MetLife Pet Insurance Review: Coverage, Plans, and More
MetLife stands out for its multiple discounts, family plan, and diminishing deductible. But it may not be the best choice for older pets.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed Insurance Agent
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
MetLife’s standard pet insurance plan covers accidents and illnesses. But adding a preventive care wellness plan can help pet parents pay for routine health expenses like vaccines, dental cleanings, supplements, and vitamins.
Launched in 2020, MetLife’s pet insurance plans offer extensive customization options, including reimbursement rates that range from 50% to 90%. Deductible options are also broad, from zero to $2,500.[1]
MetLife has no upper age limit for new enrollments, either. But older pets may not be eligible for all types of policies and options. The company also insures exotic pets like reptiles and birds.
MetLife stands out for quick claims processing (around five days) and a rare family plan that lets you insure up to three pets under one policy, with one shared deductible.[2]
Here’s what to know about MetLife pet insurance and how it compares to some top competitors.
Our Take on MetLife Pet Insurance
MetLife offers a robust menu of options, making it easy to fully customize your policy. It stands out for the variety of ways policyholders can save.
Most pet insurers offer just one or two discounts — if any. MetLife offers six, including discounts for being a member of certain groups, working for certain employers, or being a member of the military, a veteran, or a first responder.
We particularly like MetLife’s diminishing deductible as a way to help pet owners save money. Policyholders who go an entire policy year without filing a claim get an automatic reduction of $50 in their deductible amounts.
And MetLife’s family plan could save pet parents money by insuring up to three cats or dogs (or both) on one policy and under one deductible.
But some policy types, options, and discounts aren’t available for older pets. For example, MetLife’s family plan won’t cover dogs older than 12 or cats older than 14.
MetLife
Pros
No upper age limit for new policies
Family plan covers up to three pets with one deductible
Generally affordable premiums
Cons
Family plan not available for elderly pets
Not all reimbursement options are available for all pets
Exotic pet coverage available in only 19 states
MetLife offers affordable coverage for pet owners and will even insure exotic pets like reptiles, small rodents, and other small mammals. In addition to a standard plan, MetLife offers a preventive care add-on. And it may make exceptions to cover some pre-existing conditions if your previous insurer covered the condition first.
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What Pet Insurance Policies Does MetLife Offer?
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MetLife offers pet insurance plans for both dogs and cats, with flexible options that let you build a policy around your pet’s needs and your budget. Generally, you can choose your reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit.
The standard policy covers a wide range of care, including:
Accidents and illnesses
Exam fees
Surgeries and emergency treatment
Hospital stays
Prescription medications
Diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, and MRIs
You can see any licensed vet in the U.S., and there are no restrictions based on your pet’s breed or age — even older pets can get coverage.
But keep in mind that your pet’s age may affect their eligibility for certain plan options. For example, MetLife’s family plans won’t cover dogs older than 12 or cats older than 14.
Family plans and wellness add-ons
If you have more than one pet, MetLife’s family plan might save you time and money. It lets you cover up to three pets (dogs and cats) under a single policy with a shared deductible and annual coverage limit.[3] Keep in mind your premium will be for three pets, rather than just one, so it’ll be higher than a premium for a single-pet plan.
You can also add preventive care coverage to help pay for things like vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, dental cleanings, and more
It’s available for an extra monthly fee and can help cover routine care that a standard policy doesn’t include.
What MetLife Pet Insurance Covers
MetLife’s plans cover new illnesses and injuries that happen after your policy kicks in and you’ve passed the required waiting periods. Covered services include:
Common Accident, Illness, or Procedure  | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Broken bone | Yes |
| Swallowed object | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes |
| Allergies | Yes |
| Ear infection | Yes |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | Yes |
| Pre-existing conditions | No (exceptions apply) |
| Chiropractic treatment | Yes |
| Obedience training | No |
| Acupuncture | Yes |
| Organ transplants | No |
| Prescription pet food | Yes |
| Cosmetic procedures | No |
If you choose the Preventive Care add-on, it’ll also help with the cost of routine vet visits, vaccines, and dental cleanings.
What MetLife pet insurance doesn’t cover
Like most pet insurers, MetLife doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions — any illness, injury, or symptom that showed up before your policy started or during the waiting period. But if you’re part of a group plan and had coverage for a pre-existing condition with another company, MetLife might continue covering it when you switch.[4]
Other exclusions include microchipping, grooming, training, breeding costs, cosmetic procedures, and non-prescription food.
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Waiting periods
MetLife’s waiting periods are relatively short.[5] Accident and Preventive Care coverage starts the day after you enroll, and illness coverage begins 14 days after enrollment. But if you enroll in a policy when you adopt your pet through a MetLife partner shelter, the company may waive the waiting period.
It’s also worth noting that many pet insurance companies have separate, longer waiting periods for orthopedic issues — in some cases, as long as six months. But MetLife doesn’t appear to have a separate orthopedic waiting period.
How Does MetLife Pet Insurance Work?
MetLife administers its pet insurance policies, but two different companies underwrite them: Metropolitan General Insurance Company (MetGen) and Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC).
All MetLife policies work on a reimbursement model, which means you pay your vet directly, then file a claim to get reimbursed for eligible expenses. It’s a pretty simple process — here’s how it works:
Take your pet to any licensed vet in the U.S.
Pay the vet bill up front.
Submit a claim online, through the mobile app, or by email. Just include the invoice and any medical records.
MetLife subtracts your deductible and reimburses you a percentage of the remaining covered costs, up to your annual limit.
Example: Claim reimbursement in action
Let’s say your dog needs surgery after swallowing a toy, and the vet bill comes to $2,000. If your plan has a $250 deductible and a 100% reimbursement rate, MetLife will subtract the deductible and reimburse you the remaining $1,750.
If your reimbursement rate is 80%, you’d get back $1,400 (80% of $1,750).
MetLife pet insurance policy options
A strong selection of reimbursement, deductible, and annual limit options makes MetLife pet insurance policies highly customizable. Here’s what to know about MetLife’s pet insurance options.
Reimbursement rates
When you sign up, you can choose how much you want MetLife to reimburse you for covered costs. MetLife’s reimbursement rate options are 50%, 70%, 80%, and 90% for policies underwritten by MetGen. If IAIC underwrites your policy, you can also choose a 65% reimbursement option.
Lower reimbursement means a cheaper premium but more out of your pocket when you file a claim. On the other hand, a higher reimbursement gives you more coverage but comes with a higher premium.
Deductibles
You’ll also choose an annual deductible between $0 and $2,500. A lower deductible means less out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim, but it comes with a higher monthly premium.
MetLife uses an annual deductible, so once you meet it, you won’t have to pay it again until your policy renews.
MetLife also offers a healthy pet incentive that decreases your deductible for every year you don’t file a claim.[6]
Annual limits
MetLife lets you pick an annual payout limit starting at $500 and ranging to $25,000. Or you may be able to go all in with unlimited coverage.
Policies have no per-incident caps, so you only have to track your total reimbursement for the year.
MetLife vs. The Competition
Before choosing a pet insurance policy, it’s a good idea to compare how MetLife stacks up against some top competitors.
Pumpkin
Pros
Covers behavioral issues and dental illnesses
Includes an optional wellness package
No upper age limit for coverage
Cons
Higher premiums than some competitors
Preventive care only available as add-on
14-day waiting period for illnesses
Like MetLife, Pumpkin offers accident and illness coverage with optional wellness benefits for routine care. It also covers some things other companies exclude, like behavioral issues, tooth extractions, and prescription food for covered conditions.
Pumpkin’s premiums tend to be comparatively high, but it doesn’t have breed or age restrictions.
Healthy Paws
Pros
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts
Quick claims processing
Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
Cons
Doesn’t issue new policies to pets older than 13
Doesn’t offer optional wellness plan
No coverage for exam fees
Healthy Paws keeps things simple with just one comprehensive plan that covers accidents and illnesses with no annual or lifetime limits on payouts. The insurer says it processes most claims within two days.
Its rates tend to be lower than many competitors. But unlike MetLife and other insurers, it doesn’t offer a wellness plan.
Prudent Pet
Pros
No age limitations
Unlimited annual payout option available
10% discount for more than one pet
Cons
Limited coverage for prescription food
Six-month waiting period for knee disorders
No coverage for alternative therapies
If you’re looking for coverage for older pets, Prudent Pet could be a good choice. Prudent Pet offers three types of plans: accident-only, accident and illness, and an accident and illness plan with an unlimited annual benefit. Optional add-ons include coverage for veterinary exam fees and three different levels of wellness care.
Reimbursement options range from 70% to 90%, with annual deductibles from $100 to $1,000.
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MetLife Pet Insurance FAQs
If you’re considering MetLife to insure your pet, check out the answers to some common questions below.
Does MetLife pet insurance have age restrictions?
No. MetLife doesn’t set an upper age limit for enrolling your pet, so senior dogs and cats are welcome. But not all coverage options and policies may be available to older pets.
For example, family plans have age caps. Dogs must be 12 or younger, and cats must be 14 or younger to be included in a family plan.
Does MetLife pet insurance have waiting periods?
Yes. Coverage for accidents and preventive care starts the day after you enroll. Illnesses have a 14-day waiting period. But MetLife may waive the waiting period for illnesses if you adopt from a participating shelter. Unlike other pet insurance companies, MetLife doesn’t have a longer waiting period for orthopedic conditions.
Do you have to visit a vet before you enroll in a MetLife policy?
No. You can buy a MetLife policy even if your pet hasn’t seen a vet yet. But when you file your first claim, you’ll need to submit the last 12 months of vet records, or adoption paperwork if your pet is newly adopted.
How long does MetLife take to reimburse a claim?
MetLife says it processes most claims in about five days, as long as your documents are complete. You can get reimbursed by direct deposit, Zelle, PayPal, or check, with electronic payments typically arriving faster than mailed checks.
Which states does MetLife offer pet insurance in?
MetLife pet insurance for dogs and cats is available in all 50 states, so you can sign up no matter where you live in the U.S.
