Pet insurance is more affordable than most people expect, but the price swings a lot depending on your pet. Here’s what a policy actually costs and what moves the number up or down.
Average monthly cost
On average, accident-and-illness coverage runs about:
- Dogs: roughly $25–$60 per month
- Cats: roughly $15–$35 per month
Accident-only plans cost less (often under $15/month), while adding a wellness/preventive plan pushes the total higher.
What drives your premium
Insurers price pet insurance on a handful of factors:
- Species: dogs cost more to insure than cats.
- Breed: large breeds and breeds prone to hereditary conditions (e.g. Bulldogs, Great Danes) cost more.
- Age: the single biggest factor. Premiums rise as your pet gets older, which is why enrolling early locks in lower rates.
- Location: vet costs vary by region, so your ZIP affects the price.
- Coverage choices: your reimbursement rate (70–90%), annual limit, and deductible all move the premium.
How to lower the cost
- Choose a higher deductible or a lower reimbursement percentage.
- Enroll while your pet is young and healthy.
- Skip the wellness add-on if you’d rather self-fund routine care.
- Compare several providers, the same pet can get very different quotes.
The bottom line
Most owners pay between $15 and $60 a month, a fraction of a single emergency vet bill, which can run into the thousands. The best way to know your real price is to compare pet insurance quotes for your specific dog or cat.