LaSnugHow much does pet insurance cost?
In 2026, pet insurance in the US averages roughly $40–$70 a month for a dog and $20–$35 for a cat on a standard accident-and-illness plan. Accident-only cover costs far less — about $10–$17 a month. Your exact price depends on species, breed, age, where you live, and the deductible and reimbursement rate you choose.
What the average owner pays
The most-cited US figures come from NAPHIA (the North American Pet Health Insurance Association), which aggregates real policy data each year in its State of the Industry report. Its averages for accident-and-illness cover — the most popular plan type — look like this:
| Plan type | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Accident & illness | ~$56 / mo | ~$32 / mo |
| Accident only | ~$17 / mo | ~$10 / mo |
Those are averages across every age and breed. A healthy young pet usually pays below the average; a senior or a high-risk breed pays well above it. More than 6 million US pets were insured at the end of 2023, and the figure has grown by double digits most years — so these averages rest on a large, real sample.
The five things that move your price
- Species. Dogs cost roughly twice as much as cats to insure, because they claim more often and more expensively.
- Breed. Breeds prone to hereditary or chronic conditions cost more. A French Bulldog can cost close to double a Beagle.
- Age. Premiums climb steadily as pets get older and claims become more likely.
- Where you live. Local vet prices vary a lot — coverage in California or New York runs higher than in the rural Midwest.
- Your plan choices. A higher deductible, a lower reimbursement rate, and a lower annual limit all reduce your monthly premium.
Sample monthly estimates by age
To show how age alone moves the number, here are LaSnug estimates for an average-risk dog and cat at national-baseline vet costs, on a balanced accident-and-illness plan:
| Age | Dog (est. / mo) | Cat (est. / mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 (puppy / kitten) | $36–$55 | $20–$30 |
| 1–2 years | $43–$64 | $23–$35 |
| 3–4 years | $49–$74 | $26–$40 |
| 5–6 years | $60–$90 | $32–$49 |
| 7–8 years | $75–$113 | $40–$61 |
| 11+ years | $111–$168 | $60–$90 |
These are estimates from our transparent model, not quotes. For a figure fitted to your pet's exact breed, age, and state, run the 30-second estimator.
How to pay less without losing protection
- Insure young. The single biggest lever. A condition that appears before you buy is excluded for life as “pre-existing.”
- Raise the deductible. Moving from a $250 to a $500 or $1,000 annual deductible can cut the monthly premium noticeably.
- Pick 70–80% reimbursement instead of 90% if you can absorb a larger share of a bill.
- Compare like for like. Two insurers can quote very different prices for the same dog — always get more than one quote.
Related reading
- Dog insurance cost: full breakdown
- Cat insurance cost: full breakdown
- Is pet insurance worth it?
- What does pet insurance cover?
Sources
- NAPHIA — State of the Industry report (average premiums, pets insured): naphia.org
- American Veterinary Medical Association — pet ownership and veterinary cost data: avma.org
Premium figures are rounded industry averages; LaSnug estimates come from our published model and are not quotes.
Common cost questions
Why is pet insurance cheaper for cats than dogs?
Cats make fewer and smaller claims on average — they avoid many of the size-related joint problems and accidents common in dogs — so insurers price them lower. NAPHIA data puts the average cat accident-and-illness premium at roughly half that of a dog.
Does pet insurance get more expensive every year?
Usually, yes. Premiums rise as your pet ages and claims become more likely, and insurers may also adjust for rising veterinary costs. Buying young locks in a lower starting premium and avoids pre-existing-condition exclusions.
Is accident-only pet insurance worth it?
Accident-only plans are far cheaper — often $10–$17 a month — but they cover injuries only, not illnesses like cancer or diabetes. They suit owners who mainly want protection against emergencies, but most claims are for illness, so accident-and-illness is the more common choice.
What is the cheapest way to insure a pet?
Insure while your pet is young and healthy, choose a higher deductible and a lower reimbursement rate, and compare several insurers for the same coverage. An accident-only plan is the lowest-cost option if you only want emergency protection.