USAA Pet Insurance Reviews

USAA pet insurance, offered through Embrace, covers veterinary expenses for accidents and illnesses. Policies reimburse up to 90% of eligible costs after meeting the deductible.

Coverage includes hereditary and chronic conditions, diagnostics, surgery, cancer treatment and prescription medications. Routine care isn’t included in the standard policy but can be added through Embrace's Wellness Rewards, a reimbursement plan for preventative treatments.

To enroll in USAA pet insurance, you must be a USAA member. USAA membership is available to:

• Active duty military
• National Guard and Reservists
• Veterans with honorable service
• Contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen
• Officer and warrant officer candidates
• Military spouses
• Children of USAA members
• Service academy appointees

USAA pet insurance operates on a reimbursement basis. After paying the vet bill, pet owners submit a claim online or via email, and Embrace reimburses eligible expenses based on the selected reimbursement percentage. Claims are typically processed within 10 to 15 business days.

Waiting periods apply before coverage begins: two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and six months for orthopedic conditions (which can be reduced to 14 days with a vet exam and waiver).

Pets must be at least six weeks old to enroll, but geriatric pets over 14 qualify only for accident coverage.

There are no network restrictions — pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada.

USAA pet insurance offers two core plan options — Accident-Only and Accident & Illness — plus an optional Wellness Rewards add-on. Each provides different levels of coverage to fit various needs and budgets.

Accident-Only

Covers injuries from accidents, such as broken bones or wounds. It also includes hospitalization, surgeries and prescription medications related to accidents. Cost varies by pet age and breed.

Accident & Illness

Covers everything in the Accident-Only plan plus illnesses, hereditary and chronic conditions, cancer treatment, diagnostics and emergency vet visits.

Wellness Rewards add-on

Covers routine care like vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and flea and tick prevention. This is a prepaid plan for routine care expenses; it doesn’t cover accidents or illnesses.

Exclusions

Most pet insurance companies have exclusions, and USAA is no exception. Plans from USAA pet insurance won’t cover:

• Preexisting conditions (any condition occurring before enrollment or during the waiting period)
• Cosmetic procedures
• Elective surgeries
• Breeding and pregnancy-related costs

USAA pet insurance costs between $18 and $72 per month for dogs and $8 and $38 per month for cats, depending on factors like breed, age, location and coverage choices.

The monthly premium is determined by the selected deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual limit. Younger pets and smaller breeds typically have lower premiums, while older pets and larger breeds tend to cost more due to increased health risks. An exam is required within 12 months before coverage begins or within 14 days of starting coverage.

To lower monthly premiums, pet owners can:

• Choose a higher deductible
• Select a lower reimbursement percentage
• Opt for a lower annual coverage limit

USAA members receive up to 15% off pet insurance, with an additional 10% discount for multiple pets (5% in New York). Larger breeds and pets predisposed to specific health conditions may have higher premiums due to increased risks.

USAA pet insurance may be worth it if you qualify for USAA membership and are looking for flexible coverage. If you're in the military, a USAA member or have multiple pets, this company can be a great option since you can save up to 25% off Embrace’s normal pricing.

If you’re not eligible for USAA membership, you’ll need to look at other pet insurance providers since you won’t qualify for coverage. Additionally, if your pet is over 14, USAA might not be the best fit since it only offers accident coverage for geriatric pets.

Those who prefer direct vet payments may also want to consider other options since USAA, like most pet insurance companies, operates on a reimbursement model. The six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions could also be a drawback if you need immediate coverage for joint issues.