What Is a Pet Insurance Premium?
A pet insurance premium is the monthly or annual payment you make to maintain coverage for your pet. This regular payment helps ensure your pet remains insured and eligible for reimbursement when unexpected accidents or illnesses occur. According to NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide², your premium amount depends on several factors including where you live, your pet’s breed, gender, and age.
With Spot Pet Insurance plans, you can pay your premium monthly or annually. The premium you pay gives you access to coverage that can help cover eligible veterinary expenses when your dog or cat needs care for covered conditions.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost on Average?
Pet insurance costs vary based on species, coverage type, and individual factors. According to NAPHIA¹, the average monthly premiums in the U.S. are:
Coverage Type | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
Accident & Illness | $62.44/month | $32.21/month |
Accident-Only | $16.10/month | $9.17/month |
These averages provide a baseline, but your actual premium depends on your specific circumstances. Accident and illness plans help cover a broader range of conditions, while accident-only plans offer lower premiums on coverage for injuries only.
Do Pet Insurance Premiums Go Up with Age?
Yes, pet insurance premiums typically increase as pets get older. According to NAPHIA², premiums rise with age because older pets face higher risks of developing health conditions that require veterinary care.
Senior pets commonly develop age-related conditions such as:
Arthritis and joint problems
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Cancer
These conditions often require ongoing treatment, which may increase the likelihood of claims. As a result, premiums for older pets reflect this higher risk.
Pet Insurance Costs by Dog Age
Dog Age (in years) | Average Monthly Premium (Spot 2025 Data)* |
|---|---|
2 | $44.66 |
5 | $43.40 |
7 | $51.37 |
The data shows that premiums can remain relatively stable through middle age, then increase as dogs enter their senior years. This pattern reflects the increased health risks that can come with aging.
Do Pet Insurance Premiums Increase Every Year?
Whether your pet insurance premium increases annually depends on multiple factors. While not every renewal results in an increase, several variables can cause premiums to rise over time:
Factors that can increase premiums:
Your pet's age at renewal
Veterinary cost inflation in your area
Changes in overall claims experience
Updates to coverage options or policy terms
Why Does Inflation Affect Pet Insurance Premiums?
Veterinary costs tend to rise over time due to inflation, advances in medical technology, and increased costs of supplies and equipment. When veterinary care becomes more expensive, insurance premiums may adjust to reflect these higher potential claim costs. According to NAPHIA², pet owners should expect annual premium changes from most insurers based on location, veterinary care cost changes, and inflation.
What Effect Does Breed Have on Pet Insurance Premiums?
Your pet’s breed can significantly influence how much you pay for pet insurance. According to NAPHIA², purebred and pedigree animals typically cost more to insure than mixed breeds because purebreds face higher risks of inherited conditions.
Certain breeds are predisposed to hereditary and breed-specific health conditions, which increases the likelihood of veterinary visits and claims. Insurance providers factor these breed-related risks into premium calculations.
High-Premium Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds typically have higher premiums due to their predisposition to certain health conditions:
Great Danes: Prone to heart conditions and joint problems
English Bulldogs: Often experience respiratory issues and skin conditions
French Bulldogs: Commonly develop breathing problems and spinal issues
Rottweilers: Higher risk of joint problems and certain cancers
Bernese Mountain Dogs: Predisposed to cancer and orthopedic conditions
Lower-Premium Dog Breeds
Mixed-breed dogs and breeds with fewer genetic health predispositions generally have lower premiums:
Dog Breed | Average Monthly Premium (Spot 2025 Data)* |
|---|---|
Small Mix (less than 10 pounds) | $38.81 |
Small Mix (11-25 pounds) | $43.79 |
Medium Mix | $45.29 |
Large Mix | $50.20 |
Mixed breeds often have greater genetic diversity, which can result in fewer inherited health problems and lower veterinary costs over time.
How Does Location Affect Pet Insurance Premiums?
Where you live plays a significant role in determining your pet insurance premium. According to NAPHIA², urban areas typically have higher premiums than rural regions because veterinary treatment costs and practice operating expenses are greater in cities.
Location factors that affect premiums:
Local veterinary care costs
Regional cost of living
Availability of veterinary specialists
State insurance regulations
Pet parents in cities like New York or Los Angeles may pay more for the same coverage than those in rural areas simply because veterinary services cost more in those region.
How to Choose the Right Premium for Your Needs
Selecting the right pet insurance premium involves balancing coverage needs with your budget. Spot Pet Insurance plans offer several ways to customize your premium:
Adjustable Deductible Options
Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before reimbursement begins. Spot Pet Insurance plans offer annual deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Deductible Choice | Premium Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Lower ($100-$250) | Usually higher monthly premium | Pet parents who want reimbursements to start sooner, even if it means higher monthly premiums |
Higher ($500-$1,000) | Usually lower monthly premium | Pet parents who prefer lower monthly premiums and are okay with paying more before coverage kicks in. |
Reimbursement Rate Selection
Spot Pet Insurance plans offer reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of eligible veterinary costs for covered conditions. Choosing a lower reimbursement rate can help reduce your monthly premium.
Annual Limit Choices
Your annual limit caps the total amount your plan can reimburse per policy year. Spot Pet Insurance plans offer many annual limit choices, including an unlimited option. Selecting a limit that matches your expected needs rather than the highest option available can help manage costs.
Tips to Help Manage Your Pet Insurance Premium
While some factors like age and breed are outside your control, these strategies can help you find coverage that fits your budget:
Enroll when your pet is young: Premiums are typically lower for younger pets, and enrolling early means conditions that develop later can be covered
Choose a higher deductible: a higher deductible usually means a lower monthly premium
Select a moderate reimbursement rate: Choosing 70% or 80% reimbursement instead of 90% can reduce your premium
Compare coverage options: Make sure you’re not paying for coverage you may not need
Consider multi-pet discounts: Spot Pet Insurance offers a multi-pet discount of approximately 10% on all pets enrolled after the first~
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of pet insurance per month?
According to NAPHIA¹, the average monthly premium for accident and illness coverage is $62.44 for dogs and $32.21 for cats. Accident-only coverage averages $16.10 for dogs and $9.17 for cats per month.
Why is my pet insurance premium so high?
Several factors can result in higher premiums: older pet age, breeds prone to health conditions, living in high-cost veterinary areas, or selecting extensive coverage with low deductibles and high reimbursement rates. Reviewing your coverage options with Spot Pet Insurance can help identify ways to adjust your premium.
Can I lower my pet insurance premium?
Yes. You can typically lower your premium by choosing a higher deductible, selecting a lower reimbursement rate, or adjusting your annual limit.
Do all pet insurance companies raise premiums every year?
Premium increases vary by company and individual circumstances. Factors like your pet’s aging, veterinary cost inflation, and claims experience can influence whether and how much premiums change at renewal.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
North American Pet Health Insurance Association. “Average Premiums - State of the Industry Report 2024.” NAPHIA, 2024. https://naphia.org/industry-data/section-3-average-premiums/
North American Pet Health Insurance Association. “NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide.” NAPHIA, 2024. https://naphia.org/find-pet-insurance/naphias-pet-insurance-buying-guide/
*Average premiums are based on Spot Pet Insurance policyholders as of 2025 with accident-only or accident-and-illness plans and may vary due to plan options such as annual limit, co-insurance, and annual deductible, as well as your pet’s breed, age, and location. Quotes at purchase will reflect these factors and your specific selections. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address.
~10% multi-pet discount available on all pets enrolled after the first.
