MetLife pet insurance review 2024
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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Published 6:00 a.m. UTC May 6, 2024
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Pros
- Multiple pets can be covered on one policy.
- Discount programs may help lower rates.
- No upper age limits or breed exclusions.
- Includes coverage for holistic and alternative therapies.
Cons
- Preventative care benefits like vaccines and heartworm prevention require add-on coverage.
- Only one standard plan available.
About MetLife pet insurance
MetLife is one of the oldest insurance companies, dating back to 1864. The company began offering pet insurance in 2021. MetLife partners with many employers across the country to offer reduced rates or payroll deductions for its employees. It also has many discounts available.
Pet insurance through MetLife is more affordable than some other carriers, but may not be the cheapest option available. You can choose a high deductible option of $2,500 to save on your monthly premium, but you’re limited to only $10,000 in annual coverage.
Though its claims processing can take time, policyholders can enjoy benefits like a one-day waiting period on accidents, grief counseling and 24/7 vet telehealth services. This MetLife pet insurance review can help you decide if it’s the best option for your pet.
What MetLife pet insurance covers
MetLife has an accident and illness plan available, plus an optional wellness plan add-on to cover your pet’s routine and preventive care.
In some areas, you may be eligible for an accident-only pet insurance plan. This is a cheaper option because it only covers accident-related veterinary expenses, but excludes illness coverage.
Accident and illness coverage
MetLife accident and illness coverage includes:
- Accidents, such as insect stings, ingesting poison or broken bones.
- Advertising and reward for lost pets.
- Alternative and holistic care therapies.
- Congenital, chronic and hereditary conditions.
- Diagnostic testing.
- Emergency and specialty care.
- Exam fees.
- Grief counseling after your pet’s death.
- Hospitalization.
- Illnesses, such as ear infections, diarrhea and vomiting.
- Prescription medications.
- Prescription pet food.
- Surgery.
- Ultrasounds.
- X-rays.
Wellness plan coverage
MetLife’s wellness plan offers basic wellness plan coverage for your pet’s general health, which includes:
- Flea, tick and heartworm preventives.
- Routine checkups.
- Vaccinations.
What MetLife pet insurance doesn’t cover
As with all pet insurance companies, MetLife has exclusions. This carrier doesn’t cover:
- Microchipping.
- Breeding and related conditions.
- Cosmetic and elective procedures.
- Grooming and bathing costs.
- Injury or illness from racing, guarding, fighting or coursing.
- Organ transplants.
- Non-prescription food.
- Health or travel certificates.
Metlife also will not cover pre-existing conditions unless they are considered curable. If your pet goes a period of time without symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, bladder, ear, respiratory, or urinary tract infections, Metlife will consider covering them.
How to get MetLife pet insurance
You can get MetLife pet insurance online or by calling the company directly. Your employer may offer MetLife pet insurance as part of your employee benefits package. Ask your human resource department to find out.
Best pet insurance companies comparison
| COMPANY | OUR RATING | AVERAGE MONTHLY DOG INSURANCE | AVERAGE MONTHLY CAT INSURANCE | Learn More | ||||||
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| $76 | $47 | See Plans Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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| $47 | $43 | See Plans Via Comparecoverage.com | ||||||||
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 Paw Protect | $77 | $47 | See Plans Via Comparecoverage.com | |||||||
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Average monthly pet insurance cost assumes unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage for a dog insurance accident and illness plan. These average pet insurance company rates are based on dogs and cats of various ages, breeds and ZIP codes. Source: PetInsurer.com.
MetLife pet insurance review FAQs
No, MetLife does not require your pet to be spayed or neutered to get pet insurance for your cat or dog. If your pet is not spayed or neutered before buying MetLife pet insurance, consider its wellness plan add-on, which can include some coverage for your pet’s spay or neuter costs.
Yes, with MetLife, you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian, including emergency vet clinics. You’ll pay for your pet’s care in full up front, then file a claim for reimbursement under your MetLife pet insurance plan.
Yes, MetLife pet insurance covers medications, as long as they are prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a coverable condition. This includes injections, liquids, pills and compounded medications, whether administered by the pet parent or the veterinarian.
MetLife’s standard pet insurance plan does not cover routine vet visits, but it will cover your pet’s exam fees if it is seen for a covered accident or illness. Routine vet visits are only covered by MetLife’s extra-cost wellness plan for pets.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
