How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

What drives the monthly price of pet insurance, from breed and age to deductible and reimbursement, and how to estimate your own cost.

By FurrChoice Editorial Team Last updated

What moves your premium

Insurers price policies by estimating the likelihood and size of future claims. That is why two owners can get very different quotes for the same provider.

  • Species: dogs and cats are priced differently.
  • Breed: breeds with well-known hereditary conditions can cost more to insure.
  • Age: premiums tend to rise as pets get older, and enrolling young often helps.
  • Location: local veterinary costs vary by ZIP code and state.
  • Plan design: lower deductibles, higher reimbursement and higher limits generally raise the premium.

Average prices

[DATA VERIFICATION REQUIRED: cite a current, named industry or regulator source for average dog and cat premiums before publishing any figure.]

Until a verified source is added, the most reliable number is the estimate for your own pet. The comparison tool asks for the details insurers use and shows estimates side by side.

Ways to change the price without giving up protection

Raising your deductible lowers the monthly cost but increases what you pay when you file a claim. Choosing a lower reimbursement percentage does the same. Decide how much of a large bill you could handle comfortably, and set the plan around that number.

Estimates versus quotes

An estimate is a price range based on the answers you give. A quote comes from the insurer after it confirms details about your pet. We label them differently on every results page.

Sources and further reading

This guide explains general industry practice. For the terms that apply to you, rely on the policy documents from each insurer you consider and on the consumer resources published by your state insurance department. Additional cited sources: [DATA VERIFICATION REQUIRED]

Frequently asked questions

How much does pet insurance cost?

Price depends on your pet’s species, breed, age, and location, and on the plan you choose: deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit. Younger pets usually cost less to insure than older pets. The only way to know your price is to compare estimates for your pet, then confirm the final quote with the insurer.

Are the prices on this site real quotes?

Prices shown during comparison are estimates based on the information you enter. Your final price is set by the insurance provider and can differ once they confirm details about your pet. We label estimates and actual quotes separately.

How do deductibles work?

Your deductible is the amount you pay toward covered care before the insurer starts reimbursing. Many plans use an annual deductible that resets each policy year. Others use a per-condition or lifetime deductible. A higher deductible generally lowers the monthly premium.

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