Embrace
Pet insurancePet insurance provider. Compare its plan terms and optional add-ons on its site.
Visit Embrace Partner link
Pet Insurance, Explained
What pet insurance is, how it usually works, and the terms worth comparing before you choose. Education only.
Please read first
We are not an insurance agency or broker, we don’t sell insurance, and we can’t tell you which policy is right for you. Coverage, prices and availability depend on your state, your dog’s breed and age, and each insurer’s terms. Always read the policy documents before you buy.
Insurers to research
Listed alphabetically, not ranked. Use the questions below when reading each insurer’s policy.
Fetch
Pet insurancePet insurance provider. Review its plan options and policy documents on its site.
Visit Fetch Partner link
Lemonade Pet
Pet insurancePet insurance from Lemonade, bought online. Check which add-ons and terms apply in your state.
Visit Lemonade Partner link
Trupanion
Pet insurancePet medical insurance provider. Compare its deductible, reimbursement and exclusion terms on its site.
Visit Trupanion Partner link
Discount plan (not insurance)
Pet Assure
Discount plan, not insuranceA veterinary discount plan, not insurance: it offers discounts at participating vets rather than reimbursing claims.
Visit Pet Assure Partner link
What to compare
With most plans, you pay the vet, send a claim, and get reimbursed for the covered part minus your deductible. Some insurers can pay certain vets directly. The main types are accident-only, accident and illness (the most common), and optional routine-care add-ons for planned costs like checkups and vaccines.
| Term | What it means | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | What you pay before the policy pays. | Is it per year or per condition? |
| Reimbursement rate | The share of a covered bill paid back after the deductible. | Which rates are offered, and how do they change the premium? |
| Limits | The most the policy pays per year, per condition, or over the pet’s life. | Is there a cap, and what is it? |
| Waiting periods | Time after enrolling before certain coverage starts. | How long for accidents, illnesses and orthopedic issues? |
| Pre-existing conditions | Conditions that showed signs before coverage began are usually excluded. | How does this insurer define them? |
| Exam fees | The vet’s charge for the visit itself. | Are exam fees covered? |
| Hereditary / breed-related conditions | Issues common in certain breeds. | Are they covered? Any breed exclusions? |
| Premium over time | Premiums typically rise as pets age. | How have prices changed for older pets? |
Why people look at insurance for puppies
Because conditions that appear before coverage starts are typically excluded, many owners compare plans while their dog is young. Alternatives people consider include a dedicated vet savings fund and vet discount plans, which are not insurance.
Coming soon: our puppy insurance comparison
We’re preparing a side-by-side comparison of insurance options for puppies. It will be published once we’ve confirmed the details with each company.
Frequently asked questions
Is pet insurance worth it?
It depends on your budget and how you’d handle a large, unexpected vet bill. We can’t tell you which choice is right; compare policies and ask each insurer your questions.
What’s the difference between pet insurance and a discount plan?
Insurance reimburses part of covered vet bills after a deductible. A discount plan gives you discounts at participating vets but doesn’t reimburse bills.
When can I enroll a puppy?
Minimum enrollment ages vary by insurer. Check each insurer’s rules.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Conditions that showed signs before coverage began are typically excluded. Each insurer defines this differently, so read the policy.
Related guides
This page explains general insurance concepts. It isn’t insurance, legal or veterinary advice.