Home › Data Study

2026 Data

Average Pet Insurance Cost by State (2026)

Pet insurance costs vary widely across the United States — by roughly 2–3x depending on where you live. This study breaks down the estimated average monthly premium for dogs and cats in all 50 states, so you can see how your state compares.

Key findings. Nationally, accident-and-illness pet insurance averages about $55/month for dogs and $27/month for cats. Premiums are highest in high-cost states (e.g., Massachusetts, California, New York, Hawaii) and lowest across much of the Midwest and South.

Most expensive states (dogs)

  • Alaska — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • California — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Colorado — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Connecticut — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Hawaii — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Maryland — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Massachusetts — ~$65/mo (dogs)
  • Nevada — ~$65/mo (dogs)

Most affordable states (dogs)

  • Alabama — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Arkansas — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Idaho — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Indiana — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Iowa — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Kansas — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Kentucky — ~$45/mo (dogs)
  • Louisiana — ~$45/mo (dogs)

Average pet insurance cost by state — full table

Estimated average monthly premium for accident-and-illness coverage, 2026. National average: $55/mo (dogs), $27/mo (cats).

StateDogs (avg/mo)Cats (avg/mo)vs. national
Alabama$45$22Below avg
Alaska$65$32Above avg
Arizona$55$27Average
Arkansas$45$22Below avg
California$65$32Above avg
Colorado$65$32Above avg
Connecticut$65$32Above avg
Delaware$55$27Average
Florida$55$27Average
Georgia$55$27Average
Hawaii$65$32Above avg
Idaho$45$22Below avg
Illinois$55$27Average
Indiana$45$22Below avg
Iowa$45$22Below avg
Kansas$45$22Below avg
Kentucky$45$22Below avg
Louisiana$45$22Below avg
Maine$55$27Average
Maryland$65$32Above avg
Massachusetts$65$32Above avg
Michigan$55$27Average
Minnesota$55$27Average
Mississippi$45$22Below avg
Missouri$45$22Below avg
Montana$55$27Average
Nebraska$45$22Below avg
Nevada$65$32Above avg
New Hampshire$65$32Above avg
New Jersey$65$32Above avg
New Mexico$55$27Average
New York$65$32Above avg
North Carolina$55$27Average
North Dakota$45$22Below avg
Ohio$45$22Below avg
Oklahoma$45$22Below avg
Oregon$65$32Above avg
Pennsylvania$55$27Average
Rhode Island$65$32Above avg
South Carolina$55$27Average
South Dakota$45$22Below avg
Tennessee$45$22Below avg
Texas$55$27Average
Utah$55$27Average
Vermont$65$32Above avg
Virginia$65$32Above avg
Washington$65$32Above avg
West Virginia$45$22Below avg
Wisconsin$55$27Average
Wyoming$55$27Average

Why pet insurance costs differ by state

Three local factors drive most of the variation: local veterinary prices (highest in major metros and high-cost-of-living states), access to specialty and emergency hospitals (which raises the price of advanced care), and regional pet-health risks (tick-borne disease in the Northeast, heartworm and heat in the Southeast, rattlesnakes and Valley Fever in the desert Southwest, harsh winters in the north). Your individual quote also depends on your pet's breed, age, and ZIP code.

Methodology

Figures are illustrative 2026 market estimates for accident-and-illness coverage, modeled from national pet-insurance pricing ranges and adjusted by each state's relative veterinary cost level (high / medium / low). They represent typical mid-range premiums, not quotes from a specific insurer. Always confirm current pricing directly with providers.

Cite this study. You're welcome to reference or link to this data with attribution to ComparePetCover (comparepetcover.com/average-pet-insurance-cost-by-state). For press or data requests, contact our team.
Note: Cost figures are illustrative 2026 market estimates and vary by pet and ZIP code. Verify current prices with each provider.
Compare plans by your state