Pet insurance premiums can change over time, much like your home or healthcare insurance. To understand how much pet insurance will cost in 2026, it helps to see where premiums are and why they may be going up.
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According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average pet insurance premium in the U.S. is $62.44 per month for dogs and $32.21 for cats. Most tend to pay anywhere from $23 to $67 per month, according to Insurify, depending on the pet and insurance plan.
For example, basic accident and illness plans may cost less, while optional add-ons like wellness coverage or plans with higher reimbursement rates could cost more.
As for 2026, you can probably expect pet insurance premiums to go up. Depending on factors like your pet’s age, breed, location and your coverage, you could see premiums go up 5% to 15% over the next year or so.
This means that premiums for dogs could be as high as $80 per month or more, and policies for cats could go up to around $55. Those with additional coverage or older pets could see a bigger jump.
What’s probably driving these increases is the cost of vet care. It’s getting more expensive, whether you’re getting diagnostic testing, routine care or advanced treatments.
Plus, more pets are insured and the number of claims are going up, according to NAPHIA data. Combined with higher prices and insurance companies paying out more, it makes sense that your premiums will go up as well.
That’s not to say everyone’s premiums will go up drastically. It will depend on your coverage and the pet you’re looking to protect.
Insurance companies look at several factors to estimate your pet’s risk factor and how likely you’re to make a claim when deciding on premiums.
Some of these factors include:
The promising news is that you can find ways to find a plan that fits your budget and get the protection you want. One of the best ways to do so is to shop around different providers. Get quotes for similar plans from multiple companies to see how much you’ll pay and what is actually included in the plan. For example, compare rates for plans with the same deductible, annual limit and coverage. That way you can get a better sense of which will match your budget.
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When it comes to choosing a plan, you don’t need the most expensive plan available. Depending on what you need, you might be fine with a plan that has a lower reimbursement rate or less coverage. The goal is to find the coverage you want.
Before signing up for a plan, see whether you can qualify for discounts. For example, some insurers offer discounts for certain employers or membership associations. You may even be able to save by paying upfront for an annual plan.
Don’t forget to review your plan, especially if your financial situation changes, or you find that your current plan isn’t meeting your needs. By assessing your plan and whether it fits with your pet’s needs, you can get the right coverage.
Spot offers a customizable approach to its coverage for dogs and cats. The insurer offers accident-only and accident and illness plans, and you can adjust reimbursement rates, deductibles and annual limits. You can also add coverage to pay for routine care. Plus, you can visit any vet in the U.S. without any network restrictions.
Policyholders can also take advantage of its multi-pet discount, 24/7 vet helpline and telehealth access and straightforward claims process.
Lemonade also offers customizable coverage, with plans that cover vet costs for illness, new injuries and hospital stays. You can also choose preventative care packages, so you have flexibility in your coverage.
What stands out about this company is its digital-first experience. You can receive a quote, see exactly what you'll get in your policy and pricing structure, and sign up online all in one go. It’s also simple to manage your policy and file claims online.
ASPCA offers accident-only plans all the way to a comprehensive plan that offers coverage for diagnostic tests, treatments, behavioral issues and even alternative therapies. There’s also the option to add on preventative care coverage.
ASPCA also offers a lot of customization, including deductible levels, reimbursement percentages and annual coverages. You’re not bound by the pet’s age and vet network. Claims are generally processed within 30 days, which you can do online or through its app.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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