Pet insurance cost in Delaware
The average insured pet in Delaware costs 10% less than the national average. For a median-breed 3-year-old dog that is about $32 a month; for a 4-year-old cat about $23.
Estimates only, not a quote. Not financial or veterinary advice. Full disclaimer.
Estimate for your pet in Delaware
$32 /month typical
Likely range $19–$46 a month ($224–$549 a year)
- Average dog premium at the reference age$52.83/mo
- Age 3 years×0.68
- Breed not listed (all-breed median)×1.00
- Delaware×0.90
- Accident & illness plan×1.00
Breed not selected or not in our data, so this uses the median of all breeds.
Few insured pets in this state, so its price factor is shared with similar states in its region and is less precise.
Estimates only, not a quote. Not financial or veterinary advice. Based on a $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement and $5,000 annual limit. Actual prices depend on the insurer, ZIP code and your pet's history.
Why Delaware is cheaper
Insurers price policies by location because veterinary costs differ from place to place. In NAPHIA's 2025 data, Delaware accounted for 0.4% of insured US pets and 0.3% of pet insurance premiums (41st of 51 by number of insured pets). Premium share divided by pet share gives the average premium per insured pet: a factor of 0.9, which ranks Delaware 24th most expensive of 51.
Delaware holds 0.4% of US insured pets, too few for a precise state ratio from NAPHIA's rounded shares. We pool the 3 smaller states of the South Atlantic Census division (DC, DE, WV): 0.9% of premium / 1% of insured pets. The rounding alone means the true factor could be anywhere from 0.65 to 1.24, so treat this estimate as approximate.
Estimated cost for popular breeds in Delaware
| Breed | Age 3 | Range at 3 | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever (dog) | $38 | $25–$51 | $117 |
| French Bulldog (dog) | $55 | $34–$75 | $218 |
| Golden Retriever (dog) | $37 | $24–$50 | $123 |
| German Shepherd (dog) | $36 | $21–$51 | $117 |
| Dachshund (dog) | $27 | $14–$39 | $90 |
| Chihuahua (dog) | $21 | $10–$31 | $74 |
| Domestic Shorthair (cat) | $20 | $10–$29 | $62 |
| Maine Coon (cat) | $24 | $16–$33 | $89 |
| Ragdoll (cat) | $21 | $12–$31 | $69 |
| Persian (cat) | $24 | $12–$36 | $84 |
Pet insurance law in Delaware
Delaware has a pet insurance law based on the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act (Del. Code Ann. tit. 18, §§ 8801 to 8809 (2023)).
The NAIC model that Delaware's law is based on requires, among other things:
- Insurers must use the model's definitions, such as "preexisting condition": anything a vet gave advice on or treated, or that showed signs, before coverage started or during a waiting period.
- A condition the policy has covered cannot be treated as pre-existing when the policy renews.
- Waiting periods are capped at 30 days for illnesses and orthopedic conditions not caused by an accident, and waiting periods for accidents are not allowed.
- Insurers must offer a way to waive waiting periods after a veterinary exam.
- You get 15 days to examine and return a policy for a full refund if you have not filed a claim.
- Insurers must disclose exclusions for pre-existing, hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions, and how claims are calculated.
- Wellness programs cannot be marketed as insurance or made a condition of buying a policy.
Enacted state laws can differ from the model in detail. Check the statute (Del. Code Ann. tit. 18, §§ 8801 to 8809 (2023)) or ask the state regulator for the exact rules.
Questions or complaints about a pet insurer: Delaware insurance regulator (official site).
Neighboring states
| State | Factor | Dog, age 3 | Pet insurance law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 0.9 | $32 | Model Act |
| Maryland | 1.09 | $39 | Model Act |
| New Jersey | 1.08 | $39 | Model Act |
| Pennsylvania | 1.02 | $37 | Model Act |
States with a similar price level: District of Columbia (0.9), West Virginia (0.9), Texas (0.92). Compare all states.
Frequently asked questions
How much is pet insurance in Delaware?
For a median-breed 3-year-old dog, about $32 a month (likely $19–$46); for a median-breed 4-year-old cat, about $23. Breed changes this a lot: a French Bulldog costs $55 and a Chihuahua $21 a month at age 3 in Delaware.
Does Delaware have a pet insurance law?
Delaware has a pet insurance law based on the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act (Del. Code Ann. tit. 18, §§ 8801 to 8809 (2023)).
Who regulates pet insurance in Delaware?
The state insurance regulator handles licensing and consumer complaints: Delaware insurance regulator (official site).
Sources
- Compare Pet Coverage. The State of Pet Insurance Regulation in America: A 50-State Review (10/21/2026). Accessed 11/06/2026.
- MoneyGeek. How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? (10/14/2026). Accessed 11/06/2026.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Pet Insurance Model Act (MO-633) (08/13/2022). Accessed 11/06/2026.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Insurance Department Directory. Accessed 11/06/2026.
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), compiled by Willis Towers Watson. State of the Industry Report 2026 (Highlights) (06/21/2026). Accessed 11/06/2026.
Full list, limitations and how each figure is used: methodology.
Data last reviewed: · How we estimate