How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? (2023 Guide)

Your pets are your family members. When something unexpected happens and your pet becomes injured or sick you’ll want to be able to pay for the medical treatment. Insurance for pets is a great option for pet owners to reduce the amount they have to pay for expenses for vet care and instead pay a monthly cost every month.

Pet insurance is priced between $38-$56 per month for an adult dog, and between $20 to $30 for a cat that is an adult. In addition, if you put into a preventative package, you’ll be able to shell out an extra amount of $10 or $25 a month, on top of your insurance premium for pets.

The cost of your pet’s insurance will be based on the age of your pet’s breed, location, and where it is. The type of coverage and provider you select can also affect the monthly cost.

How Much is Pet Insurance for Dogs?

In our study of the best 10 pet insurance companies, the cost for monthly insurance on pets is around $56 for adults. It is $53 for puppies per month.

Pet Insurance Cost by Dog Breed

You can evaluate the monthly cost of insuring popular breeds of dogs by using the chart below.

You can observe from this table, the cost of protection for your pet is increasing as they age. It is possible to see a one or two-percent increase per calendar year until the dog is approximately six years old. At that point, the cost of insurance may begin to increase more rapidly.

Dog Insurance Cost by Provider

MuchPets as well as Pet’s Best are, on average, the most affordable insurance for dogs. Check out the monthly costs of the best providers below:

Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats

Based on our analysis of the top 10 insurance companies for pets The average cost for insurance for cats is $33 per month. the cost for kittens is $27 per month.

Cat Insurance Cost by Cat Breed

As you will see in the following chart The costs of illness and accident coverage for cats may vary significantly based on the type of cat and its age.

Cat Insurance Cost by Provider

In an average basis, ManyPets as well as The Pet’s Best are the most affordable pet insurance plans available for cats. Find the average monthly cost of the best providers below:

5 Factors That Impact Pet Insurance Prices

The breed, age, and geographic location, along with the options for coverage and discounts all affect the total cost of securing your pet.

1. Coverage Options

Many pet insurance companies allow you to alter the annually capped limit, the deductible and the rate. The most common way to pay is the lowest monthly cost in the event you opt for a lower annual limit, a low reimbursement rate, and a higher deductible. However, you’ll have to have to pay more when your pet visits the vet.

2. Breed

Breeds that are more at risk of developing certain ailments are more expensive to insure every month. Purebred dogs are predisposed to ailments that increase the cost of veterinary care and increase the cost of insurance for pet owners.

3. Age

The cost of insurance for an older pet is always higher than that of an older pet, however, each pet insurance company has its own policies on when and how it raises the cost.

Many pet insurance companies permit the pet to be insured when they are 6 weeks old. Certain companies have an age for enrolling that can range between 10 and 14 years. So, if you’ve got pets that are older than then you’ll have to look for an organization that doesn’t limit their enrollment to a certain age.

When should you add your pet to an insurance plan? Patrik Holmboe, head veterinarian of Cooper Pet Care, suggested, “Overall, the best time to enroll your pet into coverage for insurance on pets is while they’re healthy and young. The earlier you sign up is better!” Most pet insurance firms do not provide coverage for any preexisting medical conditions, and the chances of developing them increase as they get older. Holmboe explained, “Most policies are cheaper for pets that are younger. If you begin in the early years, many insurance policies permit you to lock in the cheaper price or get discounts when the pet gets older.”

4. Location

The cost of vet services in the location you reside could affect the cost of your pet’s insurance policy. Consider, for instance, this trio of quotes by Healthy Paws. Each quote is for the same plan that is available for a 1-year-old mixed breed dog, however, the monthly price varies based upon the area where the pet lives:

• New York City, N.Y.: $52.11
• Raleigh, N.C.: $41.82
• Houston, Texas: $35.44

To have the most precise idea of how much insurance for your pet costs in the area you live, ask for an estimate from the pet insurance company you prefer. We suggest seeking quotes from at least three different companies to get the most affordable price and coverage options for your pet.

5. Discounts

A lot of providers offer discounts if you have multiple pets insured or purchase your annual insurance in advance. Some providers also provide discounts for policyholders who are military personnel or employees of animal care. Find the top discount offers from companies below.

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How Does Pet Insurance Work?

When you sign up for pet insurance, protection will start once you have completed you have completed the wait. Based on the provider you choose, the waiting time is usually between two days to two weeks. Be aware that the treatment may not be covered in the event that your pet becomes hurt or sick during the waiting time.

Once the waiting period is over and you are able to take your pet to a licensed vet to receive treatment. The vet will be paid then submit a claim to the vet and then receive reimbursement by your pet’s provider.

The amount your pet insurance company will pay you is contingent on the reimbursement rate you choose. In general the higher your reimbursement rate is, the greater your monthly fee will be.

Do All Veterinarians Accept Pet Insurance?

Yes, you are able to visit any veterinarian if you are insured for pets. In most cases, you pay for your entire vet bill at the time of your visit and submit an insurance claim with your company to receive reimbursement. After your pet insurance company accepts your claim, you are reimbursed for the visit to the vet. The amount your insurance provider will pay is contingent on the plan you choose.

If you’d like to avoid making a claim and then waiting for reimbursement, certain providers such as Trupanion as well as Pets Best partner with vets to process your reimbursement automatically and you won’t need to pay for the entire bill at once.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Each pet insurance company offers distinct plans. The most popular insurance policies for illness and accidents provide the following coverage:

• Injury and accidents (broken bones and toxic ingestions wounds etc.)
• Diagnostic tests (MRIs or X-rays), bloodwork, CAT scans, etc.)
• Minor and major ailments (cancer epilepsy, cancer, allergies, and ear infections.)
• Prescription medications

Surgery procedures

Many pet insurance providers offer a wellness supplement that covers preventative health costs like checks, behavioral therapy, spaying/neutering vaccinations examination fees as well as microchipping.

What Is Not Covered by Pet Insurance?

That which is not protected under pet insurance also differs according to the provider. But, most insurance companies include the following exclusions:

• Conditions that preexist, like any health or illness your pet suffered prior to enrolling in insurance
• The injuries or illnesses you suffered were triggered during your plan’s waiting period
• Preventative health care (unless specifically covered or if you are enrolled in the wellness plan)
• Cosmetic procedures
• Procedures that are elective
• Pregnancy/breeding

Grooming

Some pet insurance providers such as Embrace and Embrace, will take care of the treatment of a preexisting condition that can be cured within a certain time in the event that the symptoms do not occur again.

Also Read:- How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan For Your Family

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Many pet owners believe that insurance for pets is worthwhile, however, it might not be the best option for every dog. Becky Simmonds, professional dog trainer and behaviorist at Breed Advisor, suggested that pet insurance could be a viable option if:

You’re not sure if you’ll have the funds to cover an unexpected vet cost

Insurance can ensure your security

There is either a cat or dog breed that is susceptible to certain genetic health issues like cancer or hip dysplasia

Each person’s situation is different and you must weigh the cost and benefits of signing up for the pet insurance plan yourself.

Average Costs of Pet Medical Treatments

The cost of out-of-pocket pet medical expenses can pile up fast: Major procedures or treatments such as ACL treatment, chemotherapy, and removal of foreign objects can cost a lot of money. However, even treatment for simple conditions like diarrhea or the ear could cost hundreds of dollars.