Costco does not offer free pet insurance, but it does offer discounted plans through a partner
Costco members can purchase pet insurance at a discount through Costco Services, which partners with Embrace Pet Insurance. The plans are not free—you pay a monthly premium—but Costco members receive a percentage discount on those premiums compared to buying directly from Embrace. The discount typically ranges from 5 to 10 percent, though the exact amount can vary by location and plan type.
This is not a Costco-branded insurance product. Embrace handles all claims, coverage decisions, and customer service. Costco straightforward negotiates a member discount and makes the plans available through its services portal. If you are looking for truly free pet insurance, that does not exist as a standalone product; some veterinary clinics or animal shelters occasionally run limited promotional periods, but these are rare and temporary.
Key Takeaways
- Costco members can buy Embrace Pet Insurance at a discounted rate through Costco Services, typically 5 to 10 percent off the standard premium.
- You still pay a monthly premium—the discount reduces the cost, but the insurance is not free.
- Embrace, not Costco, processes claims and makes coverage decisions.
- You can compare Embrace's plans and pricing against other pet insurance companies to see whether the Costco discount makes it the best option for your pet.
- Some veterinary clinics or animal shelters offer temporary free or discounted coverage promotions, but these are uncommon and usually limited to specific groups or time periods.
How to access the Costco pet insurance discount
If you are a Costco member, you can view the Embrace plan details and pricing through Costco Services on the Costco website or mobile app. Look for the "Services" section and search for pet insurance. You will see the available plans, the discounted monthly rates, and a link to enroll directly with Embrace.
The enrollment process happens through Embrace's website or app, not through Costco itself. You will need to provide information about your pet—age, breed, health history—and choose a deductible and reimbursement level. Embrace will then quote you the discounted Costco member price. You can review the full terms, coverage limits, and exclusions before you commit to paying the first premium.
What the Embrace plans cover
Embrace offers two main plan types: accident-only coverage and accident-and-illness coverage. Accident-only plans are cheaper but cover only injuries from accidents, not veterinary care for diseases or chronic conditions. Accident-and-illness plans cover both accidents and illnesses, including conditions like cancer, diabetes, and ear infections, but cost more per month.
Both plan types have a deductible (usually $250, $500, or $1,000 per year), a reimbursement percentage (typically 70, 80, or 90 percent), and an annual maximum payout. You pay the vet bill upfront and then submit a claim to Embrace for reimbursement. Embrace does not cover routine care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, or flea prevention unless you add a wellness rider, which increases the monthly cost.
Comparing Costco's discount to other pet insurance options
A 5 to 10 percent discount is modest. Before you enroll through Costco, compare Embrace's base pricing and coverage against other major pet insurance companies like Nationwide, Figo, Trupanion, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Some of those companies offer lower monthly premiums or higher reimbursement percentages for the same price, depending on your pet's age and breed.
Use online comparison tools or request quotes directly from each company. Enter the same pet information and deductible level into each quote tool so you can see the actual monthly cost side by side. The Costco discount may make Embrace the cheapest option, or it may not—the only way to know is to compare the final numbers.
When pet insurance is worth the cost
Pet insurance makes the most sense if your pet is young and healthy (premiums are lowest then) and you want to protect against unexpected major expenses like surgery, hospitalization, or treatment for a serious illness. If your pet already has a chronic condition before you buy insurance, most companies will not cover that condition, so the insurance becomes less useful.
Pet insurance is less useful if you have savings set aside for veterinary emergencies or if your pet is very old—premiums rise steeply with age, and some companies stop covering pets over a certain age. It is also less useful if you only want coverage for routine care like checkups and vaccines, because pet insurance focuses on accidents and illnesses, not preventive visits.
Other ways to reduce pet veterinary costs
Pet insurance is one option, but it is not the only way to manage veterinary expenses. Some veterinary clinics offer wellness plans or payment plans that let you spread costs over several months. Costco itself sometimes offers discounted veterinary services through its pharmacy or partner clinics, so ask your local Costco what is available in your area.
Preventive care—keeping your pet at a healthy weight, staying current on vaccinations, and addressing health issues early—reduces the likelihood of expensive emergencies. Some animal shelters and rescue organizations offer low-cost spay and neuter services and discounted veterinary clinics for members of the community. If cost is a major concern, those resources are worth exploring before or alongside pet insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Costco pet insurance with any veterinarian?
Yes. Embrace works with all licensed veterinarians in the United States. You choose your own vet, pay the bill, and then submit a claim to Embrace for reimbursement. There is no network restriction.
Does Costco pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Embrace, like most pet insurance companies, does not cover conditions your pet had before the policy started. Some companies have a waiting period before they cover new illnesses, typically 14 days.
How long does it take to get reimbursed after I submit a claim?
Embrace typically processes claims within 10 to 15 business days. You can submit claims online through the Embrace app or website, which speeds up the process compared to mailing paper forms.
Can I cancel the Costco pet insurance plan anytime?
Yes. You can cancel your Embrace policy at any time without penalty. There is no contract lock-in. If you cancel, you lose coverage when ready, so make sure you have another plan in place or savings available before you do.
Is the Costco discount permanent, or does it expire?
The discount is available to current Costco members as long as Costco maintains the partnership with Embrace. If your Costco membership expires, you would lose access to the discounted rate, though you could renew your membership or switch to Embrace's standard pricing.