How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? Monthly and Annual Prices
U.S. accident and illness coverage averages about $70 per month for dogs and $36 for cats. Accident-only averages are about $16 and $9. These are 2025 industry benchmarks published in 2026; compare the yearly costs and what you would pay toward a claim below.
Reviewed October 4, 2026. Compare the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and pet profile. A national average is not a personal quote.
Dog insurance price
$70/mo
Rounded 2025 U.S. accident and illness average.
Cat insurance cost
$36/mo
Rounded 2025 U.S. accident and illness average.
Accident-only cost
$16 / $9
Dog / cat monthly averages; illness coverage excluded.
Average Pet Insurance Cost Per Month and Year
These 2025 U.S. averages come from NAPHIA's 2026 industry report, as reproduced in NerdWallet's cost guide. Amounts are in U.S. dollars. Monthly prices are rounded, so multiplying them by 12 may differ slightly from the annual figures.
| Coverage | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Dog accident and illness | About $70 | About $836 |
| Cat accident and illness | About $36 | About $435 |
| Dog accident-only | About $16 | About $190 |
| Cat accident-only | About $9 | About $112 |
If you are pricing one pet, use the dog-specific dog insurance price guide and cat insurance cost guide. If you only want backup for injuries and accidental ingestion, compare accident-only pet insurance. If you want protection from illness and emergency care, compare accident and illness quotes against possible emergency vet costs.
Pet Insurance Cost Calculator
Pet Insurance Cost Calculator
Illustrative budget range based on rounded U.S. industry averages. Age, risk, location, and coverage adjustments are planning assumptions, not provider pricing data. Confirm the premium with an insurer.
midpoint around $70 per month
Annual range
$660-$1,140
Sample bill
$3,000
On a $3,000 eligible emergency bill, this setup could reimburse about $2,000, leaving about $1,000 before non-covered items.
This is an educational estimate, not a quote or coverage promise. Always compare provider quotes with the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, waiting periods, and exclusions.
Premium vs. Deductible: A $3,000 Claim Example
Paying a premium does not remove your share of a vet bill. Suppose a policy subtracts an unused $500 annual deductible before applying 80% reimbursement to a $3,000 eligible bill, with at least $2,000 of payout limit remaining:
- After deductible: $3,000 - $500 = $2,500.
- Insurer payment: $2,500 x 80% = $2,000.
- Your treatment share: $1,000, plus excluded charges and the premiums you paid.
This is illustrative; policies can use a different calculation order or deductible type. You may need to pay the clinic first and wait for reimbursement. Compare that cash requirement with emergency vet costs, and read the waiting period guide before relying on a new policy.
Compare Your Yearly Budget, Not Just the Monthly Premium
Illustrative comparison, not provider quotes: these two hypothetical plans show why the cheapest monthly price is not always the lowest total cost. Both cover the same $3,000 eligible bill, subtract an unused annual deductible before reimbursement, and have enough payout limit remaining. Assume no excluded charges or other claims.
| Example settings | Premiums for 12 months | Your share of $3,000 bill | Premiums + treatment share |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: $30/month, $1,000 deductible, 70% reimbursement | $360 | $1,600 | $1,960 |
| B: $50/month, $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement | $600 | $800 | $1,400 |
For A, reimbursement is ($3,000 - $1,000) x 70% = $1,400. For B, it is ($3,000 - $250) x 80% = $2,200. Subtract those payouts from the bill, then add the annual premiums. In a year with no claims, A costs $360 and B $600 in premiums; routine or excluded care remains extra in either case.
This example does not predict claims or identify the best policy. Use your real quotes, policy calculation order, covered charges, and limits. If the insurer reimburses later, you may need the full clinic payment available before receiving any payout.
What the Average Premium Really Means
The average premium is a starting point, not a promise. A young mixed-breed cat in a lower-cost area can price far below average, while an older large-breed dog in a higher-cost city can be much higher.
When comparing quotes, keep the settings the same. A $500 deductible with 80% reimbursement and a $10,000 annual limit is not the same product as a $1,000 deductible with 70% reimbursement and a $5,000 limit.
Dog Insurance Cost vs. Cat Insurance Cost
Dog insurance cost is usually higher because dogs tend to have higher claim costs, larger breed differences, and more orthopedic and accident risk. Large-breed dogs and breeds with common hereditary issues can price well above average.
Cat insurance cost is often lower, but indoor cats still face emergency risks such as urinary blockage, toxin exposure, falls, and foreign object ingestion. For cats, the right question is not only the monthly price, but whether the plan limit could handle a serious emergency. If the quote is much lower than average, check whether illness coverage, exam fees, dental disease, or hereditary conditions are excluded.
What Changes Your Monthly Price
- Species: Dogs usually cost more to insure than cats.
- Breed: Large breeds and breeds prone to hereditary issues often cost more.
- Age: Premiums usually rise as pets get older.
- Zip code: Veterinary prices vary by local market.
- Plan settings: Deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit can move the quote a lot.
If your goal is predictable protection, start by choosing the coverage you actually want, then compare providers. Starting from the lowest monthly premium can lead to weak limits or exclusions you only notice during a claim. Dog owners can also compare breed and age tradeoffs in our best pet insurance for dogs guide.
How to Lower Cost Without Buying Too Little Coverage
The cleanest way to reduce the monthly premium is usually raising the deductible, because it keeps the plan useful for larger emergencies. Dropping reimbursement from 90% to 70% can lower the bill, but it also increases your share of every claim.
For many pet parents, accident and illness coverage with a moderate deductible is a better long-term value than a very cheap plan with a low annual limit. If you only need injury protection, compare accident-only insurance separately.
A Simple Quote Comparison Method
- Pick one deductible, such as $500.
- Pick one reimbursement rate, such as 80%.
- Pick one annual limit, such as $10,000 or unlimited.
- Request at least three quotes using those same settings.
- Compare exclusions and waiting periods before comparing price.
Top Pet Insurance Providers
Provider features are summarized from public information. Some links may be tracked partner links and may earn PetVitals a commission at no extra cost to you; that does not change the comparison order.
Lemonade
Fast claims, AI-powered, starting at $10/mo
- ✓Claims paid in seconds
- ✓Preventive care add-on
- ✓Giveback program
Best for: Tech-savvy pet parents who want fast digital claims
Healthy Paws
No annual or lifetime payout caps
- ✓Unlimited annual payouts
- ✓Covers hereditary conditions
- ✓Most vet-reviewed
Best for: Pets prone to hereditary or chronic conditions
Embrace
Wellness rewards + diminishing deductible
- ✓Wellness Rewards program
- ✓Diminishing deductible
- ✓Covers exam fees
Best for: Comprehensive coverage with preventive care
Spot
Customizable deductibles & reimbursement
- ✓$100-$1,000 deductible range
- ✓70%-90% reimbursement
- ✓No upper age limit
Best for: Budget flexibility and senior pets
Trupanion
Pays vets directly, 90% coverage
- ✓Direct vet payment
- ✓No payout limits
- ✓Per-condition deductible
Best for: Pet parents who can't float large upfront vet bills
Pet Insurance Cost FAQ
How much does pet insurance cost per month?
Accident and illness pet insurance often costs around $70 per month for dogs and $36 per month for cats on average, but your quote can be higher or lower based on age, breed, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit.
What is the average cost of pet insurance?
A useful average cost estimate is about $70 per month for dogs and $36 per month for cats for accident and illness coverage. Accident-only plans average less, around $16 per month for dogs and $9 per month for cats, while lower deductibles, higher reimbursement rates, and higher annual limits usually raise the monthly price.
How much does pet insurance cost per year?
NAPHIA's 2025 U.S. averages, reproduced by NerdWallet, are about $836 a year for dogs and $435 for cats with accident and illness coverage. Accident-only averages are about $190 for dogs and $112 for cats. Monthly figures are rounded, and your provider quote can differ.
Is the deductible included in the monthly premium?
No. The premium keeps the policy active; the deductible is your share of eligible treatment costs before the policy pays under its terms. You may also owe coinsurance, excluded charges, and costs above the remaining payout limit.
Is a cheaper monthly premium always the lowest yearly cost?
No. Compare 12 months of premiums plus your share of an eligible claim. A lower premium with a higher deductible or lower reimbursement can cost less in a no-claim year but more in a year with treatment. Exclusions, payout limits, and the timing of reimbursement also matter.
How can I estimate my pet insurance cost?
Start with your pet's species and plan type, then compare quotes using the same deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, age, breed or health risk, and location. A calculator can show a useful range, but only provider quotes can confirm your actual premium.
How much is dog insurance per month?
Dog insurance commonly costs more than cat insurance. A useful planning number is around $70 per month for accident and illness coverage, but large breeds, older dogs, high-cost zip codes, and lower deductibles can push quotes higher.
How much is pet insurance for a cat?
Pet insurance for a cat often averages around $36 per month for accident and illness coverage. Accident-only cat insurance averages lower, around $9 per month, but it does not cover illnesses such as urinary disease, cancer, kidney disease, or infections.
Why is dog insurance usually more expensive than cat insurance?
Dogs tend to have higher veterinary claim costs and larger breed-related risk differences. Large breeds and breeds with common hereditary issues can cost more to insure than many cats.
What is the cheapest way to lower my pet insurance premium?
The most common ways are choosing a higher deductible, a lower reimbursement rate, or a lower annual limit. Compare carefully because a cheaper plan can leave you with more out-of-pocket cost during a serious claim.
Is accident-only pet insurance cheaper?
Yes. Accident-only pet insurance is usually cheaper than accident and illness coverage because it covers eligible injuries and accidents, but not illnesses such as cancer, infections, allergies, or chronic disease.
Does pet insurance cost include routine wellness care?
Usually no. Core accident and illness policies typically cover unexpected medical care. Wellness coverage for vaccines, exams, dental cleaning, and preventives is often sold as an add-on.
Pet Insurance Cost Comparison Checklist
A quote-comparison sheet for deductibles, reimbursement, annual limits, waiting periods, and exclusions.
Related Cost Planning Hubs
Use these planning hubs before choosing a deductible, annual limit, or emergency budget.
Vet Cost Hub
Compare emergency, dental, puppy, and insurance cost planning resources.
Open hubEmergency billsEmergency Vet Cost
See how exam fees, diagnostics, hospitalization, and surgery affect urgent bills.
Open hubFirst-year planningPuppy Care Hub
Plan vaccines, first vet visits, supplies, safety, and first-year cost decisions.
Open hubRelated Insurance Guides
Dog Insurance Cost
Compare dog insurance price per month by breed, age, and quote settings.
Read guideCat Insurance Cost
Compare how much pet insurance is for a cat by age, indoor risk, and illness coverage.
Read guideEmergency Vet Cost
See why one urgent visit can cost more than years of premiums.
Read guideAccident-Only Insurance
Compare the cheaper plan type for injuries and accidental ingestion.
Read guideBest Pet Insurance for Dogs
Compare dog insurance by age, breed, and risk profile.
Read guideBefore You Choose a Policy
- Compare the deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit, and waiting periods together.
- Read exclusions for pre-existing, hereditary, dental, orthopedic, and breed-specific conditions.
- Get at least three quotes using the same deductible and reimbursement settings.
Sources
- NAPHIA Pet Insurance Industry Data
- NerdWallet - 2025 NAPHIA Monthly and Annual Premiums
- NAIC Pet Insurance Consumer Information
This guide is educational and is not financial, insurance, or veterinary advice. Policy terms and prices vary by provider, pet, and location.