Pet Insurance Cost (2025): Dogs vs Cats, by Breed, Age & State
Average Monthly Cost (Dogs vs Cats)
| Plan Type | Dogs (est.) | Cats (est.) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident-Only | $12–$25 | $8–$18 | Injuries from accidents (e.g., fractures, cuts). No illnesses. |
| Accident & Illness (standard) | $28–$70 | $18–$45 | Accidents + many illnesses, subject to policy terms. |
| Accident & Illness (higher limits) | $55–$120+ | $35–$80+ | Higher annual limits / richer reimbursement. |
| Wellness add-on (optional) | + $10–$25 | + $10–$25 | Routine care (vaccines, checkups). Not insurance in all states. |
Coverage Types Explained
Accident-Only vs Accident & Illness vs Wellness
Accident-Only (A&O): lowest price; no illness coverage — good as a starter or for tight budgets.
Accident & Illness (A&I): most popular; covers many illnesses and injuries after waiting periods.
Wellness add-on: helps budget routine care; sometimes better to pay out-of-pocket — compare numbers.
| Feature | A&O | A&I | Wellness Add-on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries/accidents | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Illnesses | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Routine care (vaccines, dental cleanings) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Typical price | Low | Medium–High | Low add-on |
What Affects Price Most?
- Age: puppies/kittens cheaper than seniors.
- Breed/size: hereditary and orthopedic risks vary.
- Location: vet costs differ by state/city → premiums follow.
- Policy settings: annual limit, reimbursement %, and deductible directly shape price.
- History & waiting periods: pre-existing conditions are usually excluded; definitions vary by provider.
Cost by Breed (Dogs — illustrative)
| Breed | Accident-Only | A&I (standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | $14–$24 | $35–$70 |
| German Shepherd | $14–$26 | $38–$78 |
| Golden Retriever | $14–$25 | $36–$72 |
| French Bulldog | $16–$30 | $45–$95 |
| Poodle (Standard) | $12–$22 | $30–$60 |
Related reading: Dog Insurance Cost by Breed (2025)
Cost by State (illustrative)
| State | Dogs (A&I) | Cats (A&I) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $40–$95 | $25–$55 |
| New York | $42–$100 | $26–$58 |
| Texas | $35–$80 | $22–$48 |
| Florida | $38–$90 | $23–$50 |
| Illinois | $33–$75 | $20–$45 |
Related reading: California • New York • Texas • Florida
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Emergency: A $3,500 surgery could become a few hundred dollars after reimbursement (policy-dependent).
Chronic: Ongoing meds/tests become more manageable with A&I coverage.
Quiet year: If you rarely visit the vet, A&O or self-funding may suffice.
Rule of thumb: If a single emergency would strain your budget, insurance can be valuable.
FAQs
How much does pet insurance cost in 2025?
Dogs roughly $28–$70 for A&I; cats $18–$45 (standard ranges). A&O is cheaper; high-limit plans cost more.
What’s the difference between Accident-Only and Accident & Illness?
A&O helps with injuries from accidents and costs less; A&I is more comprehensive and covers many illnesses subject to policy terms, waiting periods, and exclusions.
How can I lower my monthly premium?
Choose a higher deductible, reduce the annual limit or reimbursement percentage, remove optional add-ons you don’t need, compare multiple providers, and consider multi-pet discounts.
Do providers cover pre-existing conditions?
Most providers exclude pre-existing conditions. Some may offer limited coverage for curable conditions after a symptom-free period. Review each policy’s definitions and look-back rules.
Is pet insurance worth it?
It can be valuable if you want predictable budgeting for emergencies or chronic conditions. Consider your pet’s age, breed risks, local vet costs, and your ability to self-fund large, unexpected bills.
Compare 2025 Quotes
See ranges by breed, age, and state in minutes. No spam—just options to help you budget better.