Insurance 101

Average Pet Insurance Cost For Individuals & Families

Today we’ll show you the average pet insurance cost by age, state, company, plan type, and tier.

As pet parents, our four-legged family members have become a part of the household. With that comes a responsibility to ensure they're safe and receive the best care possible, including investing in pet insurance. Pet insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense on top of veterinary bills, but having coverage can give you peace of mind knowing your pets are protected and help you financially if unexpected medical costs arise. 

With so many different plans and pricing methods, it's hard to know where to start when considering pet insurance policies. To help clarify this seemingly overwhelming process, we've broken down all the costs associated with pet insurance coverage – from average prices for individuals to entire families of animal lovers!

How much does individual pet insurance cost?

The cost of individual pet insurance may seem like another financial obstacle for many pet owners. Still, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing these expenses can unveil their long-term value. Many factors play a role in determining the specific price of an insurance policy for your furry friend, including your Pet's age, breed, location, and the type of coverage you opt for. While premiums may be as low as $10 per month for basic coverage or reach up to $100 per month for comprehensive plans, investing in pet insurance offers priceless security and peace of mind. According to an analysis by Forbes Advisor, the average monthly cost of pet insurance for dogs is $44, and for cats, it is $30. By taking the time to research and compare different insurance providers and their policies, you can find the perfect balance between affordability and protection for your beloved Pet, ensuring that they receive the optimal care they deserve throughout their lifetime.

How much is pet insurance for dogs?

Quotes from different companies varied by more than $65 for the same Pet, location, and insurance plan, even though all three factors were the same. If you live in an area that has high veterinary costs or if your dog is prone to get hurt, you can anticipate that your monthly rate will be closer to $90 than it will be to $25.

Similarly, you'll have to pay higher rates if you want more coverage, a lower deductible, or a higher reimbursement amount.

Average Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs by Company Per Month

  • AKC/PetPartners - $23 
  • PetFirst - $26 
  • PetsBest - $28
  • Figo - $30
  • 24PetWat - $34
  • ASPCA - $34
  • HealthyPaws - $41
  • Embrace - $46
  • Petplan - $50
  • Nationwide - $63
  • Trupanion - $90

What is the cost of pet insurance by dog breed?

Your dog's breed can also affect the amount of money you spend each month on insurance for your Pet. The likelihood that a mutt or mixed-breed dog will develop a serious genetic condition is lower than that of a purebred dog, which means that the cost of their pet insurance policy will likely be lower. Pet insurance premiums for brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds like bulldogs, boxers, and pugs are typically higher than those for other types of dogs because these dogs are more likely to develop a variety of health issues as a result of their shorter muzzles.

Average Cost of Pet Insurance by Dog Breed Per Month

  • Mixed breed, up to 50 lbs - $30
  • Mixed breed, up to 100 lbs - $34
  • Beagle - $34
  • German Shepherd - $34
  • Labrador Retriever - $41
  • Golden Retriever - $41
  • Bulldog - $50

How much is pet insurance for cats?

According to data provided by NAPHIA for the year 2021, the annual cost for cat owners is an average of $341.81, while the monthly cost is $28.48. Cat insurance is typically more affordable than insurance for dogs because cats require less medical attention. For instance, an average trip to the veterinarian for surgical procedures costs $458 for a dog, while the owner of a cat will pay $201. According to the results of the National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in 2020-2021, the average annual cost of routine veterinary care for dogs will be approximately $242, while the price of yearly well-checks for cats will add up to roughly $178.

Average Cost of Pet Insurance By Company Per Month

  • Pets Best - $21 for a cat age 4, $41 for a cat age 8
  • Lemonade - $24 for a cat age 4, $46 for a cat age 8
  • ManyPets - $26 for a cat age 4, $45 for a cat age 8
  • Nationwide Whole Pet - $27 for a cat age 4, $46 for a cat age 8
  • MetLife - $29 for a cat age 4, $41 for a cat age 8
  • AKC - $34 for a cat age 4, $62 for a cat age 8
  • Wagmo - $35 for a cat age 4, $41 for a cat age 8
  • Figo - $35 for a cat age 4, $62 for a cat age 8
  • Healthy Paws - $39 for a cat age 4
  • ASPCA - $40 for a cat age 4, $62 for a cat age 8
  • Fetch By the Dodo - $41 for a cat age 4, $92 for a cat age 8
  • Embrace - $42 for a cat age 4, $62 for a cat age 8
  • Prudent Pet - $45 for a cat age 4, $65 for a cat age 8
  • Pumpkin - $57 for a cat age 4, $81 for a cat age 8
  • Spot - $57 for a cat age 4, $87 for a cat age 8
  • Trupanion - $81 for a cat age 4, $125 for a cat age 8

Average Cost of Cat Insurance by Cat Breed Per Month

The typical cost of coverage for an annual amount of $5,000, with a deductible of $250 and a reimbursement rate of 80%:

  • Abyssinian - $21
  • Bengal - $21
  • Bombar - $20
  • British Shorthair - $21
  • Devon Rex - $20
  • Domestic Shorthair - $17
  • Exotic Shorthair - $21
  • Main Coon - $21
  • Mixed Breed - $17
  • Persian - $20
  • Ragdoll - $19
  • Siamese - $19

What is the average cost of pet insurance by pet age?

Your Pet's overall health and well-being will play a role in determining the cost of the coverage you purchase for them. One of these factors is a person's age. The older a pet gets, the more expensive it is to insure them, and in some instances, insurers may decide not to cover pets over a certain age because of the increased risk. The animal's previous medical history will also be taken into consideration.

According to U.S. News, a pet's age can affect the monthly premiums that are required to be paid for insurance coverage. Rates go up as the Pet gets older, according to the sample policy we looked at for Spot Pet Insurance, which came in at number one on our list of the best pet insurance companies for 2023. These sample average rates are provided solely for the purpose of providing an illustration. The actual rates vary depending on a wide variety of factors, one of which is the selected coverage options.

What is the average cost of pet insurance by state?

The state you live in can cause a variation in the price of pet insurance. Delving into the average costs across various states can provide valuable insights into this aspect of pet ownership. For instance, pet parents residing in states with higher living expenses, like New York or California, might find the insurance premiums relatively higher than those living in more affordable regions. 

Furthermore, factors like local veterinary costs and state-specific insurance regulations can contribute to these variations in the average prices. Understanding these variances will help pet owners select the best insurance coverage for their furry friends and budget accordingly for their pet's overall well-being.

What is the average cost of pet insurance by coverage type?

Coverage is one of the most critical aspects of determining the cost of pet insurance. For instance, the price of a comprehensive policy that covers a variety of treatments as well as routine care will be higher than that of a policy that only covers accidents.

The pet insurance company will determine the coverage options available to you. The following are the primary categories of pet insurance policies:

  • Comprehensive pet insurance plan. A comprehensive insurance policy for pets will include both an accident and illness policy as well as a plan for routine veterinary care.
  • Insurance against illness and accidents This kind of policy contributes to the payment of veterinary bills in the event of unanticipated incidents, such as sprains resulting from accidents, poisonings, and common illnesses, such as ear infections. In addition, this may cover the costs of laboratory tests, surgical procedures, hospitalization, medications prescribed by a doctor, and emergency medical care.
  • Coverage limited only to accidents. If your pet is injured in an accident, such as breaking a bone, this kind of policy will pay for some of the associated medical costs. There is a possibility that coverage will extend to diagnostic procedures, surgical procedures, X-rays, hospitalization, prescribed medications, and emergency medical care.
  • Wellness routines and routine plans. The medical costs associated with wellness exams, flea and heartworm prevention, vaccinations, and other types of annual routine care are covered by this type of insurance policy. Typically, these plans are considered add-ons.

How can you lower the cost of pet insurance?

Keep an eye out for deals: You could get a discount on the insurance for your pet. Think about making payments on an annual basis, for example. You could qualify for a fee waiver or discount if you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran. You may also be eligible for a reduction in price if you are a senior citizen and a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). You should do some research in order to find the best possible rates.

Purchase a policy that covers only accidents: This policy will only cover your pets in the event of an emergency, such as if they suffered a broken bone or ingested something they shouldn't have. But if you're looking for a way to cut costs while also maintaining your insurance coverage, this can do both.

Take into account the breed and type: As was mentioned earlier, the cost of insuring dogs and cats predisposed to developing health problems is typically higher than that of insuring those who are not inclined. Therefore, if you don't currently own a pet but are considering getting one in the future and intend to insure it, you should start preparing for the expense as soon as possible.

Conclusion

While the average cost of pet insurance differs from region to region, there are several things you can do to reduce your premiums. Firstly, try to find a policy with both accident and illness coverage, as this will include a variety of conditions that may not be covered under an accident-only plan. Additionally, look into whether the policy covers routine care visits such as check-ups or vaccinations - this can save you money in the long term if regularly needed. 

Furthermore, shop around for the best deals - different insurers offer vastly different prices and coverage options, so doing some market research could save a significant amount on your following policy. Overall, while individual and family pet insurance plans can differ in price, it is essential to ensure that whichever option you select provides comprehensive coverage for your pet's health and well-being. By researching appropriately and ensuring that all potential treatments are included in your plan, you can ensure that you and your beloved pet remain healthy for many years!

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