A dog and a cat in the same household, insured with the same company and the same plan, will almost never carry the same premium. The gap is large, and it is consistent.
The numbers
According to the industry's 2026 annual report, which covers 2025 (NAPHIA):
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| Average accident-and-illness premium (U.S.) | $836 a year | $435 a year |
| Average accident-only premium | $190 a year | $112 a year |
| Share of U.S. pets insured | 5.99% | 2.29% |
| Share of U.S. premium volume | 84.5% | 15.5% |
| Growth in premium volume, 2025 | 17.6% | 33.1% |
A dog policy costs about 1.9 times as much as a cat policy on average. Cat insurance, however, grew nearly twice as fast as dog insurance last year. The average cat accident-and-illness premium also rose 12.6%, slightly faster than the 11.5% rise for dogs.
Why dogs cost more to insure
Premiums follow claims. Several factors tend to make dog claims more frequent or more expensive:
- Size. Larger animals generally need larger doses of medication and anesthesia, and more complex surgery.
- Breed-related conditions. Many dog breeds are prone to specific hereditary or orthopedic problems. Insurers price by breed for this reason.
- Exposure to accidents. Dogs spend more time outdoors, on walks and in cars, which raises the chance of injury.
The most common claims in 2025 reflect this. For dogs, gastrointestinal problems led, followed by ear infections and skin conditions. Several of the largest individual claims paid were for dogs, including $59,700 for bite wounds to a four-year-old toy poodle mix (NAPHIA).
Why cat owners should not assume they can skip it
Cats are cheaper to insure. They are not cheap to treat. The largest cat claims in the same report reached $51,600 for cancer in a four-year-old cat and $50,000 for a corneal ulcer in a three-year-old. Common cat claims include dental disease, urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
Cats also tend to hide illness, so problems are often found later and treated at greater cost. A lower premium makes coverage easier to justify, not less necessary.
What the policy actually says
Whatever the species, the same terms decide what you receive (NAIC):
- Breed and age. Both affect price. Ask for the quote for your pet's exact breed and age, not a generic estimate.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions. Under the NAIC model law, insurers must disclose whether these are excluded ( NAIC Model Act #633 ). For breeds prone to specific problems, this line can matter more than the premium.
- Deductible, reimbursement rate and limits. Two policies with the same price can pay very differently.
- Premium changes. Insurers must disclose whether premiums rise with age or claim history.
Coverage check
The bottom line: dogs cost more to insure because their claims cost more. Cats are cheaper, not risk-free, and their owners are buying coverage at a faster rate than ever. Price each pet on its own breed, age and health, and read the hereditary exclusions before anything else.
Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of the Industry Report 2026, highlights , June 21, 2026 (industry-funded; figures for 2025)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Pet Insurance Model Act (#633)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Pet Insurance consumer insight
Insurance rules and prices vary by state and insurer. This article is for general information, not individual advice; consult a licensed insurance professional and your veterinarian.