How much does pet
insurance cost?
Understand what drives your premium, how deductibles and reimbursement work, and what most pet owners actually pay for dog and cat coverage.
What affects your premium
The main factors insurers use to calculate your rate
Your pet's age
Younger pets cost less to insure. Premiums increase as pets get older because the risk of illness rises. Enrolling early locks in lower base rates.
Species and breed
Cats are typically cheaper to insure than dogs. Within species, breeds prone to expensive hereditary conditions (Bulldogs, Maine Coons, etc.) cost more.
Your ZIP code
Vet care costs vary widely by region. Urban areas with higher vet costs generally have higher premiums than rural areas.
Plan choices
The biggest lever you control. Higher deductibles, lower reimbursement rates, and lower annual limits reduce your premium.
Coverage level
Accident-only plans are cheapest. Accident & illness is mid-tier. Adding wellness or maximum coverage drives the premium up.
Discounts
Multi-pet discounts, annual pay discounts, and military or first responder discounts can reduce premiums by 5-15%.
How deductibles & reimbursement work
The three levers that shape your premium and out-of-pocket cost
Deductible
The amount you pay before coverage kicks in. Typically $100-$1,000 per year (or per condition with some insurers).
Reimbursement rate
The percentage of covered vet bills the insurer pays back to you after the deductible. Usually 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Annual limit
The maximum the insurer will pay out per policy year. Options typically range from $5,000 to unlimited.
Example: How a claim plays out
A simple walkthrough so the math is clear
Scenario: Your dog needs a $4,000 surgery
Plan: $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement, $10,000 annual limit
You're billed the full $4,000 by your vet.
Send the invoice to your insurer through their app or portal.
$4,000 - $250 deductible = $3,750 eligible for reimbursement.
$3,750 × 80% = $3,000 paid back to you.
Out of the $4,000 bill, you ended up paying $1,000 ($250 deductible + 20% of the remaining bill).
Ways to lower your premium
Practical ways to make pet insurance fit your budget
Younger pets get lower base rates and fewer pre-existing conditions
Going from $250 to $500 can lower the premium 15-25%
Lower reimbursement rates reduce monthly cost meaningfully
Pay routine care out of pocket if your budget is tight
Most insurers offer 5-10% off when you insure more than one pet
Many insurers offer a discount if you pay the full year upfront
See what coverage costs for your pet
Customize a plan that fits your budget in just a few minutes.