As a pet parent, you know the joy of a wagging tail or a purring cuddle, but you also know the gut-wrenching worry when your furry friend is sick or injured. The vet’s office can feel like a second home, and the bills? They can hit like a ton of bricks. In 2025, veterinary costs are climbing—up nearly 6% from last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—driven by advanced treatments and inflation. Pet insurance has become a go-to solution for many, offering peace of mind and financial relief. But the big question is: how much is pet insurance, and is it worth it for you and your pet?
In this detailed guide, we’ll unpack the real costs of pet insurance in 2025, explain what’s covered (and what’s not), and share practical tips to pick the perfect plan. Whether you’ve got a rambunctious puppy, a senior cat, or even an exotic pet, we’ll help you navigate the options with clear, up-to-date information. Let’s get started and make sure your pet’s health doesn’t break the bank!
What Is Pet Insurance and How It Works
Pet insurance is like a safety net for your pet’s medical bills, similar to health insurance for humans. It helps cover the cost of veterinary care when your pet gets sick or injured, so you’re not left scrambling to pay thousands out of pocket. Here’s how it works in simple terms:
- Premium: The monthly or annual fee you pay to keep the policy active. It’s like a subscription to protect your pet’s health.
- Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance starts covering costs. This can be annual (once per year) or per incident (for each claim).
- Reimbursement Rate: The percentage of the vet bill the insurer pays after the deductible, typically 70%, 80%, or 90%.
- Annual Limit: The maximum amount the insurer will pay in a year. Some plans offer unlimited coverage, while others cap at $5,000 or $10,000.
For example, imagine your dog, Max, swallows a sock and needs emergency surgery. You pay the vet bill upfront, submit a claim to your insurer, and get reimbursed based on your policy’s terms (minus the deductible and any non-covered costs). Most plans let you visit any licensed vet in the U.S., giving you flexibility to choose the best care for your pet.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance in 2025
So, how much is pet insurance in 2025? The cost depends on your pet’s type, breed, age, location, and the coverage you choose. Based on data from trusted sources like NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor, MetLife, Pawlicy Advisor, Embrace, MoneyGeek, and Lemonade, here’s a snapshot of national averages for accident and illness coverage:
| Source | Dogs (Annual) | Dogs (Monthly) | Cats (Annual) | Cats (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NerdWallet | $749 | $62 | $386 | $32 |
| Forbes Advisor | $552–$792 | $46–$66 | $276–$408 | $23–$34 |
| MetLife | $720 | $60 | $384 | $32 |
| Pawlicy Advisor | $749 | $62.44 | $386 | $32.21 |
| Embrace (2024) | $260–$1,329 | $21.71–$110.75 | $139–$659 | $11.60–$54.92 |
| MoneyGeek | $608 | $50.67 | $299 | $24.92 |
| Lemonade (2024) | $576 | $48 | $324 | $27 |
Breed-Specific Costs
Different breeds have different health risks, which impact premiums. For example, MetLife provides these monthly averages for 3-year-old pets in Texas with a $5,000 annual limit, $1,000 deductible, and 70% reimbursement:
| Breed | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| French Bulldog (Dog) | $92 |
| Labrador Retriever | $62 |
| Goldendoodle | $44 |
| German Shepherd | $57 |
| Pit Bull | $59 |
| Abyssinian (Cat) | $30 |
| Maine Coon | $31 |
| Ragdoll | $27 |
| Persian | $31 |
Embrace offers more specific examples from May 2025 for 3-year-old male pets in Texas with the same coverage terms:
| Dog Breed | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| French Bulldog | $35.85 |
| Labrador Retriever | $23.30 |
| Chihuahua | $11.16 |
| Golden Retriever | $23.30 |
| Goldendoodle | $16.74 |
| Cat Breed | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Maine Coon | $14.26 |
| Domestic Shorthair | $11.47 |
| Bengal | $14.26 |
| Ragdoll | $14.26 |
MoneyGeek also provides breed-specific data for 2025:
| Dog Breed | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Chihuahuas | $449.54 |
| Bernese Mountain | $1,245.03 |
| Labrador Retriever | $806.70 |
| Bulldogs | $1,070.32 |
| Cat Breed | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Maine Coon | $417.90 |
| Siamese | $359.25 |
| Persian | $417.82 |
Costs by State
Where you live affects premiums due to regional differences in vet costs. MoneyGeek’s 2025 data shows:
| State | Dogs (Annual) | Cats (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $649 | $329 |
| Texas | $504 | $254 |
| Connecticut | $779 | $385 |
| Arizona | $708 | $356 |
Lemonade notes state-specific ranges for 2024–2025, with monthly premiums for dogs and cats ranging from $20 in Oklahoma to $49 in California.
Costs by Coverage Type
Premiums also vary by coverage level. MoneyGeek breaks it down:
| Coverage Limit | Dogs (Annual) | Cats (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $331 | $180 |
| $10,000 | $608 | $299 |
| Unlimited | $656 | $364 |
Costs by Provider
Different providers offer varying rates. MoneyGeek’s 2025 data for dogs and cats:
| Provider | Dogs (Annual) | Cats (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Figo | $495 | $251 |
| Embrace | $513 | $238 |
| Pumpkin | $691 | $409 |
| Nationwide | $861 | $302 |
Costs by Pet Age
Older pets cost more to insure. MoneyGeek’s data for dogs:
| Age | Annual Cost | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $747 | – |
| 9 | $1,182 | 58% |
| 12 | $2,049 | 73% |
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets like birds, rabbits, or reptiles can be insured through providers like Nationwide, but costs vary widely ($10–$50/month) due to limited data and specialized care needs.
Factors Affecting Costs
- Age: Younger pets have lower premiums as they’re less prone to health issues.
- Breed: Breeds like French Bulldogs or Bernese Mountain Dogs, prone to respiratory or joint issues, cost more.
- Location: Urban areas with higher vet costs (e.g., California) lead to pricier premiums.
- Coverage Level: Higher reimbursement rates, lower deductibles, or wellness add-ons increase costs.
To get a precise pet insurance cost, request quotes from providers like Healthy Paws, Lemonade, or Embrace, tailored to your pet’s specifics.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover (And What It Doesn’t)
Pet insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical expenses, but not everything is included. Here’s what most accident and illness plans cover:
- Accidents: Injuries like broken bones, cuts, bite wounds, or swallowing foreign objects (e.g., a sock or toy).
- Illnesses: Conditions like cancer, diabetes, allergies, or infections.
- Diagnostics: Tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood work for covered conditions.
- Treatments: Surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications for covered issues.
- Additional Coverage: Some plans include behavioral therapy (e.g., for anxiety) or alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Common Exclusions
Pet insurance has limitations. Typical exclusions include:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury diagnosed or treated before the policy starts or during the waiting period (usually 14 days, longer for conditions like cruciate ligament issues).
- Routine Care: Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, or annual check-ups (unless you add a wellness plan, which costs extra).
- Breeding/Pregnancy Costs: Expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or whelping.
- Elective Procedures: Cosmetic procedures like tail docking or ear cropping.
Some insurers, like ASPCA Pet Insurance, may cover curable pre-existing conditions (e.g., ear infections) if symptom-free for 180 days, but knee or ligament issues are often excluded. Always read the fine print to avoid surprises.
Sample Vet Bills vs Insurance Reimbursement
To show how pet insurance saves money, here are two real-world examples, assuming a policy with a $500 annual deductible, 80% reimbursement rate, and a $10,000 annual limit.
Example 1: Emergency Surgery for a Broken Leg
Your dog, Bella, fractures her leg after a fall, requiring surgery costing $3,000.
- Step 1: You pay the $3,000 vet bill upfront.
- Step 2: Submit a claim to your insurer.
- Step 3: After the $500 deductible, the covered amount is $3,000 – $500 = $2,500.
- Step 4: The insurer reimburses 80% of $2,500 = $2,000.
- Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1,000 ($500 deductible + $500 non-reimbursed portion).
Without insurance, you’d pay the full $3,000, so insurance saves you $2,000.
Example 2: Cancer Treatment
Your cat, Whiskers, is diagnosed with lymphoma, requiring $10,000 in treatments (chemotherapy, diagnostics, and medications) over a year.
- Step 1: You pay the $500 deductible (assuming it’s annual and not yet met).
- Step 2: The remaining $9,500 is covered at 80% = $7,600 reimbursed.
- Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: $2,400 ($500 deductible + $1,900 non-reimbursed portion).
Without insurance, you’d face the full $10,000. If your policy had a $5,000 annual limit, you’d only get $4,500 reimbursed ($5,000 – $500 deductible), increasing your out-of-pocket cost to $5,500.
Real-World Context
According to MetLife, emergency vet visits can cost $3,000–$5,000 for dogs and up to $3,000 for cats. Pet insurance can make these expenses manageable, especially for chronic conditions like cancer, which the American Pet Products Association notes can exceed $10,000 in treatment costs.
Tips to Choose the Right Plan
Choosing the right pet insurance plan can save you money while ensuring your pet’s care. Here are actionable tips:
- Assess Your Pet’s Needs: Consider your pet’s age, breed, and health risks. For example, French Bulldogs may need coverage for breathing issues, while Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia.
- Compare Providers: Get quotes from top providers like Healthy Paws, Lemonade, Embrace, or Figo. Tools like Pawlicy Advisor simplify comparisons.
- Understand Policy Terms: Look at the deductible ($100–$1,000), reimbursement rate (70%–90%), and annual limit ($5,000–unlimited). A higher deductible lowers premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs.
- Insure Early: Enroll young, healthy pets to lock in lower rates and avoid pre-existing condition exclusions. For example, MoneyGeek notes a 58% premium increase for 9-year-old dogs compared to 6-year-olds.
- Look for Discounts: Many insurers offer multi-pet discounts (5%–10%) or savings for annual payments.
- Check Reviews: Research claim processing speed and customer service. Providers like Embrace and Healthy Paws often receive high marks for quick reimbursements.
- Consider Wellness Plans: If you want coverage for routine care (e.g., vaccinations), add a wellness plan, but weigh the extra cost (typically $10–$25/month) against paying out of pocket.
FAQs
Is pet insurance worth it?
It depends on your budget and your pet’s health risks. Premiums averaging $46–$66/month for dogs or $23–$34/month for cats can offset major bills, like a $5,000 surgery. If your pet is healthy or you can cover vet costs, self-funding might work, but insurance offers peace of mind for unexpected emergencies. Enrolling early maximizes coverage for future conditions.
Not sure if pet insurance makes sense for you? Learn more in our detailed guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It in 2025?
Can I get pet insurance for older dogs?
Yes, but premiums are higher, and pre-existing conditions are excluded. For example, MoneyGeek notes a 12-year-old dog’s premium can be $2,049/year, compared to $747 for a 6-year-old. Early enrollment is cheaper, but coverage for senior pets can still help with new issues.
Have an older pet? Read our breakdown on Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs before you buy.
Does pet insurance cover routine vet visits?
Standard plans don’t cover routine care like vaccinations or dental cleanings. Wellness plans, available from providers like Embrace or Nationwide, cover these but increase premiums by $10–$25/month.
What about exotic pets?
Exotic pets like birds or reptiles can be insured through providers like Nationwide, but premiums vary ($10–$50/month) due to specialized care needs. Check provider-specific policies for details.
Conclusion
In 2025, pet insurance is a vital tool to protect your pet’s health and your finances from rising vet costs. With average premiums of $46–$66/month for dogs and $23–$34/month for cats, it can save thousands during emergencies like surgeries or cancer treatments. By comparing providers, understanding coverage, and insuring early, you can find a plan that fits your budget and keeps your pet healthy.
Don’t let an unexpected vet bill catch you off guard. Get a personalized pet insurance quote today from providers like Healthy Paws, Lemonade, or Embrace to ensure your furry friend gets the care they deserve. Your peace of mind—and their happy purrs or wags—are worth it!
Citations:
- NerdWallet: Cost of Pet Insurance
- Forbes Advisor: Pet Insurance Cost
- MetLife Pet Insurance: How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- Pawlicy Advisor: Pet Insurance Cost
- Embrace Pet Insurance: Pet Insurance Cost
- MoneyGeek: Pet Insurance Cost
- Lemonade Insurance: Pet Insurance Cost
Not sure if pet insurance makes sense for you? Learn more in our detailed guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It in 2025?
