{"id":1060,"title":"Dog & Cat Insurance in 2026: Walmart vs Costco Options for U.S. Pet Owners","slug":"dog-cat-insurance-in-2026-walmart-vs-costco-options-for-us-pet-owners","lang":"en","description":"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 understand the basics of these plans, factors that influence dog insurance price, and how to evaluate coverage before requesting a dog insurance quote.","content":"

Why Pet Insurance Matters in 2026

Veterinary 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 Work

Retail pet insurance programs don’t underwrite policies themselves; they work through established insurers:

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

Feature	Walmart/Nationwide	Costco/Figo
Partner Insurer	Nationwide	Figo
Member Discounts	Not retail-specific	~15% for Costco
Customizable Coverage	Yes	Yes
Wellness Add-Ons	Yes	Yes
Upper Age Enrollment Limit	Varies by policy	No strict cap
Claim Submission Tools	Standard	Online & Mobile
Availability	Nationwide	Nationwide

Both offer competitive advantages depending on your priorities, such as pricing flexibility, member discounts, or digital claims experience. (Walmart.com)

Before Requesting a Dog Insurance Quote

When preparing to get a dog insurance quote, pet owners should:

Compare deductibles, reimbursement levels, and annual limits. (Walmart.com)
Assess waiting periods and coverage exclusions. (Walmart.com)
Look at how pre-existing conditions are treated. (petinsurance.com)
Consider long-term costs vs. potential vet expenses. (pawlicy.com)

Getting multiple quotes can help determine the best balance of cost and coverage for your specific pet’s age and health. (MarketWatch)

Conclusion

In 2026, pet insurance plans offered through Walmart and Costco provide structured options for U.S. pet owners who want more predictable budgeting and financial support for veterinary care. While prices vary based on multiple factors, these retail-affiliated plans give access to reputable carriers with customizable options and member benefits. Exploring multiple dog insurance quotes will help ensure you find the most appropriate coverage for your dog or cat’s stage of life.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Always review official policy documents and consult with an insurance professional before making decisions.

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