Pet ownership is widespread in the US, with a remarkable 66% of households (approximately 86.9 million homes) having a pet. Dogs and cats lead the pack in popularity, residing in about 65.1 million and 46.5 million homes respectively(2). For these beloved companions, the average monthly cost of pet insurance in the US is around $44 for dogs and $24 for cats, though this can fluctuate depending on factors like your location, the breed of your pet, the extent of coverage you choose, and your pet's age and medical background(5).
What is Pet Insurance?
While it might seem like dogs are invincible, ready to take on anything from household items to rogue socks, and we often hear about cats having nine lives, these are just myths. In reality, pets are vulnerable to injuries and illnesses.
Veterinary care can often help address these problems, but serious injuries or illnesses can lead to substantial treatment costs, straining finances. This is precisely where pet insurance can help. Consider it a safety net for your pet's health. By paying a manageable amount regularly, you gain access to a tool that can help with the cost of covered vet bills, to help your pet get the care they need when they need it.
How does pet insurance work?
A typical pet insurance claim looks like this:
You take your pet to the vet for treatment.
You pay the bill.
You submit a claim to your pet insurance company with a copy of your invoice.
Your pet insurance provider reimburses you for the cost of covered vet bills based on the reimbursement rate in your policy.
What Affects Pet Insurance Prices?
Multiple factors can affect the premium you pay for pet insurance. Even with the same breed of dog as your neighbor, you may have to pay a different premium. Here’s why -
Pet breed: Some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. For example, GDV or gastric dilation volvulus is common in Great Danes and German Shepherds. Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Boxers are said to be more prone to kidney problems. For these breeds, insurance premiums may be higher. (1)(3)
Age of your pet: Just like people, young pets are usually less prone to illness, but as they age, the risk of injury or illness increases, and insurance prices increase.
Location: Certain locations, especially urban ones, tend to lead to average vet expenses, therefore increasing the amount you will have to pay in insurance, and vice versa.
Coverage type: You select your coverage. For instance, coverage that includes only accidents will cost less than coverage that includes both accidents and illnesses. Preventive care add-ons can be added for a small fee to help cover the cost of routine care like annual exams and vaccines. Learn more about preventive care.
Deductible and reimbursement rates: The deductible amount is the amount paid out-of-pocket before reimbursements begin. Once met, your provider will begin to reimburse you for covered vet bills based on the percentage you selected. This is typically between 70 - 90%. A higher deductible amount and a lower reimbursement rate mean lower premium costs and vice versa.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
A survey by Forbes found that dog parents spend the most on vet care. The average cost of veterinary care is around $679.50 annually.(2) And this doesn’t include the cost of treatment if a major accident or illness affects the pet.
Here are some average costs of major treatments for pets:(4)
Cancer treatment - $4,000
Diabetes - $1,600-$2,900
Kidney disease - $1,318
Heart murmur - $1,140
Hernia - $700-$2,500
Urinary tract infection - $1,053
According to Forbes, 42% of pet parents said they could not cover a surprise vet bill of $999 or less without going into debt.(2) Pet insurance can help families get reimbursed up to 90% of covered vet bills. Learn more about what pet insurance covers.
We leave it to you to decide if pet insurance is worth it. If you think it is, click here to get a quote for your pet.
Spot Facts!*
The average claim cost at Spot Pet in the year 2024 was $441.46.
The average monthly premium at Spot from the year 2019-2025 was $43.85, including cats and dogs.
The breeds with the highest number of claims in the same period were French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever for dogs, and Domestic Shorthair, American Shorthair, and Siamese for cats.
FAQs
Why is dog insurance more expensive than cat insurance? Dogs are more active and hence, more prone to injuries than cats. Many dog breeds are prone to health conditions that can be expensive to treat, like hip dysplasia or heart disease. And their larger size often requires higher doses of medication or anesthesia, increasing treatment costs.
What is not covered by pet insurance? Pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, including symptoms that arise during the waiting period, and anything that is a cosmetic surgery. Base-level plans do not cover preventive treatments like dental cleaning and routine vet visits.
Can I get insurance for an older pet? Not every insurer allows insurance for dogs or cats after a certain age. At Spot Pet, there are no age limits for pets to get insurance.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
*2025 Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC. claims data
Gastropexy | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastropexy
Megna, M. (2025, January 2). Pet Ownership Statistics 2025. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/
Chronic kidney disease in dogs. (n.d.). PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease-in-dogs
How much does a vet visit cost? Average pricing by procedure. (2024, August 5). https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
Getman, S. (2025, March 12). Average pet insurance rates as of March | Insurify. Insurify. https://insurify.com/pet-insurance/news/average-pet-insurance-rates-march-2025/
