Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
We want you to think of your pet’s healthcare like you would a water leak in your home — the longer you wait to cover it, the more expensive it will be. Our 2022 rehash of Embrace Pet Insurance reviews all the ways Embrace is working to reward its policyholders for investing in preemptive pet healthcare, including but not limited to several stacked discounts, exclusive diminishing deductibles, non-insurance wellness rewards, and more.
We’d most recommend an Embrace policy for pet owners with dogs or cats entering early adulthood, as vet checkups will become an annual obligation once they’ve outgrown the need for developmental milestone checkups. Dogs and cats between the ages of one and five will likely benefit most from Embrace’s deductible perks as their yearly visits will ideally be limited to wellness and routine care.
Embrace Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Synonymous with the monthly premium criteria of all other pet insurance companies, Embrace will tailor the cost of your pet’s policy based on a few identifying characteristics, like your pet’s age, breed, species, and location.
Remember to take into account that the older your pet is, the higher your premium will be. Dogs and cats increase in coverage liability with age because as their health naturally declines, their bodies become more susceptible to injuries and illnesses. Embrace curbs accident-illness eligibility for new enrollment on your pet’s 14th birthday, but pets 15 and older that miss the deadline are still welcome to enroll in accident-only protection.
If you request a custom quote based solely on these initial qualifiers and are left with a price tag that doesn’t quite fit your budget needs, don’t think you’re in the doghouse just yet.
Embrace gives its customers some room to roam in terms of plan customizability, so you can modify your annual payout limit, deductible, and reimbursement rate until you reach a more feasible premium.
Plans and Costs
With the collective average monthly cost of pet insurance among leading providers amounting to around $50 a month for dogs and $28 for cats, Embrace falls on the mid-to-lower end of the price gamut by averaging $30-$40 per month for dogs and $15-$20 for cats.
Embrace understands that comparing different plans across different providers can be overwhelming, so in an effort to ease your qualms, it keeps its selection simple by sticking with the two most common policy variations — Accident-only and Accident-illness.
Now, let’s look at how the two differ coverage-wise:
Accident-only
Per its title, Embrace’s Accident-only plan is designed to exclusively cover emergency injuries, with a set annual deductible of $100 and a reimbursement limit of $5,000 each year.
Potentially eligible items for accident-only coverage include abnormal gastric bloat (common in Great Danes, Saint Bernard’s, and Weimaraner’s), ingestion of foreign objects or toxic substances, cruciate ligament tears, being hit by a car, wounds, lacerations, burns, and prescription medication following approved accidents.
By default, coverage related to the following healthcare scenarios are not included:
- Incurable pre-existing conditions
- Any illnesses
- Breed-specific and genetic conditions (aside from gastric bloat)
- Chronic and congenital conditions
- Dental illness
- Cancer
Accident-illness
Embrace’s Accident-illness plan option is its most frequently purchased policy for both dogs and cats, and we can see why. In addition to the accident criteria included above, Embrace’s more comprehensive plan covers:
- Exam fees
- Cancer treatment
- Radiation, chemotherapy, and stem-cell therapy
- Chronic conditions
- Diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, etc.
- Intradermal skin or RAST allergy testing
- Physical therapy, complementary treatments like acupuncture
- Dental trauma and illness (up to $1,000 a year)
- Periodontal disease, gingivitis, root canals, crowns, oral masses, and extractions
- Congenital conditions
- MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds
- Lab tests and biopsies
- General, specialist, and emergency care
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Genetic conditions
- Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, brachycephalic syndrome, hyper and hypothyroidism, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
Wellness Rewards by Embrace
For your pet’s routine and preventative care needs, Embrace does not offer standard wellness insurance but rather a specialized allowance-based benefit program, which is available in addition to your purchase of a base plan.
Embrace customers can choose from a select three annual allowance maximums of either $250, $450, or $650. Also, this supplementary program is elective, so pet owners can opt out if out-of-pocket wellness coverage isn’t a financial stressor for them.
The additional monthly cost for Wellness Rewards enrollment ranges from $18.75 to $52.09 for dogs and cats but is subject to change per quote.
One hundred percent of your selected annual maximum will go toward preventative care expenses you accrue within that 12-month period, but since this is not regular risk insurance, any remaining balance in your wellness repository after the end of your policy term will not roll over or be refunded.
Samples of Prices for Four Species/Breeds
To give you a better idea of how Embrace premiums might vary in cost from pet to pet, we’ve collated a sampling of real direct quotes from Embrace based on common pet personas.
Regardless of species or breed, these samplings are based on a fictional pet owner located in Portland, Oregon, with a 2-year-old pet, and who selects Embrace’s most middle ground plan customizations of an 80% reimbursement rate, up to $10,000 in annual coverage, and a deductible of $500 per year.
For variables with Wellness Rewards factored in, we selected the $450 annual maximum.
| Species/Breed | Sample Price for Medium Mixed Breed Dog | Sample Price for Golden Retriever (Dog) | Sample Price for Domestic Shorthair Cat | Sample Price for Domestic Mediumhair Cat |
| Accident and Illness Plan | $44.14 per month | $66.21 per month | $23.94 per month | $23.94 per month |
| Accident and Illness Plan with Preventative Care | $79.56 per month | $101.63 per month | $59.36 per month | $59.36 per month |
| Accident and Illness Plan with Vet Fees and Physical Therapy Coverage | $79.56 per month | $101.63 per month | $59.36 per month | $59.36 per month |
Deductibles
Embrace’s Healthy Pet Deductible initiative featuring $50 off your deductible every year that you go without needing claim reimbursement* is automatically included free of charge with every policy, no matter how comprehensive. If you make it several years without needing a reimbursement, your deductible will eventually hit zero. Once it hits zero, it will remain at zero, and the related discount will pause until you’re in need of a reimbursement.
Oftentimes pet owners of cats or dogs with no current history of health complications are most reluctant to invest in pet insurance as they see no need in making monthly payments when their pets are in seemingly good shape. But, when Fido gets into the trash one evening and swallows a peach pit, suddenly an endoscopic procedure that would’ve only been $100 with pet insurance is now going to cost you $1,000 out-of-pocket.
The intention behind this diminishing deductible opportunity is not to discourage pet owners from filing a claim if their pets are involved in an accident. You’re paying a monthly premium for a reason! Embrace offers these year-over-year markdowns on your deductibles to reward you for taking action early on. A healthy pet is indicative of a responsible pet owner (and favorable odds), which Embrace doesn’t hesitate to celebrate.
*This program only applies to accident and illness claims.
Preventative Care Limits
Unlike its competitors, which tend to instate scheduled per-treatment benefit caps, Embrace Wellness Rewards allows its policyholder the freedom to choose how, where, and when they spend their annual routine care allowance, as long as those cumulative expenses go toward eligible preventative care items and don’t exceed their selected maximum.
| Covered Item | Annual Limit |
| Wellness Exam | $250, $450, or $650 |
| Heartworm Test | $250, $450, or $650 |
| Internal Parasite or Fecal Test | $250, $450, or $650 |
| Blood work | $250, $450, or $650 |
| Three Vaccines | $250, $450, or $650 |
| Total | $250, $450, or $650 |
Coverage Exclusions
Pre-existing conditions are an industry-wide exclusion with which Embrace also complies. However, unlike other pet insurance providers, Embrace defines pre-existing conditions based on whether they are curable or incurable.
Pre-existing conditions may be deemed curable and therefore eligible for coverage if your pet is able to go 12 consecutive months without any symptoms or treatment for previously persistent conditions. If not, the pre-existing condition will be considered incurable and therefore not covered by Embrace.
Examples of curable pre-existing conditions might be urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Regarding other exclusions, Embrace Pet Insurance does not cover:
- Preventative care (outside of Wellness Rewards, which is non-insurance)
- Pre-existing behavioral problems
- Boarding or kenneling
- Alternative treatments
- Reiki, magnet therapy, prolotherapy, ozone, hyperbaric oxygen, electroacupuncture, veterinary orthopedic manipulation, massage, TENS, or nutritional counseling
- Cost of treatment that conflicts with recommendations by a veterinarian
- Cost treatment due to abuse, neglect, racing, organized fighting, or commercial guarding
- Cosmetic or aesthetic procedures
- Tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, etc.
- Dietary vitamins and supplements, or prescription shampoos and conditioners
- Organ transplants
- Costs related to breeding or pregnancy
Plan Customizations
Moreover, the most popular plan customizations selected with accident-illness were an annual payout limit of $15,000, a $500 deductible, and a reimbursement rate of 80%.
Regardless of popularity, how you customize your plan is completely up to personal preference and Embrace makes that clear with how many options it offers:
- Annual payout limit: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $30,000
- Deductible: $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000
- Reimbursement rate: 70, 80, or 90%
Discounts
Aside from the massive savings available through vanishing deductibles, Embrace also offers:
- 10% multi-pet discount — By insuring two or more pets through Embrace, policyholders will automatically receive 10% off their monthly premiums.
- Five percent military discount — As an extension of its appreciation to both former and active-duty military service members, Embrace offers policyholders with proof of military status an additional 5% off their monthly premiums. This discount is not available in New York or Tennessee per state restrictions.
- 10% employee benefits discount — If policyholders are employed by a company that partners with Embrace via their Employee Benefits programs, they may be entitled to an additional 10% off. This discount is not available in Florida, North Dakota, New York, or Tennessee per state restrictions.
How do I file a claim with Embrace?
Submitting a claim for approval through Embrace can be completed in just three easy steps:
- Obtain a copy of the official invoice with all itemized expenses related to the claim being filed as well as any notes, diagnoses, and amendments to your pet’s medical portfolio. You’ll need to submit these documents along with your claim form for review.
- Log into the MyEmbrace mobile app and proceed with the claims process by clicking the “Submit a Claim” button. Follow the step-by-step instructions as prompted.
- Press “Submit.” You can expect your claim to be processed within 10-15 business days.
Embrace State Availability
Embrace Pet Insurance is licensed and available in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C. Because pet insurance follows a reimbursement process and not direct payment, Embrace has no networks and, therefore, can be used anywhere in the country as long as your pet is seen by a licensed veterinarian.
Embrace Pet Insurance Customer Reviews
Notwithstanding all the positives we’ve noticed in Embrace’s pet insurance policies during our in-depth research, we also feel that social proof holds a lot of weight when evaluating any company for reputability and credibility. By diving into feedback left by Embrace’s real customer base, we hope you’ll be able to catch a better glimpse of what your tentative Embrace experience might be like.
For the sake of maintaining an unbiased voice, we always highlight both positive and negative reviews so you can see both sides of the customer experience.
“A great service with prompt responses and excellent coverage. Straightforward and easy to use. With a Labrador who is very active and curious, the insurance was well worth it as she grew up. Now that she has been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease at age 5, she will need meds for the rest of her life, so we are doubly glad we have Embrace.” –Dr. Elise G.,Trustpilot
“Let me start by saying that I was skeptical about pet insurance in general, but I adopted a puppy and wanted to be covered, so I went with Embrace. My experiences with claims for both routine care as well as ER visits have been seamless and without any hassles. Having Embrace Pet Insurance has taken the worry out of bringing my Max to the vet, so I can focus on my pup rather than the cost. Thank you, Embrace.” –Ronaele B.,Trustpilot
“I had Embrace for many years, for my kitties. They are awesome. Great coverage, super nice customer service, and quick reimbursement. We adopted two new kitties and I had them added to the policy today. It was very easy to do. The gent was nice and very helpful. Embrace never disappoints!!” –Claudia I., Trustpilot
“I have waited over a month and half for a claim to even be recognized as submitted. My previous claims all flew through, so maybe this is a one-time problem they’re having. But I’m not sure what the point of making the monthly payments is if the payback is going to come months later.” –Trent M., Trustpilot
Embrace Pet Insurance vs. Competitors
Comparing plan options per each pet insurance provider can be cumbersome, let alone trying to figure out how all those policies match up across the entire industry. So, we’ve done the deep digging for you by consolidating the most important attributes of each provider into the chart below.
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| Lemonade |  | Most Affordable | $16–$30 | Compare Quotes | |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance |  | Most Experienced | $18–$44 | Compare Quotes | |
| Fetch Pet Insurance |  | Most Comprehensive Coverage | $22-$38 | Compare Quotes | |
| Embrace |  | Best for Discounts Offered | $23-$85 | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws |  | Best for Chronic Conditions | $24–$54 | Compare Quotes | |
| Figo |  | Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates | $25-$54 | Compare Quotes |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Experienced |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Best For | Most Comprehensive Coverage |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$38 |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Discounts Offered |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Chronic Conditions |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| Figo | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $25-$54 |
Historical Information on Embrace Pet Insurance
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Embrace Pet Insurance started out as a model business initiative, soon thereafter winning the Wharton School of Business Plan Competition in 2003. Just three years later, Embrace took its first steps into the pet insurance industry as a fresh-faced competitor after selling its inaugural policy in October of 2006. Now, with 18 years of hard-earned expertise in the pet insurance industry, Embrace provides comprehensive pet healthcare in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C.
Accredited with the Better Business Bureau since September of 2006, Embrace Pet Insurance holds an A+ rating on its accident and illness insurance for cats and dogs alike. Embrace has been underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group (AMIG) since 2012.
Our Final Thoughts on Embrace
By virtue of the bountiful savings available through Embrace’s exclusive vanishing deductibles program, up to 25% off in added savings, and an impressively versatile range of accident-illness plan customizations, we’re frankly floored by how adaptable pet insurance can be with Embrace. And so, as a proper scratch behind the ear, we’ve given Embrace a well-deserved 4.7 out of 5 rating.
If we had it our way, we’d like to see Embrace do away with the maximum age cap on its accident-illness policy. Older pets are most in need of quality veterinary care, especially as medical emergencies in seniors are often more life-threatening given the fragility of their health. The pet insurance landscape has seen expeditious growth over the past two years in particular, with more and more pet owners, even those with older cats and dogs, learning about this product every day. Inclusivity is always a plus in our book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of Embrace Pet Insurance?
The Healthy Pet Deductible program, featuring a $50 reduction in your annual deductible for each year that you don’t require a claim reimbursement, is a savings opportunity exclusive only to a policy with Embrace.
Also, for every policy that Embrace sells, the company will donate $2 to a nonprofit animal welfare organization on its customer’s behalf. Embrace also matches all donations made by its own employees by 100%.
Many of Embrace’s own employees lead double lives as both Embrace representatives and registered veterinary technicians or veterinarians. Because of its staff’s qualifications in the pet healthcare field, Embrace partners with Neighborhood Pets to occasionally recruit some of its own team members to help out at low-cost clinics.
Does Embrace offer exotic pet insurance?
No. Embrace offers pet insurance for cats and dogs only.
Does Embrace require any payment fees?
Aside from the one-time enrollment fee of $25 that you’ll pay at your policy activation, a $1 monthly processing fee is required for all policyholders who opt to fulfill monthly premium payments rather than annual.
What is the best age to insure a pet?
We always say earlier is better. Because no pet insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions, the sooner you get your dog or cat covered, the less time it has to develop such conditions without coverage.
How We Review Pet Insurance Companies: Embrace
Here at Quartz, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:
- Coverage
- Plan options
- Cost
- Reputation
- Customer service
- Species available
- Wellness benefits
We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations.
Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:
- Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
- Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points. Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
- Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
- Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
- Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating points to companies with the most customer experience options.
- Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
- Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.
Our team revisits each company’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.
Other Pet Insurance Reviews
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Petco Pet Insurance Review ( 2024 Guide)
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Pawp Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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Pets Best Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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Prudent Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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Trupanion Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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ASPCA Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Lemonade Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Spot Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
