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USAA offers comprehensive pet insurance for cats and dogs through its pet insurance partner Embrace. USAA members automatically save 15% on pet insurance premiums, and military members have the opportunity to save up to 25% with additional discounts.[1] You can also customize your pet insurance policy to fit your budget and your pet’s needs.
USAA pet insurance covers a broad variety of accidents and illnesses. You’ll also get access to 24/7 support if you need advice about your pet’s health. But USAA may not be the best choice for every pet owner. Here’s what you need to know to compare pet insurance policies and decide if USAA is right for your furry friend.
USAA pet insurance offers coverage for behavior therapy and complementary treatments like chiropractic, which other pet insurance policies commonly exclude.
Some pet insurance companies offer more affordable coverage than Embrace, even when you factor in the generous 15% discount for USAA members.
USAA’s wellness plan through Embrace is flexible but offers limited savings, and some pet owners may not find the savings worth the inconvenience of filing a claim for each preventative care service.
USAA pet insurance: Our verdict
USAA partners with Embrace to offer broad pet insurance coverage for most accidents and illnesses, including some commonly excluded conditions and treatments. Embrace offers an array of customization options that give pet owners more control over their premiums, and customers generally speak positively about the claims process and customer service.
While Embrace charges relatively high premiums, especially for cats, USAA members who qualify for the maximum 25% discount can get a good deal. But you should still compare quotes from a few other pet insurance companies, especially if you don’t need the most comprehensive coverage for your pet.
USAA pet insurance pros and cons
Before getting an Embrace pet insurance policy through USAA, consider some of the benefits and drawbacks.
Comprehensive, customizable coverage, including an unlimited annual coverage option
Discounts of up to 25% if you’re a military member or have multiple pets
24/7 pet health advice through PawSupport helpline
Requires USAA membership, which is only available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate family members
Not the most affordable coverage, particularly for cats
USAA has poor customer service reviews on third-party websites
USAA pet insurance plans and coverages
USAA offers an accident and illness plan and a wellness plan through Embrace pet insurance. If you get a quote directly through Embrace, the company also offers an accident-only policy for pets 15 and older.[2]
Accident and illness plan
The USAA accident and illness plan from Embrace covers most veterinary treatments for unexpected illnesses and accidents that begin after the applicable waiting period. Embrace will reimburse you for your vet bills based on the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate you choose. The chart below shows examples of covered conditions and veterinary services.[3]
Covered Conditions | Covered Treatments at Any Licensed Vet |
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Wellness Rewards
Pet parents purchasing an accident and illness plan from USAA have the option to add Embrace’s Wellness Rewards plan for an additional cost. Unlike most wellness plans, the coverage isn’t itemized, and you can use the plan to cover a variety of routine care services, including:
Activity monitors
Flea, tick, and heartworm medication
Grooming
Nutritional supplements
Training
Vaccinations
Wellness exams
The wellness add-on only provides limited annual savings, and you’ll need to file claims for reimbursement. Embrace offers three annual reimbursement options: $250, $450, and $650.
What USAA pet insurance doesn’t cover
Embrace’s pet insurance policies cover many vet costs, but they contain some important exclusions:
Alternative therapies, such as Reiki and massage therapy
Boarding, including medical boarding
Breeding, whelping, and pregnancy
Conditions related to abuse, neglect, fighting, or racing
Pre-existing conditions that appeared before the end of the waiting period, unless the condition is curable and your pet has been symptom-free for 12 months
Preventative care, unless you purchase the wellness plan
Preventable illnesses if your pet wasn’t vaccinated as recommended
Procedures that aren’t medically necessary, such as cosmetic procedures and DNA testing
Keep in mind that all Embrace pet insurance plans require you to pay for some out-of-pocket expenses based on your deductible and reimbursement rate.
How much does USAA pet insurance cost?
Your pet health insurance cost will vary depending on your pet’s age, species, breed, and location. You can also lower your premium by choosing a higher deductible, a lower reimbursement rate, or a lower annual limit.
Insurify pulled quotes for accident and illness policies based on a $15,000 annual limit, a $500 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement rate. Quotes include the 15% discount for USAA members. Note that current and former active-duty military members, service dog owners, and pet owners with multiple pets are eligible for additional discounts, with a maximum discount of 25%.
Cost of USAA dog insurance
Below are the monthly dog insurance costs for Embrace’s accident and illness plan, along with the premiums for optional add-ons. These sample quotes are based on a medium-sized 2-year-old mixed-breed male dog living in Hartford, Connecticut.
Policy Type |
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