U.S. Pet Owners Guide 2026: Dog and Cat Insurance with Walmart and Costco

Why Pet Insurance Matters More as Pets Age

Older dogs and cats usually need more monitoring, more diagnostic work, and more ongoing treatment than younger pets. The AVMA notes that senior pets are more likely to develop conditions such as heart disease, kidney or urinary tract disease, liver disease, diabetes, and joint or bone disease, and that they often need checkups twice a year or more.

That matters financially because recurring care can add up quickly. Nationwide says a typical veterinary office visit can cost about $70 to $150 before routine tests or treatment are added. Its 2025 claims data also shows how chronic conditions can create continuing expenses. For dogs, projected one-year treatment costs included $1,093 for arthritis, $1,203 for heart disease, and $992 for kidney failure. For cats, projected one-year costs included $1,274 for arthritis, $1,201 for kidney disease, and $2,240 for diabetes.

That is why many households view pet coverage less as a way to “save money every month” and more as a way to reduce the shock of large, uneven bills. Good Dog Insurance or cat insurance can help turn a financial emergency into a more predictable reimbursement process.

How Walmart Pet Insurance Works in 2026

Walmart’s pet insurance pages direct shoppers to Nationwide Pet Insurance. Walmart explains that pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary bills and medications when a pet gets sick or hurt, and it specifically recommends enrolling before health issues develop because most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Nationwide’s pet insurance pages describe a simple reimbursement model:

1. Visit any vet

2. Send in a claim

3. Receive reimbursement for eligible expenses after the annual deductible is met

   For Walmart users, one extra ecosystem benefit is that Walmart+ members receive a free annual Pawp membership, which includes 24/7 on-demand access to vet professionals, unlimited on-demand visits, guided care plans, and personalized recommendations. That is not the same as insurance, but it can be useful when deciding whether a problem needs an immediate clinic visit.

   Nationwide also offers plan customization in the broader pet insurance program. Official Nationwide partnership materials note options such as reimbursement from 50% to 90%, annual deductible choices from $100 to $500, and coverage limits from $5,000 to unlimited, with wellness coverage available as an option in some offerings.

   How Costco Pet Insurance Works in 2026

   Costco members can access pet insurance through Figo Pet Insurance, with Costco stating that eligible members may receive an exclusive 15% discount. Costco’s service pages also note that restrictions may apply and that availability is not universal by state.

   Figo highlights several features that make the Costco pathway attractive for pet owners comparing policies:

   • no upper age limits for cats and dogs, as long as the pet is at least 8 weeks old

   • support for some curable pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period

   • digital claim tools

   • 24/7 Live Vet access

   • optional routine care add-ons in certain plan structures

     One important point for owners of older animals is age eligibility. Figo’s official FAQ says it will insure cats and dogs with no upper age limits, which stands out because age restrictions still exist elsewhere in the market.

     Figo also says most claims close in less than 3 business days, which may appeal to households that value a fast digital reimbursement experience.

     What Affects Dog Insurance Price in 2026?

     When owners search for Dog Insurance Price or request a Dog Insurance Quote, the final number depends on several moving parts rather than one standard national rate.

     1. Pet type and species

     Market averages already show a clear difference between dogs and cats. NAPHIA reports that in the U.S. during 2024, the average monthly premium for accident-and-illness coverage was $62.44 for dogs and $32.21 for cats. For accident-only coverage, the average monthly premium was $16.10 for dogs and $9.17 for cats.

     2. Age

     Older pets generally cost more to insure because they are more likely to need treatment. Walmart’s pet insurance guidance explicitly says that waiting longer usually means higher cost, and Figo notes that older pets become more prone to senior health issues such as diabetes and hip dysplasia.

     3. Breed and inherited risk

     Plans may price differently for breeds more associated with chronic or hereditary conditions. Nationwide notes that many plans cover hereditary conditions, but the risk profile can still influence premium pricing.

     4. ZIP code and local vet costs

     Geography matters because veterinary pricing varies across markets. NAPHIA’s state distribution data shows that pet insurance concentration is especially high in states like California, New York, and Florida, reflecting large markets with different cost structures.

     5. Plan design

     Higher reimbursement percentages, lower deductibles, wellness add-ons, and higher annual limits usually raise the premium. That is why two very different Dog Insurance Quote results can both be normal for the same breed, depending on the coverage selections.

     Typical 2026 Benchmark Costs for Pet Insurance

     The table below uses the latest widely cited U.S. market averages from NAPHIA as a realistic benchmark for comparing plan value.

     Coverage Type	Dogs (Avg. Monthly)	Cats (Avg. Monthly)	Notes
     Accident & Illness	$62.44	$32.21	Broader protection for injuries and illnesses
     Accident Only	$16.10	$9.17	Lower-cost option with narrower protection
     Embedded Wellness Plan (annual average converted from NAPHIA data)	about $110.11	about $54.28	Higher-cost structure with wellness included Source data is based on NAPHIA’s 2024 U.S. averages: $749.29 annually for dogs and $386.47 annually for cats for accident-and-illness coverage, plus $1,321.33 annually for dogs and $651.30 annually for cats for plans with embedded wellness. These are not guaranteed Walmart or Costco prices. They are market benchmarks that help pet owners judge whether a quote looks competitive. Seniors Pet Insurance: What to Review for Older Dogs and Cats For owners searching terms like Seniors Pet Insurance, the most important issue is not just premium cost. It is whether the policy still works well when a pet needs frequent care. Pre-existing conditions Walmart’s pet insurance page says most plans will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Figo says some conditions considered curable may be covered again if the pet shows no signs or symptoms within 12 months after the last treatment. Chronic illness coverage Senior pets are more likely to need continuing care for arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems, or thyroid conditions. This makes annual limits, reimbursement rates, and prescription coverage more important than headline premium alone. Wellness and preventive care Routine care is often separate or optional. Nationwide materials describe wellness as optional in some offerings, and Figo states routine care coverage can be added to plans. For older pets, preventive bloodwork, exams, and dental attention may matter more than they did in early adulthood. Age eligibility This is one of Costco/Figo’s clearest advantages for some households. Figo officially states there is no upper age limit for cats and dogs. Walmart vs. Costco: Which One May Fit Better? Walmart may be a better fit if you: want a familiar pathway to Nationwide Pet Insurance like the idea of pairing coverage research with Walmart’s broader pet ecosystem already use Walmart+ and value Pawp’s 24/7 virtual pet care support Costco may be a better fit if you: are already a Costco member want the 15% member discount need a policy path for an older dog or cat without an upper age enrollment limit prefer a strong digital claims experience Conclusion In 2026, retailer-linked Pet Insurance gives U.S. pet owners a practical way to compare established coverage options through brands they already know. Walmart connects shoppers to Nationwide, while Costco members can access discounted Figo coverage. Both routes can be useful, but they serve slightly different priorities. Walmart may appeal more to owners who value a familiar shopping ecosystem and added virtual support, while Costco may stand out for discount-driven buyers and households seeking coverage for older pets. For anyone comparing Dog Insurance, the most important step is to look beyond the monthly premium. A strong Dog Insurance Quote should be evaluated against deductibles, reimbursement percentage, annual caps, waiting periods, and pre-existing condition rules. That is especially true for owners focused on Seniors Pet Insurance, where long-term usability often matters more than the cheapest starting rate. Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, veterinary, or financial advice. Coverage availability, pricing, deductibles, reimbursement rates, waiting periods, exclusions, and underwriting terms vary by insurer, state, and pet profile. Always review official policy documents and quote details before making a purchase decision. References Walmart Pet Insurance official page. Walmart+ Free Online Pet Care with Pawp. Costco Pet Insurance official page. Figo official site and FAQs. Nationwide pet insurance official page and FAQ materials. Nationwide veterinary cost and claims data. AVMA senior pet care resources. NAPHIA 2025 State of the Industry data.