MetLife Pet Insurance Review 2023
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MetLife
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
MetLife
Pay vet directly
Scope of coverage
Ability to customize plan
Formerly known as PetFirst, MetLife Pet Insurance offers a solid accident and illness plan that you can customize with various deductible, reimbursement and coverage amounts. You can also add wellness coverage.
Note: Coverage options and availability may vary depending on where you live and the age and breed of your pet.
MetLife pet insurance
MetLife earned 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, coverage options and financial strength ratings.
Based on this rating, MetLife is on NerdWallet's list of the Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2023.
State availability
MetLife sells pet insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
MetLife pet insurance plans
MetLife offers a comprehensive accident and illness policy, which covers costs associated with injuries, incidents and health conditions, as well as alternative and holistic therapies.
The insurer also has an optional preventive care package. This add-on is designed to lower the costs of routine care, such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations and wellness exams.
» MORE: What does pet insurance cover?
What MetLife pet insurance covers
MetLife’s accident and illness policy covers:
Vet exam fees.
Telemedicine visits.
Hospitalizations, surgeries and emergency care.
Diagnostic tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds.
Prescription medications.
Prescription food (on some plans).
Cruciate repairs.
Bilateral conditions.
Hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.
Skin conditions.
Aging pet ear and eye conditions.
Periodontal disease.
Diseases that could be prevented by vaccines.
Holistic and alternative therapies.
Cremation costs.
Injuries caused by housemates.
MetLife’s preventive care coverage may help to cover these costs:
Flea, tick or heartworm medication.
Spaying or neutering.
Vaccinations.
Dental cleaning.
Nail trimming.
Certain procedures such as dew claw removal and gastropexy (which helps prevent bloat).
Supplements and vitamins.
Anal gland expression.
What’s not covered
MetLife’s plans typically don’t cover:
Most pre-existing conditions. If you buy a MetLife policy through your employer, you may have coverage for conditions covered by another company under a previous pet insurance plan. Certain curable pre-existing conditions may also be covered if they recur and don’t appear to be a sign of a chronic condition.
Elective procedures.
Grooming and bathing costs, including medicated baths.
Breeding costs.
Organ transplants.
Any injuries or illnesses related to racing, coursing, commercial guarding or organized fighting.
» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?
MetLife coverage options
Deductibles: $0 to $2,500 per year.
Reimbursement options: 50% to 100%, depending on the policy.
Coverage limits: $500 to $25,000, depending on the policy. An unlimited option may also be available in some states.
Restrictions and waiting periods
Age restrictions: None.
Waiting periods: A waiting period is the time between when you buy your policy and when your coverage starts. With MetLife, pets are covered for accidents and wellness costs on the day the policy goes into effect. Illness coverage kicks in after 14 days.
Discounts
MetLife offers these discounts to eligible policyholders:
Employer benefit discount for people who buy a policy through their workplace (not available in Tennessee).
Internet purchase discount, which applies to the first year of premiums.
Active or retired military, veteran and first responder discount.
Active health care workers discount.
Discount for staff members and owners of animal care facilities (not available in New York).
Additionally, you might be able to lower your deductible by $25 to $50 each year you don’t submit a claim.
Consumer experience
Website: You can get quotes and buy a policy online. MetLife’s website is user-friendly, but its FAQ section is a bit limited in comparison to those of other pet insurers.
App: MetLife’s app is compatible with Apple and Android devices. You can use the app to view policy information, track the progress of claims, upload health records and chat with a vet.
Claims: You can file a claim online or through the MetLife app. Alternatively, you can download and fill out a form, then send it back by email, fax or mail. Most claims pay out within 10 business days.
Customer service: The fastest way to contact MetLife is through live chat, which you can access on the app or website. Otherwise, call 855-270-7387 or email [email protected] with questions. For policyholders, MetLife’s vet chat is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Other pet insurance companies to consider
Current Product
|  |  |
|---|---|---|
NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating 4.0 /5 |
Scope of coverage Excellent | Scope of coverage Excellent | Scope of coverage Poor |
Ability to customize plan Excellent | Ability to customize plan Average | Ability to customize plan Excellent |
Direct vet pay No | Direct vet pay No | Direct vet pay Yes |
Bottom line Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states. | Bottom line Can cover a wide range of accidents and illnesses, but some plan options are available only by phone. | Bottom line Offers a straightforward plan with no annual or lifetime payout limits, but has more exclusions than many other companies do. |
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other pet insurance companies:
Methodology
NerdWallet’s pet insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, scope of coverage, the ability to customize your plan and more. Our “consumer experience” category looks at factors such as website transparency and mobile app ratings. To calculate each insurer’s star rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale. See our full pet insurance methodology.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
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