Is Pet Insurance Worth It? An Honest 2026 Cost-Benefit Analysis

Pet insurance is worth it for some pet owners and not others — and the math makes the answer clearer than most guides admit. The average dog owner pays $640/year in premiums; the average emergency vet visit costs $1,500–$3,500; the lifetime probability that your dog will need emergency care exceeding $5,000 is roughly 1 in 3. Whether pet insurance makes financial sense depends on your dog's breed, age, your deductible, and your ability to self-insure.