Embrace plans offer comprehensive coverage. Together, with its long-standing underwriting partner, American Modern Insurance Group, Embrace can help cover unexpected veterinary bills and has a program to reward pet owners for keeping their furry pals healthy.
The Embrace Wellness Rewards program makes the company our pick for wellness plan coverage, though we at the MarketWatch Guides team recommend comparing quotes from the best pet insurance companies to find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
- Average Monthly Cost: $26 to $47
- Annual Limits: $2,000 to Unlimited
- BBB Rating: A+
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 annually
- Reimbursement Rates: 70% to 90%
| Accident and Illness | Wellness Rewards | Add-ons |
|---|---|---|
| Dental illness | Cremation or burial | Exam fees |
| Breed-specific conditions | Fecal and routine blood tests | Prescription medication |
| Congenital conditions | Flea, tick and heartworm preventatives | |
| Genetic conditions | Gastropexy | |
| Cancer testing and treatment | Grooming | |
| Chronic conditions | Medicated shampoos | |
| Preventable illness (e.g. Lyme disease, parvo) | Microchipping | |
| Orthopedic conditions | Nutritional supplements | |
| Complementary treatments and rehabilitation | Prescription diet food | |
| Emergency care | Preventative teeth cleaning | |
| Hospitalization | Reiki, massage therapy, acupuncture | |
| Surgery | Routine anal gland expression | |
| Specialist care | Routine chiropractic care | |
| Diagnostic testing | Spay/neuter surgery | |
| Toenail trimming | ||
| Training | ||
| Vaccinations & titers | ||
| Wearable pet activity monitors | ||
| Wellness exam fees |
Our Thoughts on Embrace Pet Insurance
We rated Embrace 4.8 out of 5 stars because of the company’s long-standing reputation, customer satisfaction and comprehensive coverage. The company offers multiple stackable discounts, such as those for multiple pet owners and military veterans, allowing for up to 25% off your plan’s total monthly cost.
Based on our analysis of customer reviews, Embrace offers responsive service, and getting a quote, signing up and submitting claims is quick and easy using its website or mobile app. Embrace is our pick for wellness plan coverage because of its Wellness Rewards program, which reimburses you for routine screenings and preventive care, including grooming, training and vaccinations.
Downsides of Embrace include higher-than-average monthly pricing in many states and policy documents not designed for the average person to easily comprehend. Common customer complaints include annual rate hikes and denied claims, based on our analysis. The company did not reply to our request for comment regarding customer complaints at the time of publishing.
Embrace is available in all 50 U.S. states. Overall, we believe Embrace is a standout pet insurance provider and worth considering for pet owners seeking a quality plan backed by solid underwriting and several decades of experience.
Pros and Cons
Has a unique wellness rewards program
Customers can stack multiple discounts for savings up to 25% off premiums
No upper age limit for enrollment
Covers curable pre-existing conditions after a year of no symptoms
May deny or cancel coverage if your pet does not receive a veterinary exam within 12 months before or 14 days after enrollment
Requires a specialized exam to waive the six-month orthopedic waiting period
Wellness benefits don’t roll over to the next year
How Embrace Scored in Our Methodology
Embrace scored 4.8 out of 5 stars based on our provider rating methodology. The company earned high scores in every category we considered except for cost and covered treatments, since it isn’t the cheapest or most comprehensive provider.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
Flip Card
Embrace Pet Insurance Rating
What Does Embrace Pet Insurance Cover?
Embrace provides an accident and illness policy that covers veterinary exams, diagnostics and treatments related to pet accidents, injuries, chronic diseases, genetic conditions and acute illnesses. The company also offers accident-only coverage for pet-related accidents but not illnesses. Additionally, the wellness rewards program provides set benefits for preventive and routine care services.
All Embrace plans exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage unless curable, in which case the company may extend coverage after 12 months without symptoms. The company also considers any conditions that occur during a policy’s waiting period as pre-existing, and excludes coverage for the following:
- Pregnancy
- Breeding
- Organ transplants
- Guarding duties
- Racing
- Fighting
- Neglect
- Genetic testing
- Supplements
- Several alternative and holistic therapies
Read a sample policy to see all of the fine print and learn more.
Accident and Illness Plan
The Embrace accident and illness plan covers costs relating to new accidents, injuries or illnesses. Covered conditions include:
- Acute illnesses
- Chronic diseases
- Congenital, hereditary and genetic disorders
- Dental trauma
- Behavioral conditions
Covered treatments include:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Advanced imaging
- Cancer
- Non-elective surgery
- Physical therapy
- Specialist visits
- Hospitalization
- Emergency room care
- Prescription medications
Wellness Rewards
Wellness Rewards is a unique add-on offered by Embrace that resembles a flexible spending account for humans. Policyholders pay a fixed monthly cost but have access to a total coverage amount at the beginning of each policy term, plus an additional $25 bonus to use on included or eligible preventative care services. Pet owners can choose to spend the full amount — from $300 to $700 — on any approved preventive care services annually.
Embrace Wellness Rewards isn’t an insurance policy, which means there’s no deductible or waiting period before you can begin using the program’s benefits.
Covered services include the following:
- Vaccines
- Annual exams
- Routine screening tests
- Parasite preventives
- Dental cleanings
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Grooming services
However, note that unused benefit amounts do not roll over at the end of the year.
Optional Add-on Coverages
Exam fees and prescription drug coverage are the only optional coverages available with Embrace, although this varies from state to state. When available, you’ll be able to choose these additional coverages during the quote process. During our secret shopping process, we received quotes starting at around $1 per month per add-on and increasing in price for larger and older animals.
How Much Does Embrace Pet Insurance Cost?
The average cost of an Embrace accident and illness plan is $47 per month for dogs and $26 for cats for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit. Though Embrace isn’t the cheapest pet insurance company, its policies cost about the industry average of $40 per month.
Pet owners looking to enroll a pet over the age of 15 years will not be eligible for Embrace’s accident and illness plan, but will be eligible for the accident-only pet insurance plan.
Embrace bases policy premiums on your pet and the costs of veterinary care in your ZIP code. Exam fees and prescription drug coverage are optional in some states. If you choose to opt out of this coverage, you could save around $5 to $10 each month. Embrace also offers a wellness rewards program that ranges in cost from about $23 per month to around $56 per month, depending on your pet and its breed, age and size.
The table below outlines the average monthly costs of Embrace’s $5,000 and unlimited coverage policies for various pet types. We based these quotes on policies with a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate.
| Plan | Medium Mixed-Breed Dog | Golden Retriever Dog | Domestic Shorthair Cat | Domestic Mixed-Breed Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident and Illness Plan ($5,000 Annual Limit) | $45 | $54 | $32 | $21 |
| Accident and Illness Plan (Unlimited Annual Limit) | $47 | $77 | $45 | $25 |
Customizable Coverage Levels
Although Embrace offers only one accident and illness policy, pet owners can customize coverage by choosing from a variety of deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual limits. Changing these plan parameters will affect how much you pay each month versus how much you pay out of pocket when filing a claim.
Embrace encourages pet owners to choose the highest coverage levels they can comfortably afford at sign-up. This is because you can easily reduce your coverage in the future, but you cannot increase your coverage without undergoing a new underwriting process, which would effectively start the clock over on pre-existing conditions.
Deductible Options
Embrace offers five deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. Choosing a lower deductible will limit how much you pay out-of-pocket for covered services each year, but increases monthly plan premiums.
Reimbursement Rates
Reimbursement rates available from Embrace include 70%, 80% and 90% options. Choosing the highest reimbursement rate ensures you get the most back on your claims but raises your monthly premiums.
Annual Limit Options
Embrace provides annual limits of $2,000 to unlimited, which is in line with most other top providers. Choosing the unlimited option ensures you will not have to worry about running out of coverage, but can cost significantly more in premiums over time.
Compare Embrace Pet Insurance to Other Pet Insurance Companies
See how Embrace stacks up against other top pet insurance providers using our comparison tool below:
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
| Company | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | BBB Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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$24 to $76
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2 days
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A+
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$21 to $106
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2 days*
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B-
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||
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$36 to $126
|
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14 days
|
A+
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||
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$22 to $57
|
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up to 15 days
|
A+
|
||
|
$27 to $83
|
|
14 days
|
A+
|
||
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$28 to $60
|
|
15 days
|
A+
|
||
|
$22 to $76
|
|
1 days
|
B
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||
|
$13 to $105
|
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14 days
|
A
|
|
|
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$35 to $50
|
|
14 days
|
A+
|
|
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Star Rating | Accident Waiting Period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A+
|
$24 to $76
|
|
2 days
|
||
|
B-
|
$21 to $106
|
|
2 days*
|
||
|
A+
|
$36 to $126
|
|
14 days
|
||
|
A+
|
$22 to $57
|
|
up to 15 days
|
||
|
A+
|
$27 to $83
|
|
14 days
|
||
|
A+
|
$28 to $60
|
|
15 days
|
||
|
B
|
$22 to $76
|
|
1 days
|
||
|
A
|
$13 to $105
|
|
14 days
|
|
|
|
A+
|
$35 to $50
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14 days
|
|
Embrace vs. Trupanion
Embrace and Trupanion offer similarly comprehensive coverage. However, plan parameters differ significantly. Trupanion offers 90% reimbursement and unlimited coverage on all policies, resulting in higher costs and fewer customization options compared to Embrace. In contrast to Embrace, Trupanion excludes exam fees and does not offer wellness coverage. However, Trupanion offers convenient direct vet pay, while Embrace operates strictly on a reimbursement model.
The table below shows plan costs and coverage details for each provider for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit for Embrace and an unlimited annual limit for Trupanion.
| Embrace | Trupanion | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursements | 70%, 80% or 90% | 90% |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 annually | $0, $250, $700 or $1,000 |
| Annual limits | $2,000 to unlimited | Unlimited |
| Average cost for dogs | $47 to $53 | $130 |
| Average cost for cats | $26 to $35 | $70 |
Read our Trupanion Pet Insurance Review to learn more.
Embrace vs. Spot
Spot and Embrace provide similar average pricing and comparable coverage. Spot’s plans offer more customization options, which results in greater pricing flexibility and range, and have fewer exclusions. However, Embrace has more industry experience and a more flexible wellness program.
The table below shows plan costs and coverage details for each provider for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit:
| Embrace | Spot | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursements | 70%, 80% or 90% | 70%, 80% or 90% |
| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 annually | $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 annually |
| Annual limits | $2,000 to unlimited | $2,500 to unlimited |
| Average cost for dogs | $47 | $49 |
| Average cost for cats | $26 | $24 |
Sign-up, Claims Filing and Payout Processes
Signing up for an Embrace plan is a fast and easy process based on our experience. We completed a few brief questions on the website quote tool and were directed to a quote with easy-to-adjust plan parameters and instant price adjustments. Embrace encourages customer communication by displaying a phone number on the quote page and main website, noting that additional options may be available when you call to speak with a representative.
The quote page also included clear explanations of what is and is not covered under an Embrace plan. Customers can adjust their deductible, annual limit and reimbursement percentage and view a list of covered and excluded conditions.
After choosing plan parameters, pet owners can apply discounts and decide if they want to pay premiums monthly or annually. A one-time $25 activation fee is included in the final cost.
Once your pet is enrolled, you’ll receive emails from Embrace detailing how to set up your online account. You also must take your pet for a veterinary exam in the year before or two weeks after purchasing a policy. Embrace will send details about how to waive the orthopedic waiting period and how to send medical records for review, which can speed up future claims processing times.
Even if you thoroughly read a sample policy beforehand, it is important to read your policy documents once underwriting is complete. Ensure you understand your plan’s limitations and what is expected of you to maximize your coverage, which typically includes following your veterinarian’s advice, providing wellness and preventive care and protecting your pet from abuse or neglect.
The Claims Filing Process
When you need to file a claim, you can use the company’s app or website. To process your claim, you must upload all pages of your pet’s invoice or bills from the vet’s office and input a diagnosis or reason for your pet’s visit. Providing Embrace with your pet’s past medical records can speed up your first claims experience, and the company will email you if it needs further information. Embrace typically processes and pays claims within 10 to 15 business days.
Based on our analysis of customer reviews, many customers praise Embrace’s quick claims processing times. However, some customers complained about claims denials that seemed unfounded or drawn-out document collection and review, delaying their reimbursement. The company did not respond to comment when asked about its claim process. Understanding your policy can help prevent confusion, but if you feel you were unfairly treated, you can file an appeal with Embrace’s claims department.
Embrace Waiting Periods and Age Restrictions
Embrace policies have well-defined waiting periods and age restrictions, including:
- Immediately for accidents
- 14 days for illnesses
- Waiting periods vary by state for orthopedic conditions in dogs
Dog owners can reduce the orthopedic waiting period by scheduling a veterinary exam and having the provider fill out an orthopedic report card, then sending the results to Embrace for review. You can see how much time is left in your pet’s waiting period by visiting your MyEmbrace account.
Embrace does not deny or cancel coverage based on age alone. Generally, pets must be at least 6-weeks-old to enroll in coverage. Pets enrolling after 15-years-old are not eligible for accident and illness coverage — however, they are eligible for an accident-only policy. Because pets at this age are more likely to have pre-existing conditions, accident-only coverage offers a better value.
| Provider | Embrace | Lemonade | Spot | Trupanion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claim Turnaround | 10 to 15 days | Within minutes | Up to 2 days | Within 24 hours |
| Accident Waiting Period | 0 days | 0 days | 14 days* | 5 days |
| Illness Waiting Period | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 30 days |
| Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period | 6 months | 6 months | 14 days | 30 days |
| Age Limit | 14 years old** | Not specified | None | 14 years old |
**There is no age limit for accident-only coverage.
Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews
We read through dozens of customer reviews to understand how Embrace performs for real people in real situations. Embrace has 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with 71% of customers leaving 5-star reviews and 15% leaving 1-star reviews. Here is an overview of common themes across satisfied and dissatisfied customers.
What Customers Like
- Customer care: Based on the reviews we read, customer service representatives seem well-trained, helpful and caring.
- Claims submission: Claims are easy to submit with a few clicks.
- Coverage: The company covers what is agreed upon in the policy documents.
- Wellness rewards: Claims for wellness rewards are straightforward.
- Website and app: The website and app interfaces are easy to navigate and use.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Price increases: Some customers experienced significant premium cost increases at policy renewal.
- Coverage changes: Customers felt they weren’t informed about how they could not increase coverage amounts in the future without undergoing underwriting again.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some customers felt claims were unfairly denied based on unrelated prior conditions or symptoms.
- Medical records: Some claims were denied because customers did not have full medical records for young or recently adopted pets.
- Claims review: According to some customers, claims reviews, appeals and on-hold claims can take a long time to process.
We reached out to Embrace for comment on the negative customer reviews included in this article but did not receive a response.
Frequently Asked Questions about Embrace Pet Insurance
Based on our review, Embrace is a reputable company. We rated Embrace pet insurance 4.8 out of 5 stars, ranking it as one of the top pet insurance providers nationwide because of its comprehensive coverage, discount options and long-standing industry reputation.
Embrace says on its website your first claim can take up to 30 days to process because of a medical records review. However, after this first claim, the company can process accident or illness claims within 10 to 15 business days or sooner, with Wellness Rewards claims processed within five business days. Reimbursements can reach your bank account via direct deposit one to two days after your claim closes.
Like other pet insurance providers, Embrace increases your pet’s premiums over time. Cost increases may not occur linearly and are adjusted according to inflation and risk associated with an aging pet.
Embrace charges a total of $12 annually if you choose to pay your premium in monthly installments versus the full amount upfront. There is also a one-time activation fee of $25 when you sign up for a new plan.
Embrace plans cost an average of $36 per month for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, which is slightly lower than the overall average of $40 per month from other popular providers. Embrace plans are underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, which determines costs based on your pet’s details, local veterinary care costs and the risk of future medical bills.
