PetCost
Insurance Guide

Pet Insurance Comparison 2026

Filter by country and pet type to compare providers side-by-side. See what's covered, average monthly costs by breed, and which policy offers the best value.

Updated June 2026 · Affiliate disclosure: some links are affiliate links that help fund this site at no cost to you.

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Showing 7 providers

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance is worth it when the cost of a potential claim exceeds the total premiums paid. For most breeds, this break-even point comes within 2–4 years of ownership — and a single emergency surgery can cost more than 3 years of premiums.

Worth it if you…

  • Own a breed with known health predispositions
  • Don't have an emergency pet fund of $2,000+
  • Want predictable monthly costs
  • Got your pet young (premiums lowest before age 3)

May not be worth it if…

  • You own a robust mixed-breed with no known conditions
  • You have $5,000+ in an emergency fund
  • Your pet is already over 8 and premiums have risen significantly

Average Monthly Cost by Breed

French Bulldog
High vet use, brachycephalic breed
$85/mo
Golden Retriever
Cancer and hip dysplasia predisposition
$58/mo
Labrador Retriever
Generally healthy, common breed
$52/mo
Poodle (Standard)
Few genetic issues, long lifespan
$55/mo
Border Collie
Active, fit breed, fewer conditions
$45/mo
Maine Coon
Cardiac issues in breed
$42/mo
Domestic Shorthair
Robust mixed genetics
$28/mo
Persian Cat
Respiratory and eye conditions
$38/mo
Bengal Cat
Generally healthy, active breed
$32/mo
Sphynx Cat
Skin and cardiac conditions
$45/mo

* US averages. UK and AU premiums vary. Use as a planning guide only.

Top Providers

Healthy Paws

🇺🇸 United States

Best for: Comprehensive accident & illness

$52
avg/month
Coverage
Up to 90%
Deductible
$100–$500
Waiting period
15 days

Pros

No annual or lifetime limits
Fast claim processing
Strong customer reviews

Cons

No wellness add-on
US only
Visit Healthy Paws

Embrace

🇺🇸 United States

Best for: Wellness + illness coverage

$48
avg/month
Coverage
Up to 90%
Deductible
$100–$1,000
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Wellness add-on available
Diminishing deductible
Good for dogs and cats

Cons

Higher base premiums
5-day accident waiting period
Visit Embrace

ASPCA Pet Insurance

🇺🇸 United States

Best for: Budget-conscious US owners

$44
avg/month
Coverage
Up to 90%
Deductible
$100–$500
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Trusted non-profit brand
Preventive care add-on
Good multi-pet discount

Cons

Claims can be slow
US only
Visit ASPCA Pet Insurance

Petplan (UK)

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Best for: UK pet owners seeking lifetime cover

£35
avg/month
Coverage
Up to £12,000/yr
Deductible
£90–£150 excess
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Well-established UK provider
Lifetime policies available
Dental included

Cons

Premiums increase with age
UK only
Visit Petplan (UK)

Tesco Pet Insurance (UK)

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Best for: UK budget option

£22
avg/month
Coverage
Up to £7,000/yr
Deductible
£70–£120
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Budget-friendly premiums
Widely recognised brand
Online claim portal

Cons

Lower cover limits
No exotic breeds
Visit Tesco Pet Insurance (UK)

Real Insurance (AU)

🇦🇺 Australia

Best for: Australian pet owners

A$58
avg/month
Coverage
Up to A$12,000/yr
Deductible
A$100–$300
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Australian-based provider
Routine care add-on
Good claims process

Cons

Premiums rise quickly post-age-6
AU only
Visit Real Insurance (AU)

PetSure (AU)

🇦🇺 Australia

Best for: Comprehensive AU cover

A$65
avg/month
Coverage
Up to A$20,000/yr
Deductible
A$0–$200
Waiting period
14 days

Pros

Highest AU cover limits
Backed by major underwriter
24/7 vet helpline

Cons

Premiums above AU average
Waiting period for orthopaedic conditions
Visit PetSure (AU)
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