Cat insurance: what it costs and what it covers
Only about 2% of US cats are insured, compared with roughly 6% of dogs. Yet cats get sick and hurt too, and their vet bills can be just as high.
Last reviewed: October 2026
How much does cat insurance cost?
Most cat owners pay roughly $15 to $50 a month for an accident & illness plan. Industry figures put the national average at around $32 a month, with accident-only coverage around $9 a month. Senior cats cost more to insure than kittens and adult cats.
Your price depends on your cat's age, breed and ZIP code, plus the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit you choose.
What cats are most often treated for
According to industry claims data, the most common reasons insured cats see the vet include:
- Gastrointestinal problems and vomiting
- Dental disease
- Urinary tract problems
- Anxiety and behavioral issues
- Respiratory issues
- Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and arthritis, especially in older cats
Several of these are chronic conditions that need ongoing treatment, which is where insurance can make the biggest difference over time.
Tips for insuring a cat
- Enroll young: conditions diagnosed before coverage starts are usually excluded for good.
- Check dental coverage: some plans cover dental illness, others only dental injuries.
- Indoor cats still need vets: urinary, kidney and dental problems are common in indoor cats too.
Compare plans for your cat
See Pets Best, Embrace and Fetch side by side and get free quotes.
Compare plansSources: MoneyGeek cat insurance cost report (2026); Insurify; dvm360 on NAPHIA 2026 data; NAPHIA. General information, not insurance or veterinary advice.