Trying to figure out how pet insurance works...

[Kadify]

I've been looking around at different pet insurance companies and I think I have it narrowed down to Embrace and Healthy Paws. My question is, if anyone has or had Embrace, did you have the wellness care package and do you recommend it? I feel like the wellness care would be super beneficial being a college student in that it could be a way to make sure I can always budget for typical things like dental cleanings, exams, etc., however it also drastically increases the yearly price of the plan.

I know reviews are higher for healthy paws but I really need some advice on the wellness care from embrace. I'm adopting a 2.5 pound biewer and the reason I'm looking at insurance is that I am really nervous that something devastating might happen with how small they are, but I also am wondering if the financial burden of having wellness as part of the package is worth it. I've figured out, using a value of about $2500 for surgical care to fix something (I did a rough guesstimate of the cost to repair a luxating patella for a dog that small), then out of pocket, with Embrace I'd be spending ~$700 out of pocket with the reimbursement and deductible options I selected however, but exams would be covered, hwoever on healthy paws I could get the highest reimbursement and lowest deductible for a lower monthly payment than Embrace, but I'd have to cover exam fees.


I suppose at the end of this my main question is does the wellness care offered by Embrace truly add a significant value over regular insurance? If not then healthy paws might be the way to go for me.

[SirTeddykins]

You are doing the right thing by comparing what the insurance covers versus what you can cover and the layout for both..


Have you checked this site?


Compare dog insurance - Pet Insurance Review


I, until recently, was an insurance broker so I'm happy to assist you if you have further questions.

[Kadify]

Originally Posted by SirTeddykins

You are doing the right thing by comparing what the insurance covers versus what you can cover and the layout for both..


Have you checked this site?


Compare dog insurance - Pet Insurance Review


I, until recently, was an insurance broker so I'm happy to assist you if you have further questions.

Yes I was looking at that list as a general starting point but it doesn't go into extreme depth of his people felt about the wellness care.




I'm also curious if I can have dual insurance like humans can have to cover 100% of treatments?

[Wylie's Mom]

I have Healthy Paws and have been happy with them so far. I'm just not sure on the Wellness thing...maybe pay for it while the pup is young and until you're out of college, then downgrade to regular coverage...? Insurance is generally cheaper for younger pups.

[SirTeddykins]

Originally Posted by Kadify

Yes I was looking at that list as a general starting point but it doesn't go into extreme depth of his people felt about the wellness care.




I'm also curious if I can have dual insurance like humans can have to cover 100% of treatments?

I'm in the UK so I won't be able to comment specifically on the wellness care bolt-on without doing some research for you. Hopefully, someone with experience will be able to comment shortly.


As for dual insurance (having 2 providers who cover the same thing), normally liability is split between insurers when there is a claim. This is sometimes a good thing because it means that insurers have to pay less when they share liability with another insurer. At the time of the claim, you will have to declare the claim to both Insurers who will contact each other and agree who will take lead on the claim. Then, at settlement, a 50/50 settlement between insurers will be agreed resulting in 100% coverage for you.

HOWEVER, some insurers will exclude liability if a second insurer is declared (and you must declare it) so you need to carefully check the terms and conditions of the specific provider to ensure cover in the event of dual insurance.

If the terms and conditions do not explicitly state cover restrictions or exclusions as a result of dual insurance then full cover is in force.

Hope that makes sense..

[SirTeddykins]

Wanted to add that it would be worth your time clarifying this point with whomever is on the end of the phone or email during time of insurance commencement so you have documented evidence recorded or in writing in case of any issues at the time of a claim.

[sugarmamma]

I have embrace with wellness. The wellness is basically a discounted savings plan. All of the money you "pay" is yours to use plus a $101 discount on those services. I use and love the wellness program for my 2. I also know of 3 other YT members here who also use and love the wellness program for their multiple dogs. Good luck!

[Kadify]

Oh wow that's really interesting. I'm just curious if anyone has dual insurance then? Theoretically it would be cheaper than most low deductible high reimbursement insurance policies Id imagine?


Thanks for your opinion of the wellness package! I definitely think it'd be nice to have I just don't know if use it as much as I think I might. I suppose if I go with embrace I could always cancel if I don't use it.

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by Kadify

Oh wow that's really interesting. I'm just curious if anyone has dual insurance then? Theoretically it would be cheaper than most low deductible high reimbursement insurance policies Id imagine?


Thanks for your opinion of the wellness package! I definitely think it'd be nice to have I just don't know if use it as much as I think I might. I suppose if I go with embrace I could always cancel if I don't use it.

Dentals alone here start at $400. Altering starts at about $250. Then you have vaccinations heartworm flea preventative etc. you will never NOT use it all. Yorkies/ Biewers - dogs in general, are expensive.

[Kadify]

Originally Posted by sugarmamma

Dentals alone here start at $400. Altering starts at about $250. Then you have vaccinations heartworm flea preventative etc. you will never NOT use it all. Yorkies/ Biewers - dogs in general, are expensive.

Rentals are that much around here? O_o wow. I had no idea. Well I guess that makes a strong case for embrace then haha. I'm all new to this. All my life the smallest dog I've ever had was a bichon and they're so sturdy that for the most part other than a dental, he never had any issues with anything so having pet insurance is all new to me.

[SirTeddykins]

Originally Posted by Kadify

Oh wow that's really interesting. I'm just curious if anyone has dual insurance then? Theoretically it would be cheaper than most low deductible high reimbursement insurance policies Id imagine?


Thanks for your opinion of the wellness package! I definitely think it'd be nice to have I just don't know if use it as much as I think I might. I suppose if I go with embrace I could always cancel if I don't use it.

Having dual insurance should not be cheaper and should not be a strategy to get cheaper insurance because having 2 policies means 2 payments. It is, however, a strategy to get cover from one place which may be excluded at another. The dual insurance liability only works if both policies cover the same event.


A higher deductible almost always lowers premiums but not always to the extent you think it should so just check with the provider to see if its worth it..

[jadabug]

I have Embrace and carry the wellness plan on my two babies. It pays for Heartworm meds, dentals, spay/neuter, nail clipping ,anal glands. I love having the wellness option, even though dental cleanings here are only 150.00 it still is easier for me to pay the monthly premium and get reimbursed for the things I have to have throughout the year.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I have Embrace with wellness. They have covered dentals, prescription dog food, CET Aqua Dent, CET chews, shots, etc for us. It's money well spent when you have three Yorkies. What I like the most about Embrace is the customer service. They are always friendly and helpful.

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I have Embrace with wellness. They have covered dentals, prescription dog food, CET Aqua Dent, CET chews, shots, etc for us. It's money well spent when you have three Yorkies. What I like the most about Embrace is the customer service. They are always friendly and helpful.

They cover CET chews?? Awesome!

[107barney]

We also have Embrace w/ the wellness option. I am happy w/ the company so far.