Decoding the Average: What You Can Expect to Pay Monthly for Pet Insurance
The monthly cost of pet insurance in the United States in 2025 can vary based on many factors. However, understanding general price ranges provides a helpful starting point for exploring your options.
For Dogs
For an accident and illness insurance plan for dogs, typical monthly costs in 2025 range between $30 and $60, with the average leaning toward $60 per month. For pet owners seeking more basic coverage, accident-only plans can be found starting as low as $9 per month.
For a dog insurance policy offering $5,000 in annual coverage with an 80% reimbursement level and a $250 deductible, the monthly premium can range from $30 to $71. For those prioritizing more extensive protection with unlimited annual coverage, monthly costs typically fall between $36 and $101.
For Cats
Insuring a cat generally proves more cost-effective than insuring a dog. The average monthly premiums for accident and illness plans for cats typically fall within the range of $20 to $35, with projections for 2025 estimating an average of approximately $32 per month.
Accident-only plans for cats offer a more budget-friendly option, starting at around $6 per month. For accident and illness coverage with $5,000 annual coverage, 80% reimbursement, and a $250 deductible, monthly premiums typically range between $18 and $34. Opting for unlimited annual coverage can result in monthly premiums between $18 and $62.
Key Takeaways: Average Pet Insurance Costs
- Dogs: $30-$60 monthly for accident and illness coverage
- Cats: $20-$35 monthly for accident and illness coverage
- Accident-only plans: Starting at $9/month for dogs, $6/month for cats
- Higher coverage limits and reimbursement rates increase monthly costs
- Actual costs vary significantly based on individual pet characteristics
The Price Drivers: Key Factors Influencing Your Monthly Pet Insurance Premium
Several key elements contribute to the determination of your monthly pet insurance premium. Understanding these factors is essential for navigating the pet insurance landscape and finding a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Your Pet's Species and Breed
Dogs vs. Cats: Insuring a dog typically incurs a higher cost compared to insuring a cat. This difference primarily stems from the higher average expenses associated with veterinary care for dogs.
Dog Breed: The breed of your dog can significantly impact your insurance premiums. Certain breeds exhibit a predisposition to specific health conditions, which can increase the likelihood of insurance claims and consequently lead to higher monthly costs.
Dog Breeds With Higher Insurance Costs
| Dog Breed |
Average Annual Cost |
Common Health Concerns |
| Mastiffs |
$2,546 |
Hip dysplasia, bloat, cancer |
| Standard Schnauzers |
$1,797 |
Pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney stones |
| Parson Jack Russell Terriers |
$1,610 |
Patellar luxation, eye disorders |
| Dogue de Bordeaux |
$1,450 |
Heart conditions, hip dysplasia |
| Pudelpointers |
$1,442 |
Hip dysplasia, eye issues |
| French Bulldogs |
$1,200+ |
Respiratory issues, skin conditions |
Dog Size: Larger dog breeds generally cost more to insure than smaller breeds. This is often because medical procedures, anesthesia, and medication dosages are typically higher for larger animals. Additionally, larger breeds often have shorter lifespans and may experience age-related health issues earlier.
Mixed Breeds: Mixed-breed dogs are often less expensive to insure compared to purebreds. This is generally attributed to the belief that they may be less susceptible to the hereditary diseases that are more common in purebred lines.
Your Pet's Age
The age of your pet is another significant factor influencing insurance premiums. Older pets typically face higher premiums than younger ones. As pets age, their risk of developing illnesses and chronic conditions increases, leading to a greater potential for healthcare costs.
Common age-related issues in senior pets include arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. For senior cats specifically, dental disease, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract conditions, and heart disease are also prevalent.
Puppies and kittens generally benefit from lower premiums as they are less likely to have pre-existing conditions. However, these lower premiums typically increase as the pet ages. Some insurance providers may even impose age limits for enrolling new pets or may exclude coverage for senior animals altogether.
Your Geographic Location
The cost of veterinary care can vary significantly across the United States, and this variation directly impacts pet insurance premiums. Areas with a higher cost of living, particularly large metropolitan cities, tend to have more expensive veterinary services, which translates to higher pet insurance premiums.
States like California, New Jersey, and New York often have some of the highest average premiums. Conversely, states in the Midwest, such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa, and some southern states like Mississippi, tend to have lower average costs.
Even within a state, the specific zip code can influence pricing. This is because factors such as operational overheads for veterinary clinics (including rent and utilities), the cost of equipment and technology, and the salaries of trained staff can differ significantly based on location.
Average Monthly Pet Insurance Rates by State (2025)
| State |
Monthly Rate (Dog) |
Monthly Rate (Cat) |
| New York | $61.35 | $35.12 |
| California | $56.96 | $32.58 |
| Connecticut | $57.27 | $32.90 |
| Alaska | $56.88 | $32.68 |
| Colorado | $52.98 | $30.64 |
| Florida | $52.72 | $29.83 |
| Alabama | $51.59 | $27.88 |
| Arizona | $47.93 | $26.94 |
The Type of Insurance Plan You Choose
The type of insurance plan you select will significantly affect your monthly premium. There are generally three main types of plans available:
Accident-Only Plans
These are the most basic and typically the least expensive plans. They cover veterinary treatment costs that arise solely from accidents. In 2025, the average annual cost for an accident-only policy is estimated to be around $204 for dogs (approximately $17 per month) and $116 for cats (about $10 per month).
Accident and Illness Plans
These offer broader coverage, encompassing both accidents and illnesses, and are the most common type of pet insurance. They naturally come with a higher monthly premium compared to accident-only plans. These plans typically cover a wide range of conditions, including broken bones, swallowed objects, torn ligaments, cuts, cancer, arthritis, and infections, as well as related services like X-rays, bloodwork, and medications.
Some accident and illness plans may also include coverage for congenital, hereditary, and chronic conditions, behavioral issues, and alternative therapies. The average monthly cost for accident and illness coverage in 2025 is estimated to be between $56 and $60 for dogs and around $32 for cats.
Comprehensive Plans with Wellness Coverage
Some providers offer plans that go beyond accident and illness coverage to include routine care benefits such as annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments. These comprehensive plans have the highest monthly premiums. The average monthly cost for an optional pet wellness plan in 2025 is around $22 to $24 for both cats and dogs.
Your Coverage Options
The specific coverage options you choose within a plan also play a crucial role in determining your monthly premium.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance coverage starts to reimburse you. Generally, a higher deductible will result in a lower monthly premium, and vice versa.
Deductibles can be structured as annual deductibles, where you pay the set amount once per policy year, or as per-incident or per-condition deductibles, where the deductible applies to each separate medical event. Typical deductible amounts can range from $0 to $1,000, with common options being $100, $250, or $500.
Reimbursement Rate
The reimbursement rate is the percentage of the eligible veterinary costs that your insurance company will pay after you have met your deductible. Common reimbursement options include 70%, 80%, and 90%. A higher reimbursement rate means the insurance company pays a larger portion of the bill, which typically translates to a higher monthly premium.
Annual Coverage Limit
The annual coverage limit is the maximum total amount that your insurance company will pay out in a policy year. Higher annual limits generally come with higher monthly premiums, as they offer greater potential financial protection. Some providers offer plans with set annual limits (e.g., $5,000, $10,000), while others provide options for unlimited annual coverage.
Your Questions Answered: Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance Costs
Why is dog insurance more expensive than cat insurance?
Generally, dogs tend to have higher average veterinary costs than cats, which directly translates to higher insurance premiums. Dogs are often larger, more active, and prone to specific health issues, leading to more frequent and expensive vet visits.
Does my pet's breed significantly impact insurance costs?
Yes, certain breeds that are predisposed to specific health issues often have higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of claims related to those conditions. For example, breeds like Mastiffs, known for conditions like hip dysplasia and cancer, often have some of the highest insurance costs.
Will my pet insurance costs go up as my pet gets older?
Yes, typically, pet insurance premiums increase as your pet ages. This is because older pets are more susceptible to developing age-related health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease, which increases the potential for insurance claims.
Is pet insurance more expensive in certain states?
Yes, states with a higher cost of living and more expensive veterinary care, like California and New York, tend to have higher pet insurance premiums. Conversely, states in the Midwest and some parts of the South often have lower average premiums.
What's the difference between an accident-only and an accident and illness plan?
Accident-only plans provide coverage for veterinary costs resulting from accidents, such as broken bones or swallowed objects. Accident and illness plans offer broader coverage, including both accidents and illnesses such as infections, cancer, and chronic conditions.
How can I lower my monthly pet insurance premium?
You can typically lower your monthly premium by opting for a higher deductible, choosing a lower reimbursement rate, selecting a lower annual coverage limit, or considering an accident-only plan if illness coverage is not a primary concern. Many providers also offer multi-pet discounts or discounts for paying annually.
Should I consider a wellness plan for my pet?
Wellness plans cover routine and preventative care, including annual check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. While they can help you budget for these predictable costs, they do come with an additional monthly premium. Evaluate whether the cost savings on routine care outweigh the added premium for your individual pet's needs.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions (health issues that existed before enrollment or during waiting periods). This is why it's often advantageous to enroll pets when they're young and healthy, before they develop any chronic conditions.
How often should I compare pet insurance quotes?
It is advisable to compare pet insurance quotes at least once a year or whenever your policy is up for renewal. The market is constantly evolving, and this practice ensures you are still getting the most comprehensive coverage at the best possible price.
