How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Pet Insurance Include?
Pet insurance covers unexpected veterinary costs including accidents, illnesses, and sometimes preventive care. Premiums depend on pet age, breed, and coverage level.
The national average cost for pet insurance is $50 per month. Most homeowners pay between $20 and $100, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Pet Type
Cat: $20-$40/mo. Small dog: $30-$50/mo. Large dog: $40-$80/mo. Breed-prone dogs: $60-$100/mo
Coverage
Accident-only: $15-$30/mo. Accident + illness: $30-$70/mo. Comprehensive: $50-$100/mo
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Pet age and breed
- ✓Coverage level
- ✓Deductible amount
- ✓Reimbursement percentage
- ✓Annual limit
- ✓Pre-existing conditions
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Enroll when your pet is young for the lowest premiums
- 2.Higher deductibles lower monthly costs
- 3.Accident-only plans are cheapest if budget is tight
- 4.Compare at least 3-4 providers
📈 Pet Insurance Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +19.0% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $42 | — |
| 2023 | $44 | +4.8% |
| 2024 | $47 | +6.8% |
| 2025 | $48 | +2.1% |
| 2026 | $50 | +4.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Pet Insurance Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16 | $41 | $82 |
| Alaska | $26 | $64 | $128 |
| Arizona | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Arkansas | $16 | $40 | $80 |
| California | $27 | $68 | $135 |
| Colorado | $22 | $54 | $108 |
| Connecticut | $24 | $61 | $122 |
| Delaware | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| District of Columbia | $25 | $63 | $125 |
| Florida | $20 | $49 | $98 |
| Georgia | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Hawaii | $28 | $71 | $142 |
| Idaho | $18 | $46 | $92 |
| Illinois | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| Indiana | $18 | $44 | $88 |
| Iowa | $17 | $43 | $86 |
| Kansas | $17 | $43 | $85 |
| Kentucky | $17 | $42 | $84 |
| Louisiana | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| Maine | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Maryland | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| Massachusetts | $26 | $65 | $130 |
| Michigan | $18 | $46 | $92 |
| Minnesota | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Mississippi | $16 | $39 | $78 |
| Missouri | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| Montana | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Nebraska | $18 | $44 | $88 |
| Nevada | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| New Hampshire | $22 | $56 | $112 |
| New Jersey | $25 | $63 | $125 |
| New Mexico | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| New York | $26 | $66 | $132 |
| North Carolina | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| North Dakota | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Ohio | $18 | $45 | $90 |
| Oklahoma | $17 | $42 | $83 |
| Oregon | $22 | $55 | $110 |
| Pennsylvania | $20 | $51 | $102 |
| Rhode Island | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| South Carolina | $17 | $44 | $87 |
| South Dakota | $17 | $43 | $85 |
| Tennessee | $17 | $43 | $86 |
| Texas | $19 | $47 | $93 |
| Utah | $19 | $48 | $95 |
| Vermont | $22 | $54 | $108 |
| Virginia | $21 | $53 | $105 |
| Washington | $23 | $57 | $115 |
| West Virginia | $16 | $40 | $80 |
| Wisconsin | $19 | $47 | $94 |
| Wyoming | $18 | $46 | $92 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance worth it?
A single emergency surgery can cost $3,000-$10,000+. If you couldn't cover that out of pocket, pet insurance provides peace of mind.
🏙️ Pet Insurance Cost by City
Compare pet insurance costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Pet Insurance
Recent Reports
📐 Pet Insurance Cost Calculator
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