How much is pet insurance?
The cost of pet insurance varies based on your pet's location, breed, age, and the amount of coverage you want. Through Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best, the least expensive cat plan provides accident-only coverage for $6 per month.* It's better to buy pet insurance earlier in your pet's life to keep your premium cost low and to ensure they're eligible for the type of plan you want.
Explore Progressive's editorial standards for Answers articles to find out why you can trust the insurance information you find here.
What's the average cost of pet insurance?
According to NAPHIA, (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average accident and illness plan pet insurance premium in 2022 was $53.34 per month for dogs, and $32.25 for cats. For accident-only pet insurance, the average premium was $16.70 for dogs and $10.18 for cats. As you can see, cats are typically less expensive to insure than dogs, and pet insurance rates for accident-only plans (which cover things like broken bones or poisoning) can be significantly lower than rates for comprehensive accident and illness plans (which cover treatment for both accidental injuries and illnesses).
Here's a sample of plan costs from Pets Best that further shows how plan pricing can vary. Remember that accident and illness plan pricing will depend on your pet and the reimbursement level and deductible you choose. Accident-only plans have fixed pricing, while pricing for wellness plans vary by state and pet age.
Average cost of dog insurance
Pets Best's customizable dog insurance plans vary in price based on the type of plan you choose. While average annual costs are listed, you can choose to pay monthly or quarterly instead.
| Dog insurance plans | Average annual cost | Fixed annual cost/range |
|---|---|---|
| Accident and illness | Average annual cost$456† ($38 per month) | Fixed annual cost/rangeN/A |
| Accident-only | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$108§ ($9 per month) |
| Routine care add-on: EssentialWellness | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$168-$261 per year** ($14-$21.75 per month) |
| Routine care add-on: BestWellness | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$312-$391 per year** ($26-$32.58 per month) |
Average cost of cat insurance
You can customize Pets Best's cat insurance plans to your kitty's budget and needs. Average annual costs are displayed, but you can choose to pay monthly or quarterly instead.
| Cat insurance plans | Average annual cost | Fixed annual cost/range |
|---|---|---|
| Accident and illness | Average annual cost$276† ($23 per month) | Fixed annual cost/rangeN/A |
| Accident-only | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$72* ($6 per month) |
| Routine care add-on: EssentialWellness | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$168-$261 per year** ($14-$21.75 per month) |
| Routine care add-on: BestWellness | Average annual costN/A | Fixed annual cost/range$312-$391 per year** ($26-$32.58 per month) |
Learn more about which pet insurance coverage types are best for your needs.
Pro tip:
Not all pet health insurers offer preventive care coverage, but Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best allows you to add an optional routine care plan to your comprehensive policy.
How does pet insurance reduce your vet costs?
You can use pet insurance with any licensed veterinarian. Your pet insurance plan will reimburse you for a percentage of your out-of-pocket costs minus your deductible. Be sure to review your policy details 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 several other factors impact your pet insurance cost, regardless of the company or plan.
Four factors that affect pet insurance cost:
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.
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.
Your pet's breed
Your dog or cat may have a predisposition for 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. Regarding 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.
Your deductible and reimbursement level
Choosing a higher pet insurance 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.
Tips for choosing the right pet insurance
While researching the average cost of pet insurance is important, price is not the only consideration. If you want to select the appropriate pet insurance policy that ensures your pet receives adequate medical care without breaking the bank, remember the following tips when choosing coverage for your furry friend.
- Familiarize yourself with the different types of pet insurance coverage offerings to find pet insurance rates that meet your needs and budget.
- Consider your pet's age and health and whether they have pre-existing conditions to find the policy that offers adequate coverage.
- Evaluate several providers to find the best value.
- Review how different policies cover vet exams, surgeries, hospital care, medications, and specialized treatments.
- Choose a reputable provider with positive customer reviews.
Learn more about how to shop for pet insurance.
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 how a pet insurance policy works.
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