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Estimates are for accident-and-illness style plans from major US insurers and are rounded. Your actual quote depends on breed, deductible, reimbursement rate and payout limits. This tool gives guidance only, not a quote.
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Source: ComparePetCover — Pet Insurance Cost Calculator 2026 (https://comparepetcover.com/pet-insurance-cost-calculator)
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How much is pet insurance in 2026?
Nationally, accident-and-illness coverage averages about $55/month for dogs and $27/month for cats — but where you live, how old your pet is and how much coverage you choose can swing that by 2–3×. The calculator above combines three levers:
📍 Your state
Premiums track local vet prices and claim costs. Dog owners in the priciest states pay roughly 44% more than those in the cheapest states.
🎂 Your pet's age
Cover is cheapest in the early years. By about age nine the age-rating factor can more than double versus a young adult.
🛡️ Coverage level
Accident-only plans run far cheaper than accident-and-illness; adding wellness/routine care pushes the premium higher again.
Average pet insurance cost by state (2026)
The table below shows the estimated average monthly premium for a young-adult pet on accident-and-illness coverage. These are the base figures the calculator adjusts for age and coverage. National average = 100 on the cost index.
| State | Dogs (avg/mo) | Cats (avg/mo) | Cost Index (US=100) |
|---|
Methodology
Base state premiums reflect published 2026 average accident-and-illness rates from major US pet insurers, benchmarked against the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) national averages (about $62/month for dogs and $32/month for cats for accident-and-illness cover) and normalised to a state cost index. Age multipliers (0.85× under 1 year, rising to 2.6× at 11+ years) reflect standard age-rating where premiums more than double for senior pets. Coverage multipliers approximate the gap between accident-only (~0.3×), accident-and-illness (base) and plans that add wellness/routine care (~1.35×). Figures are estimates for guidance, not quotes.
Estimate your cost, then compare plans
Once you know the ballpark, compare the providers available where you live:
Frequently asked questions
How much does pet insurance cost per month in 2026?
Accident-and-illness cover averages about $55/month for dogs and $27/month for cats nationally, but your real figure depends on state, pet age and coverage level. Use the calculator above for a personalised estimate.
Does pet insurance cost more as my pet gets older?
Yes. Premiums are lowest in a pet's first years and rise steadily with age — by around age nine the age-rating factor can more than double versus a young adult.
Why does pet insurance cost differ by state?
Premiums track local veterinary costs, claim frequency and cost of living. Owners in the most expensive states pay roughly 44% more than owners in the cheapest states for the same coverage.
Is this calculator free?
Yes — it's free, needs no sign-up and gives an instant estimate. It's for general guidance only; always confirm the exact price with the insurer.