.52 |
| Iowa | $21.24 | $21.24 | $25.13 |
| Kansas | $23.25 | $23.25 | $27.54 |
| Kentucky | $23.07 | $23.07 | $27.28 |
| Louisiana | $20.15 | $20.15 | $23.91 |
| Maine | $22.80 | $22.80 | $26.96 |
| Maryland | $28.44 | $28.44 | $33.62 |
| Massachusetts | $26.41 | $26.41 | $31.29 |
| Michigan | $20.44 | $20.44 | $24.26 |
| Minnesota | $21.74 | $21.74 | $25.68 |
| Mississippi | $18.33 | $18.33 | $21.74 |
| Missouri | $18.61 | $18.61 | $22.10 |
| Montana | $21.36 | $21.36 | $25.30 |
| Nebraska | $21.54 | $21.54 | $25.51 |
| Nevada | $24.57 | $24.57 | $29.10 |
| New Hampshire | $26.40 | $26.40 | $31.26 |
| New Jersey | $24.46 | $24.46 | $29.01 |
| New Mexico | $23.26 | $23.26 | $27.50 |
| New York | $28.52 | $28.52 | $33.86 |
| North Carolina | $22.47 | $22.47 | $26.60 |
| North Dakota | $21.90 | $21.90 | $25.96 |
| Ohio | $23.25 | $23.25 | $27.52 |
| Oklahoma | $20.52 | $20.52 | $24.29 |
| Oregon | $26.23 | $26.23 | $31.09 |
| Pennsylvania | $25.36 | $25.36 | $30.00 |
| Rhode Island | $24.37 | $24.37 | $28.81 |
| South Carolina | $23.22 | $23.22 | $27.46 |
| South Dakota | $22.33 | $22.33 | $26.51 |
| Tennessee | $22.95 | $22.95 | $27.14 |
| Texas | $19.45 | $19.45 | $23.12 |
| Utah | $22.51 | $22.51 | $26.69 |
| Vermont | $21.37 | $21.37 | $25.24 |
| Virginia | $25.55 | $25.55 | $30.31 |
| Washington | $26.46 | $25.14 | $27.78 |
| West Virginia | $20.36 | $20.36 | $24.11 |
| Wisconsin | $24.36 | $24.36 | $28.85 |
| Wyoming | $18.22 | $18.22 | $21.60 |
Average Dog Insurance Costs by Breed and Age (Monthly Premiums)
Breed-specific predispositions to certain health conditions also play a role in determining pet insurance costs. Breeds with higher risks of hereditary illnesses often have higher premiums. Here’s a comparison of average dog insurance costs for various breeds across different ages:
| 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 find your dog’s breed? Explore our comprehensive dog insurance breed directory.
Average Cat Insurance Costs by Breed and Age (Monthly Premiums)
Similarly, certain cat breeds are prone to specific health issues, which can influence insurance premiums. Below are the average cat insurance costs for common breeds at different life stages:
| Cat Insurance Breeds | Average Premium for 6-month Kitten | Average Premium for 18-month Cat | Average Premium for 5.5-year Cat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian | $30.44 | $30.44 | $36.61 |
| American Shorthair | $26.00 | $26.00 | $29.37 |
| Bengal | $27.18 | $27.18 | $32.72 |
| Bombay | $24.96 | $24.96 | $27.25 |
| British Shorthair | $32.41 | $32.41 | $36.05 |
| Burmese | $30.96 | $30.96 | $34.32 |
| Devon Rex | $29.17 | $29.17 | $36.13 |
| Exotic Shorthair | $26.16 | $26.16 | $31.55 |
| Himalayan | $32.27 | $32.27 | $37.87 |
| Maine Coon | $31.05 | $31.05 | $37.36 |
| Munchkin | $30.53 | $30.53 | $36.57 |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | $29.95 | $29.95 | $36.70 |
| Oriental Shorthair | $32.85 | $32.85 | $36.49 |
| Persian | $32.09 | $32.09 | $35.51 |
| Ragdoll | $28.09 | $28.09 | $34.67 |
| Russian Blue | $28.53 | $28.53 | $31.68 |
| Savannah | $27.18 | $27.18 | $32.72 |
| Siamese | $27.79 | $27.79 | $30.73 |
| Siberian | $25.08 | $25.08 | $31.02 |
| Sphynx | $33.88 | $33.88 | $39.77 |
Looking for your cat’s breed? Visit our extensive cat insurance breed directory.
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Key Factors Influencing Pet Insurance Costs
Understanding what drives the average cost of pet insurance empowers you to make informed decisions. Several elements contribute to the premium calculation, and some are within your control.
Pet Insurance Price Determinants: Controllable vs. Uncontrollable
| Cost Factor | Control Level |
|---|---|
| Breed | Uncontrollable |
| Pet’s Age | Uncontrollable |
| Geographic Location (Zip Code) | Largely Uncontrollable |
| Partner Discounts (e.g., Employer) | Partially Controllable |
| Insurance Provider/Carrier | Controllable |
| Plan Type & Coverage Level | Controllable |
| Deductible Amount | Controllable |
| Reimbursement Percentage | Controllable |
| Annual Coverage Limit | Controllable |
| Billing Frequency (Monthly vs. Annual) | Controllable |
| Number of Pets Enrolled | Controllable |
Your pet’s breed, age, and location are inherent factors impacting the average cost of pet insurance. Generally, insuring dogs tends to be slightly more expensive than insuring cats. Older pets, with their increased likelihood of needing medical attention, typically attract higher premiums. Similarly, breeds predisposed to certain genetic conditions may also lead to increased costs.
Pro Tip: Leverage Pawlicy Advisor’s comparison tool to efficiently explore quotes from leading providers and find a plan that aligns with your budget and coverage needs.
Considering insuring multiple pets? Many providers offer multi-pet discounts, often around 10% for each additional pet, making it more affordable to protect all your furry family members. Furthermore, some insurers provide a small discount for opting for annual billing instead of monthly payments.
Understanding the Lifetime Price Score helps in making informed decisions about pet insurance costs.
Decoding Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
When evaluating pet insurance plans, pay close attention to the annual deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit. Your deductible is the upfront amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A lower deductible generally means less out-of-pocket expense when seeking veterinary care.
The reimbursement percentage determines the portion of covered veterinary costs that will be reimbursed to you. For instance, with a 90% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 vet bill, you can expect to receive $900 back from the insurance company (assuming your deductible has been met).
Lastly, the annual coverage limit represents the maximum amount your insurer will reimburse within a policy year. Some plans offer “Unlimited” annual coverage, providing peace of mind without reimbursement caps. Other plans may have annual limits ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.
These factors collectively influence both your monthly premium and your potential out-of-pocket costs. Choosing a plan with a lower reimbursement percentage, for example, might reduce your monthly premium, but it will also mean bearing a larger share of the veterinary expenses should your pet require treatment.
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Projecting Lifetime Pet Insurance Costs
Just like any insurance, pet insurance premiums are intrinsically linked to the perceived risk of needing to utilize the coverage. Breeds with a higher propensity for injuries or illnesses typically incur higher insurance costs compared to generally healthier breeds. Similarly, premiums tend to adjust upwards as your pet gets older, although the rate of increase can vary significantly between different insurance companies.
Some providers may maintain stable monthly premiums for a set period after enrollment, while others might not increase premiums due to age at all but may adjust them after claim submissions.
Crucially, the plan with the lowest upfront cost today might not be the most economical option over your pet’s lifetime.
To address this complexity, Pawlicy Advisor has developed a complimentary tool designed to compare pet insurance options and calculate long-term costs. This tool helps you visualize potential savings by choosing one plan over another in the long run.
This Lifetime Price Score, a unique feature of Pawlicy Advisor, is personalized to your pet and prominently displayed within your search results:
The Lifetime Price Score provides a comparative ranking of expected total costs throughout your pet’s life, factoring in potential premium increases as they age. A higher score signifies greater potential savings over the long term.
Smart Strategies to Reduce Insurance Costs and Secure Optimal Coverage
Navigating the pet insurance landscape and determining the best coverage for your pet can be overwhelming. Effectively comparing policies, evaluating providers, and securing the right coverage at the best price typically involves:
- Creating extensive spreadsheets.
- Filling out numerous forms on various provider websites.
- Meticulously recording quote details, coverage specifics, exclusions, and waiting periods.
- Scrutinizing policy fine print to identify breed-specific exclusions and limitations.
… Alternatively, you can simplify the process and save valuable time by utilizing Pawlicy Advisor.
By completing just one form, our tool analyzes hundreds of policy options from top-rated providers. You’ll receive a personalized recommendation tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and location, focusing on ideal coverage and lifetime cost-effectiveness.
Pawlicy Advisor provides personalized pet insurance recommendations to simplify your decision process.
Identifying the Most Affordable Rates
If your primary goal is to minimize immediate costs, you can easily sort policy options by price within Pawlicy Advisor to view the most budget-friendly plans available.
Sorting by price on Pawlicy Advisor helps you quickly find the lowest monthly premiums.
Furthermore, Pawlicy Advisor automatically applies any eligible discounts to your quotes, ensuring you get the best possible price.
Pawlicy Advisor empowers pet owners with a streamlined way to explore the diverse range of pet insurance plans available, facilitating informed decisions for their beloved companions.
Avoid spending countless hours navigating complex provider websites and marketing materials. Instead, leverage Pawlicy Advisor to make buying pet insurance 100x easier. It’s the most efficient path to finding the ideal policy that fits your budget and provides comprehensive protection for your pet.
