Embrace is a long-established accident-and-illness insurer best known for two things: a deductible that shrinks every claim-free year, and dental illness included as standard. In this 2026 review we cover Embrace's coverage, limits and pricing, its waiting periods, the pros and cons, and who gets the most value from it.
Embrace at a glance
| ComparePetCover rating | 4.3 / 5 |
| Annual limits | $2,000 – $15,000 (unlimited on some plans) |
| Deductibles | $100 – $1,000 · drops $50 per claim-free year |
| Reimbursement | 70% · 80% · 90% |
| Dental illness | Up to $1,000 included ✓ |
| Waiting period | 2 days accidents · 14 days illnesses · 6 months orthopedic (reducible) |
| Best for | Long-term holders, dental coverage |
What Embrace covers
Embrace offers nose-to-tail accident-and-illness coverage (plus an accident-only option), with two features that set it apart:
- Healthy Pet Deductible™ — your annual deductible drops $50 for every year you don't file a claim, down to $0. Included as standard.
- Dental illness up to $1,000/year is included on every accident-and-illness policy (most insurers cover only dental injuries).
- Wellness Rewards — an optional flexible annual pool for routine care (vaccines, exams, grooming).
- Exam fees and prescriptions require paid add-ons.
The combination of a shrinking deductible and included dental illness makes Embrace especially strong for owners who keep coverage for the long term.
Plans, limits & pricing
Embrace pricing sits around the middle-to-upper range. A representative 2026 average ($10,000 limit, $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement):
| Pet | Typical Embrace premium (/mo) |
|---|---|
| Dogs | $45 – $84 |
| Cats | $24 – $45 |
Your quote depends on breed, age and ZIP code. The Healthy Pet Deductible effectively lowers your out-of-pocket over time if you stay claim-free, which improves the long-run value even if the starting premium isn't the cheapest.
Pros
- Healthy Pet Deductible shrinks $50 per claim-free year (down to $0)
- Dental illness up to $1,000 included
- Optional Wellness Rewards pool for routine care
- Highly customizable limits, deductibles & reimbursement
- Accident-only option available
Cons
- Vet exam fees and prescriptions require paid add-ons
- Premiums can rise noticeably over time, even claim-free
- 6-month orthopedic wait unless you complete the exam waiver
- Pre-existing conditions excluded (all insurers)
Waiting periods & exclusions
Embrace applies a 2-day waiting period for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for orthopedic conditions — though the orthopedic wait can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver early. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, so enrolling while your pet is young and healthy pays off with this insurer especially, thanks to the diminishing deductible.
How claims & reimbursement work
You submit claims online or in the app with your itemized invoice. Embrace reimburses 70%, 80% or 90% after your (shrinking) deductible, with no in-network restriction — use any licensed vet. It's a reimbursement model, so you pay upfront and get paid back.
Who Embrace is best for
Embrace is ideal for owners who intend to keep the policy for years (the diminishing deductible rewards you), and anyone who wants dental illness included as standard. If you want the rock-bottom starting price, a cheaper entry-level insurer may edge it out on month one.
How Embrace compares
Premiums and coverage vary by pet, breed, age and your state. See how Embrace stacks up in our full provider comparison, or check average pet insurance costs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Embrace's diminishing deductible?
The Healthy Pet Deductible lowers your annual deductible by $50 for every year you don't file a claim, down to $0 — it's included on every policy and rewards long-term, claim-free owners.
Does Embrace cover dental?
Yes — dental illness up to $1,000 per year is included on every accident-and-illness policy, which is more generous than many competitors that cover only dental injuries.
Does Embrace cover exam fees?
Not by default — vet exam fees (and prescriptions) require paid add-ons.
What are Embrace's waiting periods?
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for orthopedic conditions — the orthopedic wait drops to 14 days if you complete an early exam and waiver.
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