Our Take on MetLife Pet Insurance
Founded in 1868, MetLife is one of the leading insurance providers in the United States, offering life, auto, home and health insurance. In 2019, it acquired PetFirst, a pet insurance company that’s been in business since 2004.
MetLife pet insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC) and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (MGIC). Which underwriter you have depends on your state, and there are some slight differences between the two policies.
Metlife earned 4.9 stars according to our methodology and has most covered treatments in its plans when compared to over 20 other providers. Where most other companies offer more unique coverages as add-ons, MetLife includes coverage for treatments such as alternative therapy, congenital conditions, dental work and end-of-life care within its plans at no extra cost.
Compare MetLife to the Competition
Use the table below to compare MetLife to other pet insurance providers:
Pros and Cons of MetLife
What Does MetLife Cover?
MetLife offers one comprehensive accident-and-illness plan covering vet bills related to injuries, accidents and health conditions. There is no upper age limit for enrollment, and you can visit any licensed veterinarian or emergency clinic in the United States.
You can also enroll your pet in a preventive care add-on plan for an additional monthly cost. This reimburses costs for routine care and services, such as blood work, vaccinations and wellness exams.
All MetLife customers have access to the company’s Pet App, where you can store your pet’s medical records, manage your policy, submit claims and locate local pet care specialists.
MetLife is the only pet insurance provider we’ve found that offers family plans if you’re enrolling more than one pet. This means your pets can share one plan with one deductible and one coverage limit. You can have up to three pets in one family plan.
MetLife’s accident-and-illness plan covers the following injuries, illnesses and conditions:
- Chronic conditions (including diabetes and cancer)
- Cruciate ligament conditions (after a six-month waiting period)
- Diagnostic tests (including MRIs, X-rays and ultrasounds)
- Hereditary and congenital conditions (including hip dysplasia and respiratory issues)
- Holistic and alternative therapies (including acupressure and laser therapy)
- Hospitalizations (including those for surgery and emergency care)
- Prescription medications and foods
- Telehealth visits
- Vet exam fees
MetLife’s wellness care add-on covers the costs of the following preventive care services:
- Blood work
- Dental cleanings
- Flea, tick or heartworm prevention
- Microchip implantation
- Spaying or neutering
- Vaccinations
- Wellness exams
MetLife’s Exclusions
Like other pet insurance carriers, MetLife doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, including any illness that occurs during the 14-day waiting period. MetLife will consider covering a preexisting condition in the future if it’s curable. However, you will need to confirm this with your claims adjuster.
MetLife also excludes the following care from coverage:
- Breeding or conditions related to breeding
- Elective procedures
- Grooming costs and bathing
- Organ transplants
- Vitamins or mineral supplements
MetLife Plan Customizations
MetLife offers several customization options for its accident-and-illness plan. If you choose the lower deductible plan — its most popular option – you can select from the following coverage options.
- Deductibles: $50, $100, $250, $500
- Annual limits: $2,000, $5,000, $10,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Alternatively, the high deductible plan comes with the following coverage:
- Deductible: $2,500
- Annual limit: $10,000
- Reimbursement rate: 100%
The high deductible option is ideal for pet owners who anticipate having higher vet bills in a given year, as once the $2,500 deductible is reached, you immediately receive 100% back of any approved vet bills you’ve submitted.
How Much Does MetLife Pet Insurance Cost?
Your monthly premium will vary based on factors such as your pet’s age, species and breed as well as your location and any selected customizations. MetLife premiums average $25 to $40 per month for dogs and $15 to $30 for cats.
Below are a few sample premiums across several U.S. cities based on different species, breeds and genders, as well as varying reimbursement levels, coverage limits and deductibles.
| Animal Breed | Medium Mixed Dog | Labrador Retriever | French Bulldog | Mixed Breed Cat | Persian Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | Female | Male | Male | Female |
| Age | 4 years | 1 year | 6 years | 4 years | 1 year |
| Location | Raleigh, NC (27601) | Des Moines, IA (50303) | San Francisco, CA (94016) | Salt Lake City, UT (84044) | Pittsburgh, PA (15106) |
| Reimbursement Level | 80% | 80% | 90% | 100% | 70% |
| Coverage Limit | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $2,000 |
| Deductible | $250 | $500 | $250 | $2,500 | $50 |
| Metlife Monthly Premium Price | $30.54 | $41.72 | $77.23 | $16.96 | $29.98 |
*Sample quotes were compiled using MetLife’s online quote tool and based on pricing from November 2022.
Discounts
There are discounts available for military members, veterans, health care workers and first responders, as well as staff members at animal care facilities. Additionally, you can receive $1 off your monthly premium for enrolling in a policy online. Other discounts depend on your policy’s underwriter.
MetLife also offers a diminishing deductible. If you don’t file a claim in a year, MetLife will automatically reduce your annual deductible by $25 or $50 (depending on your policy’s underwriter).
Waiting Periods
MetLife offers the shortest waiting period for accident coverage when compared to other providers. Your accident and wellness coverage is effective the day you enroll. The waiting period for illness coverage is 14 days, which is on par with other providers.
If IAIC underwrites your policy, the following conditions have a six-month waiting period:
- Cruciate ligament conditions
- Cranial cruciate ligament conditions
- Posterior cruciate ligament conditions
- Intervertebral disc disease conditions
MetLife Pet Insurance Reviews
We read hundreds of reviews for MetLife Pet Insurance across sites such as Yelp and Trustpilot. Many policyholders were happy with the company’s streamlined claims submission process, quick reimbursement and kind customer services representatives. Negative reviews state the opposite, mentioning high premium hikes, a difficult claims process and denied claims. However, many of these complaints take issue with the company’s refusal to cover preexisting conditions, which no pet insurance provider does.
We reached out to MetLife for comment about the negative reviews but did not receive a response.
We’ve included a range of MetLife customer reviews below.
“My dog has had pet insurance with this company for over five years. They have been very good to deal with, easy to contact and pleasant on the phone. The monthly premiums are reasonable, yet they have paid I feel generously when I have needed it. There was one very large emergency and I was so grateful that they took care of most of it. The plan I have also helped me a great deal when my dog had to have extractions. They pay quickly and easily. I have recommended them to friends and to my daughter. I think it’s good value for the money.” —Janet D. via Yelp
“When our dog became sick, we learned just how important pet insurance was to have. We spent thousands of dollars dealing with GI issues with no clear root cause. When the vet asked if we wanted expensive tests and treatments, we were able to not think twice. We knew that we were covered and that was the best feeling. MetLife Pet has been helpful and responsive to our questions and claims. I tell everyone to consider getting this insurance for their pets.” —David M. via Trustpilot
“Good insurance for the most part but they will increase your rate with no warning and no explanation. I called to see why my rate was increased and all they could say was, ‘It could be’ from many different things but could not just tell me why it was increased.” —Anne H. via Yelp
“Pros: Once a claim is submitted, payment comes usually within 20 days. Cons: Claim submittal app is frequently not working, there is no way to see what you’ve submitted, I needed to call for confirmation more than half the time because it can take 10 + days for a claim to be received.” —A.J. M. via Yelp
Is MetLife The Right Choice For Your Pet?
MetLife offers customizable and comprehensive coverage, and we were impressed with its incredibly short waiting periods for accident and wellness care. However, MetLife’s premiums and wellness add-on are costlier than other options, especially given its lower maximum coverage limit.
If you’re looking for more (or unlimited) coverage with lower monthly costs, we recommend Lemonade or Spot. It’s best to get quotes from multiple providers to find the best fit for your and your pet’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About MetLife Pet Insurance
To file a claim with MetLife, policyholders must submit the veterinary medical record, an itemized invoice from your vet and a signed claim form. This can be submitted through your online MetLife portal, the mobile app, or via email, fax or mail. Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive reimbursement via check or direct deposit. According to MetLife, 80% of eligible claims are processed within a 10-day period. Remember to submit your claim within 90 days of your pet’s visit or treatment.
There are several ways to reach MetLife’s pet insurance customer service, including by phone (855-270-7387), by email (pet_info@metlife.com), by mail (400 Missouri Avenue
Jeffersonville, IN 47130), or via chat on MetLife’s website or mobile app.
No. No pet insurance provider, including MetLife, covers preexisting conditions. MetLife may consider covering your pet’s preexisting condition if it’s been cured, but that is up to the discretion of your claims adjuster. Ultimately, it’s best to enroll in a pet insurance policy as soon as possible, before your pet develops a condition or begins exhibiting symptoms of an illness.
MetLife does not have information on its website about policy cancellation. We recommend reaching out to customer service (866-937-7387). Additionally, prior to enrollment, discuss with a MetLife representative what to do in the event that you’d like to cancel your policy.
