MetLife Pet Insurance Review

MetLife pet insurance plans and cost

Every buyer starts with a standard accident and illness policy, and you can tack on a preventive care add-on. The company doesn't sell a separate plan covering accidents only.

Every published price example gives a sample quote for one pet, not a typical price for all owners. On the company's site, MetLife dog insurance begins at $16 a month, and MetLife cat insurance begins at $7 a month. Another published example prices an accident and illness policy with a $5,000 annual limit at $50 a month for a dog. That figure averages four sample pets located in Denver, Colorado.

The annual limit is the most the policy pays out in one year. The annual limit from $500 to $25,000 is available in $1,000 increments, and an unlimited option is also offered. You also pick a reimbursement option: 50%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.

The deductible is the amount you pay yourself, out of pocket, before coverage payments begin. One policy can cover up to three pets under the Family Plan, which shares one deductible and offers a discounted rate. A multi-pet discount also applies to separate policies.

What MetLife covers and leaves out

Several treatments pet parents often ask about fall under standard MetLife pet insurance coverage, which helps pay for unexpected injuries and illnesses:

• Sick and emergency visit exam fees
• Hereditary and congenital condition coverage
• Treatment for dental illness
• Coverage for alternative therapy

You need the wellness add-on to cover routine annual exams; behavioral care is an add-on as well.

Just like any other policy, the plan lists particular items it won't cover. Standard policy exclusions include:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Grooming and microchipping
• Training in obedience
• Cosmetic or elective procedures
• Costs of breeding
• Food that isn't prescribed
• Injuries caused by racing, coursing, guarding, or fighting

Waiting periods and age limits at MetLife

Accident protection kicks in after a waiting period of 0 days, while illness coverage begins after 14 days.

When you sign up a dog or cat, the company applies no upper age limit for older pets.

Claims and reimbursement with MetLife

Since the plan doesn't pay the vet directly, you pay the vet bill yourself at checkout, then file a claim for reimbursement.

With Met Life pet insurance, you can file claims using the MetLife Pet app, or you can use the MyPets online portal. After you send in your paperwork, most claims are handled in roughly 5 days.

Who MetLife works for

Pet owners who read MetLife pet insurance reviews often look for a policy that accepts older animals, because pets of any age can enroll. It also suits owners who want accident coverage to start right away, standard coverage of hereditary issues, and one deductible shared across multiple pets.

If you'd rather have an insurer that pays your vet clinic directly at checkout, though, you may want to check other options. It isn't a match either if all you want is an accident-only policy, or if you want routine annual exams covered without buying an add-on.

Common questions

Does MetLife pet insurance deliver enough value to be worth it?

A policy can be worthwhile if you want limits you can adjust up to an unlimited payout option or if you have a senior pet. Before you buy, compare the monthly cost with paying your vet upfront and waiting to be reimbursed.

Does MetLife pet insurance pay for pre-existing conditions?

Generally, the policy won't cover an injury or illness that was contracted, manifested, diagnosed, or treated before you enroll or before waiting periods end. That said, coverage for curable pre-existing conditions can typically apply when a later incident has no connection to earlier ones.

How can you get a MetLife pet insurance quote?

To check prices, enter your dog or cat's details on the insurer's website and choose your coverage levels. Owners of up to three pets can compare a Family Plan with a shared deductible against separate policies that offer a multi-pet discount.