Dog & Cat Insurance in 2026: Walmart vs Costco Options for U.S. Pet Owners
Pet ownership in the United States continues to grow, and expectations around veterinary care have become more complex and costly. Dogs and cats are widely considered family members, and advanced treatments such as specialized surgery and chronic care are increasingly common. As a result, many pet owners look for ways to make veterinary costs more predictable — including through pet insurance plans offered by major retailers like Walmart and Costco. This guide is designed to help U.S. pet owners
Why Pet Insurance Matters in 2026Veterinary care costs in the U.S. have risen due to advanced diagnostics, specialist referrals, and increased utilization of treatments that improve quality of life for pets. According to pet insurance cost data, the average monthly premium for dog insurance across the U.S. is about $52/month for dogs and $28/month for cats, and premiums are influenced by location, age, and breed. (MarketWatch)Pet insurance can help reduce the impact of unexpected vet bills, making it easier for pet owners to focus on their animal’s care. (pawlicy.com)
How Retail Pet Insurance Plans WorkRetail pet insurance programs don’t underwrite policies themselves; they work through established insurers:
Pet insurance can help reduce the impact of unexpected vet bills, making it easier for pet owners to focus on their animal’s care. (pawlicy.com) Retail pet insurance programs don’t underwrite policies themselves; they work through established insurers:How Retail Pet Insurance Plans Work
Walmart Pet Insurance partners with Nationwide, offering comprehensive pet policies for sickness, accidents, and optional wellness coverage. (Walmart.com)
Costco Pet Insurance provides access to Figo’s pet insurance plans with member discounts (e.g., ~15% for eligible members). (Costco)
Typical policy workflow:
Your pet receives veterinary care.
You pay the vet bill upfront.
You submit a claim to your insurer.
The insurer reimburses according to your coverage and reimbursement level. (Walmart.com)
This reimbursement model lets you choose your own vet in most cases. (petinsurance.com)
Walmart Pet Insurance Overview
Walmart’s pet insurance offering gives U.S. pet owners access to plans underwritten by Nationwide. Plans often include accident and illness coverage, optional wellness add-ons, and customizable deductibles and reimbursement percentages. (Walmart.com)
The coverage is widely available in all 50 U.S. states and can be tailored to your pet’s needs. (petinsurance.com)
Key Features
Customizable coverage based on annual limits, deductible, and reimbursement. (Walmart.com)
Wellness care options for preventive services (optional add-on). (Walmart.com)
Nationwide policies span beyond cats and dogs and may include exotic pets. (petinsurancequotes.com)
Walmart’s nationwide reach and convenience — including claim handling that can interact with Walmart’s pharmacy services — are part of its appeal for pet owners. (MarketWatch)
Costco Pet Insurance Overview
Costco offers access to pet insurance underwritten by Figo, a recognized provider known for digital claims tools and flexible coverage options. Costco members may receive around a 15% member discount on premiums. (Costco)
Key Features
Discounted rates for Costco Gold Star and Business members. (Costco)
Flexible customization of reimbursement percentages and deductibles. (ConsumerAffairs)
Can be used with any licensed veterinarian. (Costco)
Figo’s platform includes features such as online claim submission and mobile claims tracking, making it a modern choice for digital-first pet owners. (Figo Pet Insurance)
Factors That Affect Dog Insurance Price
Several key factors influence dog insurance price in 2026:
Age of the dog – Older pets typically cost more to insure due to increased risk. (pawlicy.com)
Breed – Certain breeds have predispositions to specific illnesses. (pawlicy.com)
Location – Veterinary costs can vary by state and region. (MarketWatch)
Coverage choices – Higher reimbursements and lower deductibles raise the premium. (Walmart.com)
Policy type – Accident-only vs accident-and-illness plans have very different cost structures. (Walmart.com)
Averages published in 2026 put typical dog insurance plans in the mid-range compared to national averages, but exact pricing depends heavily on these factors. (MarketWatch)
Senior Pet Insurance Considerations
For aging pets, coverage needs and costs often increase. While some insurers impose upper age limits for enrollment, Figo’s plans — including those accessed through Costco — do not have a strict upper age limit, giving senior dogs and cats more access to coverage options at later life stages. (Forbes)
For seniors, it’s important to compare:
Whether chronic conditions are covered
Waiting periods for illness versus accidents
Annual payout limits
Reimbursement levels
Many older pets benefit most from plans that allow coverage for conditions that develop with age and help manage predictable long-term care costs. (Forbes)
Comparing Walmart vs Costco Pet Insurance