Last reviewed: November 2026 · Reviewed by the VetBillWise Editorial Team
Pet Insurance Cost Calculator
Enter your pet's details below to get an estimated monthly premium range. Estimates are based on published average rates across major U.S. pet insurers.
How this estimate is calculated
Our estimate combines four factors with the largest impact on real premiums:
- Base breed rate — derived from published average premiums across major U.S. insurers. For example, mixed-breed dogs average roughly $42/month; French Bulldogs average around $69/month; Persian cats average about $32/month.
- Age multiplier — senior pets cost more to insure (1.4x at age 7–9, up to 1.9x at age 10+).
- State multiplier — regional veterinary costs vary. High-cost states like California and New York average roughly 25% higher premiums.
- Coverage multiplier — accident-only plans are typically 40% cheaper than accident-and-illness plans; comprehensive plans run about 20% higher.
Average monthly premiums by breed (age 1, accident & illness)
Figures are U.S. national averages compiled from published insurer rate data and industry benchmarks. Actual quotes vary by state.
| Breed | Species | Avg. monthly premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Breed | Dog | $42 | Lowest average |
| Chihuahua | Dog | $35 | Low hereditary risk |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Dog | $38 | Small breed |
| Beagle | Dog | $44 | Moderate |
| Dachshund | Dog | $46 | IVDD risk |
| Poodle (Standard) | Dog | $48 | Moderate |
| Siberian Husky | Dog | $50 | Moderate |
| German Shepherd | Dog | $51 | Hip dysplasia risk |
| Labrador Retriever | Dog | $52 | Most popular breed |
| Golden Retriever | Dog | $58 | Cancer risk |
| Boxer | Dog | $58 | Cardiac risk |
| Rottweiler | Dog | $62 | Joint & cancer risk |
| Great Dane | Dog | $68 | Large-breed risk |
| French Bulldog | Dog | $69 | BOAS & skin folds |
| English Bulldog | Dog | $75 | Highest average |
| Mixed Breed | Cat | $22 | Lowest cat average |
| Siamese | Cat | $26 | Moderate |
| Abyssinian | Cat | $26 | Moderate |
| British Shorthair | Cat | $28 | HCM risk |
| Bengal | Cat | $28 | Moderate |
| Maine Coon | Cat | $30 | HCM risk |
| Ragdoll | Cat | $30 | HCM risk |
| Persian | Cat | $32 | PKD risk |
| Sphynx | Cat | $34 | Highest cat average |
Frequently asked questions
Is pet insurance worth it?
For most pet owners, insurance is worth it if a single emergency vet bill would strain your finances. A cruciate ligament surgery can cost $3,500–$5,500, and cancer treatment can exceed $10,000. If you have a healthy emergency fund of $10,000+ that you are willing to spend on your pet, self-insuring is a valid alternative.
When should I enroll my pet?
As early as possible. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from nearly all policies, so enrolling while your pet is young and healthy is the single most important step. Puppies and kittens can often be enrolled at 6–8 weeks of age.
What is the average cost of pet insurance?
For dogs, expect $40–$70/month for an accident-and-illness plan. For cats, $20–$35/month. Raising your deductible to $500 or choosing a 70% reimbursement rate (instead of 90%) can meaningfully lower these figures.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. All major U.S. pet insurers exclude pre-existing conditions. This is the strongest argument for enrolling early — before any condition is diagnosed or documented in your pet's medical records.