Pet insurance pricing is confusing partly because different sources report meaningfully different numbers for what looks like the same thing. Before comparing quotes, it helps to know where the "average" figure you keep seeing actually comes from.
Average pet insurance cost 2026
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association's (NAPHIA) 2025 State of the Industry report, widely cited in 2026 coverage, puts the average accident-and-illness policy at $836 per year for dogs (about $70/month) and $435 per year for cats (about $36/month). Other research firms report different figures for similar coverage — a reminder that "average" always depends on which pool of policies and which coverage definition a given source used.
Dog insurance vs cat insurance cost: why the gap?
Dogs are consistently priced higher than cats across virtually every source, generally because dogs visit the vet more often and tend to need more expensive treatments over their lifetime — larger breeds especially. If you have both a dog and a cat, expect the dog's policy to cost close to double the cat's on average.
Is pet insurance worth it in 2026?
That depends on your risk tolerance and your pet's specific situation — breed, age, and pre-existing conditions all affect both the premium and the value of coverage. This is a financial decision, not one this article can make for you; a licensed insurance advisor or the insurer's own underwriting can speak to your specific pet far better than a national average can.
Pet insurance premium by breed: why your quote may look nothing like the average
National averages are just that — averages. A senior large-breed dog or a breed with known hereditary conditions can see premiums two to three times higher than the headline average. If you're using a national figure to budget, treat it as a rough starting point and get an actual quote for your specific pet before relying on the number.
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Sources: Insurify, "How Much Is Pet Insurance in 2026? Average Costs for Dogs and Cats," citing NAPHIA's 2025 State of the Industry data; CNBC Select, "How Much Is Pet Insurance in 2026?"; NerdWallet, "Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?"