Lemonade vs Embrace Pet Insurance
A factual, side-by-side look at coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, limits and waiting periods. We do not declare a universal winner.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Lemonade’s base pet insurance is built around accident and illness coverage. Customers can customize their policy with different annual deductibles, reimbursement percentages and annual limits. Optional packages and add-ons can provide additional coverage, including preventative care, dental coverage, behavioral conditions and other benefits. Availability varies by state. | Embrace’s primary pet insurance provides accident and illness coverage. Customers can customize their policy by selecting an annual deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual maximum. Embrace also offers accident-only coverage for eligible pets, including pets that are 15 years or older. Optional coverage is available for items such as veterinary exam fees. Wellness Rewards is a separate optional wellness membership rather than insurance and is designed to help reimburse eligible routine and preventative expenses. |
| Coverage | A base Lemonade Pet policy can cover diagnostics, procedures, medications and hospitalizations related to eligible new accidents and illnesses. Lemonade states that eligible conditions can include hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, infestations and infections. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered under the base policy, while additional dental coverage may be available through an add-on. | Embrace accident and illness coverage can include eligible diagnostics and imaging, hospitalization, surgery, emergency veterinary care, specialty care, dental illness, behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, and treatment for hereditary, genetic and breed-specific conditions. Dental illnesses are covered up to $1,000 per policy year, while dental accidents are covered subject to the policy’s annual limit. Embrace generally excludes pre-existing conditions, but certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for the applicable period. |
| Deductibles | Lemonade uses an annual deductible that resets when the policy renews. Published deductible options include $100, $250, $500 and $750, depending on the policy and applicable availability. | Embrace uses an annual deductible. Current published materials state that customers can choose an annual deductible from $100 to $1,000. Once the annual deductible has been met, it does not need to be paid again until the next policy year. |
| Reimbursement | Lemonade offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible claims. The reimbursement percentage applies together with the policy’s annual deductible and annual limit. | Embrace offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible covered expenses. The reimbursement percentage is selected when customizing the policy and works together with the annual deductible and annual coverage limit. |
| Annual limits | Customers can select an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000. The annual limit is the maximum amount Lemonade will pay for eligible claims during the policy year. | Embrace allows customers to customize their annual coverage maximum. The selected annual maximum determines the maximum amount available for eligible covered expenses during the policy term. The available limits can vary by state and policy. |
| Waiting periods | Lemonade currently states: accidents 0 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions 30 days. The policy becomes effective at 12:01 AM the day after purchase, and the applicable waiting periods begin from the policy start date. | Embrace’s published policy terms state: accidents 2 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions for dogs 6 months. The orthopedic waiting period may be reduced for some dogs after an eligible orthopedic examination and review by Embrace. Waiting-period requirements can vary depending on the policy and state. |
| Dental | Dental coverage depends on the policy and available add-ons. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered by the base policy. Lemonade also offers additional dental coverage in some areas, including coverage for dental illness and, with the Dental Care Add-On, routine dental cleanings. | Embrace covers dental accidents under the policy’s annual coverage limit. Dental illness coverage is available up to $1,000 per policy year. Embrace states that an annual dental exam is not required for dental illness coverage. Routine dental care is handled separately through the optional Wellness Rewards program. |
| Prescription coverage | Prescription medications used to treat eligible accidents and illnesses can be covered under Lemonade’s base accident and illness policy. Additional prescription-related coverage may apply under certain add-ons, depending on the condition and policy terms. | Prescription medications can be covered when they are prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for an eligible covered condition. Embrace also offers additional options related to prescription medications and prescription diet coverage depending on the policy and selected benefits. |
| Wellness | Lemonade offers preventative care packages that can reimburse eligible routine-care expenses separately from the base accident and illness coverage. Depending on the package, benefits can include wellness exams, vaccinations, routine testing, flea/tick or heartworm medication, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Availability and benefits vary by state and package. | Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional wellness membership designed to reimburse eligible routine and preventative expenses. It can help cover expenses such as routine veterinary care, preventative services, training and grooming, depending on the selected annual allowance. Wellness Rewards is not insurance and is separate from Embrace’s accident and illness insurance coverage. It is not available in Rhode Island. |
| Exam fees | Vet exam fees generally require the Visit Fee Add-On when related to a covered accident or illness. | Optional coverage is available for veterinary exam fees. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Pre-existing conditions are not covered. | Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, but certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for the applicable period. |
| Claims | Lemonade uses a reimbursement model. You pay the veterinarian upfront and submit your claim through the Lemonade mobile app. Claims can include the veterinary invoice or paid receipt and relevant medical records. Lemonade states that more than 50% of eligible pet claims are processed instantly, while approximately 80% are handled within five days. Claims must generally be submitted within 180 days of treatment, with a 90-day deadline in Texas. | Embrace uses a reimbursement model. Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian, clinic, specialist or emergency practice in the U.S. There are no provider networks. After paying the veterinarian, customers can upload their invoice through the Embrace app or website and track the claim. Embrace currently states that 90% or more of claims are paid within 10 business days, with approved reimbursement deposited directly into the policyholder’s bank account. |
Coverage
How to compare: Read the covered and excluded lists in each sample policy.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | A base Lemonade Pet policy can cover diagnostics, procedures, medications and hospitalizations related to eligible new accidents and illnesses. Lemonade states that eligible conditions can include hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, infestations and infections. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered under the base policy, while additional dental coverage may be available through an add-on. | Embrace accident and illness coverage can include eligible diagnostics and imaging, hospitalization, surgery, emergency veterinary care, specialty care, dental illness, behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, and treatment for hereditary, genetic and breed-specific conditions. Dental illnesses are covered up to $1,000 per policy year, while dental accidents are covered subject to the policy’s annual limit. Embrace generally excludes pre-existing conditions, but certain curable pre-existing conditions may become eligible after the pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for the applicable period. |
Price
Prices depend on your pet’s species, breed, age and ZIP code and on the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit chosen. Compare estimates for your own pet at identical settings rather than relying on a single average.
Deductibles
How to compare: Annual, per-condition or lifetime, and the amounts offered.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Deductibles | Lemonade uses an annual deductible that resets when the policy renews. Published deductible options include $100, $250, $500 and $750, depending on the policy and applicable availability. | Embrace uses an annual deductible. Current published materials state that customers can choose an annual deductible from $100 to $1,000. Once the annual deductible has been met, it does not need to be paid again until the next policy year. |
Reimbursement
How to compare: The percentages offered and how payouts are calculated.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Lemonade offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible claims. The reimbursement percentage applies together with the policy’s annual deductible and annual limit. | Embrace offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90% for eligible covered expenses. The reimbursement percentage is selected when customizing the policy and works together with the annual deductible and annual coverage limit. |
Annual limits
How to compare: Fixed or unlimited, and any per-condition or lifetime caps.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Annual limits | Customers can select an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000. The annual limit is the maximum amount Lemonade will pay for eligible claims during the policy year. | Embrace allows customers to customize their annual coverage maximum. The selected annual maximum determines the maximum amount available for eligible covered expenses during the policy term. The available limits can vary by state and policy. |
Waiting periods
How to compare: Accident, illness and orthopedic waiting periods.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting periods | Lemonade currently states: accidents 0 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions 30 days. The policy becomes effective at 12:01 AM the day after purchase, and the applicable waiting periods begin from the policy start date. | Embrace’s published policy terms state: accidents 2 days, illnesses 14 days, orthopedic conditions for dogs 6 months. The orthopedic waiting period may be reduced for some dogs after an eligible orthopedic examination and review by Embrace. Waiting-period requirements can vary depending on the policy and state. |
Dental
How to compare: Injury, illness and routine dental coverage.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Dental coverage depends on the policy and available add-ons. Dental accidents, such as fractured teeth, can be covered by the base policy. Lemonade also offers additional dental coverage in some areas, including coverage for dental illness and, with the Dental Care Add-On, routine dental cleanings. | Embrace covers dental accidents under the policy’s annual coverage limit. Dental illness coverage is available up to $1,000 per policy year. Embrace states that an annual dental exam is not required for dental illness coverage. Routine dental care is handled separately through the optional Wellness Rewards program. |
Claims
How to compare: How to file, how long it takes, and payment methods.
| Feature | Lemonade | Embrace |
|---|---|---|
| Claims | Lemonade uses a reimbursement model. You pay the veterinarian upfront and submit your claim through the Lemonade mobile app. Claims can include the veterinary invoice or paid receipt and relevant medical records. Lemonade states that more than 50% of eligible pet claims are processed instantly, while approximately 80% are handled within five days. Claims must generally be submitted within 180 days of treatment, with a 90-day deadline in Texas. | Embrace uses a reimbursement model. Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian, clinic, specialist or emergency practice in the U.S. There are no provider networks. After paying the veterinarian, customers can upload their invoice through the Embrace app or website and track the claim. Embrace currently states that 90% or more of claims are paid within 10 business days, with approved reimbursement deposited directly into the policyholder’s bank account. |
Pros and limitations
Lemonade
Customizable reimbursement options of 70%, 80% or 90%. Annual deductible options. Annual limits from $5,000 to $100,000. No waiting period for accidents. Optional preventative care and other add-ons. Claims handled through a mobile app. Any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. can be used. Reimbursement is deposited directly into the customer’s bank account after an approved claim.
Availability and coverage options vary by state. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Customers pay the veterinarian upfront before reimbursement. Vet exam fees generally require the Visit Fee Add-On when related to a covered accident or illness. Additional coverage options may require separate add-ons.
Embrace
Customizable 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement. Annual deductible from $100 to $1,000. Customizable annual coverage maximum. Accident-only coverage available for pets 15 and older. Dental illness coverage up to $1,000 per policy year. Hereditary, genetic and breed-specific conditions covered. Optional veterinary exam-fee coverage. Optional Wellness Rewards program. No provider network. Any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. can be used. Mobile and online claim submission. 24/7 pet telehealth support. 90%+ of claims reportedly paid within 10 business days.
Coverage, pricing, limits and options can vary by state. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. Dogs have a standard six-month orthopedic waiting period, subject to the applicable waiver process. Wellness Rewards is a separate membership and is not insurance. Dental illness coverage is limited to $1,000 per policy year. Customers must pay the veterinarian first and then seek reimbursement. Accident and illness enrollment has an upper age limit of 15 years.
Who each option may suit
Lemonade
Pet owners who want customizable accident and illness coverage, an app-based claims experience, multiple deductible and reimbursement options, and the ability to add preventative care or other optional coverage. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy terms available in your state before purchasing, since coverage, pricing, eligibility and available add-ons can vary.
Embrace
Pet owners who want customizable accident and illness coverage, multiple deductible and reimbursement options, dental illness coverage, and the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian without a provider network. It may also appeal to owners who want optional wellness benefits and exam-fee coverage. As with any pet insurance policy, review the policy documents available in your state before purchasing, because coverage, pricing, eligibility, waiting periods and available options can vary.
Whichever you compare, hold the deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit constant so differences reflect the plans and not the settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lemonade or Embrace better?
Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on your pet’s age and breed, your budget, and which benefits you care about most. Compare the same deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit for both, then review exclusions and waiting periods.
Which is cheaper, Lemonade or Embrace?
Price depends on your pet and the plan settings you choose, so it can differ from one pet to the next. Compare personalized estimates for your pet on identical settings.
Are Lemonade and Embrace both available in every state?
Not necessarily. Both Lemonade and Embrace state that availability and policy terms vary by state, so check the quote and policy for your state.
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