Pet Insurance Cost by State in 2026: A Comprehensive U.S. Breakdown
Introduction: Understanding Regional Variation
In the United States, pet insurance has become an increasingly important investment for pet owners seeking to protect their pets against rising veterinary expenses. However, pet insurance cost by state in 2026 varies widely due to differences in local veterinary costs, cost of living, state insurance regulations, and historical claims data. Understanding these differences helps pet owners budget effectively and choose the right coverage for their individual circumstances.
Below, we provide a detailed analysis of how pet insurance premiums differ across states and what factors influence these trends.
National Averages: Dogs and Cats
As of January 1, 2026, the national average monthly cost of pet insurance in the United States was approximately $43 for dogs and $23 for cats.
This reflects a modest increase for dog insurance and stable pricing for cats compared with prior years—highlighting how location and other variables, rather than national pricing trends alone, now play a dominant role in determining premiums.
How Geography Affects Pet Insurance Costs
Several regional trends influence pet insurance cost by state in 2026:
High-Cost States
States with higher veterinary service costs and elevated cost-of-living indexes tend to have above-average premiums. These typically include states in the Northeast, along the West Coast, and certain urban regions where specialty care is more prevalent.
Moderate-Cost States
Many states in the Midwest and South fall near or slightly below national pet insurance averages, balancing moderate veterinary costs with competitive insurance markets.
Lower-Cost States
Some rural and lower cost-of-living states offer significantly more affordable premiums, often reflecting lower local veterinary expenses and reduced overall claim severity.
State-by-State Breakdown (Dogs and Cats)
Below is a snapshot of average monthly pet insurance rates by state based on Insurify data through the end of 2025 and early 2026. Keep in mind these are medians and actual costs may vary by provider, pet age, coverage level, and other factors.
Sample Pet Insurance Rates by State (January 2026 Data)
| State | Dog Monthly Rate | Cat Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $31 | $18 |
| Alaska | $56 | $31 |
| Arizona | $44 | $24 |
| Arkansas | $29 | $14 |
| California | $46 | $23 |
| Colorado | $49 | $27 |
| Connecticut | $48 | $27 |
| Delaware | $49 | $28 |
| Florida | $42 | $21 |
| Georgia | $37 | $20 |
| Idaho | $48 | $25 |
| Illinois | $45 | $23 |
| Indiana | $40 | $20 |
| Iowa | $34 | $17 |
| Kansas | $43 | $21 |
| Kentucky | $39 | $19 |
| Louisiana | $36 | $18 |
| Maine | $50 | $25 |
| Maryland | $46 | $26 |
| Massachusetts | $54 | $30 |
| Michigan | $44 | $22 |
| Minnesota | $42 | $21 |
| Mississippi | $33 | $17 |
| Missouri | $36 | $17 |
| Montana | $44 | $16 |
| Nebraska | $41 | $26 |
| Nevada | $40 | $21 |
| New Hampshire | $52 | $29 |
| New Jersey | $46 | $28 |
| New Mexico | $40 | $19 |
| New York | $54 | $29 |
| North Carolina | $36 | $19 |
| North Dakota | $42 | $22 |
| Ohio | $35 | $20 |
| Oklahoma | $37 | $19 |
| Oregon | $49 | $25 |
| Pennsylvania | $39 | $22 |
| Rhode Island | $38 | $22 |
| South Carolina | $36 | $18 |
| South Dakota | $47 | $22 |
| Tennessee | $41 | $20 |
| Texas | $34 | $17 |
| Utah | $41 | $22 |
| Vermont | $44 | $23 |
| Virginia | $42 | $21 |
| Washington | $43 | $23 |
| Washington, D.C. | $52 | $25 |
| West Virginia | $40 | $17 |
| Wisconsin | $42 | $25 |
| Wyoming | $43 | $18 |
All figures reflect rolling median rates through December 2025 – January 2026.
Most and Least Expensive States
Top 5 Most Expensive States
According to Insurify data, the states with the highest average pet insurance rates tend to be in regions with higher veterinary costs and cost of living:
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Alaska – high costs due to limited access to care and elevated veterinary fees
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Massachusetts – consistently above national average
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New York – urban pricing pressure
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New Hampshire – high regional vet service rates
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Washington, D.C. – metropolitan cost premiums
These regions often reflect higher premiums for both dogs and cats.
Top 5 Least Expensive States
Meanwhile, more affordable states for pet insurance generally sit in the Midwest and South:
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Arkansas
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Texas
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Iowa
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Mississippi
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North Carolina
Lower average costs of living and reduced veterinary expenses help keep premiums below the national average in many of these states.
It’s important to note that lower premiums should always be evaluated alongside coverage quality. A lower cost without adequate protection may reduce overall value.
Why State Costs Vary
1. Veterinary Costs and Access to Care
States with high access to specialty veterinary services often have higher claim amounts, which insurers reflect in premium pricing. Veterinary procedure costs—especially for diagnostics and specialist care—can vary substantially by region.
2. Cost of Living and Labor
Regions with higher costs of living generally report higher veterinary and insurance costs, contributing to higher pet insurance premiums.
3. Insurance Regulation
State insurance departments oversee how policies are structured, approved, and marketed. Differences in regulatory oversight—such as mandated disclosure requirements or consumer protection frameworks—can influence pricing practices.
4. Claim Frequency and Local Risks
Local claim history and risk patterns (e.g., higher accident rates or illness prevalence) directly affect how insurers price coverage in different states.
Understanding these influences helps pet owners interpret price differences more meaningfully and choose plans that balance cost with coverage.
Using Cost Data to Choose Coverage
While state averages provide useful benchmarks, pet owners should also consider:
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Personal location (ZIP code) pricing – Some insurers vary rates significantly even within a state.
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Pet age and breed – Older pets and certain breeds often have higher premiums.
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Coverage level and limits – Higher limits and broader coverage raise monthly costs.
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Deductibles and reimbursement rates – Customizing these can influence monthly pricing.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is a practical way to find the best cost-coverage balance for your pet. Many insurers also offer discounts for multi-pet policies or preventive care add-ons.
Conclusion: Interpreting Pet Insurance Cost by State
In 2026, pet insurance cost by state in the United States paints a clear picture: geography matters. National averages provide a baseline, but state-level pricing reveals wide regional differences ranging from under $30 per month in some states to over $50 per month in others.
Pet owners should use this data as a starting point, supplementing it with personalized quotes and policy comparisons. Ultimately, the goal is not only affordability but meaningful protection that aligns with both financial capacity and the expected cost of care in your local area.
