How much is pet insurance?

Average US dog insurance premium in 2026 is $52/mo for accident + illness, $80% reimbursement, $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit. Wide variance by breed, age, location, and plan. Bulldogs and Frenchies run $90–$140/mo. Mixed-breed adult dogs in low-cost states run $25–$40/mo.

Average US cat insurance premium in 2026 is $25/mo for accident + illness, $80%/$500/$5,000. Purebreds (Maine Coon, Persian, Bengal, Ragdoll) run $30–$55/mo due to hereditary disease risk. Indoor adult domestic shorthairs in low-cost states can find plans at $10–$18/mo.

Monthly premiums vary by species (dog vs cat), age, breed, ZIP code, and plan configuration (deductible, reimbursement %, annual limit). Cheapest accident-only plans start at $8/mo. Comprehensive accident + illness + wellness packages exceed $100/mo for older large dogs.

Puppies are the cheapest demographic to insure. Mixed-breed puppies in median-cost states often quote $22–$35/mo. Large-breed puppies (Goldens, Labs, Bernese, Newfoundlands) run $35–$60/mo. Enroll under 1 year old to lock in the lowest lifetime base rate.

Premiums for dogs over 8 are 2–3x higher than puppies. A 10-year-old Golden Retriever in California will typically quote $120–$160/mo. ASPCA, Embrace, and Pets Best have no upper age limit; Healthy Paws and Spot stop new enrollments at 14. Pre-existing exclusions cripple value if your senior has any prior diagnosis.

California, New York, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Washington are the most expensive states (premiums 30–60% above national average). Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia are the cheapest (15–30% below average). The driver is local vet pricing — insurance pricing tracks the cost of paying claims in your ZIP code.