How Much is Pet Insurance?

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Veterinary costs are skyrocketing, and as a pet owner, it's a problem we'd all prefer to avoid. Picture your pet facing a health issue, and those vet bills start piling up. The stress builds, and you wonder if you can provide the care they need without emptying your wallet. It's a tough spot no pet parent wants to be in, leading to heartache and tough choices.

Now, let's talk numbers. Treatment for pneumonia? It can hit you for over $1700 per claim. Eating a foreign object? That's often more than $1500 per claim. And a car accident? Be prepared for a bill of over $2000. And remember, these are just for single incidents!

But here's the twist: some health issues require multiple or lifelong treatments, and those expenses can stack up fast. A gastrointestinal tract obstruction? That's an average of over $6500. And if your pet faces meningioma, a type of tumor, the bill can easily be over $7000!

So, the bottom line is crystal clear – one unexpected event is all it takes for pet insurance to ride in as the hero, saving your sanity(and your hard-earned savings). It's the kind of peace of mind that's truly priceless. 

Pet Insurance Costs by State

Just like everything else, pet insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. It's a bit like how gas prices change from state to state. In some places, you might find that pet insurance is more budget-friendly, while in others, it can be a bit pricier. Factors such as regional veterinary care costs and the overall cost of living can influence the price of your pet insurance policy.

So, whether you're in a bustling urban center or a tranquil rural area, you'll want to know what you're in for, right? Well, the best way to see the pricing for your specific area is by grabbing a free instant quote, but here are some quick numbers to help you get an idea of some monthly costs by state: 

StatePuppyDogKittenCat
California$16.56 $13.80 $9.35 $11.11
Florida$12.43 $13.43 $10.34 $12.41
Georgia$11.62 $14.38 $9.66 $11.60
Maryland$16.23 $17.53 $13.50 $16.19
Massachusetts $18.37 $19.85 $15.28 $18.34
New Jersey $15.90 $17.17 $13.23 $15.86
Pennsylvania $15.98 $17.27 $13.29 $15.96
Texas$12.42 $13.41 $10.33 $12.39
Virginia$13.58 $14.67 $11.29 $13.55

*Costs are examples from May 2025 and based on a $5000 annual coverage, $1000 deductible and 70% coverage. Dogs are small, male mixed breeds at 6 months and 3 years, while cats are male domestic shorthairs at 6 months and 3 years.

Pet Insurance Costs by Breed

The world of pet insurance is as diverse as the pets it covers. As we’ve already noted, costs can vary significantly based on your pet's breed, species, and age. Different breeds come with their unique health considerations, influencing the price of insurance. Whether you have a playful puppy or a wise old companion, understanding these factors can help you make an informed choice when it comes to your furry friend's coverage. Here are a few examples: 

Dog BreedMonthly Premium
Australian Shepherd $17.72
Chihuahua $11.16
French Bulldog $35.85
German Shepherd $23.30
Golden Retriever $23.30
Goldendoodle $16.74
Labrador Retriever $23.30
Mixed Breed (Small) $12.42
Siberian Husky $16.74
Yorkshire Terrier $13.96

*Costs are examples from May 2025 and based on a $5000 annual coverage, $1000 deductible and 70% coverage for a male 3-year-old pet in Texas.

Cat Breed Monthly Premium
Bengal $14.26
Domestic Longhair $11.47
Domestic Shorthair $11.47
Maine Coon $14.26
Mixed Breed $14.26
Ragdoll$14.26
Siamese$14.26
Siberian$14.26
Sphynx $14.26
Tabby$11.47

*Costs are examples from May 2025 and based on a $5000 annual coverage, $1000 deductible and 70% coverage for a male 3-year-old pet in Texas.

FAQs on Pet Insurance Costs

What is the average cost of pet insurance in the US?

The average cost of pet insurance in the US can vary significantly depending on factors such as your pet's breed, age, and the specific coverage you select. On average, Embrace offers affordable monthly premiums, typically ranging from approximately $11 to $55 for most cats and $21 to $110 for most dogs. These averages provide a snapshot of what pet parents can expect, but keep in mind that your individual circumstances may result in slightly higher or lower costs.  

Is it better to have pet insurance or not?

Whether to have pet insurance or not depends on your individual situation and your ability to cover unexpected vet bills. If you’re a pet parent who’s going to make sure your pet has the care they need but doesn’t have thousands of dollars to spend in an emergency, pet insurance might make sense for you. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and financial support during emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the care they need. It can be a valuable investment in your pet's health and your peace of mind.  

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance typically covers a wide range of veterinary expenses, including accidents, illnesses, some surgeries, diagnostic tests, and medications. Some policies also offer coverage for preventive care, such as vaccinations and annual check-ups. The specific coverage can vary between insurance providers and plans, so it's essential to review policy details.  

Why would you want pet insurance?

Pet insurance means you can always afford top-notch care for your furry companion when accidents or illnesses happen. No tough choices between your pet's health and your budget. Think about it – expensive treatments like pneumonia at over $1700 per claim, or car accident bills exceeding $2000 for a single incident! And some health issues mean multiple treatments, like gastrointestinal tract obstruction at over $6500 or meningioma over $7000. Pet insurance ensures you can provide the best care without hesitation, securing your furry friend's well-being and happiness.  

Does pet insurance cover medication?

Yes, most pet insurance plans provide the option to cover medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian as part of the treatment for covered conditions. This can include medications for illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions. However, coverage details may vary between policies, so it's essential to review the terms of your specific plan to understand the extent of medication coverage. 

How is my monthly premium calculated?

 Your price isn’t plucked from thin air. Insurers weigh your pet’s species, breed, age, and even ZIP code, then layer on the coverage you choose—annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage. That means you control a big slice of the final number: richer benefits cost a bit more, leaner coverage less. A quick quote shows exactly how each adjustment moves the dial. 

Do pet insurance premiums rise as my pet ages?

Yes. Just like people, pets rack up more vet visits over time, so most providers—including Embrace—adjust rates annually to match that higher risk. The upside? You can tweak your deductible or reimbursement rate down the road to keep premiums manageable while still safeguarding your pet’s care. 

What deductible and reimbursement options does Embrace offer?

We let you tailor the math to your budget. Pick an annual deductible from $100 to $1,000 and a reimbursement rate of 70%, 80%, or 90%. A higher deductible or lower payout trims the monthly premium, while lower deductibles and 90% reimbursement put more money back in your pocket at claim time.