Considering full coverage pet insurance to protect your furry friend? Understanding the costs is a crucial step for any pet owner. The monthly cost of pet insurance, often called the premium, can vary significantly based on factors like your pet’s breed, age, and where you live. For many, the price is a primary concern when deciding if the benefits of pet insurance are worth the investment.
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As a leading pet insurance comparison site recommended by veterinarians, Pawlicy Advisor provides access to real-time cost data from top insurance providers. We analyze thousands of quotes from pets across the US to bring you the most accurate information.
We’ve compiled a public dataset to show you the average cost of full coverage pet insurance based on breed, age, and state. This guide will break down these costs to help you understand what to expect and how to find the best plan for your pet.
Understanding the Average Cost of Full Coverage Pet Insurance in the US
The average monthly premium for full coverage pet insurance is approximately $49.51 for dogs and $28.48 for cats. This data comes from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), in their latest industry report.
Like human health insurance, pet insurance requires you to pay monthly premiums to maintain an active policy. These premiums are the first thing most pet owners consider when exploring coverage options. Full coverage typically refers to an Accident & Illness plan, which is the most common type of pet insurance. These plans provide the most comprehensive protection, covering unexpected accidents and illnesses that your pet might face. While cheaper Accident Only plans are available, they offer significantly less coverage and are not considered full coverage.
Trends in Average Monthly Full Coverage Pet Insurance Premiums (US)
| 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 are national averages. The actual cost of full coverage pet insurance for your pet can vary widely based on individual characteristics. To get a truly informative picture, we need to look at how premiums change depending on breed, age, and location.
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State-by-State Breakdown of Full Coverage Pet Insurance Costs
Location plays a significant role in determining pet insurance premiums. Veterinary costs can vary across different states, which in turn affects insurance prices. Below are the average monthly premiums for full coverage pet insurance for cats and dogs in each state.
| 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 |
How Age Impacts Full Coverage Pet Insurance Premiums
The age of your pet is another significant factor influencing the cost of full coverage pet insurance. Just like with human health insurance, older pets typically have higher premiums because they are more prone to health issues and require more frequent veterinary care. Here’s how average monthly premiums for full coverage dog insurance 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 |
Similarly, cat insurance premiums for full coverage also increase as they 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 |
Breed-Specific Costs for Full Coverage Dog Insurance
Certain dog breeds are predisposed to specific health conditions, which can influence full coverage pet insurance costs. Breeds with higher risks of hereditary illnesses or injuries may have higher premiums. Here are average monthly costs for full coverage dog insurance for various breeds and 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 |
If you don’t see your dog’s breed listed, you can find more information on the dog insurance directory page.
Breed-Specific Costs for Full Coverage Cat Insurance
Similar to dogs, certain cat breeds have predispositions to health issues that can influence the price of full coverage pet insurance. Here are the average monthly premiums for various cat breeds at different ages.
| 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 your cat’s breed is not on this list, you can find it on our cat insurance directory page.
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Key Factors That Influence Full Coverage Pet Insurance Costs
The price of a full coverage pet insurance plan isn’t fixed. It’s determined by several factors, some of which you can control to adjust the overall cost.
Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Premiums
| Factor | Impact on Premium Cost | Control Level |
|---|---|---|
| Breed | Significant | Low |
| Age of pet | Significant | Low |
| Zip code (Location) | Moderate | Low |
| Provider/Carrier | Moderate to Significant | High |
| Plan/Coverage Type | Moderate to Significant | High |
| Deductible | Moderate | High |
| Reimbursement Percentage | Moderate | High |
| Annual Coverage Limit | Moderate | High |
| Billing Schedule (Monthly vs Annual) | Low | High |
| Multi-Pet Discount | Low | High |
Your pet’s breed, age, and location are inherent factors that influence the base cost. Dogs generally cost slightly more to insure than cats, and older pets have higher premiums due to increased health risks. Certain breeds are also known to be more susceptible to specific conditions, leading to higher insurance costs for those breeds.
Pro Tip: Pawlicy Advisor allows you to compare quotes from top pet insurance providers to find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.
If you have multiple pets to insure, many providers offer a multi-pet discount, typically around 10% for each additional pet. Additionally, some insurers provide a small discount for choosing an annual billing schedule over monthly payments.
Understanding Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
When evaluating full coverage pet insurance, it’s essential to understand how reimbursements, deductibles, and coverage limits work. These elements directly impact both your monthly premiums and your out-of-pocket expenses when your pet needs veterinary care.
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance plan starts covering eligible expenses. A lower deductible generally means higher monthly premiums, but less out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim. Conversely, a higher deductible will lower your monthly premiums but increase your initial expenses at the vet.
The reimbursement percentage determines how much of your covered veterinary expenses the insurance company will pay back after you’ve met your deductible. Common reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, or 90%. A higher reimbursement percentage means you’ll get more money back on claims but will also result in a higher monthly premium. For example, with a 90% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 vet bill (after meeting your deductible), you would be reimbursed $900.
Finally, the annual coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance provider will reimburse within a policy year. Some full coverage plans offer “Unlimited” annual coverage, providing peace of mind that there’s no cap on reimbursements. Other plans may have annual limits ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Choosing a plan with a lower annual limit can reduce your monthly premiums, but it also means you could face higher out-of-pocket costs if your pet has a major medical event.
Carefully considering your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit allows you to balance your monthly insurance costs with potential out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring you have the right full coverage plan for your financial situation and your pet’s needs.
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Considering Lifetime Costs of Full Coverage Pet Insurance
Like any insurance, full coverage pet insurance premiums are based on risk. Breeds with higher predispositions to injuries or illnesses and older pets are considered higher risk, leading to increased premiums. The rate at which premiums increase as your pet ages can vary significantly between insurance companies.
Some providers may delay premium increases until a certain number of years after enrollment, while others might not increase premiums due to age but may adjust them after each claim. It’s crucial to realize that the plan with the lowest premium today might not be the most cost-effective option over your pet’s lifetime.
To address this, Pawlicy Advisor developed a free tool to help you compare pet insurance options and analyze lifetime costs. This tool helps you see how choosing one plan over another can impact your total insurance expenses over your pet’s life.
This Lifetime Price Score, a unique feature of Pawlicy Advisor, is displayed within your personalized search results when you use Pawlicy Advisor to shop for pet insurance. It provides a ranking of expected total costs across your pet’s lifetime, factoring in potential premium increases due to aging.
A higher Lifetime Price Score indicates better long-term value, meaning you’re likely to save more money over your pet’s life with that plan. This helps you look beyond just the initial monthly premium and make a more informed decision about full coverage pet insurance.
How to Save on Full Coverage Insurance and Get the Right Plan
Finding the best full coverage pet insurance plan for your pet’s specific needs and your budget can be challenging. Comparing policies from different providers, evaluating coverage details, and understanding exclusions requires significant time and effort. To effectively compare policies, assess providers, and find the right full coverage at the best price manually, you would need to:
- Create extensive spreadsheets to track plan details.
- Fill out numerous forms on each insurance provider’s website.
- Record quotes, coverage details, exclusions, and waiting periods for each option.
- Carefully review the fine print of each policy to identify breed-specific exclusions and limitations.
This process can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Fortunately, Pawlicy Advisor simplifies this process, saving you considerable effort and stress.
Instead of manual comparisons, you simply fill out one form on Pawlicy Advisor. Our tool then analyzes hundreds of full coverage pet insurance policies from top providers. You receive a personalized recommendation based on your pet’s breed, age, location, ideal coverage needs, and lifetime cost considerations.
Finding the Most Affordable Full Coverage Rates
If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible cost for full coverage pet insurance, Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to sort and compare plans by price. You can quickly see all available options lined up from the least expensive to most expensive, helping you identify the most budget-friendly plans.
Furthermore, Pawlicy Advisor automatically applies any eligible discounts to your quotes, ensuring you get the best possible rates.
Pawlicy Advisor empowers pet owners with a simplified way to navigate the complex world of pet insurance. It provides transparency and ease of comparison, enabling you to make informed decisions for your pet’s health and your financial well-being. Instead of spending countless hours researching and comparing plans manually, use Pawlicy Advisor to make buying full coverage pet insurance 100x easier. It’s the smart approach to finding the ideal full coverage policy that fits both your needs and your budget.
