How much is pet insurance?
Pet insurance averages about $62/mo for dogs and $32/mo for cats (accident + illness); accident-only plans run roughly $9-$16/mo (NAPHIA, 2024).
Key takeaways
- Dogs average $62.44/month for accident + illness coverage (NAPHIA, 2024 data).
- Cats average $32.21/month for accident + illness coverage.
- Accident-only plans are far cheaper: about $16.10/month for dogs, $9.17/month for cats.
- Annual averages work out to roughly $749/year for dogs and $386/year for cats (accident + illness).
- Your premium varies by pet age, breed, location, deductible and reimbursement percentage.
In the U.S., pet insurance averages about $62 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats for a comprehensive accident-and-illness plan, according to NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Report (2024 premiums). Budget accident-only plans are much cheaper, roughly $16/month for dogs and $9/month for cats. Actual quotes swing widely with your pet’s age, breed and where you live.
What pet insurance costs per month
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) tracks industry-wide average premiums each year. Its most recent figures, drawn from end-of-2024 data, show that comprehensive coverage costs about twice as much for dogs as for cats, and that stripping a plan back to accidents only cuts the price dramatically.
| Coverage type | Dogs (avg.) | Cats (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Accident + illness (monthly) | $62.44 | $32.21 |
| Accident + illness (annual) | $749.29 | $386.47 |
| Accident-only (monthly) | $16.10 | $9.17 |
These are national averages. Individual quotes commonly land anywhere from under $10/month for a young cat on an accident-only plan to well over $62/month for an older large-breed dog on a rich accident-and-illness policy with a low deductible and high reimbursement.
Accident-only vs. accident + illness
The single biggest lever on price is what the plan covers:
- Accident-only: pays for injuries such as broken bones, bite wounds, or swallowed objects. It is the cheapest tier (about $9-$16/month) but does not cover illnesses like cancer, diabetes or infections.
- Accident + illness: the most popular tier. It adds coverage for diseases and chronic conditions, which is why the average premium roughly triples to $32-$62/month.
- Wellness add-ons: optional riders for routine care (vaccines, dental cleanings) raise the monthly cost further and are not reflected in the averages above.
What drives your premium up or down
- Species: dogs consistently cost more to insure than cats.
- Age: premiums rise sharply as pets get older; enrolling a young pet locks in lower rates.
- Breed: breeds prone to hereditary conditions (e.g., large or brachycephalic dogs) cost more.
- Location: local veterinary prices and cost of living move premiums by ZIP code.
- Plan design: a lower deductible, higher reimbursement rate (e.g., 90% vs. 70%) and higher annual payout limit all raise the monthly price.
What’s typically included
A standard accident-and-illness policy reimburses a percentage of covered vet bills after you meet a deductible, up to an annual limit. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. You usually pay the vet in full and file a claim for reimbursement. Because insurers price on risk, the averages above are a starting point, not a quote, get a personalized estimate before you buy.
How to keep the cost down
- Enroll while your pet is young and healthy.
- Choose accident-only if budget is tight and you mainly worry about emergencies.
- Raise the deductible or lower the reimbursement percentage to cut the monthly premium.
- Compare several insurers, quotes for the same pet can differ substantially.
Prices vary by insurer and pet and are current as of the verified date; figures are NAPHIA industry averages, not guaranteed quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much is pet insurance per month on average?
For accident-and-illness coverage, NAPHIA reports averages of about $62.44/month for dogs and $32.21/month for cats (2024 data). Accident-only plans average roughly $16.10/month for dogs and $9.17/month for cats.
Why does pet insurance cost more for dogs than cats?
Dogs tend to have higher veterinary costs and more claims, so their average premiums (~$62/month for comprehensive coverage) run roughly double those of cats (~$32/month).
What is the difference between accident-only and accident + illness plans?
Accident-only plans cover injuries and are the cheapest tier ($9-$16/month). Accident + illness plans also cover diseases and chronic conditions, which pushes the average premium to $32-$62/month.
What makes my premium higher than the average?
Older pets, breeds prone to hereditary conditions, high-cost regions, lower deductibles, higher reimbursement percentages and larger payout limits all raise the monthly price above the national average.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Generally no. Most policies exclude conditions that showed signs before coverage began, which is why enrolling a pet while young and healthy is usually cheaper and covers more.
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