MetLife pet insurance provides great dog insurance and cat health insurance coverage with no lifetime or per-incident limits on accidents, hospitalizations, alternative therapies, medications and much more. After a 12-month wait period, your pet also enjoys coverage for cruciate ligaments and Intervertebral Disc Disease. However, MetLife does not cover pre-existing conditions (no insurance provider does), elective procedures, breeding or conditions related to breeding, expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculittis, pet food, vitamins or mineral supplements, grooming or bathing, nor parasite prevention or parasite treatment.

MetLife Pet Insurance Information & Review: Everything You Need To Know

Q: What's not covered?

MetLife doesn’t cover elective procedures, breeding or conditions related to breeding, expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculittis, pet food, vitamins or mineral supplements, grooming or bathing, nor parasite prevention or parasite treatment. As mentioned above, MetLife does not cover pre-existing conditions or certain preventive care unless included as an addon service.

General Information

How Much Does It Cost?

Important Information to Know

Customer Service

Discount Opportunities

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

Claims Reimbursement

Cancellation Information

Pre-existing conditions

Compare

General Information

One of the largest global insurance providers, MetLife (Metropolitan Life Insurance Company) works to drive positive change in the market, communities, and the workplace - and now offers a great pet insurance plan after acquiring PetFirst in 2021.

MetLife has contributed nearly $1 billion to build stronger communities through it’s MetLife Foundation. The MetLife team has been listed under Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces, Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality, Mogul's Top 100 Innovators in Diversity & Inclusion, the 1st U.S. Insurer to Achieve Carbon Neutrality, and more.

MetLife was founded in the 1800’s, adopting the name Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1868. In 2021, nearly 200 years later, the company acquired PetFirst Pet Insurance (PetFirst Healthcare, LLC) and now offers pet health insurance plans as MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC. Policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and Metropolitan General Insurance Company.

What kinds of pets are eligible for MetLife Pet Insurance?

The MetLife insurance company offers comprehensive health insurance coverage for all pet parents. Insurance plans include dog insurance, cat insurance, puppy insurance, kitten insurance, and senior pet insurance to cover unexpected veterinary bills.

What insurance plans are available through MetLife Pet Insurance?

MetLife offers a standard plan and a high-deductible plan. The standard plan has an annual benefit ranging from $2000 to $10000, a deductible ranging from $50 to $500, and reimbursement rates ranging from 70% to 90%. Alternatively, the high-deductible plan offers a $10,000 annual benefit, a $2,500 deductible, and a 100% reimbursement rate. You can also include Preventive Care as an additional add-on.

Key Takeaways

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No minimum age limit for enrollment.

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$50 discount off your deductible for every year your dog or cat goes claim free.

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Lets you choose your own vet.

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Will not raise the price of your policy because you file a claim.

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Like most pet insurance companies, they cannot cover pre-existing conditions.

How Much Does It Cost?

Pet insurance prices for MetLife Pet Insurance vary based on your pet's breed, age, gender, and the zip code you live in. Use Pawlicy Advisor to lock in the best price, and compare MetLife to other leading pet insurance brands for free.

The cost of MetLife pet insurance varies based on your pet’s age, breed, location, and the reimbursement options of the policy you select.

MetLife offers programs for every budget. Insurance plans range between $16 to $115+ per month for dogs and cats, depending on the plan, species, and add-ons.

Use Pawlicy Advisor to lock in the best price, and compare MetLife to other leading pet insurance brands for free.

Get a Free Quote

What makes MetLife pet insurance worth it?

In the United States, a pet receives emergency medical care every 2.5 seconds. Sadly, veterinarian bills can be very expensive. MetLife reimburses 70%, 80%, 90% or even 100% of the medical cost for vet care (after your deductible is met). Where many pet insurance companies shy away, MetLife provides insurance plans for senior pets, dogs, and cats of all breeds and pets at risk for hereditary conditions, which might make it worth it for you.

Additionally, there are no lifetime or per-incident limits for pets. You can customize your reimbursement and monthly deductibles rates according to your budget and pet needs.

How does the price compare to other plans?

MetLife total monthly premium is moderately priced when compared to other pet insurance companies.

You can use Pawlicy Advisor to find and compare a range of MetLife coverage options with context on why they’d be recommended for you.

Important Information to Know About MetLife Pet Insurance

What to know before investing in MetLife pet insurance

Dogs and cats must be at least 8-week old
The price of the insurance premium increases as your pet ages.
The deductible will decrease each year that you do not submit a claim.
You will be fully reimbursed if you change your mind within 14 days as long as you do not file a claim.

Have an existing MetLife policy? Write a review to help other pet owners.

The sale of insurance represents a contract between the insurance provider, who carries the risk your pet will need treatment and you, who is responsible for paying insurance premiums. This contract typically carries an expiration date of one year from the effective (start) date unless you choose to renew the policy.

Some insurance providers require a one-time processing payment to initiate your pet insurance coverage.

Each insurance provider offers different financing options, including whether you pay your pet insurance premiums on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.

Some insurance providers apply a payment transaction fee to your insurance premiums, but this fee can sometimes be waived if you choose the annual payment option.

The age at which your pet is first eligible to be insured.

If the insurance underwriter approves, your pet’s insurance coverage may be transferred when you transfer pet ownership by agreement or law.

Your pet must reside with you at the primary address you list for your insurance provider. It is your responsibility to notify the insurance provider of any change in address.

Geographical regions where incurred expenses will be covered by the insurance provider.

Rather than paying for your pet's treatment up front, you can submit a form to your insurer that approves the vet-recommended treatment and allows the vet to be paid directly by the insurer.

When should you consider insurance for your pet?

The sooner the better, as earlier consideration will also help prevent future exclusions due to pre-existing conditions. In other words, you should consider pet insurance before injuries, diseases, or illnesses arise to ensure that any future veterinary bills will be covered by your chosen plan.

Ideally, you should consider pet insurance within the first six months of adopting your pet - regardless of whether you adopt from a shelter, rescue, or breeder.

Customer Service

If you have questions about a claim or you need help with your existing policy, MetLife’s team of friendly customer care representatives are available to help you. You can write a letter, reach out on social media, email or call.

Hours of availability for the company's sales department.

Email address of the company's sales department.

Phone number of the company's sales department.

Hours of availability for the company's veterinary services department.

Email address of the company's veterinary services department.

Phone number of the company's veterinary services department.

Discount Opportunities

A discount is applied when a policyholder insures two (2) or more pets or companion animals. This discount is applied to each additional pet insured in a plan.

What's Covered

MetLife pet insurance provides great dog insurance and cat health insurance coverage with no lifetime or per-incident limits on accidents, hospitalizations, alternative therapies, medications and much more.

After a 12-month wait period, your pet also enjoys coverage for cruciate ligaments and Intervertebral Disc Disease.

List of treatment and conditions covered by MetLife Pet Insurance plans

Use Any Vet

Covered

Because expenses are reimbursed by the insurance provider after treatment, you can use any vet with these plans.

Illnesses

Illnesses that your pets might encounter

Covered

Cancer

Includes coverage for cancer-related treatments like chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Covered

Breed-Specific Conditions

Covered

Genetic conditions common to specific breeds, often called breed-specific conditions. Examples: elbow and hip dysplasia, diabetes, upper respiratory infections, and thyroid disease.

Covered

Conditions the pet is born with, even if symptoms don’t show for some time. Examples: heart disease, nervous system issues, cataracts, and liver disease.

Covered

Condition that requires ongoing care.

Covered

A disease that affects an animal's hip joint.

Knee Injury

Covered

Accidents

Intravenous (IV) Fluids and Medications

Covered

Medical Supplies (bandages, casts, and splints)

Covered

MRI Scans

Covered

CT Scans

Covered

X-Rays

Covered

Ultrasound

Covered

Blood Tests

Covered

Urinalysis

Covered

Surgery

Covered

Hospitalization

Covered

Dental

Dental Coverage for Tooth Extractions

Covered

Dental Coverage for Illness-Related Cleaning

Covered

Coverage for Periodontal Disease

Covered

Coverage for Cysts, Enamel, and Unerupted Teeth.

Covered

Coverage for Deciduous Teeth

Some insurance carriers cover endodontic dental treatments such as dental crowns, root canals, and dental implants.

Alternative Therapies

Covered

The use of therapeutic exercises and other healing modalities to help pets recover from health conditions resulting from illness, trauma, or surgery.

Covered

The insertion of small needles to cause a desired healing effect.

Covered

Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to aid in the healing and/or conditioning of a patient. Pets either swim in a pool or tank for prescribed periods of time, or walk on an underwater treadmill.

Covered

Chiropractic adjustments include spinal manipulation and/or manual therapy.

Covered

A system of health care that concentrates on care of the whole animal by methods that are specific, gentle, and sympathetic to the body’s needs. Homeopathy is based on the utilization of specially prepared, refined dilutions of natural substances intended to trigger a healing response in a patient.

Covered

Naturopathy is a system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery, and emphasizes the use of natural agents (air, water, and herbs) and physical means (tissue manipulation and electrotherapy).

Behavioral Issues

A systematic approach to changing behavior, including a pet’s reaction to a situation, a person, an object, or an animal.

Costs and payments related to obedience or training classes, including puppy classes.

Costs and payments related to training for behavioral disorders.

Covers legal defense and damages associated with your pet's third-party health liability. This coverage is in excess of other insurance that may cover the same things and would cover costs associated with your dog biting another human.

Covers legal defense and damages associated with your pet's third-party property liability. This coverage is in excess of other insurance that may cover the same things and would cover costs associated with your dog biting another dog or causing damage to someone else's furniture, for example.

Prescribed Foods + Medication

Covered

Prescription medications are approved by your vet for the treatment of your pet's ailment.

Covered

Food scientifically formulated to meet the covered condition of your pet. Veterinarians must recommend the food for it to be covered by insurance.

Foods prescribed by your veterinarian for general health maintenance or prevention.

Exam Fees

Exam Fees for a Covered Occurrence

Covered

Poison

Poison Control Consultation Fees

Covered

Supplements For Covered Conditions

Supplements prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian to treat a covered condition.

Covered

Vet Labor

Costs for the veterinarian's time consulting and overseeing your pet's treatment.

Covered

Other

Some insurance carriers may cover emergency transportation or pet ambulance costs under their accident & illness policies

Some insurance carriers offer medical waste fee coverages under their accident & illness policies.

Stem Cell Therapy

Covered

Laser therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. It can treat acute and chronic injuries, sprains and strains, arthritis, swelling, and muscular-skeletal abnormalities. It also helps to regenerate nerve tissue after surgery.

Covered

Reimbursements for advertising costs for a lost pet.

Covered

Reimbursements for offering a reward for a lost pet.

If your pet requires lifesaving medical treatment, the provider will pay for unrecoverable travel and accommodation expenses while you are on travel or within a week from your travel date.

Covered

Covers the costs of having your pet put to sleep if your veterinarian recommends the procedure.

The provider will pay for cremation or burial expenses should your pet die from an eligible condition.

Breeding, Pregnancy, Whelping or Nursing

Covered

Complications from Breeding, Pregnancy, Whelping, or Nursing

Covered

*Veterinarians use Pawlicy Advisor to streamline the pet insurance conversation. There’s simply too many variables for any one person to truly understand what’s covered and what’s cost-effective across the hundreds of policy variations that exist.

What's Not Covered

MetLife does not cover pre-existing conditions (no insurance provider does), elective procedures, breeding or conditions related to breeding, expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculittis, pet food, vitamins or mineral supplements, grooming or bathing, nor parasite prevention or parasite treatment.

As mentioned above, MetLife does not cover pre-existing conditions or certain preventive care unless included as an addon service.

For a full list of exclusions, please see .

Claims Reimbursement

What information do you need to submit your claim?

Completed and duly signed claim form
Itemized invoice from the incident
SOAP (Veterinary Medical Records) noted from the incident

How long might it take for your claim to be reimbursed?

TO DO

How do I submit a claim?

To submit your claim, the following information is needed:

You may download the claim form from MetLife's website (https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/content/dam/metlifecom/us/metlifepetinsurance/pdf/Claim-Processing-Slipsheet.pdf) or request a claim form be mailed to you. MetLife's Claims Department may be reached at Pet_Submit_Claim@metlife.com. You must provide all itemized invoices and applicable veterinary notes from your veterinary provider along with your completed claim form before MetLife will reimburse you. Submit your claim via mobile app, MetLife's online portal, email, fax, or mail. Save the originals should MetLife require them from you. A loss is payable within thirty (30) days after MetLife receives all necessary documentation. Only claims submitted within 90 days of your pet's veterinary visit will be eligible for reimbursement.

You may file for reimbursement from your insurance provider for treatment and covered services that occurred within this number of days.

Insurance providers work hard to process your insurance claims as quickly as possible. The amount of time it takes to process a claim varies by provider.

Typical The longest amount of time it takes the insurance provider to process a claim.

Cancellation Information

You can cancel your policy at any time. However, you must send it in writing or by filling a cancel form. Call PetFirst on 866.937.7387 and select option 4 to cancel your pet insurance plan.

You may cancel this policy at any time by notifying MetLife in writing. Coverage will not be provided as of the effective date of the cancellation shown on the notice of cancellation. If you cancel the policy more than 30 days after the policy Effective Date, MetLife will compute any refund on a daily pro-rata basis.
MetLife may choose to cancel or not renew your policy, in which case MetLife will notify you in writing at least 30 days prior to the date the policy will end. After your policy is in effect for more than 60 days, or if this is a renewal of a prior policy, MetLife may only cancel for one or more of the following reasons: 1. You fail to pay your premium by the due date; 2. The policy was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation or concealment in your application; 3. MetLife has agreed to issue a new policy with the same or an affiliated company; or 4. You fail to comply with the policy terms and conditions in a manner that prejudices or negatively affects MetLife's ability to properly assess or evaluate the claim or other material rights MetLife has under the policy. Any cancellation initiated by MetLife will be effective for all coverage and all pets.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are not covered by MetLife Pet Insurance. However, they don’t exclude you from being eligible for pet insurance. Pets with pre-existing conditions should still be covered in case other injuries or illnesses arise.

The specific language used to describe what is considered a pre-existing condition is specified per-policy. Below is MetLife Pet Insurance's latest definition of a "pre-existing condition":

Pre-existing condition means, with respect to a covered Pet’s Illness or Injury, that prior to the date that continuous coverage begins or, for an illness that begins during an applicable waiting period under this policy or a prior policy issued during the period of continuous coverage: a Veterinarian provided medical advice; the pet received a diagnosis, care or treatment; or the pet displayed signs or symptoms consistent with the stated Illness or Injury.

Compare MetLife Pet Insurance To Other Top Providers

If you'd like to see how MetLife Pet Insurance stacks up against other top providers, we've made it easy. Take a look at the links below:

MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by Independence American Insurance Company ("IAIC") and Metropolitan General Insurance Company ("MetGen") to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.