- Embrace Pet Insurance's Background and Growth: Founded in 2003 and first sold in 2006, Embrace has protected over 500,000 pets across all 50 states, building a strong reputation backed by a financially solid underwriter and recent acquisition by JAB Holding.
- Who Is Embrace Best For?: Ideal for pet owners seeking customizable, comprehensive coverage, especially young pets, breeds prone to hereditary issues, and those desiring included dental coverage and 24/7 vet support.
- Key Strengths of Embrace: Highly customizable plans with multiple deductible, limit, and reimbursement options, coverage for curable pre-existing conditions, included dental illnesses, and a 24/7 pet health line make it a standout choice.
- Challenges Faced by Embrace: Long orthopedic waiting periods, additional costs for prescription meds, age restrictions for full coverage, and potential premium hikes are notable downsides to consider.
- Value and Customer Feedback: While not the cheapest, Embrace’s extensive coverage, high claim approval rate, positive customer reviews, and notable claims payouts make it a strong contender for long-term pet insurance.
- Get a quote from Embrace Pet Insurance.
Embrace Pet Insurance Overview
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.
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 Pet Insurance 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.
Embrace Pet Insurance 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.
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 has a bit of an underdog origin story (pun intended). Founded in 2003 by Alex Krooglik and Laura Bennett, the company actually started as a winning business plan at the Wharton Business Plan Competition before becoming a real company. It took a few years to get off the ground, but they sold their first policy on October 10, 2006, to a cat named Lily in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Today, Embrace is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and has grown to protect more than 500,000 pets across all 50 states. They cover dogs and cats only, so if you’ve got an iguana or a ferret, you’ll need to look elsewhere. On the financial side, Embrace partners with American Modern Insurance Group for underwriting, which carries an AM Best A+ Superior rating, meaning they’ve got serious financial backing. And in November 2023, the company was acquired by JAB Holding Company, a global investment firm, adding another layer of stability to the operation.
Embrace Pet Insurance Reliability
When it comes to financial stability, Embrace checks all the right boxes. Their underwriting partner, American Modern Insurance Group, holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, which is the second-highest rating possible. Translation: you don’t need to worry about whether they can actually pay your claims. They can.
Embrace has been around for over 20 years now, with nearly two decades of actually selling policies and processing claims under their belt. They’re not some scrappy startup that might vanish tomorrow. American Modern also shares that A+ rating with its parent company, Munich Re, a global reinsurance giant that adds yet another layer of financial muscle to the operation. On the regulatory front, Embrace maintains BBB accreditation and operates in full compliance with insurance regulations across all 50 states.
But perhaps the most telling number? In 2024, Embrace paid out more than $212.5 million in claims, with 92% of all submitted claims getting approved. That’s not a company looking for reasons to deny you. That’s a company that pays when pets get sick or hurt.
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
Embrace covers a pretty comprehensive list of conditions and treatments, which is exactly what you want when you’re paying for peace of mind.
If your pet was born with a health issue or is genetically predisposed to certain conditions, you’re covered. Hereditary and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia, heart defects, and luxating patellas are all included, even if symptoms don’t show up until later in life. Chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes are covered too, with no per-condition limits, so you won’t hit a cap on ongoing treatment.
Cancer treatment is fully covered as long as it’s not pre-existing, and the coverage is comprehensive: diagnostics, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, hospitalization, rehab, and even complementary therapies. Emergency care is included too, whether it’s a regular weekday or a 2 a.m. Saturday crisis.
When it comes to diagnostics and procedures, Embrace covers the works: X-rays, MRIs, biopsies, surgeries, anesthesia, overnight hospital stays, and aftercare. If your pet needs to see a specialist like an oncologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist, those visits are covered as well.
One standout feature is dental illness coverage, which is included in the base plan at up to $1,000 per year. That covers things like extractions, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and root canals. Many competitors either skip dental entirely or charge extra for it, so this is a genuine perk.
The one caveat? Prescription medications require an optional add-on, which feels like it should be included but unfortunately isn’t.
What’s Not Covered
Like every pet insurance company, Embrace won’t cover pre-existing conditions. That means any injury, illness, or irregularity that was noticed by you or your vet before your waiting period ended is off the table, even if your pet never actually went to the vet for it. However, Embrace is more flexible than most when it comes to curable conditions. If your pet had something like an ear infection or a stomach bug before enrollment but has been completely symptom-free for 12 months, that condition can become eligible for coverage again. It’s not a free pass, but it’s more generous than the hard “no” you’ll get from many competitors.
As for other exclusions, the list is pretty standard. Cosmetic procedures like tail docking, ear cropping, and dew claw removal aren’t covered unless they’re medically necessary. Breeding and pregnancy expenses are out, as are injuries from fighting, racing, or mistreatment. And if you were hoping to clone your pet or run a DNA test, you’ll be paying out of pocket for that.
One thing Embrace doesn’t do? Breed-specific exclusions. If you have a French Bulldog prone to breathing issues or a German Shepherd at risk for hip dysplasia, those conditions are covered just like any other illness. That’s a big deal for owners of breeds with known health risks.
Policy Terms
Before you sign up, it’s worth understanding how Embrace’s policy terms actually work in practice.
Waiting periods are pretty standard for illness coverage: 14 days from your policy’s effective date. Orthopedic conditions are a different story, with waiting periods that vary by state and can stretch up to six months. The good news is you can potentially shorten that orthopedic wait by having your vet complete an Orthopedic Exam and Waiver shortly after enrollment. It’s an extra step, but worth it if joint issues are a concern for your pet’s breed.
Age-wise, Embrace accepts pets as young as 6 weeks old, but the full accident and illness plan caps out at 15 years. If your pet is 15 or older, they can still get accident-only coverage, but comprehensive illness protection won’t be an option.
Once you’re enrolled, though, you’re locked in for life. Your coverage doesn’t downgrade or get canceled just because your pet gets older or develops health problems along the way. That’s a big deal for long-term peace of mind. If you ever need to cancel, you can do so immediately over the phone with no penalty. Cancel within 30 days without filing any claims, and you’ll get a full refund.
On the pricing front, expect your premiums to adjust annually based on your pet’s age, breed, location, and the ever-rising cost of veterinary care. It’s not unique to Embrace, but it’s worth budgeting for.
One feature that stands out is total vet freedom. You can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the U.S. with no network restrictions whatsoever. And if you’re the type to travel with your pet, Embrace even extends coverage internationally for up to six months. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or spending a summer abroad, your furry companion stays protected.
Special Features
Beyond the basics, Embrace includes a few extras that genuinely set them apart.
Every policy comes with free access to PawSupport, their 24/7 pet health helpline. Whether it’s the middle of the night and your dog is acting strange, or you just have a quick question about diet or nutrition, you can connect with a Pet Pro via phone, chat, or video. It’s not a replacement for an actual vet visit, but it’s incredibly helpful for those “should I be worried?” moments that always seem to happen at 2 a.m.
Behavioral therapy is another nice inclusion. If your pet has anxiety, aggression issues, or just can’t stop destroying your furniture, coverage for behavioral treatment is baked into the standard plan at no extra cost. Many competitors either exclude this entirely or charge extra for it.
Embrace also gives you the option to add exam fee coverage to your plan. Since many insurers only cover the treatment itself and not the cost of the actual vet visit, this flexibility helps you avoid feeling like you’re paying an extra deductible every time you walk through the clinic door.
Then there’s the Healthy Pet Deductible, which launched back in 2012 as a way to reward pet parents who didn’t file claims. Originally, you’d get a $50 credit toward your deductible for every claim-free year. That program has since evolved into the Healthy Pet Premium Discount Program, which offers 5-10% off your premiums if you keep claims under $300.
Finally, for when the hardest decisions come, Embrace covers euthanasia and end-of-life care through its Wellness Rewards program. It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but knowing that support is there when you need it most can provide real comfort.
Embrace Pet Insurance Affordability
Learn how Embrace’s cost compares to its value.
What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s ultimately what it comes down to.
Based on 2024 data, dog insurance through Embrace ranged from about $22 to $111 per month, though most dog parents land somewhere between $20 and $70. Cat insurance tends to be more affordable, running anywhere from $12 to $55 per month. For context, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association puts the industry average for dog insurance at around $62 per month, so Embrace falls right in line with the market.
Your actual premium depends on a few key factors. Age plays a big role, as younger pets cost less to insure (no surprise there). Breed matters too, since certain breeds with known health risks tend to carry higher premiums. And where you live can make a significant difference, as vet costs vary widely by location. If you’re in Washington, D.C., California, or Washington state, expect to pay more since those areas have some of the highest average claim costs in the country.
Customizing Your Coverage
One of Embrace’s strengths is how much control you have over your plan. You can choose your annual deductible ($100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000), your reimbursement percentage (70%, 80%, or 90%), and your annual coverage limit ($5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited). The more coverage you want, the higher your premium, but having that flexibility means you can find a balance that works for your budget.
Ways to Save
Embrace offers a handful of discounts that can help bring your costs down. If you insure more than one pet, you’ll automatically get 10% off with the multi-pet discount. Active duty military members, veterans, and their immediate families qualify for a 5% discount (though it’s not available in New York or Tennessee for some reason). You can also save about $12 a year in processing fees by paying your premium annually instead of monthly. And if you manage to keep your claims under $300 for the year, the Healthy Pet Discount kicks in with 5% off your next year’s premium, bumping up to 10% if you do it two years in a row.
Is It Worth the Price?
Embrace isn’t the cheapest pet insurance out there, but you’re getting real value for your money. Features like included dental illness coverage, the option for unlimited annual limits, and the ability to get curable pre-existing conditions reconsidered after 12 months make it a strong contender. If rock-bottom pricing is your top priority, you might find cheaper options elsewhere. But if you want solid, comprehensive coverage with room to customize, Embrace delivers.
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.
Getting in Touch
When you need to talk to an actual human, Embrace offers a few ways to reach them. Phone support is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, plus Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Not quite 24/7, but solid hours for most schedules. If you prefer email, expect a response within one to two business days. And while regular customer service has set hours, PawSupport is available around the clock for pet health questions via live chat. Just keep in mind that PawSupport handles health concerns, not billing or claims inquiries.
The Digital Experience
Embrace has put real effort into making policy management convenient. Their mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, lets you submit claims, check your coverage, add pets, and update billing info all from your phone. Most users find it intuitive and easy to navigate, though some report occasional glitches and crashes. The MyEmbrace web portal offers the same functionality if you prefer doing things on a computer, with full account management, claim submission, and the ability to make coverage changes whenever you need to.
What Customers Are Saying
On the official review front, Embrace looks pretty solid. They hold an A+ rating with the BBB and score 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on thousands of reviews. Customers frequently praise the simple claims process, the user-friendly app and website, and the speed of reimbursements, with some reporting they received payments within just a few days. Long-term policyholders, some of whom have been with Embrace for over a decade, tend to be especially loyal and vocal about their positive experiences. Customer service reps also get high marks for being helpful, responsive, and genuinely compassionate.
That said, not everyone is thrilled. Reddit sentiment is more mixed, with only about 29% of comments being positive. Common complaints include premium increases as pets age (which can feel steep and sudden), frustrations with claim denials tied to pre-existing conditions, and occasional gripes about app or website performance. It’s worth noting that Reddit tends to attract people looking to vent, so the negativity there may not reflect the typical customer experience, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Real-World Claims
To give you a sense of what Embrace actually pays out when things get serious, here are a couple of notable examples. In 2023, they covered their largest single claim in company history: $48,534 for a mixed-breed dog who needed treatment for aspiration pneumonia and pyloric valve repair. In 2024, a French Bulldog with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) racked up a $37,633 claim, ranking as the fourth-highest payout in the company’s 18-year history. These aren’t everyday scenarios, but they show that Embrace will step up when the bills get big.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to your questions about Embrace pet insurance.
For most pet parents, yes. Embrace offers a solid combination of comprehensive coverage, customization options, and genuinely useful features like included dental illness coverage and 24/7 vet access. They paid out over $212 million in claims in 2024 with a 92% approval rate, which shows they’re not looking for excuses to deny you. That said, “worth it” depends on your specific situation. If you have a young pet, a breed prone to health issues, or you just want peace of mind without gambling on a savings account, Embrace is a smart investment. If you’re on a tight budget and your pet is already a senior, you might want to compare a few options first.
Not exactly, but they’re more flexible than most. Like all pet insurers, Embrace won’t cover conditions that were symptomatic or diagnosed before your waiting period ended. However, they distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. If your pet had something like an ear infection, UTI, or digestive issue before enrollment but has been completely symptom-free for 12 consecutive months, that condition can become eligible for coverage again. Chronic or incurable conditions like diabetes, allergies, or cancer that existed before your policy won’t ever be covered.
Most claims are processed within 10-15 business days, assuming you’ve submitted all the required information. Your very first claim will take longer (up to 30 business days) because Embrace needs to review your pet’s medical history. Once a claim is approved, direct deposit hits your account in 3-5 business days, while paper checks arrive in about 5-7 business days. Wellness Rewards claims are faster, typically processed within five business days. Pro tip: set up direct deposit to speed things along.
The catch is that it’s long. While standard illness coverage kicks in after just 14 days, orthopedic conditions (like torn ACLs, hip dysplasia, or luxating patellas) can have a waiting period of up to six months depending on your state. This is a bigger deal if you have an active dog or a breed prone to joint issues. The good news is that you can potentially reduce this waiting period by having your vet complete an Orthopedic Report Card shortly after enrollment. If the exam shows no existing orthopedic issues, you may be able to get coverage sooner. It’s an extra step, but worth doing if orthopedic concerns are on your radar.
Yes, and this is one of the best things about Embrace. You can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the United States with no network restrictions. Whether it’s your regular vet down the street, a specialty oncologist across town, or an emergency animal hospital at 2 a.m., you’re covered. Embrace even extends coverage internationally for up to six months if you’re traveling with your pet. You’ll pay the vet directly and then submit your claim for reimbursement, but you never have to worry about whether your vet is “in network.”
