Dog insurance by the numbers
| Measure (U.S., 2025) | Dogs |
|---|---|
| Dogs owned | About 87.3 million |
| Share insured | 5.99% |
| Insured dogs | About 5.2 million |
| Average annual premium, accident only | $190 |
| Average annual premium, accident and illness | $836 |
| Average annual premium, embedded wellness | $1,414 |
Dogs make up about three quarters of all insured pets in the United States, with cats making up the rest.
Common conditions in dog claims
Among the most common conditions in NAPHIA members' 2025 dog claims are gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, skin conditions, anxiety or behavioral and neurological conditions, and allergies. Most of these are illnesses, which is why the choice between accident-only and accident-and-illness matters. The largest single dog claim paid by NAPHIA members in 2025 was $66,600, for an undiagnosed chronic illness in a three-year-old dog.
What to think about for your dog
- Breed and age: insurers commonly price by both, so the same plan can cost very different amounts for different dogs. Get quotes for your own dog.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions: some policies exclude them and insurers must disclose it. If your breed is prone to a condition, read this section first.
- Orthopedic coverage: ask about waiting periods for orthopedic conditions not caused by an accident, which the NAIC model act limits to 30 days.
- The timing: conditions that show up before coverage begins may be treated as pre-existing. See waiting periods and pre-existing conditions.
Questions to ask every insurer
- Is the deductible annual, per condition or per incident?
- What are the reimbursement rate and the annual limit?
- How does the policy define a pre-existing condition?
- Are hereditary or congenital conditions covered?
- Does the premium rise with age, and by how much in the past?
Frequently asked questions
How much does dog insurance cost?
An accident-and-illness plan for a dog averaged $836 a year in the United States in 2025, and an accident-only plan $190, according to NAPHIA. Your quote depends on breed, age, location and the settings you choose.
What percentage of dogs are insured?
About 5.99% of U.S. dogs were insured at the end of 2025, according to NAPHIA.
Does dog insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Generally not. Policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions, and insurers must disclose their exclusions. See our guide on waiting periods and pre-existing conditions.
Is it better to insure a puppy?
Buying early avoids conditions being labeled pre-existing, and premiums typically rise with age. The right time still depends on your budget and your dog, so compare quotes.
Sources
Figures and statements on this page were checked against the following sources on 20 September 2026. Prices, rules and policies change, so always confirm details in the policy documents and with your state department of insurance.