Considering pet insurance and wondering about the monthly costs? You’re not alone. For many pet owners, understanding the financial commitment is the first step in deciding if pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for their furry friends. 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 recommended by veterinarians, Pawlicy Advisor provides insights into real-world cost data from top insurance providers across the nation. We’ve compiled data to give you a clear picture of the average monthly pet insurance costs, broken down by breed, age, and state, helping you understand what you might expect to pay.
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 US is $49.51 for dogs and $28.48 for cats. These figures represent the average for Accident & Illness policies, the most comprehensive and commonly chosen type of pet insurance.
Just like human health insurance, pet insurance requires monthly premiums to keep your policy active and ensure your pet is protected. These premiums are a primary consideration for pet owners exploring coverage.
It’s important to know that there are generally two main types of pet insurance: Accident & Illness plans and Accident-Only plans. While Accident-Only plans are cheaper, they offer significantly less coverage. Therefore, the data presented below focuses on Accident & Illness premiums to provide the most relevant cost information.
Average Monthly Pet Insurance Premiums (US), Year-Over-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 |
Important Note: National averages provide a general benchmark, but individual pet insurance premiums can vary widely. Factors like breed, age, and location play a crucial role in determining your actual monthly cost. For a more precise understanding, it’s essential to consider these individual factors.
Average Pet Insurance Costs by State
Where you live has a notable impact on your pet insurance costs. Veterinary care costs, local risks, and other regional factors influence insurance premiums. Below is a table illustrating the average monthly pet insurance costs 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 Dog Insurance Costs by State and Age
Age is another significant factor influencing pet insurance premiums. As pets get older, they are statistically more likely to develop health issues, leading to higher insurance costs. The table below illustrates how average monthly dog insurance premiums 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
Similar to dogs, the age of your cat also affects monthly insurance premiums. As cats age, the likelihood of health issues increases, which typically translates to higher insurance costs. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly cat insurance costs by age and state.
| 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
Breed predisposition to certain health conditions is a key factor in pet insurance pricing. Some breeds are inherently more prone to specific illnesses, leading to higher insurance premiums. The following table showcases the average monthly dog insurance costs for various breeds at 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 |
If you don’t see your dog’s breed listed, you can explore our comprehensive dog insurance breed directory.
Average Cat Insurance Costs by Breed and Age
Breed also influences cat insurance costs, although generally to a lesser extent than with dogs. Certain cat breeds have a higher incidence of specific health issues, which can affect insurance premiums. Below are average monthly cat insurance premiums by breed and age.
| 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 isn’t in this list, you can find more information on our cat insurance breed directory.
Is It Worth The Cost?
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Factors That Affect the Price of Pet Insurance
Several elements determine the monthly cost of your pet insurance. While some factors are beyond your control, others can be adjusted to influence your 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 | You control |
As shown, your pet’s breed, age, and location are significant price determinants. Generally, insuring dogs is slightly more expensive than insuring cats. Older pets typically have higher premiums due to increased health risks. Certain breeds, known for being predisposed to specific conditions, may also have higher coverage costs.
Pro Tip: To find the most budget-friendly options, use Pawlicy Advisor to compare quotes from leading pet insurance providers in one place.
If you have multiple pets to insure, many providers offer multi-pet discounts, often around 10% for each additional pet. Furthermore, some insurers provide discounts for annual payments compared to monthly billing.
Reimbursements and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Understanding your plan’s deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual coverage limit is crucial. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in each year. A lower deductible generally means higher monthly premiums but less out-of-pocket expense when you need to use your insurance.
The reimbursement percentage is the portion of covered veterinary costs you’ll be reimbursed for. For instance, with a 90% reimbursement rate and a $1,000 vet bill, you’d receive $900 back 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, while others have limits ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 annually.
These factors directly impact both your monthly premium and your potential out-of-pocket expenses. Choosing a plan with a lower reimbursement percentage or a higher deductible can reduce your monthly insurance cost, but it will increase your financial responsibility at the vet.
Is It Worth The Cost?
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Expected Lifetime Costs
Like any insurance, pet insurance premiums are based on risk. Breeds with higher risks of injuries or illnesses tend to have higher premiums. Similarly, as your pet ages, premiums typically increase, though the rate of increase varies among insurance companies.
Some providers may delay premium increases for a set period after enrollment, while others might not increase premiums due to age but may adjust them after claims are filed.
It’s important to consider that the plan with the lowest monthly premium today might not be the most cost-effective in the long run.
To address this, Pawlicy Advisor developed a free tool to compare pet insurance options and project lifetime costs, helping you identify plans that offer long-term savings.
Understanding Lifetime Price Score for Pet Insurance
The Lifetime Price Score is a unique feature in Pawlicy Advisor’s search results. It estimates and ranks the total expected cost of a plan over your pet’s lifetime, accounting for potential premium increases as your pet ages.
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 Insurance Costs and Get The Right Coverage
Choosing the right pet insurance can be complex. Comparing policies, providers, coverage details, and prices manually can be overwhelming. To effectively compare pet insurance policies and find the best coverage at the best price without Pawlicy Advisor, you would typically need to:
- Create extensive spreadsheets
- Fill out numerous forms on each provider’s website
- Track quotes with detailed notes on coverage, exclusions, and waiting periods
- Scrutinize the fine print of each policy for breed-specific exclusions and limitations
… or, you can simplify the process significantly by using Pawlicy Advisor.
By completing just one form, Pawlicy Advisor analyzes hundreds of policies from top providers, delivering a personalized recommendation based on optimal coverage and lifetime cost considerations tailored to your pet’s specific breed, age, and location.
Example of a Pawlicy Advisor Recommended Pet Insurance Plan
Finding the Lowest Rates
If your primary goal is to minimize your monthly premium, Pawlicy Advisor allows you to easily sort plans by price, displaying all available options from lowest to highest cost.
Sorting Pet Insurance Plans by Lowest Monthly Payment on Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor also automatically applies any eligible discounts to your quotes.
Pawlicy Advisor User Review – Streamlined Pet Insurance Shopping
Pawlicy Advisor User Review – Personalized Recommendations and Savings
Pawlicy Advisor simplifies the complex pet insurance market, providing pet owners with a straightforward way to compare plans and make informed decisions for their pets and their budgets.
Avoid spending countless hours navigating individual provider websites. Use Pawlicy Advisor to make your pet insurance search 100x easier. It’s the most efficient way to find the right policy that fits your financial needs and your pet’s health requirements.
