Petco Vital Care Premier is suitable for pet owners primarily seeking routine care and discounts on Petco products and services, especially if they have access to a Vetco Total Care location. Embrace Pet Insurance is a better choice for those seeking comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, with the flexibility to choose coverage limits and deductibles, and the option to add a wellness plan.
| Attribute | Petco Vital Care Premier | Embrace Pet Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Type | Wellness plan | Accident and illness coverage with optional Wellness Rewards plan |
| What is Covered | Unlimited routine vet exams at Vetco Total Care locations; $20 Vital Care Rewards for up to two routine vet exams per year at a non-Petco vet; Discounts on nutrition; Savings on grooming or litter; Monthly Vital Care Rewards | Accidents, illnesses, breed-specific & congenital conditions, dental illnesses, diagnostics, emergency & specialist care, genetic & orthopedic conditions, prescription medications, and surgery. Wellness Rewards plan covers routine exams, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm meds, spay/neuter, prescription diet, grooming, and training. |
| Exclusions | Additional tests, medications, and services beyond routine vet exams; Treats and chews are excluded from the nutrition benefit for dogs and cats; Wild bird and poultry nutrition is excluded in bird plans; Benefits do not apply to already discounted products or services and cannot be combined with other Petco promotions. | Pre-existing conditions, breeding/whelping/pregnancy, cosmetic procedures (unless medically necessary), and injuries caused deliberately. Preventative care is also excluded under accident and illness insurance. |
| Monthly/Annual Cost | Dogs and Cats: $24.99 per month, or $239.88 annually. Birds, Fish, Reptiles, and Small Pets: $9.99 per month, or $119.88 annually. | Ranges from approximately $15 to $40 for cats and $30 to $40 for dogs monthly. Average monthly premiums can range from $11 to $55 for cats and $21 to $110 for dogs. Cost depends on breed, age, location, and coverage options. |
| Waiting Periods | Waiting periods may apply. | 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Accident coverage begins on the policy's effective date. Orthopedic conditions have a waiting period that varies by state, potentially up to six months, but may be reduced or waived. |
| Pre-existing Condition Coverage | Not covered. | Not covered. Curable conditions may be eligible for coverage after a symptom-free period. |
| Network Restrictions | Unlimited routine vet exams are at Vetco Total Care locations. $20 Vital Care Rewards for up to two routine vet exams per year at a non-Petco vet. | Allows you to visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic. |
| Customer Support Availability | Contact Vital Care Premier Customer Care at 858-657-2035. | Phone, fax, and online. 24/7 pet health line called PawSupport. Customer care is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm ET and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm ET. |
| Prescription Coverage | Covers prescription medication. | Provides prescription drug coverage for take-home medications. |
| Annual Coverage Limit | Hereditary and Congenital conditions have a $5,000 annual max payout. | Options include $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000, or an unlimited option. Accident-only policies have a coverage limit of $5,000. |
| Deductibles | Annual deductible may apply. | Options include $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000. Uses an annual deductible. |
| Reimbursement Options | $20 Vital Care Reward by uploading a picture of your receipt or invoice through your Vital Care Premier dashboard. | Offers reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90%. |