If you’re a millennial pet parent looking for insurance that’ll actually have your back when your fur baby inevitably eats something they shouldn’t (we’ve all been there), Embrace is definitely worth a look. Since selling its first policy to a cat named Lily in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, on October 10, 2006, Embrace has grown significantly, and more than 500,000 pets have been protected by Embrace pet insurance.
Overall, we rated Embrace pet insurance 9.5 out of 10, landing the company a spot on our list of the best pet insurance companies. Read more and learn about Embrace, and whether it might be right for you.
Key Strengths
- Highly customizable plans. You can choose annual deductible options of $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000, annual limit options of $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited, and reimbursement percentages of 70, 80, or 90 percent.
- Solid coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. Embrace handles pre-existing conditions differently to get you the most coverage. Curable pre-existing conditions include illness like ear infections and undiagnosed vomiting or diarrhea. These types of issues are eligible for coverage if your pet goes 12 months symptom-free.
- Dental illness coverage included. Unlike many competitors, dental coverage up to $1,000 per year for conditions and procedures like extractions, gingivitis, and root canals comes standard with their accident and illness plan.
- 24/7 pet health line. PawSupport is Embrace’s pet health line and is included in every Embrace policy with no additional charge. Pet Pros are available by phone, live chat, or video conference.
Key Weaknesses
- Lengthy orthopedic waiting periods. Embrace’s waiting periods are 14 days from the start of the policy for any illnesses, but certain orthopedic conditions may have a waiting period as long as six months.
- Prescription medication costs extra. You’ll need to purchase an optional add-on to cover prescription meds, which can add up for pets with chronic conditions.
- Age restrictions for illness coverage. Elderly pets (15 years or older) are not eligible for full accident and illness coverage, but they can be covered by an accident-only policy.
- Premium increases can be steep. Some long-term customers report significant rate hikes as their pets age, which is honestly a frustrating reality of the pet insurance game.
Who is Embrace Best For?
Embrace is ideal for pet owners who want the flexibility to customize their coverage to match their budget while still getting comprehensive protection. It’s particularly great for:
- Young pets you want to insure early (lock in those lower rates)
- Dogs or cats with breeds prone to hereditary conditions are covered
- Pet parents who want dental illness coverage without paying extra
- Anyone who values having 24/7 access to veterinary professionals for peace of mind
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance is a highly recommended product primarily because of its flexibility and unique, comprehensive coverage options. Pet parents can highly customize their plan by choosing from various annual deductibles ($100 to $1,000), reimbursement percentages (70%, 80%, or 90%), and annual limits (from $5,000 up to unlimited), allowing them to perfectly balance budget and protection. A major differentiator is their policy on curable pre-existing conditions, which become eligible for coverage if the pet goes 12 months symptom-free. Furthermore, their standard accident and illness plan refreshingly includes dental illness coverage up to $1,000 per year for issues like gingivitis and extractions, a feature often excluded or an extra charge with competitors.
The company offers significant stability and valuable supplemental features that enhance the policy's value. Embrace is backed by an underwriter, American Modern Insurance Group, which holds an A+ (Superior) rating for financial strength from AM Best, suggesting high confidence in their ability to pay claims. The policy includes complimentary coverage for comprehensive alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and physical therapy, at no extra cost. Pet parents also benefit from the free, 24/7 PawSupport pet health line, which provides round-the-clock access to veterinary professionals for advice and peace of mind.
Ultimately, Embrace is a solid choice for long-term pet owners seeking peace of mind and excellent customization. The company has a strong track record, covering 92% of all claims in 2024 and paying out more than $212.5 million in claims that year, demonstrating financial reliability. While it sits in the middle of the pack price-wise, the value is clear, especially for owners of young pets or breeds prone to hereditary conditions. Their commitment to customization, combined with the coverage for curable pre-existing conditions and included dental illness care, makes it a powerful option for those who prioritize extensive coverage over finding the absolute lowest premium.
- Tailored to your budget: Easily adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits (including an unlimited option) for coverage that fits your comfort level.
- Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions: Unlike many competitors, conditions like past ear infections can become eligible for coverage if your pet is symptom-free for 12 months.
- Dental illness coverage included: Get up to $1,000 annually for dental issues, a feature often excluded or charged extra by others.
- Comprehensive alternative therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy are covered at no extra cost, supporting holistic treatment choices.
- 24/7 Pet Health Helpline: Get peace of mind with around-the-clock access to veterinary professionals for urgent advice.
Embrace Pet Insurance Overview
Embrace Pet Insurance was launched in 2003 by Alex Krooglik and Laura Bennett. The 2003 Wharton Business Plan Competition winner was a pet insurance concept later named Embrace Pet Insurance. The company sold its first policy on October 10, 2006.
Headquarters: Embrace Pet Insurance Agency’s headquarters are located at 4530 Richmond Rd, Cleveland, Ohio.
Number of Pets Insured: More than 500,000 pets.
Availability: Embrace offers pet insurance for dogs and cats in 50 states.
Types of Pets Covered: Dogs and cats only (no exotic pets here, sorry reptile enthusiasts).
Underwriting Company: In August 2012, Embrace partnered with American Modern Insurance Group, an AM Best A+ Superior-rated insurance carrier.
Parent Company: In November 2023, Embrace Pet Insurance was acquired by JAB Holding Company.
Embrace Pet Insurance Reliability
AM Best Rating: AM Best awarded American Modern Insurance Group an A+ (Superior) rating for financial strength. This is literally the second-highest rating possible, so your claims getting paid is pretty much a non-issue.
Years in Business: Over 20 years since founding, with nearly 19 years of actually selling policies.
Parent Company Financial Strength: American Modern’s property and casualty insurance companies’ financial strength is reflected in the A+ (superior) rating by independent insurance analyst A.M. Best, which they share with parent company Munich Re. Munich Re is a global giant, which adds an extra layer of stability.
Regulatory Standing: Embrace maintains BBB accreditation and operates in compliance with state insurance regulations across all 50 states.
Notable Financial Strengths: In total, Embrace paid more than $212.5 million in claims in 2024, with 92% of all claims covered. That’s a solid track record of actually paying out when pets get sick or injured.
Embrace Pet Insurance Coverage Options
Learn more about the plans offered by Embrace.
Plan Types Offered
Accident and Illness Coverage: Unlike many providers who offer multiple plans, Embrace offers one policy that covers accidents and illnesses. This simplicity is honestly refreshing in a world of confusing insurance jargon.
Accident-Only Coverage: Pets who are too old (15 years or older) for full accident and illness coverage can be covered by an accident-only policy. An Embrace accident-only policy reimburses you up to $5,000 each year with a $100 deductible you pay once per year, and then you’re reimbursed 90% of your veterinary bills.
Wellness/Preventive Care Add-on: Embrace also offers a non-insurance, optional add-on benefit called Wellness Rewards. Pet parents are reimbursed 100% up to the selected annual allowance. There are three annual allowances: $300, $500, and $700.
Alternative Therapies: Embrace insurance covers complementary treatments for any covered injury or illness at no extra charge, including acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy.
What’s Covered
Hereditary/Congenital Conditions: Congenital conditions are covered. These are health issues that a pet is born with, though the symptoms may be delayed until later in life.
Chronic Conditions: Including long-term illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes, with no per-condition limits.
Cancer Treatment: Yes, cancer treatment is covered if the condition is not pre-existing. Coverage includes diagnostics and testing, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and complementary therapies.
Emergency Care: Covered, including after-hours visits.
Prescriptions: The cost of any prescription medication is covered through an optional add-on.
Diagnostic Tests: Testing for a range of illnesses and conditions is covered, including X-rays, MRI, and biopsies.
Surgeries: Coverage for surgery is part of your Embrace pet insurance plan, including overnight hospital stays, anesthesia, and after care.
Specialty Care: Some types of veterinary care need specialist treatment and consultation. Radiologists, oncologists, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and more are covered.
Dental Illness: Dental coverage up to $1,000 per year for conditions and procedures like extractions, gingivitis, and root canals.
What’s NOT Covered
Pre-existing Conditions Policy: A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or irregularity noticed by you or your veterinarian before the end of your waiting period, even if your pet never went to see the veterinarian for it. However, coverage may be provided for some curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms for 12 months.
Common Exclusions: Cosmetic procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, and dew claw removal unless medically necessary. Expenses associated with breeding or pregnancy. Illness or injury due to fighting, racing, or mistreatment. DNA testing or cloning.
Breed-Specific Exclusions: None. Embrace covers breed-specific conditions.
Policy Terms
Waiting Periods: Embrace’s waiting periods are illness: 14 days from policy effective date, and orthopedic: varies by state. The orthopedic waiting period can be reduced by following the Orthopedic Exam and Waiver Process.
Age Restrictions: Embrace has a minimum age requirement of 6 weeks old for all policies, and the accident-and-illness plan has an upper age limit of 15 years old.
Renewability Terms: Once enrolled, your coverage continues for life and doesn’t downgrade based on your pet’s age or health.
Cancellation Policy: Pet parents can cancel policies immediately over the phone with no penalty. If you cancel within 30 days and haven’t filed claims, you get a full refund.
Rate Increase Policy: Premiums are adjusted annually based on your pet’s age, breed, and location, plus rising veterinary costs.
Pre-existing Condition Reconsideration: Coverage may be provided for some curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms for 12 months.
Ability to Use Any Licensed Vet: Embrace lets you visit any licensed vet, anywhere in the U.S., with no networks, no restrictions.
International Coverage: Coverage is available for up to six months of travel internationally.
Special Features
24/7 Vet Helpline: PawSupport is a free 24/7 pet health help line included with every policy. From emergency care to help with diet or nutrition questions, Pet Pros can answer questions and provide recommendations.
Behavioral Therapy Coverage: Included in standard plans at no extra cost.
Exam Fee Coverage: Embrace offers options for covering exam fees, providing flexibility for managing various additional charges that may appear on your bill.
Healthy Pet Deductible: Healthy Pet Deductible was launched in September 2012, rewarding pets with a $50 credit towards their deductible for each healthy year. This has since been updated to the Healthy Pet Premium Discount Program.
End-of-Life Coverage: Embrace covers euthanasia and end-of-life care through its Wellness Rewards program.
Embrace Pet Insurance Affordability
Learn how Embrace’s cost compares to its value.
Sample Pricing
The average cost of dog insurance ranged from $21.71 to $110.75 per month in 2024 with Embrace. The average cost of cat insurance ranged from $11.60 to $54.92 per month in 2024.
Most Embrace dog parents pay between $20 $70 per month.
For context, the average cost of dog insurance hovers around $62 per month, according to the North American Pet Insurance Association.
Pricing Factors
Age-Based Pricing: Yes, premiums increase as your pet ages.
Breed-Based Pricing: Yes, certain breeds with higher health risks may have higher premiums.
Location-Based Pricing: Yes, your ZIP code affects your rate based on local veterinary costs. States with the highest average claim costs include Washington, D.C., at $520; California, at $513; and Washington, at $503.
Customization Options
Annual Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $75,0, or $1,000.
Reimbursement Percentage Options: 70%, 80% or 90% of your covered veterinary expenses.
Annual Coverage Limit Options: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,0,0,0, or unlimited.
Discounts Available
Multi-Pet Discount: The multi-pet discount saves you 10% on your policy’s premium, and it’s available in all states. The discount is applied automatically once your second pet is enrolled.
Military/Veteran Discount: 5% Military Discount available if you or someone in your immediate household is an active or former member of the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, or Coast Guard (Military discount is not available in NY and TN).
Annual Payment Discount: While not an actually discount, you may be able to save $12 per year in processing feesby paying annually instead of monthly.
Healthy Pet Discount: If owners get reimbursed less than $300 in the first year prior to the discount period, they will receive a 5 percent discount on the following year’s policy premiums. That discount is increased to 10 percent in the second year, in which claims total less than $300.
Value Assessment
Embrace sits in the middle of the pack price-wise. You’re not getting the absolute cheapest option, but you’re getting solid coverage with genuinely useful features like dental illness coverage and the ability to cover curable pre-existing conditions. The unlimited annual max option is huge for pet parents worried about catastrophic costs.
Embrace Pet Insurance Claims Process
The Embrace website and the Embrace Pet Insurance mobile app are the quickest ways to submit claims, but you can also submit by fax, email, or mail.
If you submit via the Embrace website or the Embrace Pet Insurance app, you do not need to include a claim form. Just snap a photo of your invoice, and you’re good to go.
Average Reimbursement Timeframe
Claims are processed in 10-15 business days as long as all of the necessary information as been submitted.
First claims for accidents and illnesses can take up to 30 business days to process. This longer timeframe is because they need to review your pet’s medical history.
Wellness Rewards claims are typically processed in five business days or less.
Reimbursement Process
You can receive your reimbursement in two ways: By Check, which usually arrives in 5-7 business days after the claim is finalized, or By Direct Deposit, which is deposited into your bank account within 3-5 business days after the claim is finalized.
Note: Embrace does not offer direct vet payment. You pay your vet upfront and get reimbursed.
Claims Approval Rate
92% of all claims were covered in 2024. That’s a solid approval rate that shows they’re not playing games with denials.
Digital Claims Tracking
Track your claims through MyEmbrace online or in the Embrace Pet Insurance app. You can see real-time status updates as your claim moves through the process.
Embrace Pet Insurance Customer Service
Phone Support Hours: Representatives can be reached Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.
Live Chat Availability: Available through PawSupport 24/7 for pet health questions.
Email Response Time: Turnaround time for email responses is between 1 and 2 business days.
Digital Experience
Mobile App: Available on both iOS and Android. From submitting claims to checking coverage, adding pets, and updating billing information, managing your Embrace Pet Insurance policy has never been easier. However, some users report occasional glitches with the app.
Website Usability: MyEmbrace portal allows for full account management, claim submission, and coverage changes.
Online Account Management Features: Check coverage and remaining limits, submit and view claims, add pets, change coverage, download policy documents, and update billing information.
Customer Satisfaction Metrics
BBB Rating: Embrace maintains an A+ BBB rating and holds BBB accreditation.
Trustpilot Score: Scores 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers appreciate the simple and straightforward claim submission process, often highlighting the user-friendly website and app.
Reddit Sentiment: Embrace receives mostly negative feedback on Reddit, with only 29% positive responses. This is worth noting, though Reddit tends to skew toward people venting frustrations.
Embrace Pet Insurance Customer Highlights
Many reviewers mention the speed of claim processing and reimbursements, with some receiving payments within days. Consumers also value the compassionate and helpful customer service representatives who are quick to respond to inquiries.
A number of reviewers have been long-term customers, some for over a decade, and consistently praise the company’s service and reliability.
Common Complaint Themes
A few reviewers mention concerns about premium increases and website performance.
Some customers report frustration with claim denials related to pre-existing conditions, particularly when the connection to prior conditions seems unclear.
Premium hikes as pets age can be significant and come as a surprise to some policyholders.
Notable Case Study
In 2023, Embrace covered its largest single claim in company history: $48,534 for a mixed-breed dog with aspiration pneumonia and pyloric valve repair. In 2024, Q2 saw the most expensive claim covered, ranking the fourth highest in the company’s 18-year history: a French Bulldog with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which led to a $37,633 claim.
Pros and Cons of Embrace Pet Insurance
Pros
Highly customizable coverage options. The ability to adjust your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits (including unlimited) means you can tailor your plan to your budget and comfort level.
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. This sets Embrace apart. If your pet had an ear infection before enrollment but has been symptom-free for 12 months, it can become eligible for coverage.
Dental illness coverage included. Many competitors charge extra for this or don’t offer it at all. Getting up to $1,000 annually for dental issues is genuinely valuable.
Comprehensive alternative therapy coverage. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy are included at no additional cost, which is great if you prefer holistic treatment options.
24/7 pet health helpline. Having access to veterinary professionals around the clock provides peace of mind, especially for anxious pet parents.
Cons
Long orthopedic waiting period. Six months is a significant wait for conditions like torn ACLs, which are common in active dogs. The waiver process can reduce this, but it’s an extra step.
Prescription medication requires an add-on. This feels like it should be included in a comprehensive plan, and the extra cost can add up for pets with ongoing medication needs.
No direct vet payment. You’ll need to pay out of pocket first and wait for reimbursement, which can be tough for unexpected large bills.
Premium increases with age. While this is standard across the industry, some customers report feeling blindsided by significant rate hikes as their pets get older.
Our Verdict and Score for Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace is a solid choice for pet parents who value flexibility and comprehensive coverage over rock-bottom prices. If you want the ability to customize your plan, appreciate features like dental illness coverage and curable pre-existing condition reconsideration, and don’t mind paying your vet upfront, Embrace delivers on its promises.
Recommended For
Pet parents who want extensive customization options to balance coverage and cost. Owners of breeds prone to hereditary conditions. Anyone who values dental illness coverage as a standard feature. Pet parents who appreciate 24/7 access to veterinary professionals. Those who plan to keep their pet insured long-term can benefit from the healthy pet deductible.
Not Ideal For
- Owners of senior pets (consider Pumpkin).
- Pet parents who need prescription coverage without paying extra.
- Those who prefer direct vet payment rather than reimbursement (Consider Pets Best).
- Budget-conscious pet parents are looking for the absolute lowest premiums (Consider Healthy Paws).
About Our Methodology
We use a weighted scoring system for pet insurance reviews. We compared 20 companies on key factors, including their pet insurance rates, to inform our ratings. Once we scored each company, we applied a curve based on the best overall product. Here’s what we look for:
- Financial Strength & Solvency: 20%
- Coverage Options: 10%
- Affordability: 30%
- Claims Process: 20%
- Customer Service: 20%
How Embrace Scored
- Financial Strength: 9/10
- Affordability: 8/10
- Customer Service: 7.5/10
- Online Experience: 9/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 7/10
- Claims Process: 6.5/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Pet Insurance Reviews.
