show them you care by being prepared
get a quoteSummary of pet insurance
Pet insurance helps pet owners plan for eligible veterinary expenses related to accidents, illnesses and certain hereditary conditions. Monthly premiums for dogs range from $20-$70 and for cats $10-$30.²
Most plans work on a reimbursement basis, meaning you cover the veterinarian costs upfront, submit a claim, and get paid back a percentage based on your deductible, reimbursement percentage and coverage limits.
What is pet health insurance?
Pet insurance coverage can help you pay for unexpected cat or dog medical care, depending on the details of your policy. Birds, reptiles, and other non-traditional pets usually require a type of coverage called exotic pet insurance. Most pet insurance policies typically include:
- Accidents
Broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects, etc. - Illnesses
Infections, cancers, chronic conditions, etc. - Emergency care and hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
How much does pet insurance cost?
Depending on age, species, breed and location, pet insurance premiums cost on average between $20-$70 for dogs and $10-$30 for cats.
Special discounts are available, including up to 10% savings for owners of multiple pets and an additional 5% off for eligible military households.
How does pet insurance work?
In most cases, this is how pet insurance helps cover the cost of care when your dog or cat is sick or insured:
- Take your pet for treatment
Visit the vet of your choice and pay the bill at the time of service. - File a claim
After your visit, submit a claim with your receipt and medical records. - Get reimbursed
Once your claim is reviewed, you’ll be paid back for eligible costs based on your policy’s reimbursement percentage, minus any remaining deductible.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you are responsible for before your insurance starts reimbursing you. There are two types:
- Annual: Paid yearly, no matter how many times your pet sees the vet. It’s easy to budget for since you know in advance what’s coming each year.
- Per-incident: Paid whenever there is a new condition or incident, If your pet has a hard year medically and needs multiple visits, this could get costly.
Example:
If your pet has a $1,200 emergency vet visit and your plan has a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement:
- Pay the $1,200 vet bill upfront
- After the deductible, $950 remains
- Of the $950, your plan reimburses 80% ($760)
- Your out-of-pocket claims cost is $440
What does pet insurance typically cover?
- Accidents and treatments for illness and disease
- Cancer and chemotherapy services
- Surgery, hospitalization and nursing care
- Lab work and diagnostic tests, including X-rays and MRIs
- Medications
- Genetic and breed-specific conditions are covered if there are no related signs or symptoms prior to enrollment
- Complementary therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic treatment and hydrotherapy
- Chronic and recurring conditions, like allergies, diabetes and hyperthyroidism
Your insurance company may offer or might have the option to add on a separate wellness product to help pay for annual check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings and other routine care not covered by pet insurance.
What doesn’t pet insurance typically cover?
- Cosmetic and elective procedures, like tail docking, ear cropping and declawing (except when medically necessary)
- Vet fees related to pregnancy, breeding and whelping
- Vitamins, supplements, pet foods and personal care items like shampoo or ear cleaner
- Pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or irregularity noticed by you or your veterinarian before the end of your waiting period.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Yes – if your pet gets sick or injured, pet insurance can help make sure the cost for scans and treatments doesn't get in the way of giving them the best care. Financial challenges happen, which is why pet insurance is worth it if you’re able to fit the premiums into your budget. Paying a manageable amount each month is often easier than facing thousands of dollars in unexpected emergency costs at once.
Pet insurance for dogs vs. cats
Pet insurance policies for dogs and cats work similarly, both covering eligible veterinary costs for accidents and illnesses. The main differences usually come down to types of commonly treated conditions and cost.
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage basics | Accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, diagnostics, medications | Accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, diagnostics, medications |
| Typical cost | Often higher due to size, breed risks, and treatment costs | Often lower due to smaller size and fewer high-cost procedures |
| Common conditions | Orthopedic injuries, ear infections, allergies | Urinary issues, dental disease, kidney conditions |
Even though dogs typically cost more to take care of, we have a wide range of options for either pet with different deductibles, reimbursements and coverages that fit your budget.
Learn more about coverage options for dog insurance and cat insurance.
Is my pet eligible for pet insurance?
To qualify for full accident and illness coverage, your pet must be between 6 weeks and 15 years old. Pets 15 years or older are eligible for our accident-only policy.
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, and Addison's disease do not prevent a consumer from purchasing an accident and illness policy with Embrace.
Wellness care plans³
Pet wellness plans help make routine and preventive care easier to manage by spreading everyday vet costs into predictable monthly payments. These plans typically help cover essentials like annual exams, vaccinations, blood work, dental cleanings, and parasite prevention—services that keep pets healthy and catch issues early, before they become more serious or expensive. Wellness plans make it simpler for pet parents to stay proactive about their pet’s long-term health and well-being.
Pet insurance FAQs
Usually not – pet insurance is typically for unexpected medical issues, not routine care. You may be able to add an optional preventative pet wellness plan to your policy (also called wellness plans or routine pet care coverage).
Yes. You can go to any licensed veterinarian for general, specialist, and emergency vet treatment.
Pet insurance usually has waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, and specific conditions. It's a brief pause to ensure your pet is not already in need of care before you sign up. All policies have a 2-week illness waiting period. Other waiting periods and exclusions vary by state. These waiting periods may be subject to change due to new state laws, so it's important to stay informed and check your specific policy for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, pet insurance can help cover eligible emergency care related to accidents or sudden illnesses, including emergency vet visits, diagnostics, and treatment, subject to your policy’s terms, waiting periods, and coverage limits.
Most pet insurance plans work on a reimbursement basis. Visit the veterinarian of your choice, pay the bill at the time of service, and submit a claim with your receipt and medical records. Based on your policy’s deductible and reimbursement percentage, you will be reimbursed for eligible costs.
No, illnesses or injuries that showed signs or symptoms before coverage began or during the waiting period are not covered. However, some policies may allow certain conditions to become eligible for coverage if the pet does not show signs, symptoms or is treatment-free for a specified period (e.g., 12 months).
