Many USAA members are curious about pet Insurance coverage, especially since pet medical costs can add up quickly. This page explains whether USAA has pet insurance, details the partnership structure, eligibility criteria, costs, policy features, exclusions, and outlines how USAA members can obtain coverage for their pets in 2026 and beyond.
Direct Answer
USAA does not directly underwrite pet insurance policies; instead, it partners with Embrace Pet Insurance to make coverage available to its members nationwide.
USAA members can purchase pet insurance for dogs and cats through this partnership.
Certain member discounts or unique plan features may be available exclusively to USAA members.
Cats and dogs are covered; other animals like horses are not included in the USAA-Embrace program.
Eligibility is typically restricted to current USAA members and their direct families.
Exact coverage options, waiting periods, premiums, and deductibles vary; members should carefully review the current Embrace policy terms offered via USAA.
Coverage is available year-round and is not limited by employer open enrollment windows.
For the latest details on plan offerings and rates, confirm on the USAA or Embrace official sites, and consult the state insurance department for any coverage regulations or complaint procedures.
Who This Policy Is For & Eligibility
Available to USAA members, who are mainly active military, veterans, and their close family members.
Covers cats and dogs only; other pets are not eligible under this partnership.
Pets must typically meet minimum age requirements at enrollment (often 6 weeks for puppies/kittens; age limits for adult pets may apply—check with Embrace as underwriter).
No requirement for USAA to be your home or auto insurer to access pet insurance, but you must have an eligible USAA membership.
Nationwide availability, but policy features and premiums may vary by state due to local regulations.
Coverage can usually be started any time, but pre-existing conditions and waiting periods do apply.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
Item
Details
Partner Underwriter
Embrace Pet Insurance, not USAA itself.
Eligible Pets
Dogs and cats only.
Premium
Monthly costs are sample/illustrative and vary by breed, age, location, and coverage choices.
Pre-existing conditions, elective/cosmetic, breeding costs, most routine care (unless wellness rider purchased).
Waiting Periods
Usually 2 days (accident), 14 days (illness); longer for orthopedic issues (sample/illustrative).
Enrollment
No restricted enrollment window; apply anytime if eligible.
Pros
Discount or unique offer available only to USAA members through Embrace partnership.
Comprehensive coverage for both illness and accidents.
Optional wellness add-ons can offset routine care cost.
Portable policy; maintains coverage even if you move or leave the military.
Flexible deductible and reimbursement options allow for premium customization.
Cons
Pre-existing medical conditions generally excluded, as is standard in pet insurance.
Coverage limited to dogs and cats—no exotic pets or horses in USAA’s plan.
Partner model means servicing, claims, and disputes handled by Embrace, not USAA directly.
Certain coverage features, such as wellness or prescription food, may require riders or add-on premium.
Waiting periods before claims can be made for most illnesses/injuries.
Costs & How Pricing Works
Premiums are influenced by pet age, breed, species, health status, ZIP code, deductible, annual maximum, and reimbursement percentage.
Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates lead to higher monthly premiums; higher deductibles reduce premium but raise out-of-pocket costs.
Optional wellness plans available for an extra premium, covering preventive/routine care (vaccinations, dental, annual exams).
Balance billing does not apply as reimbursement is based on eligible vet bills, not networks.
Some discounts for enrolling multiple pets or paying annually rather than monthly, conditions apply.
Covered Services & Exclusions
Accident coverage: injuries from falls, swallowed objects, lacerations.
Illness coverage: diagnostic tests, hospitalization, surgery for non-pre-existing disease/condition.
Prescription medications, lab tests, and imaging for covered issues.
Chronic condition coverage as long as not pre-existing at enrollment.
Optional wellness care covers vaccines, dental cleaning, prescriptions for flea/tick/heartworm (only with wellness rider).
Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, cosmetic/elective procedures, breeding/pregnancy, most non-veterinary costs.
Some conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia in certain breeds) may have longer waiting periods or require prior screening—review policy for breed-specific rules.
Claims, Denials & Appeals
Submit claims to Embrace (not USAA) via app, portal, or by email/fax, with itemized invoices and relevant medical records.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will detail approved/denied items; reimbursement sent after deductible and coinsurance applied.
If a claim is denied, members can request a review from the claims department; further escalation possible via state insurance department if dispute persists.
Appeals processes are governed by state law; timelines and external recourse will vary.
Important
This content is for educational purposes only. It is not insurance, legal, or tax advice.
Pet insurance policy terms, pricing, underwriting, and exclusions vary by state and insurer; confirm details directly with USAA, Embrace, or your state’s insurance department.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Direct purchase from pet insurers: Non-members can secure similar coverage directly from Embrace or other reputable providers, but may not access USAA group discounts.
Employer benefits: Some employers may offer pet insurance as an optional benefit—compare group rates and underwriting.
Self-insurance: Setting aside emergency savings for pet illness/accidents provides more flexibility but lacks reimbursement for large or unexpected vet bills.
Discount plans: Certain veterinary discount programs are available, but they are not insurance and offer reduced service rates only at participating vets.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
USAA (via Embrace)
Direct Embrace
Generic Pet Plan
Coverage Scope
Illness, accident, wellness (rider)
Illness, accident, wellness (rider)
Usually illness/accident only
Typical Premium
Sample: $30–$50/month
Sample: $35–$55/month
Sample: $25–$45/month
Deductible
Sample: $200–$1,000
Sample: $200–$1,000
Varies; could be $250–$1,000
Exclusions
No pre-existing, elective procedures
No pre-existing, elective procedures
May exclude breed/age specifics
Claims Process
Claim to Embrace
Claim to Embrace
Varies by insurer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USAA the actual insurance provider for pet policies?
No. USAA partners with Embrace, which underwrites and administers the entirety of the pet policy.
USAA members get access, but claims and service issues go to Embrace.
Can non-members buy USAA pet insurance?
No. Pet insurance via USAA is only for members and eligible family members.
Non-members can apply directly with Embrace or other pet insurers.
What animals are covered?
Only dogs and cats are eligible under USAA’s pet insurance (via Embrace).
Birds, reptiles, horses, and other exotics are not covered.
What is not covered under the policy?
Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic or elective care, breeding/pregnancy-related services, food (unless prescribed and specifically included in rider), and behavioral training.
Review your policy for the complete exclusion list; state regulations may add further nuances.
How do I file a complaint or dispute a claim?
Start with Embrace’s internal appeal process.
If unresolved, contact your state insurance department (official homepage) for formal dispute procedures.
Conclusion & Next Steps
USAA provides pet insurance access to its members through a partnership with Embrace, covering cats and dogs with customizable levels of protection against accidents and illness.
Eligibility is reserved for USAA members and select family; actual policy servicing, claims, and appeals are managed by Embrace, not USAA directly.
Policy details—premium, deductible, reimbursement, exclusions—may vary; always read the full policy and ask questions before enrolling.
