MetLife Pet Insurance Review 2025

MetLife earned 5 stars out of 5 for overall performance.

Founded in 1868, MetLife is a well-established insurer that offers comprehensive coverage and short waiting periods. There's no maximum enrollment age, so it may be a good option for older pets. MetLife has a 24/7 vet chat service for policyholders and offers more potential discounts than most other pet insurers.

Unlike many pet insurers, MetLife covers animals besides cats and dogs in some states. Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy a policy for a reptile, rabbit, ferret or bird.

MetLife is on NerdWallet's list of the Best Pet Insurance Companies.

MetLife offers an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness add-on.

Accident and illness coverage

MetLife’s accident and illness policy is comprehensive, with a few types of coverage that many insurers don’t offer. The plan covers:

• Vet exam fees.

• Hospitalizations, surgeries and emergency care.

• Diagnostic tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds.

• Prescription medications and food.

• Hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.

• Periodontal disease and dental procedures.

• Holistic and alternative therapies.

• Cremation, burial and grief counseling.

• Boarding fees if you’re hospitalized.

Wellness coverage

The insurer also has an optional preventive care package. This add-on is designed to lower the costs of routine care and may reimburse you for:

• 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.

• Behavioral training.

• Select preventive testing and procedures.

• Microchipping.

• Deworming.

Note: Coverage options and availability may vary depending on where you live and the age and breed of your pet.

» MORE: What does pet insurance cover?

MetLife has similar exclusions to most other pet insurers. Its plans typically don't cover:

• Most pre-existing conditions.

• Elective or cosmetic procedures.

• Grooming and nail trimming.

• Breeding costs.

• Organ transplants.

• Any injuries or illnesses related to racing, coursing, commercial guarding or organized fighting.

• Obedience training.

• Non-prescription food.

» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?

Deductibles: A pet insurance deductible is the amount of your vet bills you’ll need to pay before your insurer starts reimbursing you. MetLife’s deductibles range from $0 to $2,500 per year. Not all options are available online or for all pets. If you have more than one pet, you can put up to three of them on the same MetLife plan with a shared deductible.

Reimbursement options: MetLife can reimburse 50% to 90% of your vet bills, depending on the policy. Again, options for online quotes may vary.

Coverage limits: Options we saw in our online test quotes ranged from $2,000 to $10,000. However, coverage limits as low as $500 and as high as unlimited may also be available when you buy over the phone. Exotic pets have a maximum coverage limit of $10,000 per year.

Age restrictions: Unlike some other insurers, MetLife doesn’t have age limits on which pets can enroll.

Waiting periods: A pet insurance waiting period is the time between when you buy your policy and when your coverage starts. MetLife has some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry. Pets are covered for accidents and wellness on the day the policy goes into effect. Illness coverage kicks in after 14 days.

» MORE: The best companies for pet dental insurance

The cost of MetLife pet insurance depends on where you live, the coverage limits you choose, and your pet’s breed and age.

Sample rates for dogs

To give you a rough idea of how much you might pay, we gathered sample rates for several popular dog breeds at ages 2 and 8. Rates below are sample monthly premiums for dogs living in Katy, Texas. Our sample plan was for accident and illness coverage with a $250 deductible, $5,000 of annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate. Your own price will vary.

Sample rates for cats

We also gathered rates for a variety of cat breeds with the same coverage limits as above. Rates below are sample monthly premiums for cats living in Katy, Texas.

Discounts

MetLife discounts vary by state, but may be available if you:

• Buy a policy through your workplace or an affinity group.

• Get your policy online.

• Are a veteran or active member of the military.

• Are a health care worker, first responder or staff member at an animal care facility.

• Work for the federal government.

Additionally, MetLife may lower your deductible by $50 each year you don’t submit a claim.

» MORE: The best cheap pet insurance

MetLife sells pet insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Availability may change at any time. Coverage may not be available to all pets in a given state.

Website: You can get quotes and buy a policy on MetLife’s user-friendly website. The site also has FAQs and pet health tips.

Mobile app: The company's app is compatible with Apple and Android devices. You can use it to view policy information, file and track claims and chat with a vet.

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 are processed within five business days.

When calculating your claim payout, MetLife uses a more generous formula than some other insurers. It subtracts your deductible before applying your reimbursement rate. Here’s how the math would work for a $2,000 vet bill if you have a $500 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate.

Phone: You can call MetLife at 855-934-6153.

Email: Send messages to pet_info@metlife.com.

Live chat: You can access MetLife’s customer experience chat feature from the bottom right corner of its website. For policyholders, MetLife’s vet chat is available 24/7, 365 days a year through the company’s app.

» MORE: How much does pet insurance cost?

Other pet insurance companies to consider

Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other pet insurance companies:

• See all of NerdWallet’s pet insurance reviews

  AKC Allstate ASPCA Banfield Chewy Costco Embrace Fetch Figo GEICO Hartville Healthy Paws Kanguro Lemonade

  Liberty Mutual MetLife Nationwide Pawp Petco Pets Best Progressive Prudent Pet Pumpkin Spot State Farm Trupanion Wagmo