How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost per Month?

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) collects data covering about 99% of the pet insurance premium written in the US and Canada, which makes its averages the most reliable benchmark available.

Average pet insurance cost in the US

Source: NAPHIA 2025 State of the Industry report, 2024 premiums. Monthly figures are the annual averages divided by 12.

Cats cost about half as much to insure as dogs. NAPHIA's 2025 data also show premium income growing faster than the number of insured pets, which suggests policies are getting more expensive over time.

What sets your price

• Species and breed. Breeds prone to costly conditions (for example, large breeds with joint problems or flat-faced breeds with breathing issues) cost more.
• Age. Premiums rise as pets age; enrolling young locks in coverage before conditions appear.
• Location. Areas with higher vet prices have higher premiums.
• Deductible. Common options are $250, $500 or $1,000 a year; a higher deductible lowers the premium.
• Reimbursement level. Typically 70%, 80% or 90% of covered costs; higher reimbursement costs more.
• Annual limit. Common limits are $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited.
• Add-ons. Wellness, exam fees, dental and behavioral add-ons each add to the monthly price. GoodRx cites wellness add-ons at about $10 to $20 a month.

Plan options from Insurify's 2026 guide.

Accident-only vs. accident-and-illness

Accident-only plans cover injuries such as broken bones, bite wounds and swallowed objects. Accident-and-illness plans add diseases such as cancer, infections, allergies and digestive problems, which make up much of what pets are treated for. The Nevada Division of Insurance notes that comprehensive plans cost more but offer more generous benefits. For most owners, accident-and-illness coverage is the type that protects against the biggest bills.

How to lower your premium

1. Raise the deductible if you can comfortably cover it from savings.
2. Choose 70% or 80% reimbursement instead of 90%.
3. Pick a realistic annual limit rather than unlimited.
4. Skip wellness add-ons if they cost more than the routine care they reimburse.
5. Enroll early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.
6. Ask about discounts for multiple pets, annual payment or employer benefits.

Is the monthly cost worth it?

Insurance won't save money for most owners in an average year, because premiums usually exceed routine vet bills. It pays off when a large, unexpected bill arrives: the largest US claims reported for 2025 were $66,600 for a dog and $51,600 for a cat. See is pet insurance worth it for dogs and for cats.

Find veterinarians near you and ask which insurers they work with.

Sources

1. NAPHIA State of the Industry 2025 report highlights (2024 data)
2. dvm360: US pet insurance enrollment increased 9% in 2025 (NAPHIA 2026 report)
3. Insurify: What is pet insurance? (2026)
4. Nevada Division of Insurance: Pet insurance
5. GoodRx: Does pet insurance cover dental? (2024)