When you bring a pet into your life, you’ll realize that pet ownership costs can add up quickly. One of the major expenses is simply keeping your pet healthy.
Regular vet bills can be a big expense. But emergency care can be even more expensive. Although you may hope that your pet will never run into a medical emergency, it is fairly likely that something will go wrong at some point.
Pet insurance can be a great way to safeguard your pet’s health. If your pet runs into trouble, you’ll have help covering the extra expense. Personally, I can easily see my rambunctious puppy getting himself into trouble. Although he’s been relatively lucky so far, I’m considering pet insurance as a way to protect his future.
Which pet insurance is right for you and your pet? Let’s take a closer look at some of the top pet insurance options available.
Lemonade vs. Pumpkin vs. Embrace
Here’s a detailed comparison table to help you start seeing the difference between these options.
| Features | Lemonade | Pumpkin | Embrace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potential cost | Starting at $10/month (+10% off for existing customers) |
Varies by breed, age, etc. (discount for multiple pets) | Varies by breed, age, etc. |
| Annual limit | $50,000 – $100,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 for dogs; $7,000 – $15,000 for cats |
$5,000 – $30,000 |
| Reimbursement | 70% – 90% | 90% | 70% – 90% |
| Preventative care option? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-existing conditions coverage? | No | No, but will cover “curable” conditions if the condition is cured and free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions | Yes, will cover “curable” conditions |
Next, let’s explore a little bit more about each company.
About Lemonade
Lemonade has made a big splash in the pet insurance industry with affordable coverage options. In fact, you can get a low-cost policy starting at just $10 per month (+10% off for existing customers).
With Lemonade, you’ll find a variety of coverage options that cover many accidents and illnesses your pet runs into. Beyond comprehensive coverage, you’ll be able to sign up quickly and use Lemonade’s hassle free, super-fast claim payment, plus have access to medical advice for your pet from Lemonade’s experts through their online chat. With that, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the vet for simple questions.
Plus, Lemonade donates any leftover money to pet-centric charities you choose!
About Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a pet insurance agency that is new to the scene. Although the company launched early in 2020, it has made a great impression so far.
The core value of the agency is to provide affordable preventative care options for pets, in addition to extensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. With Pumpkin’s optional, add-on preventative care pack, you’ll find coverage an annual wellness exam, vaccines, and key lab tests to keep your pet healthy. These benefits are covered with a 100% reimbursement rate, meaning you won’t be out a single penny
About Embrace
Embrace is a long-term player in the pet insurance space. Since its founding in 2003, the company has offered customizable pet insurance policies to help pet parents navigate the costs of owning a pet.
Embrace works with you to craft a custom plan filled with flexible insurance coverage balanced with your budget in mind. Plus, you can sign up for a wellness plan that acts as a rewards system for taking care of your pet.
Lemonade vs. Pumpkin vs. Embrace
With a little bit of background information in mind, let’s explore the more in-depth features offered by these pet insurance companies.
Lemonade features
Here’s a deep dive into the features that Lemonade has to offer:
Budget-friendly
Lemonade provides quality pet insurance at a surprisingly low price. You can secure a pet insurance policy starting at just $10 per month! That makes it a great way to provide for your pet’s medical needs without breaking the bank.
Plus, if you already have Lemonade homeowners or renters insurance, you can score an additional 10% discount on your coverage.
Extended accident and illness options
The basic policy will provide coverage against accidents and illnesses. You’ll get coverage for the following:
- X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
- Outpatient visits.
- Specialty and emergency care.
- Hospitalization.
- Surgery.
- Injections and prescription meds.
- Heartworm and fecal tests.
But Lemonade offers an extended accident and illness package that is worth considering. Beyond the basic coverage, the extended package includes alternative therapy options such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy. It will also include coverage for vet exam fees.
Preventive and wellness add-on
Lemonade’s wellness package is another add-on option that helps you keep your pet healthy, and covers many of the costs you’re probably already paying for: like your annual wellness exam, bloodwork, up to 3 vaccines, and more. Another stand out feature is the medical advice chat.
Taking care of a living creature comes with a burden of responsibility. Pet parents everywhere run into questions about their furry friend along the way. It can be helpful to have a knowledgeable expert available without running to the vet every time you have a question.
That’s where Lemonade’s medical advice chat can come in handy.
Giveback programs
Lemonade uses an unconflicted model to make it easy for them to pay claims quickly and allows you to help pets in need. When you sign up, you can choose a charity to donate your unused premiums to, so you can make a positive impact on an organization that helps protect pets in our country.
Depending on your values, this worthwhile feature could tip the scales.
Great customer experience
Lemonade provides a really great customer experience – you’ll be able to sign up quickly, enjoy award-winning service, and use Lemonade’s famous zero-hassle, super-fast claim payment. Lemonade has policies that are simple, jargon-free, and intuitive.
Pumpkin features
Pumpkin provides information on their website about their coverage compared to competitors. You can find that information and the chart above at www.pumpkin.care. Here’s a deep dive into the features that Pumpkin has to offer:
Affordable preventative care
Pumpkin was founded on the idea that pet parents needed more affordable preventative care options. With that, you’ll find Pumpkin has a strong focus on preventative care to keep your pet healthy all year long.
For puppies, Pumpkin’s optional, add-on preventive care pack will reimburse you for an annual wellness exam, 4 vaccines (including ones your pup got before joining Pumpkin!), and an annual test to screen for parasites. For dogs, Pumpkin will reimburse you for an annual wellness exam, two shots each year, and two key tests. For cats, you’ll also be reimbursed for a yearly wellness exam – one vaccine is covered each year, along with a key screening test. All this is covered with a 100% refund with their optional Preventive Care plan.
Emergency coverage
Beyond preventative care options, you’ll find coverage for emergencies. No one wants to face a pet emergency. But Pumpkin will be there to walk you through the process with top-notch customer service.
High reimbursement rate
Any pet owner can attest that the cost of vet bills can climb quickly. Pumpkin has your back with a high reimbursement rate. If you run into a pet emergency, this policy can be critical. You’ll be able to take care of your pet without wondering how you can afford the bill.
No limits on breeds or conditions
Pumpkin makes a promise that there are no breed restrictions or upper age limits whatsoever. This is especially helpful, as some pet insurance providers don’t make this same promise.
Embrace features
Here’s a deep dive into the features that Embrace has to offer:
Injury and illness coverage
When you think of insurance, you should expect coverage for injuries and illness. Embrace provides extended coverage for your pet that includes a wide range of unexpected health problems like broken bones or the removal of that cat toy your dog swallowed.
The key piece of Embrace’s policies is extensive injury and illness coverage. You can get coverage for the following (and more):
- Alternative therapies.
- Emergency visits.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Specialist visits.
- Surgery.
- Prosthetics.
Coverage for a range of conditions
Beyond injuries and illnesses, Embrace covers other things including genetic, behavioral, and preventable conditions. This remains true even if your pet runs into a genetic condition that their breed is predisposed to, such as hip dysplasia.
Additionally, preventable conditions such as heartworm and parasites are covered.
Wellness and preventative care option
Embrace offers a supplemental Wellness plan that will essentially reward you for taking care of your pet’s needs on time. You can get reimbursed for the following services:
- Wellness exam fees.
- Vaccinations.
- Flea, tick, & heartworm preventatives.
- Spay/neuter surgery.
- Fecal & routine blood tests.
- Microchipping.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Grooming.
- Medicated shampoos.
- And much more.
Budget-friendly options
If you are looking for a policy that keeps your budget in mind, Embrace is a good option. As you explore your coverage options, the company will work with you to find a plan that suits your budget. Once you sign up, you’ll find flexible payment policies that take care of your pet and your wallet.
Diminishing deductible
Embrace offers a diminishing deductible. Essentially, every year that you don’t make a claim, your annual deductible will be lower during the next year. With Embrace, your deductible will be lowered by $50 each year that you don’t make an accident or illness claim.
International coverage
A final stand out feature of Embrace is the international coverage option. You’ll be able to get coverage for your pet for up to six months while traveling internationally.
For any big trips, it can be a relief to know that your pet has coverage.
Lemonade vs. Pumpkin vs. Embrace pros
As with all insurance providers, there are some major benefits to be aware of.
Lemonade pros:
- Competitive pricing – Lemonade offers a great value in their extremely affordable plans.
- Large range of covered events – From emergencies to surgeries to lab work and more, Lemonade has you covered.
- Super fast everything – It only takes a few minutes to sign up, to process a claim or to receive your funds.
- Super customizable –With multiple add-on packages you can build a policy that covers everything you want, without paying for things your pet doesn’t need. Plus you can get a lower premium price by bundling your renters or home insurance.
Pumpkin pros:
- Focus on affordable preventative care – Since the company was founded on this principle, you’ll find robust preventative care options.
- Helpful reminders to stay on track – Keeping track of your pet’s needs can be overwhelming. Pumpkin offers helpful digital reminders.
- No breed or upper age restrictions – Some insurance policies will not cover certain breeds or animals over a certain age, but Pumpkin is ready to accept furry friends of all shapes and sizes.
Embrace pros:
- Diminishing deductible – If your pet stays claim free, you’ll enjoy a lower deductible every year.
- Fast reimbursement – Embrace works to pay out claims swiftly.
- Helpful customer support – If you have a question, Embrace has a team ready to help.
Lemonade vs. Pumpkin vs. Embrace cons
As with all insurance providers, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
Lemonade cons
- Older pets aren’t always accepted – If you have a senior pet, then you may struggle to find coverage with Lemonade.
- Not available in every state – Lemonade is available in 33 states and the District of Columbia only; they plan to roll out pet insurance in additional states in the coming year.
Pumpkin cons:
- Limited availability – Pumpkin’s preventative plan is available in 46 states, but not country-wide.
- No mobile app – You’ll find the desktop platform useful. But there is not a mobile app available.
Embrace cons:
- Age limit – If your pet is over a certain age, you won’t be able to sign them up for a plan. Once your pet signs up for the plan, they will have lifetime coverage. Age 14 is the cut off for new enrollments.
- Increased rates – You will likely see a rate increase every year.
Why choose Lemonade?
Lemonade is a well-known competitor in the insurance biz. Here’s how the company can help you take care of your pet.
Best value
With a starting cost of just $10 per month (+10% discount for existing customers), it is an expense that can fit into most budgets. If you worry about how to cover major medical emergencies that your pet could run into at some point, then Lemonade can offer peace of mind.
Wellness options
Through a wellness add-on, you can provide preventative care for your pet with the help of Lemonade. The program is designed to help keep dogs and cats healthy throughout their lives.
Medical advice chat
Taking care of a pet can be a rollercoaster ride. Especially as a new pet parent, you’ll run into many questions along the way. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to a knowledgeable professional without making a trip to the vet. Lemonade offers a medical advice chat to help you monitor your pet’s health.
You’ll have access to this chat with the wellness package.
Giveback programs
Lemonade doesn’t profit from denying your claims. When you have leftover claim money in a given year, the funds will be donated to a charity of your choice (including several that support charities and animal welfare). With Lemonade pet insurance, you can donate to The Humane Society, SPCAI, Best Friends Animal Society, and more.
Why choose Pumpkin?
As a new player in the industry, here’s how Pumpkin stands out.
Major focus on preventable care
The founders of Pumpkin started the company with the intention of providing affordable preventative care to pet parents across the country. So far, they have delivered on their promise.
I’ve been impressed with Pumpkin’s preventive care offerings. Depending on the needs of your pet, this can be a great way to keep them healthy on a budget.
A company that clearly cares
Pumpkin launched early in 2020 – the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has been a rocky time for people around the globe, Pumpkin made an effort to show they care.
The company had a goal of supporting the veterinary community throughout the economically difficult pandemic. In early April, Pumpkin launched “#ArfMoewOrVets” which is a campaign focused on supporting vets that are caring for pets throughout these turbulent times.
Readily available customer service
Pumpkin is designed with your pet’s needs and your sanity in mind. You’ll find customer support available Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM, plus an email turnaround of a day or less.
Caring for a pet can have its ups and downs. With customer support ready to help, you’ll be ready to rise to the challenge.
Why choose Embrace?
Considering Embrace? Here’s what stands out.
Diminishing deductible
Every year that you don’t file a claim, you’ll be rewarded with a lower deductible the following year. For Embrace, you’ll see a reduction of $50 on your annual deductible each year that your pet avoids an accident or illness. Definitely a useful feature!
International coverage
It is rare to find international pet insurance. But Embrace offers the option to secure pet insurance for your furry travel companion for up to six months of international travel.
If I were heading out on a whirlwind world tour with Pongo, this feature would tip the scales in favor of Embrace.
Flexible cancellation options
Embrace will not trap you into a policy. Instead, you can cancel at any time if Embrace isn’t working out for you.
Summary
As you consider your pet insurance options, the good news is that you have many good choices. The fact that you are even considering pet insurance means that you want to provide a happy and healthy life for your furry companion. After all, what pet wouldn’t be happier with a healthier life?
Lemonade offers a comprehensive plan for great value, has award-winning service, uses tech to help make the process as fast and easy as possible, and gives back to pet-centric charities.
Pumpkin has a clear focus on affordable preventative care with policies designed to keep your pet healthy over the long term.
Embrace has a more established presence in the industry which can be helpful if you want to work with a very transparent company.
No matter who you choose, your pet will be in good hands. I’d recommend seeking out the policy that fits your budget and a company that aligns with your values.
Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement.