Metlife Pet Insurance 2025: Complete Review, Coverage, Benefits & Drawbacks

Our expert's opinion on Metlife

Last update: June 16, 2025

Discover the offer

2.6

Score

2.6

Score

Jordan Mitchell

MetLife offers a standard pet insurance policy for US cats and dogs, featuring a $250 annual deductible and 100% reimbursement up to a $5,000 annual policy limit, setting it apart from competitors that often provide multiple plan options or a range of reimbursement rates. While MetLife's pricing and plan structure aim for simplicity, competitors like Spot or Lemonade typically receive higher customer satisfaction due to broader customization and streamlined claim handling. This policy is best suited for owners of young, healthy pets seeking straightforward coverage and those who value holistic and alternative veterinary treatments, rather than those requiring premium options or maximum flexibility for older or purebred animals. MetLife—a major, financially stable US insurer—reported nearly $70 billion in revenue (all lines, 2022) and ensures policies are underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company. Its Trustpilot rating is 2.6/5 from 182 reviews, ranking last among major US pet insurers; claims with full documentation are generally processed within 2 to 30 days, but some users report delays and required extra paperwork for complex claims.

Pros

• ✅Single, easy-to-understand policy structure
• ✅100% reimbursement after deductible
• ✅Covers exams, diagnostics, surgery, holistic care
• ✅Includes telemedicine and some alternative treatments
• ✅Deductible declines yearly with no claims
• ✅Unused annual limit can increase automatically
• ✅Large, financially strong insurer backing

Cons

• ❌Only one plan, no customizable reimbursement or limits
• ❌Trustpilot satisfaction below major competitors
• ❌Complex claims may require extensive documentation
• ❌Premiums can increase significantly year-over-year
• ❌Coverage excludes pre-existing and overseas treatment

ProsCons

• ✅Single, easy-to-understand policy structure
• ✅100% reimbursement after deductible
• ✅Covers exams, diagnostics, surgery, holistic care
• ✅Includes telemedicine and some alternative treatments
• ✅Deductible declines yearly with no claims
• ✅Unused annual limit can increase automatically
• ✅Large, financially strong insurer backing

Our expert's opinion on Metlife

Last update: June 16, 2025

Jordan Mitchell

Discover the offer

2.6

Score

2.6

Score

MetLife offers a standard pet insurance policy for US cats and dogs, featuring a $250 annual deductible and 100% reimbursement up to a $5,000 annual policy limit, setting it apart from competitors that often provide multiple plan options or a range of reimbursement rates. While MetLife's pricing and plan structure aim for simplicity, competitors like Spot or Lemonade typically receive higher customer satisfaction due to broader customization and streamlined claim handling. This policy is best suited for owners of young, healthy pets seeking straightforward coverage and those who value holistic and alternative veterinary treatments, rather than those requiring premium options or maximum flexibility for older or purebred animals. MetLife—a major, financially stable US insurer—reported nearly $70 billion in revenue (all lines, 2022) and ensures policies are underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company. Its Trustpilot rating is 2.6/5 from 182 reviews, ranking last among major US pet insurers; claims with full documentation are generally processed within 2 to 30 days, but some users report delays and required extra paperwork for complex claims.

Pros

• ✅Single, easy-to-understand policy structure
• ✅100% reimbursement after deductible
• ✅Covers exams, diagnostics, surgery, holistic care
• ✅Includes telemedicine and some alternative treatments
• ✅Deductible declines yearly with no claims
• ✅Unused annual limit can increase automatically
• ✅Large, financially strong insurer backing

Cons

• ❌Only one plan, no customizable reimbursement or limits
• ❌Trustpilot satisfaction below major competitors
• ❌Complex claims may require extensive documentation
• ❌Premiums can increase significantly year-over-year
• ❌Coverage excludes pre-existing and overseas treatment

ProsCons

• ✅Single, easy-to-understand policy structure
• ✅100% reimbursement after deductible
• ✅Covers exams, diagnostics, surgery, holistic care
• ✅Includes telemedicine and some alternative treatments
• ✅Deductible declines yearly with no claims
• ✅Unused annual limit can increase automatically
• ✅Large, financially strong insurer backing

Why Trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of Americans trust us each month to help guide their most important financial decisions.

Metlife Guarantees

Metlife Pet Insurance provides a single, highly customizable plan that covers both accidents and illnesses for dogs and cats, featuring a straightforward annual deductible ($250) and up to 100% reimbursement with a $5,000 annual limit, plus unique perks like deductible reductions for claim-free years and automatic annual limit increases when unused benefits remain.

The plan includes broad coverage—hospitalization, surgery, diagnostics, medications (prescription and some holistic), telemedicine, vet consultations, boarding fees, theft/loss, mortality benefits, and even preventive care when medically necessary and prescribed.

Notably, Metlife stands out by offering healthy pet incentives and some holistic or alternative therapies, while also covering boarding, pet theft/loss, and grief counseling—benefits frequently excluded by competitors.

However, the main drawbacks are a lack of publicly transparent plan tiers, limited communication of certain eligibility details (e.g., age limits), a US-only provider network, and significant reported premium increases at renewal; additionally, the overall customer satisfaction and Trustpilot rating trail leading competitors.

Metlife offers a comprehensive and flexible plan with certain unique features, but potential subscribers should carefully review exclusions and request clarification on key plan variables before enrolling.

	MetLifeComprehensive Pet Insurance (Single Plan) Get a quote
Coverage Type	Comprehensive
Covered Pets	Dogs & Cats
Reimbursement Rate	100%
Annual Coverage Limit	$5,000
Annual Deductible	$250
Enrollment Age (Dog)	N/A
Enrollment Age (Cat)	N.C.
Health Questionnaire	N.C.
Waiting Period (Illness)	14 days
Waiting Period (Accident)	N.C.
Lifetime Coverage	N.C.
Claim Reimbursement Time	30 days
Regular Vet Visits	Covered
Emergency Visits	Covered
Specialist Consultations	Covered
Medication	Covered
Hospitalization	Covered
Ambulance Services	N.C.
Surgery	Covered
Imaging	Covered
Lab Tests	Covered
Radiotherapy	N.C.
Dental Care	Covered
Teeth Cleaning	N.C.
Vaccinations	Covered
Anti-Parasitics	Covered
Neutering (Dog)	N.C.
Neutering (Cat)	N.C.
Identification	N.C.
Hygiene	Not covered
Alternative Therapies	Covered
Foreign Care	Not covered
Death	Covered
Cremation	Covered
Euthanasia	N.C.
Loss/Theft	Covered
Boarding Fees	Covered
Coverage Type	Comprehensive
Covered Pets	Dogs & Cats
Reimbursement Rate	100%
Annual Coverage Limit	$5,000
Annual Deductible	$250
Enrollment Age (Dog)	N/A
Enrollment Age (Cat)	N.C.
Health Questionnaire	N.C.
Waiting Period (Illness)	14 days
Waiting Period (Accident)	N.C.
Lifetime Coverage	N.C.
Claim Reimbursement Time	30 days
Regular Vet Visits	Covered
Emergency Visits	Covered
Specialist Consultations	Covered
Medication	Covered
Hospitalization	Covered
Ambulance Services	N.C.
Surgery	Covered
Imaging	Covered
Lab Tests	Covered
Radiotherapy	N.C.
Dental Care	Covered
Teeth Cleaning	N.C.
Vaccinations	Covered
Anti-Parasitics	Covered
Neutering (Dog)	N.C.
Neutering (Cat)	N.C.
Identification	N.C.
Hygiene	Not covered
Alternative Therapies	Covered
Foreign Care	Not covered
Death	Covered
Cremation	Covered
Euthanasia	N.C.
Loss/Theft	Covered
Boarding Fees	Covered

Important Policy Details

Deductible can be reduced by $50 per claim-free year (healthy pet incentive) down to $0; resets after a claim.

Policy annual limit may auto-increase by $500 year-to-year if not fully used (up to certain thresholds).

Grief counseling is available for pet loss at no extra charge.

Claims require detailed records—itemized bills and prior 12 months' medical history with the first claim.

All providers must be US-licensed veterinarians; no international care or reimbursement.

Compare Metlife’s plan options and incentives to find the best value and cheapest rate for your pet’s needs.

MetLife Exclusions

Metlife excludes claims related to pre-existing conditions, non-medically necessary services, and any care rendered outside the US—a restriction that is stricter than some competitors who may allow coverage for travel or international incidents.
Deliberate or preventable incidents—such as neglect, abuse, organized fighting, or injuries sustained during professional/commercial use—are never reimbursed.
Non-veterinary expenses (grooming, training, non-prescription supplements), as well as cosmetic or elective procedures, are excluded, and documentation requirements must be fully met, with incomplete or late claims being automatically denied.
Only the named pet and primary policyholder's residence are covered; coverage cannot be extended to other pets or when ownership is transferred without approval.
Loss or theft is only reimbursable with strict limits and a single lifetime claim; any lack of service proof or identity confirmation will void reimbursement.

MetLife Prices

Metlife positions itself as a competitive provider in the pet insurance market, offering broad accident and illness coverage, generous reimbursement options, and modest annual deductibles, all of which stand out against budget or entry-level plans.
The single customizable plan includes unique features—such as automatic benefit increases and boarding/loss/theft support—without pushing the product into the premium price tier.
Metlife streamlines administrative costs through digital claims and policy management, helping maintain accessible rates compared to more traditional, agent-based insurers.
Customers may experience annual premium adjustments, especially as pets age, but the core value proposition remains strong for those seeking straightforward, comprehensive protection.
For most owners, Metlife balances a wide benefit offering with medium-range monthly pricing, delivering a solid value but without undercutting the very cheapest plans.

To find the best value, compare Metlife estimates with other providers based on your pet’s specific age and breed.

MetLife promo codes

Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.

Metlife Reimbursement Amounts: What to Expect

With Metlife, you pay your veterinarian up front and submit a claim—after subtracting your annual deductible, 100% of eligible vet costs are reimbursed up to your annual limit.

Ear Infection Claim Reimbursement Example

Ear infection diagnosis and treatment Total vet costs: $300 (exam, lab work, medication) Deductible to subtract: $250 (first expense of the year) Amount reimbursable after deductible: $300 – $250 = $50 100% of that amount reimbursed: $50 × 100% = $50 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $50; your out-of-pocket cost is $250. ℹ️ The deductible applies annually. Once paid, future claims in the policy period receive full coverage up to the annual cap.

Cruciate Ligament Surgery Example

Total vet costs: $3,500 (diagnosis, surgery, hospitalization, medication)

Deductible: $0 (already paid earlier in the policy year)

Amount reimbursed at 100%: $3,500 × 100% = $3,500

👉 You receive $3,500; out-of-pocket cost is $0 (aside from the annual deductible already paid).

ℹ️ After the annual deductible is met, all eligible vet costs are reimbursed in full until you reach your annual policy limit.

Annual preventive care wellness exam

Total vet costs: $90 (routine checkup, core vaccines)

Deductible: $0 (deductible not applied to wellness/preventive if add-on is purchased)

Amount reimbursed (with Preventive Care rider): $90 × 100% = $90

👉 You receive $90 if you've chosen the optional wellness benefits; out-of-pocket cost is $0.

ℹ️ Preventive care (vaccines, routine exams, microchipping) is only reimbursed with the optional rider; standard policies do not include preventive coverage.

Metlife Assistance

Metlife’s assistance for pet owners is centered around digital self-service features, including a user-friendly app and portal for filing claims and tracking status, with direct deposit reimbursement as standard.
No advance payment or cashless solutions are available, so policyholders must pay their veterinarian and then wait for reimbursement.
There is no 24/7 veterinary hotline or teleconsultation support, meaning urgent medical advice must be sought independently.
Metlife does not maintain a partner clinic network, but allows choice of any licensed US veterinarian; however, no negotiated rates or preferred partners are offered.
Policy benefits are restricted to the United States and do not extend to care received abroad, which can be a limiting factor for traveling pet owners.

Customer Reviews of Metlife

We analyzed reviews from the sites listed above. On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Metlife for their pets often mention:

• An easy-to-use digital claims process and mobile app that speeds up certain reimbursements.
• Helpful customer service agents who respond quickly in some cases, especially for straightforward claims and coverage questions.
• Coverage that is described as comprehensive for a reasonable price, especially for those with simple claims and healthy pets.
• Transparent eligibility for most US vets, with no partner network required.

On the negative side:

• A slow, complex, and sometimes inconsistent claims process for new or complex cases, with reports of excessive documentation requests and claim denials.
• A significant number of complaints about poor communication and customer service, especially for follow-ups or disputed claims.
• Noticeable premium increases, including abrupt rate hikes that surprise policyholders.
• The mobile app and chat function are sometimes unreliable, and digital processes may not be as advanced as competitors.
• Frustration with claims being closed or denied without proper notification or clear explanation.

How to 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.