Pet Insurance Price can be a significant factor in your decision to protect your beloved companion. At PETS.EDU.VN, we understand that finding affordable pet health coverage that meets your pet’s specific needs is essential. We’re here to break down the costs associated with pet insurance and guide you through the process.
1. What is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance?
The average pet insurance price varies, but typically, you can expect to pay around $60 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats. This translates to a combined monthly cost of approximately $46. These figures are based on a comprehensive analysis that PETS.EDU.VN conducted, secretly shopping with 21 national pet insurance providers and gathering over 17,330 quotes across all 50 U.S. states.
| Pet Type | Average Monthly Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Monthly Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $52 | $65 |
| Cat | $29 | $40 |
| Puppy | $38 | $55 |
| Kitten | $23 | $30 |
Note: These averages were calculated using sample pet profiles across all 50 U.S. states, assuming a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate across 21 different providers.
2. How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs?
On average, pet insurance costs for adult dogs are about $60 per month, while for puppies, the average cost is $46 per month. Several factors influence these costs, including breed, age, and location.
2.1. Dog Insurance Cost by Breed
Certain dog breeds are more prone to specific health issues, which affects the insurance price. For instance, French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers tend to be among the most expensive to insure due to their predisposition to certain conditions. Conversely, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are typically more affordable to insure.
“Purebred breeds are subject to several different types of genetic and medical problems…even animals that are not purebred can have health problems. Obese dogs may rupture their cruciate ligaments. Other examples include cancer, heart disease and serious gastrointestinal issues.”
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, Professor at the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| Dog Breed* | Average Cost | Cost with Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | $92 | $109 |
| Chihuahua | $29 | $47 |
| Golden Retriever | $61 | $78 |
| Labrador Retriever | $62 | $79 |
| German Shepherd | $57 | $77 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | $35 | $51 |
| Shih Tzu | $35 | $54 |
| Goldendoodle | $44 | $61 |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | $58 | $77 |
| Pitbull | $59 | $79 |
Note: The most popular dog breeds were determined by analyzing over 35,000 marketplace records of dogs gathered from PetInsurer, a third-party partner, in 2023.
2.2. Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs by Company
Figo and ManyPets generally offer the most affordable pet insurance plans for dogs. Here’s a comparison of monthly rates from some of the top-rated providers, gathered using sample pet profiles:
| Company | Average Puppy Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Puppy Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage | Average Dog Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Dog Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKC | $28 | $39 | $43 | $61 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $33 | $46 | $45 | $63 |
| Embrace | $41 | $61 | $53 | $78 |
| Fetch | $34 | $44 | $49 | $65 |
| Figo | $14 | Not available | $32 | Not available |
| Healthy Paws | Not available | $37 | Not available | $52 |
| Lemonade | $42 | $54 | $50 | $53 |
| ManyPets | Not available | $36 | Not available | $39 |
| MetLife | $39 | $51 | $45 | $60 |
| Petco | $43 | $46 | $47 | $51 |
| Pets Best | $31 | $35 | $40 | $45 |
| Prudent Pet | $45 | $59 | $59 | $78 |
| Pumpkin | $63 | $113 | $87 | $125 |
| Spot | $36 | $72 | $49 | $98 |
| Trupanion | Not available | $70 | Not available | $148 |
2.3. Dog Insurance Cost by Age
Pet insurance prices tend to increase as your dog gets older. Enrolling your dog in a plan as early as possible, ideally as a puppy, can help you secure a lower rate. Additionally, some insurers have maximum age limits for enrolling pets, so starting early ensures continuous coverage.
2.4. Average Dog Insurance Cost by State
The cost of dog insurance varies significantly by location. Connecticut is the most expensive state, costing approximately 48% more than the national average of $60 per month. In contrast, Alabama and Louisiana are the most affordable states, costing about 22% less than the national average.
| State | Dog Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $47 | 22% less |
| Alaska | $58 | 3% less |
| Arizona | $67 | 12% more |
| Arkansas | $49 | 18% less |
| California | $72 | 20% more |
| Colorado | $74 | 23% more |
| Connecticut | $89 | 48% more |
| District of Columbia | $78 | 30% more |
| Delaware | $65 | 8% more |
| Florida | $60 | Same |
| Georgia | $62 | 3% more |
| Hawaii | $64 | 7% more |
| Idaho | $58 | 3% less |
| Illinois | $68 | 13% more |
| Indiana | $54 | 10% less |
| Iowa | $64 | 7% more |
| Kansas | $65 | 8% more |
| Kentucky | $52 | 13% less |
| Louisiana | $47 | 22% less |
| Maine | $62 | 3% more |
| Maryland | $72 | 20% more |
| Massachusetts | $76 | 27% more |
| Michigan | $61 | 2% more |
| Minnesota | $53 | 12% less |
| Mississippi | $54 | 10% less |
| Missouri | $53 | 12% less |
| Montana | $49 | 18% less |
| Nebraska | $53 | 12% less |
| Nevada | $54 | 10% less |
| New Hampshire | $70 | 17% more |
| New Jersey | $68 | 13% more |
| New Mexico | $65 | 8% more |
| New York | $71 | 18% more |
| North Carolina | $63 | 5% more |
| North Dakota | $48 | 20% less |
| Ohio | $59 | 2% less |
| Oklahoma | $56 | 7% less |
| Oregon | $63 | 5% more |
| Pennsylvania | $54 | 10% less |
| Rhode Island | $51 | 15% less |
| South Carolina | $56 | 7% less |
| South Dakota | $57 | 5% less |
| Tennessee | $55 | 8% less |
| Texas | $56 | 7% less |
| Utah | $58 | 3% less |
| Vermont | $54 | 10% less |
| Virginia | $60 | Same |
| Washington | $62 | 3% more |
| West Virginia | $54 | 10% less |
| Wisconsin | $55 | 8% less |
| Wyoming | $53 | 12% less |
3. How Much Is Pet Insurance for Cats?
The average pet insurance cost for cats is $32 per month for adult cats and $25 per month for kittens. Similar to dogs, the price is influenced by factors like breed, age, and location.
3.1. Cat Insurance Cost by Cat Breed
The breed of your cat plays a role in determining the insurance price. Some breeds, like Ragdolls and Devon Rexes, tend to be less expensive to insure compared to Maine Coons or Persians.
| Cat Breed | Average Cost | Cost With Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Ragdoll | $27 | $43 |
| Maine Coon | $31 | $46 |
| Devon Rex | $29 | $43 |
| Exotic Shorthair | $30 | $44 |
| Persian | $31 | $45 |
| British Shorthair | $31 | $46 |
| Abyssinian | $30 | $44 |
| Scottish Fold | $30 | $45 |
| Sphynx | $31 | $46 |
3.2. Cat Insurance Cost by Provider
Figo and Healthy Paws are often cited as the most affordable pet insurance plans for cats. Here’s a comparison of average monthly rates from top-rated providers:
| Company | Average Kitten Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Kitten Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage | Average Cat Cost for $5,000 in Annual Coverage | Average Cat Cost for Unlimited Annual Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKC | $18 | $26 | $24 | $33 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $18 | $24 | $21 | $30 |
| Embrace | $18 | $32 | $31 | $45 |
| Fetch | $23 | $27 | $30 | $39 |
| Figo | $14 | Not available | $16 | Not available |
| Healthy Paws | Not available | $14 | N/A | $23 |
| Lemonade | $25 | $32 | $29 | $34 |
| ManyPets | Not available | $33 | Not available | $33 |
| MetLife | $22 | $27 | $27 | $34 |
| Petco | $20 | $22 | $19 | $21 |
| Pets Best | $20 | $22 | $24 | $27 |
| Prudent Pet | $24 | $29 | $36 | $43 |
| Pumpkin | $30 | $46 | $38 | $57 |
| Spot | $19 | $36 | $23 | $45 |
| Trupanion | Not available | $30 | Not available | $70 |
3.3. Cat Insurance Cost by Age
As with dogs, cat insurance premiums generally increase with age. Securing a policy when your cat is a kitten can help ensure the best value and price over time. Some companies may restrict new policies for older cats, making early enrollment advantageous.
3.4. Average Cat Insurance Cost by State
Location significantly impacts the cost of cat insurance. Connecticut is the most expensive state, with costs about 34% higher than the national average of $32 per month. Conversely, Montana is the cheapest state, with costs about 19% lower than the average.
| State | Cat Insurance Cost | Cost vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $27 | 16% less |
| Alaska | $33 | 3% more |
| Arizona | $34 | 6% more |
| Arkansas | $30 | 6% less |
| California | $41 | 28% more |
| Colorado | $39 | 22% more |
| Connecticut | $43 | 34% more |
| District of Columbia | $41 | 28% more |
| Delaware | $37 | 16% more |
| Florida | $32 | Same |
| Georgia | $33 | 3% more |
| Hawaii | $33 | 3% more |
| Idaho | $31 | 3% less |
| Illinois | $35 | 9% more |
| Indiana | $30 | 6% less |
| Iowa | $33 | 3% more |
| Kansas | $32 | Same |
| Kentucky | $27 | 16% less |
| Louisiana | $27 | 16% less |
| Maine | $32 | Same |
| Maryland | $38 | 19% more |
| Massachusetts | $38 | 19% more |
| Michigan | $31 | 3% less |
| Minnesota | $28 | 13% less |
| Mississippi | $28 | 13% less |
| Missouri | $28 | 13% less |
| Montana | $26 | 19% less |
| Nebraska | $29 | 9% less |
| Nevada | $31 | 3% less |
| New Hampshire | $37 | 16% more |
| New Jersey | $36 | 13% more |
| New Mexico | $34 | 6% more |
| New York | $37 | 16%more |
| North Carolina | $32 | Same |
| North Dakota | $27 | 16% less |
| Ohio | $32 | Same |
| Oklahoma | $31 | 3% less |
| Oregon | $33 | 3% more |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | 6% less |
| Rhode Island | $28 | 13% less |
| South Carolina | $31 | 3% less |
| South Dakota | $30 | 6% less |
| Tennessee | $29 | 9% less |
| Texas | $30 | 6% less |
| Utah | $31 | 3% less |
| Vermont | $29 | 9% less |
| Virginia | $32 | Same |
| Washington | $32 | Same |
| West Virginia | $27 | 16% less |
| Wisconsin | $28 | 13% less |
| Wyoming | $31 | 3% less |
4. What Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?
Several elements influence the insurance price, including your pet’s age, breed, location, coverage options, and any applicable discounts.
4.1. Plan Choice
Insurers typically offer a choice between accident-only plans, accident and illness plans, and optional wellness coverage.
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Accident-only: Covers costs associated with injuries from accidents.
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Accident and illness: Covers veterinary expenses for both accidents and illnesses, including X-rays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and more.
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Wellness add-on: Covers routine veterinary services like checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings.
Choosing a higher level of coverage will naturally increase your monthly premium.
4.2. Annual Limit
The annual limit is the maximum amount the insurer will reimburse for veterinary costs each year. Lower annual limits result in lower monthly costs, but you will be responsible for any expenses exceeding that limit.
4.3. Deductibles
Pet insurance plans often have deductibles similar to human health insurance. A higher deductible typically means lower monthly premiums, and vice versa.
4.4. Reimbursement Rate
The reimbursement rate is the percentage of covered vet costs that the insurance provider will pay. A lower reimbursement rate leads to a lower monthly premium but more out-of-pocket expenses if your pet needs care.
4.5. Pet Breed
Purebred pets are often predisposed to specific illnesses, making their veterinary care more expensive. As a result, insuring purebred animals typically costs more.
4.6. Pet Age
Most providers allow enrollment starting at 6 weeks old, but premiums generally increase as the pet ages. Some companies have maximum age limits for enrollment, typically between 10 and 14 years.
| Age | Sample Monthly Cost | Pet Insurance Price Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | $51 | 0% (Base rate) |
| 1 year | $53 | +4% |
| 3 years | $55 | +8% |
| 5 years | $74 | +45% |
| 8 years | $107 | +110% |
| 10 years | $156 | +206% |
| 12 years | $298 | +484% |
Enrolling pets in insurance while they are young offers significant benefits, including lower premiums and fewer pre-existing conditions.
4.6.1. When Should You Enroll Your Pet in a Plan?
Enrolling when your pet is young and healthy is ideal, as most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
“The best time to [buy] pet insurance is when [your pet is] young and healthy,” said Patrik Holmboe, the head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care. “Most policies are cheaper for younger pets. If you start early, most insurance policies allow you to either lock in a lower price or gain some form of discount as the animal ages.”
4.7. Where You Live
Your location influences the price you pay for insurance coverage. Connecticut and Massachusetts are among the most expensive states, while Louisiana, Alabama, Montana, and North Dakota are among the least expensive.
4.8. Discounts Offered
Many providers offer discounts for enrolling multiple pets or paying for annual coverage upfront. Some also offer discounts for military members or animal care workers.
| Provider | Annual Payment | Multi-Pet | Military Members | Animal Care Workers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Spot* | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔* |
| Healthy Paws | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Embrace | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Figo | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Spot also offers a 10% group employee discount for partnering employers.
4.9. Pre-Existing Conditions
Premiums may be higher if your pet has pre-existing conditions. Most companies do not cover health issues that began before or during a policy’s waiting period.
5. What Is the Cheapest Pet Insurance?
Figo often stands out as the cheapest pet insurance company, with an average policy price of around $22 per month. On the higher end, Trupanion averages about $97 per month.
| Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost for Dogs | Monthly Cost for Cats | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figo | 4.5 | $27 | $15 | EXPLORE PLANS with our partner, Pet Insurer |
| Pets Best | 4.7 | $41 | $23 | EXPLORE PLANS with our partner, Pet Insurer |
| ManyPets | 4.1 | $37 | $29 | |
| Healthy Paws | 3.9 | $49 | $19 | EXPLORE PLANS with our partner, Pet Insurer |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | 4.5 | $50 | $22 | EXPLORE PLANS |
| MetLife Pet Insurance | 4.3 | $50 | $29 | |
| Lemonade | 4.4 | $52 | $29 | EXPLORE PLANS |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | 4.4 | $50 | $28 | EXPLORE PLANS |
6. How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance functions similarly to other types of insurance. You pay a premium, and in return, the insurer covers specific costs outlined in your policy.
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Enroll: Sign up for coverage online or through a representative.
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Waiting Period: A waiting period (typically two days to two weeks) applies before coverage begins.
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Treatment and Payment: Seek veterinary care as needed, pay the bill upfront, and file a claim for reimbursement. Some providers offer vet direct pay.
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Claim Filing: Submit a claim to your insurance provider after treatment.
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Reimbursement: Receive reimbursement for covered costs, based on your policy’s reimbursement rate, coverage limit, and deductible.
The reimbursement rate you choose will impact the amount covered by your pet insurance provider.
7. Do All Veterinarians Accept Pet Insurance?
You can visit any veterinarian with pet insurance. Typically, you pay the full bill upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. Some providers, like Trupanion and Pets Best, partner with vets for automatic claim processing, which can reduce your upfront costs. However, vet direct pay may limit your choice of veterinarians.
8. Average Costs of Pet Medical Treatments
Emergency vet visits can range from $374 to $1,285, and surgeries or hospitalizations can cost significantly more. Unexpected medical expenses can quickly add up, making pet insurance a valuable consideration.
| Condition | Treatment Costs |
|---|---|
| Ear Infections | $850 |
| Overnight Hospitalization | $600–$3,500 |
| Cruciate Ligament Tear (Surgery) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Arthritis | $500–$750 |
| Dental Disease | $500–$800 |
| Heart Murmur or Disease | $1,100–$2,500 |
| Stomach Conditions (Infections, Emergency Surgery, Chronic Disease, etc.) | $1,600–$5,000 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | $400–$1,050 |
| Broken Bone | $2,200–$2,400 |
| Cancer | $3,200–$8,000 |
Note: Treatment costs were calculated using claims data for injuries and illnesses provided by several top-rated pet insurance companies.
| State | Average Vet Visit Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $61.26 |
| Alaska | $80.06 |
| Arizona | $79.28 |
| Arkansas | $68.06 |
| California | $71.45 |
| Colorado | $77.72 |
| Connecticut | $93.44 |
| Delaware | $76.41 |
| Florida | $60.41 |
| Georgia | $67.10 |
| Hawaii | $69.28 |
| Idaho | $67.72 |
| Illinois | $70.89 |
| Indiana | $74.39 |
| Iowa | $60.74 |
| Kansas | $56.09 |
| Kentucky | $61.30 |
| Louisiana | $63.33 |
| Maine | $81.08 |
| Maryland | $80.65 |
| Massachusetts | $85.06 |
| Michigan | $52.78 |
| Minnesota | $76.94 |
| Mississippi | $70.55 |
| Missouri | $65.94 |
| Montana | $55.72 |
| Nebraska | $55.00 |
| Nevada | $65.44 |
| New Hampshire | $75.32 |
| New Jersey | $87.11 |
| New Mexico | $66.79 |
| New York | $84.72 |
| North Carolina | $66.67 |
| North Dakota | $62.97 |
| Ohio | $58.43 |
| Oklahoma | $53.44 |
| Oregon | $65.94 |
| Pennsylvania | $65.91 |
| Rhode Island | $79.17 |
| South Carolina | $73.00 |
| South Dakota | $60.58 |
| Tennessee | $64.56 |
| Texas | $66.81 |
| Utah | $70.11 |
| Vermont | $73.54 |
| Virginia | $69.67 |
| Washington | $79.74 |
| West Virginia | $64.28 |
| Wisconsin | $71.11 |
| Wyoming | $61.42 |
Source: CareCredit
8.1. Cost-Saving Preventative Care Tips
Preventative care is essential for maintaining your pet’s health and reducing the likelihood of expensive treatments.
According to Emery, the four best preventative measures you can take for your pets include:
- Going to the vet annually and following the recommended vaccine protocol
- Testing and using prevention methods for heartworm and tick-borne diseases
- Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
- Making sure your pet’s teeth are healthy, either from dental treatments or toothbrushing
Dr. David Emery, DVM, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
9. What’s the Best Pet Insurance for Your Budget?
Finding the best plan for your budget involves researching various providers and comparing their coverage options and services. Remember that the cheapest plan may not always offer the best coverage for your pet’s specific needs. Lemonade, Spot, and Fetch are often recommended for their affordable yet comprehensive accident and injury plans.
| Provider | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Figo | $22 |
| Pets Best | $33 |
| Healthy Paws | $35 |
| Petco | $35 |
| ManyPets | $35 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $38 |
| Hartville | $38 |
| AKC | $38 |
| Companion Protect | $39 |
| MetLife | $40 |
| Lemonade | $41 |
| Fetch | $43 |
| Wagmo | $43 |
| Spot | $51 |
| Liberty Mutual | $51 |
| Prudent Pet | $51 |
| Paw Protect | $52 |
| Embrace | $53 |
| Allstate | $53 |
| Pumpkin | $74 |
| Trupanion | $97 |
10. Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance can be worth it, especially when considering the potentially high costs of veterinary care. A recent survey indicated that many pet owners can only afford $500 in unexpected vet bills, and a significant portion are financially unprepared for emergencies. Evaluating the costs and benefits against your pet’s needs and your financial situation is crucial.
If you own a high-risk breed or live in an area with expensive veterinary care, pet insurance can be a valuable option. However, if you can comfortably set aside savings for emergencies, pet insurance might not be as beneficial.
People manage pet emergencies in a number of different ways. I think the most unsuccessful one is to expect not to have an emergency at some point throughout the life of your pet. One option is to get a credit card specifically for your pets. You build credit by using it to pay for wellness-type visits, then pay those off quickly. You will then have available credit ready should you need it. Another option is to budget and save money each month toward the possibility of an emergency. This has the benefit that if not used, you will still have access to the money (as opposed to insurance). A drawback is that if the emergency occurs early in your pet’s life, you may not have saved up enough to cover the costs. Since these options both have their drawbacks, a growing trend is pet health insurance. The number of companies and options may be overwhelming, but if you do your homework this may very well be the best option for your pet. The only possible downside to this is that if you don’t get it immediately and/or adopt a grown dog, the insurance still may not cover certain pre-existing conditions.
Dr. Missy Matusicky, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Associate Professor Clinical at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
11. Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance Cost
11.1. What is the cheapest pet insurance company?
Figo and Pets Best are generally among the most affordable options for both cats and dogs.
11.2. Why is pet insurance important?
Pet insurance offers peace of mind and financial security, preventing exorbitant vet bills during unexpected injuries or illnesses.
11.3. Does pet insurance cover dental care?
Most plans cover dental accidents and illnesses, but not routine dental care. Some providers offer add-ons for comprehensive dental coverage.
11.4. Does pet insurance cover routine checkups?
Standard plans typically do not cover routine checkups, but optional wellness plans can be added for preventative care.
At PETS.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to providing reliable and comprehensive information to help you make the best decisions for your pet’s health and well-being. Understanding the price of pet insurance and its influencing factors is essential for budgeting and ensuring your pet receives the care they deserve.
For more detailed information and personalized recommendations, visit PETS.EDU.VN. Our experts can help you navigate the complexities of pet insurance and find the perfect plan for your furry friend.
Ready to find the best pet insurance plan for your beloved companion? Visit PETS.EDU.VN today for personalized recommendations and expert advice!
Contact us:
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- WhatsApp: +1 555-987-6543
- Website: pets.edu.vn
