MetLife Pet Insurance

MetLife Pet Insurance: coverage for dogs and cats

MetLife Pet Insurance is an insurer specializing in pet health plans, aimed at dog and cat owners of all breeds and ages. Its approach focuses on reimbursing the owner for covered veterinary expenses, with reimbursement options of 50%, 70%, 80%, or 90%, and no age restrictions for enrollment. The company allows you to visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States, with no provider networks or direct payments between the veterinarian and the insurer.

Plans and coverage

The company offers insurance for dogs and cats, with premiums starting at $7 per month for cats and $16 for dogs, depending on the plans and coverages selected. Final prices vary based on species, breed, age, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, and chosen annual limit. Coverage is structured around accidents and illnesses, and includes an optional preventive care add-on for routine wellness expenses.

Covered illness expenses include cancer, heart disease, diagnostics, chronic conditions, medications, and diabetes. Accident coverage includes accidents, injuries, surgeries, emergency care, exam fees, and hospitalizations. The optional preventive care plan adds flea and tick prevention, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and teeth cleaning, up to the selected benefit limit.

Conditions and how it works

Policies cover accidents and illnesses that occur after enrollment and once waiting periods are met. Accident coverage and optional preventive care benefits begin at midnight after enrollment, while illness coverage starts 14 days later. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, although those switching from another provider through their employer may be eligible for coverage of previously covered conditions. Excluded items include, among others, microchipping, grooming, obedience training, elective or cosmetic procedures, breeding, and non-prescription food.

The claims process involves paying the veterinary bill, submitting the claim, and receiving reimbursement for covered expenses, typically within five days. Payments can be received via direct deposit or check. The company does not apply per-incident limits, only the contracted annual benefit limit.

Family plan and flexibility

MetLife Pet offers a family plan that allows up to three pets to be enrolled on a single policy with a shared deductible, instead of requiring individual policies. Covered expenses for all pets count toward the same deductible, making it easier to meet it sooner and start receiving reimbursements. They also share an annual limit and dogs and cats can be combined. Pets do not lose accident and illness coverage as they age, and the policy remains in effect even if the insured moves or travels, as long as a licensed veterinarian in the United States is used.

Mobile app and veterinary support

The company has a mobile app that allows you to manage veterinary records, view policy details, and see claims information. Through it, you can track claims and view the explanation of benefits once completed. The app also helps locate nearby services, such as supply stores, trainers, groomers, and veterinarians. Additionally, it offers 24/7 chat with a licensed veterinarian, a service provided by AskVet, an external partner.

Awards and discounts

The company presents itself as the winner of the "2025 Pet Insurance of the Year Award" given by the Pet Independent Innovation Awards. It offers premium discounts for eligible policyholders, including those who enroll through their employer, and a deductible discount for qualifying pets.