Pet Insurance Passes 7.6 Million Pets — But 95% Still Go Without

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association's 2026 State of the Industry Report shows a market in full sprint: 7.6 million pets insured across North America, gross written premium up 19.4% year over year to $6.2 billion, and the number of insured pets up 12.4%.

Yet the protection gap is enormous. Only 4.27% of the 163.6 million pets in the U.S. are insured — 5.99% of dogs and just 2.29% of cats. More than 95% of American pets have no coverage at all.

Why does that matter? Because the claims driving the market aren't exotic. NAPHIA's data shows the most common claims are everyday ailments — the ear infections, stomach issues, and skin conditions any pet owner recognizes — plus the accidents that arrive without warning. A single emergency surgery can run $3,000–$7,000, a bill that forces too many families into an impossible choice.

Pet insurance works best when bought young, before conditions become pre-existing and excluded. If your dog or cat is healthy today, that is exactly when coverage is cheapest and broadest. Source: NAPHIA 2026 State of the Industry Report.