Pets Best vs Embrace Pet Insurance (2026)
Quick Verdict
| Category | Pets Best | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Monthly Cost (avg dog) | ~$35–$75/month (dog) | ~$40–$80/month (dog) |
| Reimbursement Model | Annual deductible; 70–90% reimbursement; customizable | Annual deductible; 70–90%; dental illness included |
| Waiting Period (illness) | See details | See details |
| Best For | Competitive pricing, accident-only option, 24/7 vet helpline | Dental illness, diminishing deductible, wellness rider |
Brand Overview
Pets Best (founded 2005): Boise, Idaho-based insurer offering highly customizable plans. Unique accident-only plan for budget-focused owners. 24/7 vet helpline included. Backed by Synchrony Bank (financially stable). Part of the American Bankers Insurance Group.
Embrace (founded 2003): Ohio-based insurer known for dental illness coverage and a Diminishing Deductible program ($50 off your deductible each claim-free year). Optional Wellness Rewards rider covers preventive care.
Coverage Comparison
| Coverage | Pets Best | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Accidents | Yes | Yes |
| Illnesses | Yes (accident-only plan available) | Yes |
| Hereditary/Congenital | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Illness | No | Yes (included) |
| Wellness Add-on | Yes (BestWellness) | Yes (Wellness Rewards) |
| Annual Limit | $5K–unlimited | $5K–$30K or unlimited |
| Reimbursement Rate | 70%, 80%, or 90% | 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| 24/7 Vet Helpline | Yes | No |
Pricing Comparison
| Pet Type/Age | Pets Best | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Dog, 2 years | ~$35–$52/month | ~$40–$55/month |
| Dog, 5 years | ~$50–$72/month | ~$55–$75/month |
| Cat, 2 years | ~$18–$28/month | ~$20–$35/month |
Pros and Cons
Pets Best
Pros
- 24/7 vet helpline included (save on minor consultations)
- Accident-only plan available for very tight budgets
- BestWellness add-on
- Backed by Synchrony (strong financials)
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- No dental illness coverage
- Claims processing can take 2–4 weeks
Embrace
Pros
- Dental illness coverage included (rare differentiator)
- Diminishing Deductible—$50 off per claim-free year
- Wellness Rewards rider
- Reliable customer service reputation
Cons
- Slightly higher premium than Pets Best
- Annual deductible resets yearly
Best For
Choose Pets Best if: You want 24/7 vet helpline access, an accident-only budget option, and competitive pricing.
Choose Embrace if: You want dental illness coverage, a diminishing deductible for claim-free years, and Wellness Rewards.
Alternatives
- [Embrace vs Trupanion](/compare/embrace-vs-trupanion)
- [Healthy Paws vs Trupanion](/compare/healthy-paws-vs-trupanion)
- [Full Pets Best Review](/reviews/pets-best-pet-insurance)
FAQ
Does Pets Best have an accident-only plan?
Yes. Pets Best offers an accident-only plan for roughly $10–$20/month that covers accidents but not illnesses. This is useful for very budget-constrained owners who want at least some protection.
What is the Embrace Diminishing Deductible?
Embrace reduces your deductible by $50 for every claim-free policy year. Over time, a $200 deductible could effectively become $0.
Which processes claims faster?
Both average 2–4 weeks for reimbursement. Pets Best has improved digital claims submission. Neither is as fast as Healthy Paws or Lemonade.
Does Embrace cover all dental conditions?
Embrace covers dental illness (periodontal disease, tooth resorption, etc.) as well as dental accidents (broken teeth). Most competitors only cover dental accidents.
Is Pets Best good for senior pets?
Yes. Pets Best does not age out pets, though premiums increase significantly with age. The 24/7 vet helpline is particularly useful for senior pet management.
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