How does pet insurance work?

You can't predict when your dog or cat will get sick or injured, but you know it could happen at anytime. Pet insurance protects your finances by covering your pet's unexpected vet bills.

How Pet Insurance Works 

We all know the worry when our furry friend isn't feeling their best or lands in a bit of trouble. Vet bills can quickly add up, making an already stressful situation feel even more overwhelming. Pets come with unexpected moments: your dog swallows something they shouldn't, or your cat starts feeling under the weather. These situations not only cause concern but can also lead to hefty vet bills. Without a safety net, you might find yourself facing tough decisions about your pet's care versus your budget. This is where pet insurance comes in – think of it as your financial ally in pet care. First, you choose a plan that fits your budget and your pet's needs. Whether it's for those 'Oops, I ate a sock!' incidents, sick days, or essential vet visits to keep your pet healthy, there's a plan for every scenario. When it's time to visit the vet, you pay the bill, and then let your pet insurance know. With Embrace, it's super easy – just snap a photo of the bill, tap a few buttons, and send it off. They’ll help with the costs, depending on your plan, making it more manageable for you. Each plan is unique, so you can pick the perfect one that keeps both your pet healthy and your wallet happy. With pet insurance, you're not just planning financially; you're ensuring your pet gets the best care, no matter what.  

Real Examples of How Dog and Cat Insurance Works for Embrace Pet Families

Use Case: Squiggy's Unfortunate Car Accident Background

Squiggy, a spirited mixed-breed cat, was hit by a car, resulting in severe injuries including multiple fractures and internal bleeding. His recovery journey was challenging, but with dedicated care, he made a remarkable recovery. 

Vet Bill Details: 
  • Total Vet Bill: $12,169.00 

  • Covered Charges: $12,162.00 (The amount eligible for insurance coverage, after excluding non-covered items.) 

  • Annual Deductible: $200.00 (The amount the pet parent pays before insurance coverage starts.) 

  • Copay: $1,196.25 (The portion of the covered charges that the pet parent is responsible for, after the deductible.) 

  • Total Embrace Reimbursement: $10,000.00 (The maximum amount reimbursed based on the policy's coverage limit.)   

Use Case: Kylie's Bloat Emergency Background

Kylie, a beloved pet, experienced a medical emergency one night, showing signs of bloat, a life-threatening condition. She was immediately rushed to the veterinary ER. Quick diagnosis and surgery, including a gastropexy, were crucial in saving her life. Kylie remained hospitalized for four days and thankfully made a full recovery. 

Vet Bill Details: 
  • Total Vet Bill: $2,623.64 

  • Covered Charges: $2,433.77 (This is the amount eligible for insurance coverage after excluding non-covered expenses.) 

  • Annual Deductible: $100.00 (The amount the pet parent pays before insurance coverage starts.) 

  • Copay: $232.48 (The portion of the covered charges that the pet parent is responsible for, after the deductible.) 

  • Total Embrace Reimbursement: $2,092.29 (The amount reimbursed to the pet parent.) 

How Does Pet Insurance Reimbursement Work?

After your pet's vet visit, you send in the bill, and that's where the magic happens! Your coverage kicks in, calculating how much money you'll get back. The cool part? You've got the power to choose factors like your plan's deductible, the percentage of costs covered, and your yearly limit.  These choices shape your reimbursement, giving you a custom-fit plan. It's all about putting you in the driver's seat, ensuring your pet's health care matches your budget perfectly. 

How Pet Insurance Deductibles Work 

When picking a pet insurance plan, understanding how pet insurance deductibles work is key. It's the amount you cover before insurance chips in. Choose a deductible that suits your budget: a lower deductible means a higher monthly cost, while a higher deductible lowers your monthly payment.   Here are two main types of deductibles you’ll find in the pet insurance world: Annual Deductible: This is the Embrace way. You pay this once a year, no matter how many times your pet sees the vet. It’s straightforward and easy to budget for – you know what’s coming each year. Per-incident Deductible: Applied for each new condition or incident. For example, if your pet has multiple medical issues in a year, you'll pay a deductible for each separate incident. This can get costly if your pet has multiple unrelated visits to the vet in a year. The key is finding a balance that suits your pet's needs and your budget, especially when considering how pet insurance deductibles work. Embrace’s annual deductible is a popular, budget-friendly choice for many pet parents. 

How Your Annual Coverage Limit Works  

Think of an annual coverage limit as your pet's yearly piggy bank from the insurance company. It's the max amount they'll chip in for your pet's vet bills each year, after your deductible is all taken care of.     So, let's say your policy has a $10,000 limit. If your furry buddy has a wild year and racks up $12,000 in vet bills, your insurance will cover up to $10,000. The extra $2,000? That's where you step in.     It's all about choosing a limit that gives you peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for both the small stuff and the big surprises. 

How Your Reimbursement Percentage Works 

Think of your pet insurance's reimbursement percentage as a buddy system for your wallet. It's the part of the vet bill your pet insurance pays after your deductible is out of the way. When you sign up, you choose this rate – usually between 70-90%.   For instance, with a 90% plan and a $500 vet bill, your insurance pitches in $450. With a 70% plan, it's $350 from the same bill.   Remember, a higher rate means a higher monthly premium, but you get more back on claims. It's about finding that sweet spot where your wallet and your pet's health both win! 

How You Can Make Your Pet Insurance Work Even Better!  

Supercharge your pet insurance with Embrace's Wellness Rewards, an amazing reimbursement plan for routine and preventative care. It’s the perfect partner to your accident and illness policy, offering support for the everyday stuff – think vet check-ups, grooming, and even training sessions. It's not another insurance policy; it's a proactive way to budget for your pet's everyday care. You have the freedom to choose from three yearly allowance options each year - $250, $450, or $650 – allowing you to tailor your budget to your pet’s life stage and needs.  Plus, Wellness Rewards is super straightforward – there's no copay and it doesn’t count towards your insurance deductible. It's designed to spread out the costs over a year, making it easier on your wallet. 

What Does Pet Insurance Cover? 

Pet insurance is like a safety net for your pet's health. While each plan is unique, most cover a range of important treatments and conditions. Here's a quick peek at what's typically included: 

  • Genetic and Breed-Specific Conditions: Covers issues unique to your pet's breed. 

  • Exam and Consultation Fees: Covers the cost of veterinary visits for diagnosing and treating your pet. (Note: Unlike some other insurances, Embrace also covers exam fees, which can save you an extra $50 to $200 per visit.) 

  • Complementary Treatments: Includes alternative therapies for holistic care. 

  • Chronic and Recurring Conditions: For ongoing issues like allergies or arthritis. 

  • Prescription Medications: Necessary medications prescribed by your vet. 

  • ER and Specialist Care: For those unexpected emergencies and specialized treatments. 

Remember, each insurance plan is different, so it's important to pick one that fits your pet's specific needs.  For a full list of what Embrace Pet Insurance covers, check out the Embrace’s Full Coverage Plan.   

What Doesn’t Pet Insurance Cover  

While pet insurance can cover a wide range of health needs for your pet, there are some things that it typically doesn't include. Here's a quick list: 

  • Cosmetic, Elective, or Preventative Procedures: Things like tail docking, ear cropping, or declawing usually aren't covered. 

  • Breeding, Pregnancy, or Whelping: Costs related to breeding or birth are not covered. 

  • Prescription Diet Food: Special diet foods prescribed by your vet are generally not included in pet insurance plans. 

So, while pet insurance is a big help for unexpected vet bills, these are the kinds of things you'll need to budget for separately. 

FAQs About How Pet Insurance Works

*Complementary treatments were previously called alternative therapies.