What's the average cost of pet insurance?

Pet insurance rates are generally affordable, and they're largely dependent on you choosing the best insurance coverage for your pet. Cats are typically less expensive to insure than dogs, but this can vary based on the breed and type of plan you buy. Most pet insurance companies offer two plan types: accident-only and comprehensive. Accident-only plans cover accidents like broken bones or poisoning; they cost significantly less than comprehensive plans, which cover both accidents and illnesses. And while not all pet health insurers offer preventive care coverage, Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best allows you to add an optional routine care plan to your comprehensive policy.

To get an idea of the pet insurance cost for dogs or cats, here's a sample of plan costs from Pets Best. Keep in mind that while average annual costs are listed, you can choose to pay monthly or quarterly instead. Accident and illness coverage pricing will depend on your pet and the reimbursement level and deductible you choose. Routine care and accident-only plans have fixed pricing.

Average cost of dog insurance

Pets Best's customizable dog insurance plans cost an average of $9 to $72.53 per month, depending on the dog's breed and play type. Find the plan that fits your pup's needs.

Dog insurance plans Average annual cost† Fixed annual cost
Accident and illness (small breed dog) Average annual cost† $250.92 – $698.76 Fixed annual cost N/A
Accident and illness (medium breed dog) Average annual cost† $385.32 – $1,107.48 Fixed annual cost N/A
Accident and illness (large breed dog) Average annual cost† $300.36 – $870.36 Fixed annual cost N/A
Routine care add-on: EssentialWellness Average annual cost† N/A Fixed annual cost $192.00**
Routine care add-on: BestWellness Average annual cost† N/A Fixed annual cost $312.00††
Accident-only Average annual cost† N/A Fixed annual cost $108.00§

Average cost of cat insurance

Pets Best's cat insurance plans can also be customized to your kitty's budget and needs. They cost an average of $6 to $38.53 per month, depending on the cat's breed and plan type.

Cat insurance plans Average annual cost* Fixed annual cost
Accident and illness (domestic shorthair cat) Average annual cost* $168.72 – $462.36 Fixed annual cost N/A
Routine care add-on: EssentialWellness Average annual cost* N/A Fixed annual cost $192.00**
Routine care add-on: BestWellness Average annual cost* N/A Fixed annual cost $312.00††
Accident-only Average annual cost* N/A Fixed annual cost $72.00*


Learn more about how to shop for pet insurance and which pet insurance coverage types are best for your needs.

Is it worth having pet insurance?

Simply knowing you're prepared for an unexpected illness or injury to your pet can be worth it. Some health issues may only cost a few hundred dollars, but major issues, such as pet cancer and surgeries for your cat or dog, can cost thousands of dollars. Without knowing what the future holds, having the right protection in place can offer peace of mind in case something does happen to your pet. Learn more about if pet insurance covers cancer and how pet insurance covers surgery.

Do most vets accept pet insurance?

If you have pet insurance, you can go to any licensed veterinarian (in the US or Canada, with Pets Best). After you pay, submit your bill and claim to your pet insurance company. If you're eligible for payment, they'll reimburse you directly.

How does pet insurance reduce your vet costs?

Your pet insurance plan will reimburse you for a percentage of your out-of-pocket costs, minus your deductible. Be sure to review the details of your policy to see how your pet insurance company handles reimbursement. With Pets Best's accident and illness BestBenefit plans, you can choose your deductible limit and your reimbursement amount according to your pet's budget and needs; the reimbursement amount is typically offered in increments of 70%, 80%, and 90%.

What factors affect the cost of pet insurance?

The insurance company and type of plan you choose will greatly affect how much you pay, but there are several other factors that impact your pet insurance cost, regardless of the company or plan.

Four factors that affect pet insurance cost:

1. Your location

Veterinary care is more expensive in certain parts of the country. For instance, if you're living in rural Wyoming, you'll probably pay less for pet insurance than someone in New York City.

2. Your pet's age

The likelihood of your pet becoming ill increases with age, which could mean higher vet costs and insurance premiums as your pet grows older. Learn how pet insurance works for senior pets.

3. Your pet's breed

Your dog or cat may be predisposed to certain illnesses based on size and genetics. For example, Abyssinians are one of the most expensive cat breeds to insure, as they're more prone to periodontal disease and retinal atrophy. When it comes to dog breeds, your pet insurance cost will likely be higher for larger breeds — they're vulnerable to heart and hip issues, and medication costs can be higher.

4. Your deductible and reimbursement level

Choosing a higher deductible lowers the cost of your plan but increases your out-of-pocket costs at the vet. A lower deductible increases your plan's price, but you'll be reimbursed more on your claim. Your level of reimbursement also affects your rate. For instance, a plan with a 90% reimbursement amount costs more than a plan that pays you back for 70% of your eligible vet costs.

Important note: Pre-existing conditions, serious injuries, and unexpected emergencies are all handled differently based on the insurance company and type of policy you choose. Reference your policy to determine what's covered, your out-of-pocket costs, and your level of reimbursement. Learn more about the basics of how a pet insurance policy works.

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