Is Metlife Pet Insurance Worth It? Our Review 2025

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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance expert reviews the terms, conditions, and pricing of insurance plans on the market each year to provide you with dependable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this dedication, hundreds of thousands of users across the US trust us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.

Metlife Warranties

MetLife offers a single, very comprehensive pet insurance plan for US residents, covering illness, accident, prevention, medications, holistics, and multiple assistance services with a $250 annual deductible and 100% reimbursement up to $5,000 per year. All medically necessary treatments (including emergency, specialized, and preventive care) for both dogs and cats are eligible, with a short 14-day waiting period for illness and direct access to any licensed US veterinarian. MetLife distinguishes itself by including alternative therapies, therapeutic food, telehealth, support benefits (pet boarding when hospitalized, loss/theft, bereavement support), plus loyalty bonuses reducing deductible or increasing annual limits. The main coverage limits are: pre-existing conditions, non-medically necessary treatments, working animals, and claims incurred outside the US. While extremely broad and flexible by US market standards, note there are no multi-tier plans, no cover outside the US, and customer feedback on stability of premiums and claims handling is mixed.

NC: Not communicated or not found in public documents.

Good to know

• Deductible drops by $50 per claim-free year, minimum $0.
• Annual benefit cap increases by $500 after unused years (if $1,000+ of cap not claimed), but cannot cumulate for several years.
• Rapid claim submission is needed (max 90 days post-treatment); payment deadline is 30 days post-approval.
• No cover for non-medically necessary or comfort treatments (toileting, standard food, etc.), pre-existing illnesses, professional/working pets, or overseas treatments.
• Coverage and price can be customized at enrollment via annual limit, reimbursement %, and deductible.
• Lifetime cover provided US-residency and compliance maintained; transfer to a new owner is possible under strict conditions but not to another pet.
• Plan is not tiered—no bronze/silver/gold distinctions.
• Customer reviews highlight good app claim functionality but variable satisfaction with premium increases and claims handling.

Metlife Exclusions

MetLife Pet Insurance adopts a comprehensive approach with notably few exclusions: in particular, only pre-existing conditions (any diagnosis, advice, care, or symptom present before contract start) systematically fall outside coverage, regardless of circumstances. Coverage strictly applies only for care delivered by U.S.-licensed veterinarians; any care abroad or from a non-accredited professional is excluded, which is tighter than some competitors that offer international extensions. Any complication or consequence stemming from non-covered procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, is not reimbursed, regardless of future medical necessity. Notably, any form of neglect, deliberate risk, or use as a working/professional animal (e.g., for racing, security, commercial shows) results in exclusion of claims, which aligns with top-tier U.S. market practice but may be enforced more strictly here. Routine or non-medical (“comfort/esthetic”) acts—such as grooming, clipping nails, dietary supplements, vitamins, or behavioral education—are never covered, with an explicit list that goes beyond most basic plans.

Metlife Rates

Overall, MetLife positions itself toward the higher end of the US pet insurance market in terms of price, justified by a uniquely comprehensive formula: 100% reimbursement post-deductible, a broad $5,000 annual limit, and extensive coverages including prevention, telemedicine, alternative therapies, and ancillary benefits. The $250 annual deductible is moderate, but few exclusions and strong supplemental services underpin this fuller coverage model, which inherently raises cost compared to more basic, modular, or accident-only plans. MetLife operates as a digital-first provider, contributing to operational efficiency and potentially curbing some pricing inflation; however, due to the “all-in” nature of its only formula, it does not reach economy-tier pricing. Consumers report that premiums can increase notably at renewal, and client satisfaction is mixed compared to competitors, especially on service outcomes. In summary, MetLife is best described as expensive but complete, offering top-tier guarantees and flexibility for owners seeking maximum protection with predictable out-of-pocket limits.

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Metlife promo codes

Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the most up-to-date promo codes, visit our comparison of the best pet insurance plans.

How much will I be reimbursed with Metlife?

Note: The $250 annual deductible applies once per year; MetLife reimburses 100% of covered costs after that deductible, up to the annual $5,000 limit. The amount paid by the pet owner after deductible for these covered treatments is $0.

Metlife Assistance

MetLife’s assistance offer includes valuable benefits such as coverage for pet care expenses if the owner is hospitalized, one-off support for search and reward in case of loss or theft, and grief counseling through specialized partners; these are rarely part of standard US market packages. Telehealth veterinary care is available and reimbursed under the same conditions as in-person consults, enhancing access in urgent or remote situations. However, MetLife does not provide an advance payment service at the clinic, requiring clients to pay up front and request reimbursement. The digital claim process via their app receives positive feedback for speed and ease, but the absence of an extensive partner veterinary network and strict limitation of coverage to the US can be restrictive. Notably, customer review averages on Trustpilot are significantly below competitors, with frequent mentions of premium hikes and inconsistent claim communication.

Customer feedback on Metlife

We analyzed the reviews from the above sites. On the positive side, policyholders who have chosen MetLife for their pet insurance most frequently mention:

• A simple and fast claims process: the mobile application is praised for its user-friendly interface and the ease of submitting invoices and supporting documents.
• Quick and reliable reimbursements: many customers highlight that payments arrive within a few days for recurring claims and, usually, under three weeks for new claim types.
• Satisfactory and extensive coverage: the coverage is considered comprehensive and the claims handling is appreciated by users.
• Friendly and attentive customer service: certain agents are specifically mentioned for their efficiency, care, and personal follow-up.
• An easy sign-up process with clear information: enrollment is perceived as straightforward, and plan details are well-explained.
• A global feeling of satisfaction for some users: several customers recommend MetLife Pet Insurance and consider it one of the best pet insurers.

On the negative side:

• The premium increases are seen as abrupt and significant by many customers, with some reporting hikes of up to 35% in a single year without gradual adjustment.
• The communication around claims handling can be inadequate, with cases of files being closed without explanation and a lack of proactive follow-up from customer service.
• The service can require numerous detailed documents (e.g., “SOAP notes”), with some users finding the process unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming.
• The quality of support is considered inconsistent, with very positive experiences depending on the particular agent reached, but frustration when access to efficient staff is lacking.
• Some policyholders report feeling that their claims were not honored as they expected, leading to a sense of unfair denial or a lack of transparency.
• The online chat feature is frequently unavailable, and automated customer service options, such as lengthy phone messages, are judged to be inconvenient.

How can I contact Metlife?

FAQ

Jordan Mitchell

Jordan is a U.S.-based personal finance editor with over a decade of experience in financial literacy and consumer advocacy. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a CFP® certification. Before joining HelloSafe, Jordan worked as a financial advisor and later as lead content strategist at several fintech startups. His mission: making money management clear, relatable, and empowering for everyday Americans. At HelloSafe, he writes in-depth guides on topics like insurance, credit, loans, savings, and budgeting—focused on helping readers make smart, confident financial choices.