Embrace Pet Insurance: In-depth Review

Products About Company
Embrace Pet Insurance

 

Embrace Pet Insurance is one of the most established and comprehensive pet insurers in the U.S. market. Founded in 2003 and backed by Munich Re — one of the world's largest reinsurers — Embrace stands out for its granular policy customization, included dental illness and behavioral therapy coverage, a unique diminishing deductible program, and a 24/7 vet helpline. This review covers Embrace's full coverage offering, pricing structure, financial strength, customer feedback, and overall value as of 2025.

2003 Year Founded 500K+ Pets Covered $500M+ Claims Paid A+ BBB Rating & Underwriter A.M. Best

*A.M. Best A+ applies to underwriter American Modern Insurance Group (subsidiary of Munich Re). Embrace policies are a reimbursement model — you pay the vet and submit claims for eligible reimbursement.

⚠️ Structure & Reimbursement Model Embrace Pet Insurance is an insurance agency. Policies are administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC and underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. — an AM Best A+ rated subsidiary of Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurers. As with all pet insurance, Embrace operates on a reimbursement model: you pay the vet at the time of service and submit a claim for eligible reimbursement. Embrace has no direct vet pay option.

Company Background

Who Is Embrace?

Embrace Pet Insurance was founded in 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio and began selling policies in 2006. Headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, the company has spent nearly two decades building one of the most comprehensive and customizable pet insurance products on the market. It has insured over 500,000 pets and paid more than $500 million in claims since inception.

In a notable ownership development, JAB Holding Company — the same private investment group that owns Pumpkin Pet Insurance — acquired Embrace. Policies are underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, a subsidiary of Munich Re, providing institutional-grade financial backing. Embrace is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. (except Maine).

🏢 Ownership Note Embrace and Pumpkin Pet Insurance are both owned by JAB Holding Company. Policies remain separate products with distinct underwriters and coverage structures. The shared ownership provides financial stability but does not merge the two offerings.

Coverage

Coverage Options

Embrace offers two main plan types for dogs and cats, plus an optional Wellness Rewards program. The accident & illness plan is notably comprehensive, with very few exclusions compared to competitors.

Coverage Type What's Included
Accident & Illness (Primary) Illnesses, accidents, cancer, hereditary & congenital conditions, dental illness (up to $1,000/yr), behavioral therapy, prescription medications, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, emergency & specialty care, alternative therapies, and complementary treatments.
Accident-Only Plan Available for pets 15 years and older. Covers injuries from accidents only with a $5,000 annual limit, $100 deductible, and 90% reimbursement.
Wellness Rewards (Optional) Non-insurance add-on reimbursing $250, $450, or $650/year for routine care: wellness exams, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, flea medication, grooming, behavioral training, and more. Not available in Rhode Island.
Exam Fees (Optional Add-On) Covers vet exam fees for covered accident and illness claims. Available as an optional rider.
💡 Curable Pre-Existing Conditions Unlike most pet insurers, Embrace will consider coverage for curable pre-existing conditions if the pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months or more. This is a meaningful benefit for pets that have recovered from past illnesses.

Unique Features

What Sets Embrace Apart

Feature What It Does
Healthy Pet Deductible Your deductible decreases by $50 for every claim-free year, up to a maximum reduction of $500. After 10 claim-free years, your deductible reaches $0. No other major pet insurer offers this feature.
Dental Illness Coverage Covers periodontal disease, gingivitis, root canals, crowns, oral masses, and extractions up to $1,000 per year — included in the base plan at no extra charge. Most competitors charge extra or exclude dental illness entirely.
Behavioral Therapy Included in the base accident & illness plan at no extra charge. Covers treatment for destructive behavior, separation anxiety, and excessive vocalization.
PawSupport 24/7 Vet Line Access to licensed Pet Pros via live chat, video, and phone at any hour for advice on health questions, triage guidance, and pet care decisions.
Pre-Approval Option Embrace offers pre-approval of estimates and procedures in advance of treatment, reducing financial uncertainty before major veterinary visits.

Pricing

Pricing & Policy Customization

Embrace offers more than 75 possible plan configurations through its granular customization options — more than most competitors' simplified tier structures allow. Premiums are higher than average but reflect the breadth of included coverage.

Policy Option Available Choices
Annual Deductible $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
Reimbursement Rate 70%, 80%, or 90%
Annual Coverage Limit $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited
Avg. Monthly Premium (Dogs) ~$73/month (above industry average)
Avg. Monthly Premium (Cats) ~$46/month
Enrollment Age 6 weeks to 14 years for full coverage; 15+ years eligible for accident-only plan

Waiting Periods

Waiting Periods Before Coverage Begins

Condition Type Waiting Period
Accidents 2 days — among the shortest in the industry
Illnesses 14 days
Cruciate Ligament / Orthopedic 6 months (standard for industry)

Customer Feedback

What Customers Are Saying

Embrace holds an A+ BBB rating and a 4.3/5 Trustpilot score. Long-term policyholders are among the most loyal in the pet insurance market, with many reporting decade-plus relationships with the company. Reddit sentiment is more mixed at approximately 29% positive, with premium increases as pets age cited as the most common frustration.

Positive Themes

Comprehensive Coverage: Users consistently praise how much Embrace covers, including dental illness and behavioral therapy that other carriers charge extra for or exclude.

Claims Experience: Many users report a smooth, responsive claims process with reimbursements often processed within 10–15 days.

Long-Term Value: The diminishing deductible rewards claim-free years, and many long-term policyholders find the policy increases in value over time.

  

Critical Themes

Premium Increases: As pets age, premiums can rise significantly — sometimes feeling steep and sudden. This is the most common complaint among Reddit and BBB reviewers.

Pre-Existing Condition Denials: Like all pet insurers, Embrace excludes pre-existing conditions, and some users dispute how conditions are classified.

Higher Premiums: Above-average base cost may deter budget-focused owners who don't need the full breadth of coverage.

Industry Ratings

Third-Party Evaluations

Source Score Key Notes
BBB A+ (Accredited) Highest possible BBB rating. BBB accredited with strong complaint resolution record.
Trustpilot 4.3 / 5 Strong marks for claims handling, customer service, and long-term policy value.
Underwriter A.M. Best A+ (Superior) Applies to American Modern Insurance Group (Munich Re subsidiary). Second-highest possible. Strongest financial backing among the five pet insurers reviewed here.
Reddit Sentiment 29% Positive Premium increases as pets age are the dominant complaint. Coverage satisfaction among claim filers tends to be more positive.

Assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

✓  Strongest financial backing (AM Best A+ via Munich Re)

✓  Diminishing deductible — unique in the industry

✓  Dental illness included at no extra charge

✓  Behavioral therapy included at no extra charge

✓  75+ possible plan configurations

✓  PawSupport 24/7 vet helpline included

✓  Pre-approval available before major procedures

  

Weaknesses

✕  Above-average premiums, especially for older pets

✕  Premium increases as pets age can be steep

✕  No direct vet pay option

✕  Full coverage age cap of 14 years

✕  Not available in Maine

✕  Reddit sentiment mixed (29% positive) on overall value

The Verdict

Is Embrace Right for Your Pet?

Embrace is the strongest choice for pet owners who want institutional-grade financial backing, comprehensive coverage with very few exclusions, and a policy that rewards long-term, low-claim use through the diminishing deductible. It is particularly well-suited to owners of young pets or breeds prone to hereditary conditions, dental disease, or behavioral issues.

✅ Best For Embrace is best for owners who want the most comprehensive pet insurance available, value institutional financial strength, and plan to keep the same policy long-term. The diminishing deductible makes it especially compelling for owners who start coverage while their pet is young and healthy, maximizing the claim-free benefit over time.

References

  1. Embrace Pet Insurance
  2. Better Business Bureau, Embrace Pet Insurance Profile
  3. Bankrate, Embrace Pet Insurance Review (2026)
  4. MoneyGeek, Embrace Pet Insurance Review (2026)
  5. Zogby, Embrace Pet Insurance Review (2026)
  6. CNBC Select, Embrace Pet Insurance Review (2025)
Product
Embrace Pet Insurance
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By Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance
Excellent 5/5
⭐Best For: Healthy pets and military households who want the most rewarding long-term policy with the industry's most flexible wellness benefit

Embrace Pet Insurance has covered more than 400,000 pets since 2003 and paid over $500 million in claims, backed by A+ rated American Modern Insurance Group (a Munich Re subsidiary). Available in all 50 states plus D.C., Embrace combines comprehensive accident and illness coverage with the most flexible wellness add-on in the industry — and the only diminishing deductible program among major carriers.

  • ✅ Healthy Pet Rewards — Unique in the Industry: Embrace is the only major pet insurer that rewards you financially for claim-free years. Its new Healthy Pet Premium Discount Program (replacing the previous Healthy Pet Deductible) cuts your premium by 5% after one claim-free year and 10% after two — a dollar-for-dollar benefit that compounds the longer your pet stays healthy.
  • ✅ Most Flexible Wellness Benefit Available: Unlike competitors whose wellness plans use rigid itemized schedules, Embrace's Wellness Rewards is a single flexible annual pool you can spend on anything routine — vaccines, dental cleanings, grooming, training, supplements, prescription food, even microchipping. Put the whole allowance toward one big expense or spread it across many. No category caps.
  • ✅ Comprehensive Base Coverage — Dental and Alternative Therapies Included: Embrace's accident and illness plan covers dental illness (including extractions and gingivitis), hereditary and congenital conditions, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy — all in the base policy without an add-on. Most competitors either exclude these or charge extra.
  • ✅ Fully Customizable — Build a Plan That Fits Your Budget: Choose from deductibles of $100–$1,000, reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%, and annual limits from $2,000 all the way to Unlimited. That's over 75 possible configurations to balance premium against coverage depth. Average unlimited-coverage premium of $109.74 is well below the $144.73 industry average.
  • ✅ Curable Pre-Existing Condition Exception & 24/7 Telehealth: Embrace distinguishes between incurable and curable pre-existing conditions — issues like UTIs or ear infections can be covered again if your pet stays symptom-free for 12 months. Every policy also includes 24/7 access to the PawSupport pet helpline and an A+ BBB rating with stackable multi-pet (10%) and military/first responder (5%) discounts.
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