Pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary expenses, from accidents and illnesses to emergency surgeries and chronic conditions. But premiums can vary widely between pets — even within the same breed. Understanding what affects your pet insurance rates can help you choose the right plan, anticipate costs, and find opportunities to save money.
Below are the major factors that influence what you pay for pet insurance.
Your Pet’s Species
Dogs and cats are the most commonly insured pets, and their rates differ significantly.
• Dogs typically cost more to insure because they tend to experience more injuries and health issues.
• Cats usually cost less, with lower rates of accidents and hereditary problems.
Exotic pets (birds, reptiles, rabbits) often require specialized plans with their own pricing models.
Your Pet’s Breed
Breed is one of the strongest predictors of pet insurance cost.
• Some dog breeds have higher rates of hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia, heart disease, cancer).
• Large breeds often have higher medical costs and shorter lifespans.
• Certain cat breeds may be prone to respiratory issues or kidney disease.
Purebred animals usually have higher premiums than mixed breeds because of predictable genetic risks.
Your Pet’s Age
Just like humans, pets experience more health problems as they age.
• Younger pets cost less to insure and typically qualify for the best coverage options.
• Senior pets cost more, and some plans won’t enroll pets past a certain age.
• Rates generally rise each year as pets age.
Enrolling your pet early helps lock in lower pricing long-term.
Your Location
Where you live impacts your premium more than you might expect.
• Urban areas typically have higher veterinary costs
• Some states have higher medical inflation rates
• Availability of emergency vet clinics varies
• Local veterinary pricing influences insurer payouts
Even within the same state, costs may differ between zip codes.
Coverage Type and Limits
Your choice of policy features affects how much you pay.
• Accident-only plans are the least expensive
• Accident + illness plans cost more but offer comprehensive protection
• Wellness add-ons significantly increase premiums
• Higher annual limits or unlimited coverage raise costs
• Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates increase premiums
Choosing the right balance between premium cost and risk protection is key.
Deductible and Reimbursement Level
Your plan’s structure has a direct impact on your monthly cost.
• Higher deductibles = lower premiums
• Lower deductibles = higher premiums
• Higher reimbursement levels (80–90%) cost more
• Lower reimbursement levels (60–70%) reduce your rate
Adjust these settings to fit your budget and risk tolerance.
Your Pet’s Medical History
Some insurers review your pet’s past health when setting prices.
• Pets with chronic conditions may pay more
• Previous injuries may increase accident coverage pricing
• Some pre-existing conditions won’t be covered at all
• Pets with specialty-care histories may be rated higher
Not all insurers evaluate medical history the same way, so comparing providers is essential.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Most pet insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions.
• Curable conditions (like ear infections or UTIs) may be covered after a waiting period
• Incurable conditions (like diabetes or cancer) usually aren’t covered
• Pets with prior serious conditions may have limited plan options
This is why enrolling pets early is a major cost-saver.
Neutering/Spaying Status
Some insurers offer lower premiums for pets that are spayed or neutered.
• Reduces certain health risks
• Reduces behavioral risks (roaming, aggression)
• May lower the likelihood of accident-related claims
This is an easy win for cost savings.
Veterinary Inflation
The rising cost of veterinary care influences premiums every year.
• Advanced technology leads to more expensive treatments
• Emergency care costs continue to rise
• Specialist care (cardiology, oncology, neurology) is pricier than ever
Even if your pet stays healthy, premiums may increase due to market factors.
Multi-Pet Discounts
If you insure more than one pet, many insurers offer:
• Multi-pet discounts (5–10% per pet)
• Shared deductible options (rare but available with some providers)
Bundling multiple pets can significantly reduce overall costs.
Claims History
Some insurers consider claim frequency.
• Multiple past claims may increase premiums
• Insurers may raise rates at renewal after large claims
• Good claims behavior may keep costs stable
While you can’t predict emergencies, avoid filing unnecessary small claims when possible.
How to Lower Your Pet Insurance Rates
Even though you can’t control every factor, here are ways to reduce your premium:
• Choose a higher deductible
• Select a lower reimbursement level
• Skip optional wellness add-ons if you don’t need them
• Enroll your pet at a young age
• Compare quotes from multiple insurers
• Take advantage of multi-pet discounts
• Choose a breed with fewer hereditary risks
• Keep your pet healthy with regular care
• Avoid unnecessary claims
• Select a policy with annual, not per-condition, limits
Smart choices and consistent preventative care lead to lower long-term costs.