What Does Pet Insurance Cost in 2026?

Understanding the average cost of pet insurance in 2026 can help you compare plans more confidently and find coverage that fits your budget. While every pet is unique, knowing what influences pricing makes it easier to recognize a good value rather than focusing on price alone.

In this guide, we'll break down the average cost of dog and cat insurance, explain why premiums vary, discuss which breeds are often more expensive to insure, and help you understand what you're paying for.

How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?

Dog insurance generally costs more than cat insurance. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average accident and illness policy costs approximately $62 per month for dogs. Your actual premium will vary based on factors such as your dog's age, breed, where you live, and the coverage options you choose.

Dog breeds that may cost more to insure

Some breeds are more susceptible to inherited conditions or orthopedic problems, which can result in higher insurance premiums. Examples include:

• French bulldogs
• English bulldogs
• Bernese mountain dogs
• Great Danes
• Rottweilers
• German shepherds

These breeds are more likely to experience conditions such as hip dysplasia, breathing disorders, cruciate ligament injuries, heart disease, or certain cancers.

Dog breeds that are often less expensive to insure

Generally, mixed-breed dogs and breeds with fewer hereditary health concerns may have lower premiums. Examples may include:

• Beagles
• Chihuahuas
• Australian cattle dogs
• Mixed-breed dogs
• Border collies

Of course, every dog is different, and individual premiums depend on more than just your pet’s breed.

How Much Does Cat Insurance Cost?

The average accident and illness cat insurance policy costs approximately $32 per month for cats, according to NAPHIA. Your premium may be higher or lower depending on your cat's age, breed, where you live, and the coverage options you choose.

Cat breeds that may cost more to insure

Some purebred cats have a greater risk of developing inherited conditions, including:

• Maine Coon
• Persian
• Ragdoll
• Bengal
• Scottish Fold

These breeds may be predisposed to heart disease, kidney disease, joint disorders, or other genetic conditions.

What Else Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?

Breed is only one factor that determines your premium. Several other factors also influence pricing, including:

Your pet's age

Older pets are more likely to develop illnesses or chronic conditions, so premiums typically increase as pets age.

Where you live

Veterinary care costs vary across the country. Areas with higher veterinary costs generally have higher insurance premiums.

Your coverage selections

Many pet insurance plans are customizable. Your premium may change depending on your choices for:

• Annual deductible
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual coverage limit

Some providers also offer optional routine care or wellness coverage for an additional cost, which can increase your monthly premium.

Rising veterinary costs

Veterinary medicine continues to advance, giving pets access to more specialized diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and treatments than ever before. While that's excellent news for pets, it also contributes to rising veterinary costs, which can affect insurance premiums over time.

If you'd like a more detailed explanation of why premiums change, read our article on Pet Insurance Premiums Explained.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

For many pet parents, pet insurance can help make veterinary expenses more manageable and provide financial protection when accidents or illnesses occur.

Emergency veterinary care can quickly cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. By reimbursing eligible covered expenses, pet insurance can help reduce the financial impact of an unexpected vet bill and make it easier to focus on getting your pet the care they need.

It's important to remember that pet insurance is designed for future accidents and illnesses. Like most insurance products, pre-existing conditions are not covered. If your pet has already been diagnosed with a medical condition before enrolling, treatment related to that condition likely won't be eligible for coverage.

That's why many pet parents choose to enroll while their pets are young and healthy. Doing so may help reduce the likelihood that future conditions will be considered pre-existing.

Out Of Pocket Vet Costs Without Insurance

Having pet insurance means you’re covered for any new potential accidents and illnesses. Without insurance, the costs can be detrimental. Below is an estimation on how much common emergency surgeries cost without pet insurance:

Pets Best vs. Other Pet Insurance Providers

Choosing pet insurance isn't just about finding the lowest monthly premium; it's about finding coverage that provides value when you need it most.

Pets Best offers features that many pet parents appreciate, including:

• Customizable plans to fit different budgets
• Coverage options with reimbursement of up to 90%
• Access to a 24/7 pet health helpline with all plans at no additional cost
• No upper age limit for enrollment
• The freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada
• A 5% multi-pet discount on all pets’ premiums when you enroll more than one pet

No two pets or budgets are exactly alike, which is why flexible coverage options can help you choose a plan that fits your needs. Here’s a comparison of what we offer and pet insurance plans from other providers.

Get a Personalized Quote

While average costs provide a helpful benchmark, your actual premium depends on your pet's unique characteristics and the coverage you choose.

The best way to find out exactly what pet insurance may cost for your dog or cat is to get a free, personalized quote. In just a few minutes, you can compare coverage options and customize a plan that works for your budget while helping protect your pet from life's unexpected veterinary expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if pet insurance is too expensive?

Many pet insurance plans are customizable, allowing you to adjust your annual deductible, reimbursement percentage, or annual coverage limit to better fit your budget. You can also choose whether to add routine care coverage for an additional cost if it makes sense for your needs.

If you're facing an unexpected veterinary bill before reimbursement, many veterinary clinics also accept CareCredit®, which may help you manage eligible expenses.

CareCredit is a credit card offered by Synchrony Bank. Pets Best does not own, administer, or make decisions regarding CareCredit. An affiliate of Synchrony Bank holds a minority equity interest in an affiliate of Pets Best.

How does my deductible affect the cost of my monthly pet insurance premium?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before you get reimbursed. Choosing a higher annual deductible, for example, $500 instead of $100, means a lower monthly premium.

What's the average pet insurance cost in 2026?

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness pet insurance policy is approximately $62 for dogs and $32 for cats. Keep in mind that these are industry averages; your premium may be higher or lower depending on factors such as your pet's age, breed, where you live, and the coverage options you choose.

What does accident-only pet insurance cover?

Accident-only pet insurance is a type of pet insurance policy that covers emergency veterinary care for treatment of accidental physical injuries. This can include burns, cuts, broken bones and more. Accident-only pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or routine veterinary care. Accident-only plans are a good option for pet parents looking for an affordable plan to cover their pet in emergencies.

Sources

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/dog-intestinal-blockage-surgery
2. https://www.petmd.com/cat/procedure/cat-intestinal-blockage-surgery
3. https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/dog-acl-surgery-cost/
4. https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/ruptured-cranial-cruciate-ligament
5. https://money.com/how-much-is-an-emergency-vet-visit/