Considering pet insurance and wondering about the expenses? Understanding the Average Pet Insurance Cost is a crucial first step for pet owners. The monthly premium is often the primary concern when deciding if pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for your furry friend. It’s important to know that the cost of pet insurance can fluctuate significantly based on factors like your pet’s breed, age, and where you live.
Recognized by veterinarians as a leading pet insurance comparison platform, Pawlicy Advisor provides access to extensive real-world cost data from top insurance providers. We analyze thousands of quotes from pets across the United States to bring you clear insights into pet insurance expenses.
To help you navigate these costs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive dataset revealing how the average cost of pet insurance varies across different breeds, ages, and states.
Understanding Average Pet Insurance Premiums
National Average Pet Insurance Costs
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average monthly pet insurance premium in the US is $49.51 for dogs and $28.48 for cats. This data reflects accident and illness policies, the most common type of pet insurance, for the year 2020.
Just like human health insurance, pet insurance operates on a monthly premium basis to maintain an active policy. For many pet owners in the US, these premiums are the initial point of focus when evaluating different plans.
When it comes to coverage, there are primarily two types: Accident & Illness and Accident-Only. While Accident-Only plans are more budget-friendly, they offer significantly less comprehensive coverage compared to Accident & Illness plans, which most pet owners opt for. Therefore, the cost data presented here focuses on Accident & Illness premiums.
| 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 |
It’s important to remember that these national averages serve as a general benchmark. Individual premiums can vary widely based on your pet’s specific characteristics. For a more insightful understanding, let’s delve into the average costs broken down by state, age, and breed.
Average Costs by State
Location plays a significant role in determining pet insurance premiums. Veterinary costs, and consequently insurance premiums, can differ considerably depending on your state. Here’s a look at the average monthly premiums for cats and dogs across different states:
| 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 Costs by Pet Age
Age is another significant determinant of pet insurance costs. Older pets are generally more susceptible to health issues, leading to higher premiums. Here’s how average dog and cat insurance costs vary 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 |
| 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 Costs by Breed
Breed predisposition to certain health conditions also influences insurance premiums. Breeds known for specific health issues may have higher average insurance costs. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly premiums for some popular dog and cat breeds:
| 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 |
| 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 |
If you can’t find your specific breed listed, you can explore our extensive dog insurance and cat insurance directories for more detailed information.
Factors Influencing Pet Insurance Costs
The average pet insurance cost is not a fixed figure. Several factors contribute to the calculation of your premium. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not.
Key Factors Affecting Your Pet Insurance Premium
| 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 |
Your pet’s breed, age, and location are inherent factors that influence the cost. Generally, insuring dogs tends to be slightly more expensive than insuring cats. As pets age, the likelihood of needing veterinary care increases, leading to higher premiums for older animals. Certain breeds are also predisposed to specific health conditions, which can also impact insurance costs.
Pro Tip: Pawlicy Advisor simplifies the process of finding pet insurance that aligns with your budget. Compare quotes from leading providers all in one convenient place.
For households with multiple pets, many insurers offer a multi-pet discount, typically around 10% for each additional pet. Furthermore, some providers may offer a slight discount for choosing an annual billing schedule over monthly payments.
Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Beyond the monthly premium, understanding your plan’s deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit is crucial. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket annually before your insurance coverage kicks in. A lower deductible means less out-of-pocket expense for you when seeking veterinary care.
The reimbursement percentage determines the portion of covered veterinary expenses that will be reimbursed to you. For instance, with a 90% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 vet bill, you would receive $900 back from the insurer after meeting your deductible.
Lastly, the annual coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurer will reimburse within a year. Some plans offer “Unlimited” annual coverage, providing peace of mind without reimbursement caps. Other plans may have limits ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 annually.
These factors directly influence both your monthly premiums and your potential out-of-pocket expenses. Choosing a plan with a lower reimbursement percentage, for example, might reduce your monthly cost but increase your share of vet bills if your pet requires treatment.
The Long-Term View: Lifetime Cost of Pet Insurance
Like all insurance types, pet insurance premiums are risk-based. Breeds with a higher propensity for injuries or illnesses typically have higher premiums. Similarly, as your pet ages, premiums tend to increase, though the rate of increase can vary significantly among insurance companies.
Some providers may defer premium increases due to age for a certain period after enrollment. Others may not increase premiums based on age at all, but might adjust them after each claim is filed.
It’s important to realize that the plan with the lowest average pet insurance cost today might not be the most cost-effective option over your pet’s lifetime.
To address this, Pawlicy Advisor has developed a free tool to compare pet insurance options and project lifetime costs, helping you identify plans that offer long-term savings.
Our Lifetime Price Score is personalized to your pet and is displayed in your Pawlicy Advisor search results. This score estimates the total expected cost of insurance over your pet’s lifetime, factoring in potential premium increases as they age.
A higher Lifetime Price Score indicates better long-term value, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over your pet’s life.
How to Save on Pet Insurance and Find the Best Plan
Navigating the complexities of pet insurance to find the right coverage can be challenging. To effectively compare policies, evaluate providers, and secure the best coverage at the optimal price on your own, you would typically need to:
- Create detailed spreadsheets
- Complete numerous forms on various provider websites
- Meticulously record quote options, coverage details, exclusions, and waiting periods
- Scrutinize the fine print of each policy for breed-specific exclusions
…Alternatively, you can leverage Pawlicy Advisor to simplify this process and save valuable time.
By completing just one form, our tool analyzes hundreds of policies from top providers. You’ll receive personalized recommendations based on ideal coverage and lifetime costs tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and location.
Finding the Lowest Rates
If your primary goal is to minimize the initial average pet insurance cost, you can easily sort options by price within Pawlicy Advisor to view all available plans ranked by premium.
Pawlicy Advisor automatically applies any eligible discounts to your quotes, ensuring you see the most affordable prices.
Pawlicy Advisor empowers pet owners to easily compare a wide range of pet insurance plans, enabling them to make informed decisions for their beloved companions. Avoid spending countless hours navigating individual provider websites. Use Pawlicy Advisor to make buying pet insurance 100x easier and discover the best policy for your pet and your budget.
