How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Any pet parent knows how expensive a visit to the veterinarian can be. Thankfully, you can get help for your pet’s medical care just like when you go to the doctor. Much like your own health insurance, pet health insurance can soften the financial blow of an emergency visit.

Is pet insurance worth it? To find out, we got quotes for cats and different breeds of dogs from five popular pet insurance providers.

On average, a pet insurance plan for dogs costs around $40 per month, while a pet insurance policy for cats lands around $15. The exact cost depends on your provider, where you live, and your pet’s breed, age, and health. And, as with human insurance, each pet insurance provider offers different levels of coverage.

While it depends on your carrier and policy, most pet insurance plans cover basics like accidents and illnesses. You can usually get help with procedures like cancer treatment, resetting bones, and medication.

Check all the details in a policy to make sure it covers the veterinary services your pet needs.

Unlike your health insurance, pet insurance requires you to pay each vet bill up front. After you’ve paid for veterinary care, you or your vet will send an invoice to the pet insurance company. Based on your policy, your pet insurance will reimburse you up to 90% for the costs of the vet bills.

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest pet insurer you can find. Instead, put your pet first and think about the kind of coverage they’d need and find the best deal from there.

Your four-legged friend’s health history can affect how much you pay for pet insurance. Hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia (more common in larger dogs), congenital conditions, and chronic conditions (like diabetes) are more common in some breeds than others.

You’ll also want to consider your pet's age. If your pet is already older, you may have to pay more for pet insurance. That said, the best pet insurance companies won’t change your premium based on how old your pet is.

Your pet’s behavior can also increase their chances of going to the vet. For those with pets who pick fights or tend to wander, it’s smart to get pet insurance that covers care your pet is most likely to have.

Pets who go outdoors, for example, might be more prone to accidents, diseases, or fights with other animals. We recommend getting a GPS collar to keep track of those pets as they wander with (or without) you.

An animal’s breed is a factor in the cost of pet insurance, so we got quotes from five popular dog insurance providers for different dog breeds. These quotes represent the monthly out-of-pocket premium cost to insure a healthy two-year-old female dog. The only difference is her breed.

To make it easier to compare these quotes, we kept the annual limits to $5,000 with a $250 annual deductible and 80% reimbursement. For Embrace, we had to choose a $200 annual deductible. The ASPCA's quote included a $10,000 annual deductible with 70% reimbursement.

Breed isn’t as much of a factor for cat owners. Unless you own a specialty breed, the monthly pet insurance premium is generally the same for most cats.

Much like human health, your pet’s daily routine and schedule can affect how often they visit the doctor. When shopping for pet insurance, think about how often you take your pet in for routine visits, because not all policies offer a wellness plan for routine care. Some pet insurance companies include holistic or alternative treatments if you prefer veterinarians who offer services like acupuncture or dietary treatments.

Pet insurance can change based on where you live too. For example, if your area has fewer veterinarians, your local clinic might be able to charge more for their services.

Check out our list of the most pet-friendly states to see how yours stacks up.

The amount of time they spend unsupervised can also increase their chances of a veterinary visit, especially for animals with curious palates.

If you leave your pet home alone, finding a pet sitter or using a pet camera can keep them out of trouble. But illness coverage will make sure they can get the veterinary care they need if they eat something dangerous or get hurt while you’re away.

You mean the world to your pets, so make sure they’re healthy and happy with the right medical care. Depending on your budget, adding another expense like pet insurance can feel intimidating. But with a little shopping around, you can find a policy that will fit your budget and keep your best friend around for a long time.

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