Bigstock The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA)’s 2026 State of the Industry Report shows accelerating adoption of pet health insurance, with insured pets up 9 percent year‑over‑year in the U.S. and 3.9 percent in Canada, bringing coverage to 7.6 million animals across North America. Despite gains, a significant protection gap remains: only 4.27 percent of U.S. pets are reportedly insured (5.99 percent of dogs; 2.29 percent of cats), while Canada insures just 3.72 percent (5.64 percent of dogs; 1.91 percent of cats). NAPHIA says most claims stem from common, routine conditions that regularly send pets to the veterinarian. The top 10 most common health issues for which insured dogs and cats received veterinary care in 2025 were: Top 10 conditions in dogs Top 10 conditions in cats 1. GI issues 1. GI issues 2. Otitis/Ear infections 2. Dental disease 3. Skin conditions 3. Urinary tract infections 4. Anxiety/Behavioral issues 4. Anxiety/Behavioral issues 5. Allergies 5. Respiratory issues 6. Growths/masses 6. Kidney disease 7. Eye and vision disorders 7. Otitis/Ear infections 8. Diarrhea 8. Endocrinology (hyperthyroidism) 9. Urinary tract infections 9. Vomiting 10. Musculoskeletal issues 10. Arthritis/Osteoarthritis The report highlights a Bernese Mountain Dog whose prolonged specialist care was enabled by insurance, underscoring how coverage expands treatment choices. NAPHIA president Sammi‑Jo Nevin urges broader public education to close the protection gap. For more about the results and to download the full report, visit the NAPHIA website.
