The honest answer to "how much does pet insurance cost?" is: it depends. A premium for a Labrador puppy in rural Iowa and a premium for a senior French Bulldog in San Francisco can differ by a factor of five or more. That said, there are useful benchmarks — and once you understand the variables, you can get a fast read on what to expect before you request a single quote.
The figures below reflect accident-and-illness coverage with a $250 annual deductible and 80% reimbursement — the most common configuration. Wellness add-ons and higher reimbursement levels will increase costs.
Monthly Cost by Pet Type and Age
Ranges reflect representative mid-country pricing. Actual quotes may vary by 30–50% based on your location, breed, and chosen insurer.
Dogs
| Age Range | Small Breed (<25 lbs) | Medium Breed (25–60 lbs) | Large Breed (>60 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 1 yr) | $18–$30/mo | $25–$40/mo | $30–$50/mo |
| Adult (1–7 yrs) | $22–$38/mo | $28–$48/mo | $35–$60/mo |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $40–$65/mo | $50–$80/mo | $60–$95/mo |
Cats
| Age Range | Domestic Shorthair | Purebred / Pedigree |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten (under 1 yr) | $10–$20/mo | $18–$32/mo |
| Adult (1–9 yrs) | $14–$26/mo | $22–$40/mo |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | $28–$50/mo | $38–$65/mo |
Data sourced from publicly available provider quote tools, reviewed February 2026. These are ranges, not guarantees.
5 Factors That Affect Your Pet Insurance Premium
Every insurer weights these variables differently, but they all play a role in determining your monthly cost.
1. Your Pet's Age
Age is the single biggest driver of premium cost. Insurers price actuarially — older pets have statistically higher claim rates, so premiums increase meaningfully after age 6–7 for dogs and age 8–9 for cats. Buying early and keeping your policy continuously active is almost always the most cost-effective approach.
2. Breed
Certain breeds carry well-documented predispositions to expensive conditions. French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels face significantly higher premiums due to respiratory, cardiac, and orthopedic risks. Mixed-breed dogs generally cost less to insure than purebreds of similar size. Some insurers cap coverage on high-risk breeds or exclude breed-specific conditions entirely.
3. Your Location
Veterinary costs vary widely by geography, and insurers adjust premiums to match local care costs. Expect to pay 20–40% more in major metro areas (New York, San Francisco, Seattle) than in mid-sized cities or rural areas. State insurance regulations can also affect what's covered and how premiums are structured.
4. Coverage Level
Your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual benefit limit are the three dials that control your premium. Higher deductibles and lower reimbursement percentages reduce your monthly cost but increase your out-of-pocket exposure per claim. Most owners find the $250 deductible / 80% reimbursement / $10,000 annual limit configuration to be a reasonable starting balance.
5. Provider and Plan Type
Accident-only plans can cost 50–70% less than accident-and-illness plans, but they won't cover the conditions most responsible for large vet bills — cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and orthopedic conditions. Wellness add-ons add $15–$30/month but can return value if you consistently use preventive care. Compare the same coverage level across providers, since pricing for equivalent coverage can vary by 40% or more.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Pet insurance is a financial product, not a guarantee. Whether it pays off depends on your pet's health history, your tolerance for financial risk, and how you'd handle a $5,000–$15,000 emergency vet bill.
The strongest case for insurance is this: the average dog owner will face at least one unexpected veterinary expense exceeding $3,000 over their pet's lifetime — and many face far more. A single orthopedic surgery, cancer diagnosis, or serious accident can cost $8,000–$20,000. For most owners, a few hundred dollars per year in premiums is a reasonable hedge against that tail risk.
The case against: if you have a healthy, young, low-risk mixed-breed pet and a substantial emergency fund, self-insuring may be cheaper over the long run. The calculus changes significantly as your pet ages or if you have a breed with known health predispositions.