Who’s the Best Pet Insurance Provider? Comparing AKC Pet Insurance and Embrace Pet Insurance
Who's the best pet insurance provider? We compare AKC Pet Insurance and Embrace, sizing up their costs, coverage, customer service, and unique features.
With so many options available to you, you may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what makes each pet insurance company unique. Selecting the right provider is an important investment in your pet’s health, so researching prior to enrollment is a vital first step in the process. We’re comparing the options, availability, and services provided by two popular pet insurance companies: AKC Pet Insurance and Embrace Pet Insurance.
Company Information
AKC Pet Insurance is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and administered by PetPartners, Inc. Based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, AKC Pet Insurance has been offering best-in-show pet insurance in the United States since 2003. They are the exclusive pet-insurance partner of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and carry that level of distinction into their product offerings and customer service model.
Embrace Pet Insurance started as the 2003 Wharton Business Plan Competition winner and officially hit the market in 2006. They are underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group and, like AKC Pet Insurance, offer plans in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Every Dog and Cat Deserves the Pet Insurance of Champions
Get prize-winning care for your pets.
Top Unique Features
AKC Pet Insurance is the only brand to offer coverage for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage1.
Both brands offer customers the option to customize their plans during sign up, allowing them to select their deductible, annual limits, incident limits, and coinsurance rates. This allows each customer to create a plan that includes the coverage they need at a price they are comfortable with. Embrace Pet Insurance also offers an option to reduce your deductible each year if you don’t utilize your plan.
AKC Pet Insurance provides pet insurance plans for all cats and dog breeds, as well as an Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage for all AKC registrants2. This is a great way for new puppy owners to get the coverage their puppies need in the early stages of their lives.
One of the biggest benefits of pet insurance is the support it can provide pet owners in the event of a medical emergency and, as all pet owners know, emergencies happen when they’re least expected. So, having 24/7 access to veterinarians is a bonus that both AKC Pet Insurance and Embrace Pet Insurance offer.
AKC Pet Insurance provides access to 24/7 Vet Helpline via phone and chat with all their Accident and Illness plans. Embrace’s Paw Support benefit is available by requesting a contact from one of their pet pros through the MyEmbrace portal. Someone from PawSupport will reach out via phone, life chat, or video conference. These benefits mean you can get answers to your questions and advice on when to take your pet to the vet for an in-person exam.
Coverage Comparison
AKC Pet Insurance’s base package is the Accident and Illness Plan. From there, customers can select add-on packages at an extra cost to build the plan that suits their pet’s needs. Additional coverage options include Wellness Options, Exam Coverage, Hereditary Condition Coverage, Breeding Coverage, and Final Respects Coverage.
Uniquely, Embrace Pet Insurance offers only one plan without the option for wellness coverage for preventative care. They do offer a non-insurance Wellness option as an alternative. This additional plan functions similarly to a health savings account in that you select your annual allowance ($250, $450, or $650) and they add that contribution to your bill. You can then get reimbursed from your savings account with Embrace Pet Insurance for approved expenses. Any funds not used within the year they are earned are not returned and, should you cancel prior to the year mark, they can bill you for the remaining contracted amount.
AKC Pet Insurance | Embrace Pet Insurance | |
Pre-Existing Conditions | Covered After 365 Days of Continuous Coverage (not available in FL or WA) | Not Covered |
24/7 Vet Helpline | Included | Included |
Cancer | Covered | Covered |
Diagnostics | Covered | Covered |
Physical Therapy | Covered | No Coverage |
Holistic Care | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Exam Fees | Covered with Add-on | Not Covered |
Wellness and Prevention Care | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Microchipping | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Spay/Neuter | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Vaccinations | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Flea & Tick Prevention | Covered with Add-on | No Coverage without Wellness Account |
Pregnancy or Birth Complications | Covered with Add-on | Not Covered |
Cost of Pet Insurance Coverage
The base price for both AKC Pet Insurance and Embrace Pet Insurance is calculated monthly, but offers the option for annual payments based on the customer’s preference. AKC Pet Insurance plan prices vary based on the pet’s species, breed, age, and location. They do not charge a signup or enrollment fee when you initially start your plan, but there is a small processing fee added to your premium payments.
Embrace Pet Insurance has similar factors that may change a plan’s monthly premium costs, but their average monthly premium for dogs is $30-40 and $15-20 for cats, as well as a small processing fee. Embrace also has a $25 signup fee, as well as an initial vet exam required prior to enrollment. Both providers have a small processing fee due with the monthly premiums and offer discounts for multiple pets.
Customer Service and Claims Processing
While coverage and costs are important considerations when selecting a pet insurance provider, you also want to know that you’re going to get top-of-the-line service when you need it. Both companies boast Better Business Bureau Accreditation and have won customer service awards in the past. But, as of this writing, customers have rated AKC Pet Insurance 4.5 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs and Embrace Pet Insurance received a rating of 3.6 stars.
AKC Pet Insurance estimates the entire claims process including reimbursement will take 3-5 business days depending on the information provided. Claims are accepted online via the customer portal or via a claim form submitted through mail, email, or fax. Claims are paid out quickly and can be sent via direct deposit or mailed check based on customer preference.
Embrace Pet Insurance accepts claims online via their customer portal or web app, or via claim form by mail, email, or fax. Their claims processing time ranges between 10 and 15 business days, and there is an additional 3-10 business days wait for reimbursement.
If you are looking for the peace of mind that your pet may be covered in the event of a medical emergency, pet insurance is the solution. Choosing the right provider for you and your pet is important, so be sure to compare more than just rate quotes prior to enrollment. Partner with a provider that offers robust coverage options and excellent customer service like AKC Pet Insurance.
Every Dog and Cat Deserves the Pet Insurance of Champions
Get prize-winning care for your pets.
1 Not available in all states. “Only brand” refers to comparison with 5 pet insurance carriers making up approximately 80% of the US pet insurance market (Nationwide, ASPCA, Trupanion, HealthyPaws and PetPlan).
2The AKC Pet Insurance initial 30 days of accident and illness coverage is administered by PetPartners, Inc. Insurance is underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company (rated A- "Excellent" by A.M. Best) with offices at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Not available in all states (including CA and WA) and available to U.S. residents. Eligibility restrictions apply. Activation required for coverage to take effect. Premium is deferred on initial 30 days of coverage.
Visit https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/akc-offer or call 1-866-725-2747 for more information or to review terms and conditions.
CJ has always wanted to be a writer. She even threatened to drop out after her first day of kindergarten when they weren’t immediately going to teach her to read and write. Fortunately, she stayed in school, earned her degree in Creative Writing from Christopher Newport University, and now gets to live her best life with her husband, 3 Japanese Chins, and cat writing for AKC Pet Insurance.
READ MORE ARTICLES
