Best Pet Insurance 2025 (Updated Q2) | How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Amir Katz
Aug 10
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Pet insurance costs can feel confusing — monthly premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and renewal hikes all work together in ways that aren’t always obvious. That’s why this guide pairs data-backed insights with our interactive calculator, so you can see exactly how age, breed, and coverage choices impact long-term costs. Instead of guessing, you’ll leave with clear numbers and practical steps to choose the right plan for your pet.

Step 1. Enter Your Pet’s Details

Your dog’s age and breed are the biggest drivers of insurance cost.

French Bulldog → ~40% higher premiums vs. Poodle baseline
German Shepherd → +31%
Golden Retriever → +25%
Labrador Retriever → +20%

📌 Why it matters: Certain breeds carry higher health risks (respiratory issues in Bulldogs, hip dysplasia in Shepherds, joint conditions in Retrievers). Insurers price this risk in — knowing it upfront prevents sticker shock later.

Step 2. Adjust Deductible & Reimbursement

Every slider you move changes your monthly cost and your out-of-pocket risk.

Higher deductible = lower monthly premium
Higher reimbursement = more coverage when accidents happen

📌 Why it matters: Balancing premium vs. coverage helps you avoid surprise bills while keeping insurance affordable.

👉 Use the calculator below to test these changes with your own pet’s details.

Step 3. Evaluate Renewal Stability

Current low monthly premiums don't ensure future affordability. Renewal increases can alter the overall cost significantly.

Embrace → 92% renewal stability (8–12% annually)
Pets Best → 88% (6–10%)
Healthy Paws → 78% (12–18%)

📌 Importance: Stability can save you hundreds over three years. For instance, Pets Best averages around $2,532, while Healthy Paws approaches $3,900.

Step 4. Check Recommendations by Pet Profile

Our calculator provides more than just numbers — it identifies the best insurer for your specific dog type:

Young mixed breeds → Pets Best or Lemonade for value and efficiency
Large purebreds → Embrace for joint/bilateral coverage
Senior pets → Embrace or Pets Best for consistent renewals
High-risk breeds → Embrace or Trupanion; steer clear of low-coverage budget plans

📌 Try it now: enter your pet’s breed and age to receive instant recommendations.

Step 5. Make Informed Decisions

Each pet owner has different priorities. However, three rules are universal:

Avoid focusing solely on the lowest premium — consider renewal stability.
Consider more than coverage limits — bilateral/joint conditions are crucial for certain breeds.
Conduct your own analysis — calculators are more reliable than guesswork.

📌 Importance: A 10-minute evaluation today can prevent thousands in unexpected vet expenses tomorrow.

👉 Calculate your numbers now and determine which insurer is truly best for your pet in today.