Metlife Pet Insurance Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Coverage
Our expert's opinion on Metlife
MetLife Pet Insurance offers tiered accident, illness, and optional preventive plans with a strong digital experience and 24/7 telemedicine support.
Plans cover medically necessary treatments for accidents and illnesses plus optional preventive care; sample policy examples show reimbursement up to 100%, a $5,000 annual limit, tiered deductibles across High Deductible, Balanced, and Recommended plans, and available wellness benefits and budgets.
Compared with major competitors, MetLife positions itself with competitive tiered pricing, strong app-based claims handling, and rapid reimbursements, providing a middle ground between low-cost limited plans and premium, high-limit providers.
Best suited for owners of young to middle-aged dogs and cats, multi-pet households, and those wanting customizable tiers and fast, app-driven claims.
MetLife Pet Insurance is provided by MetLife, a large national insurer; on Trustpilot it scores 4.5/5 from 2,022 reviews, and customers commonly praise ease of filing and reimbursements often completed within days, though occasional delays or requests for extra documentation are reported.
- ✅Tiered plans for different budgets and needs
- ✅Up to 100% reimbursement option (sample policy)
- ✅$5,000 sample annual limit available
- ✅24/7 free telemedicine vet hotline
- ✅Fast, app-based claims submission and processing
- ✅Optional preventive care and wellness coverage
- ✅Coverage for alternative and holistic treatments
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded
- ❌Elective procedures like neutering not covered
- ❌No coverage outside the 50 U.S. states and D.C.
- ❌Occasional claim delays or additional documentation requests
- ❌Some customers report premium increases over time
Score- ✅Tiered plans for different budgets and needs
- ✅Up to 100% reimbursement option (sample policy)
- ✅$5,000 sample annual limit available
- ✅24/7 free telemedicine vet hotline
- ✅Fast, app-based claims submission and processing
- ✅Optional preventive care and wellness coverage
- ✅Coverage for alternative and holistic treatments
Our expert's opinion on Metlife
- ✅Tiered plans for different budgets and needs
- ✅Up to 100% reimbursement option (sample policy)
- ✅$5,000 sample annual limit available
- ✅24/7 free telemedicine vet hotline
- ✅Fast, app-based claims submission and processing
- ✅Optional preventive care and wellness coverage
- ✅Coverage for alternative and holistic treatments
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded
- ❌Elective procedures like neutering not covered
- ❌No coverage outside the 50 U.S. states and D.C.
- ❌Occasional claim delays or additional documentation requests
- ❌Some customers report premium increases over time
Score- ✅Tiered plans for different budgets and needs
- ✅Up to 100% reimbursement option (sample policy)
- ✅$5,000 sample annual limit available
- ✅24/7 free telemedicine vet hotline
- ✅Fast, app-based claims submission and processing
- ✅Optional preventive care and wellness coverage
- ✅Coverage for alternative and holistic treatments
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At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market each year, providing you with trustworthy and unbiased analysis.
Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Metlife Guarantees
Metlife Pet Insurance offers multiple plan tiers commonly presented as High Deductible, Balanced, and Recommanded, covering accidents and illnesses with optional preventive care add-ons. Plans are positioned to allow trade-offs between premium cost and out-of-pocket exposure, with customizable deductibles, selectable reimbursement levels, and varying annual reimbursement limits. Core medical coverage includes emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, and laboratory testing, with alternative and holistic therapies available under specified provisions.
Reimbursement logic is flexible: sample policy configurations show reimbursement rates up to 100% and sample annual limits (for example, $5,000), while actual policy choices allow selection of different deductibles and reimbursement percentages. Waiting periods apply: accident coverage can begin immediately on the policy effective date, while illness coverage typically has a 14-day waiting period. Several benefits have fixed monetary caps (for example, death, cremation/burial, boarding, and loss/theft search or advertising expenses are limited up to $500 in sample terms).
Policies include several ancillary services: 24/7 telemedicine access to licensed veterinarians via the Metlife Pet app and grief counseling services through a third-party program. Travel or care abroad is not provided under standard coverage. Strengths include a broad set of medical benefits and telehealth support; limitations include benefit-specific caps, exclusions for pre-existing and non-medically necessary conditions, and the fact that preventive care is offered as an optional add-on rather than included in every core plan.
| High Deductible | Balanced | Recommanded | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level (lower premium, higher deductible) | Mid-tier (balanced cost vs. coverage) | Enhanced / recommended (higher coverage potential) |
| Type of coverage | Accident & illness (preventive care optional) | Accident & illness (preventive care optional) | Accident & illness (preventive care optional) |
| Animals covered | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate | Varies by selection; up to 100% (sample) | Varies by selection; up to 100% (sample) | Varies by selection; up to 100% (sample) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Sample: $5,000 (other options available) | Sample: $5,000 (other options available) | Sample: $5,000 (other options available) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Customizable by plan (varies) | Customizable by plan (varies) | Customizable by plan (varies) |
| Age limits for enrollment | NC | NC | NC |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | NC | NC | NC |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 0 days / 14 days | 0 days / 14 days | 0 days / 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | NC | NC | NC |
| Consultations | Yes (veterinary consultations covered) | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | Yes (covered when medically necessary) | Yes | Yes |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, labs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | NC | NC | NC |
| Preventive care | Optional add-on available | Optional add-on available | Optional add-on available |
| Alternative medicine | Yes (holistic therapies noted) | Yes | Yes |
| Travel coverage | No (care abroad not covered) | No | No |
| Civil liability | NC | NC | NC |
| Euthanasia | Yes (covered as part of policy) | Yes | Yes |
| Death & cremation coverage | Yes (coverage up to $500 for cremation/burial in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Yes (advertising/reward and loss up to $500 in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) |
| Boarding fees | Yes (up to $500 per policy period if owner hospitalized, in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) | Yes (up to $500 in sample) |
Metlife policies exclude pre-existing conditions and any illness or injury for which a pet showed clinical signs, received treatment, or for which a veterinarian provided advice prior to coverage or during applicable waiting periods. Non-medically necessary services and elective procedures are excluded (examples include cosmetic surgery, routine grooming, and elective sterilization unless specifically covered). Geographic limitations apply to care provided outside of the specified territory, and services must be performed by licensed veterinary professionals to be eligible.
Key limitations include monetary caps on some ancillary benefits (sample caps include $500 for death/cremation, boarding, and loss/theft-related expenses), requirements to purchase optional riders for preventive services, and standard waiting periods for illnesses. Coverage for certain items such as food, supplements, and routine or cosmetic care is excluded unless expressly included via optional coverages. Policy mechanics (deductible level, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit) are selectable at purchase and determine the balance between premium cost and out-of-pocket exposure.
Metlife Exclusions
Pre‑existing conditions, any condition showing signs or receiving treatment before coverage begins or during waiting periods, and declared additional excluded conditions are excluded from coverage.
Treatment not medically necessary or elective procedures—cosmetic surgery, elective sterilization, anal gland expression, routine grooming, nail trims, obedience training, and non‑prescription foods or supplements—are excluded, as are experimental or investigational therapies.
Coverage is restricted geographically to the 50 United States (and D.C./U.S. bases), requires care by a U.S.‑licensed veterinarian, and excludes conditions caused intentionally, by persistent neglect, or arising from commercial activities such as racing or law enforcement duties.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions (signs, diagnosis, or treatment before effective date or during waiting periods)Declared "Additional Excluded Conditions" listed on the policy declarationsExperimental, investigational or non‑standard treatments |
| Professional & geographic restrictions | Services must be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the United StatesNo coverage for treatment, services, or supplies provided outside the 50 United States, U.S. military bases, and the District of Columbia |
| Owner conduct & activities | Injuries or illnesses intentionally caused by the policyholder or household membersConditions resulting from persistent neglectInjuries or illnesses arising from commercial/organized activities (racing, paid exhibitions, law enforcement, guarding) |
| Non‑medical & routine care | Cosmetic/aesthetic procedures and elective surgeriesAnal gland expression, nail trims, grooming, bathingObedience or behavioral training not prescribed by a veterinarianNon‑prescription vitamins, supplements, and non‑prescription pet foods |
| Administrative & coverage restrictions | Coverage limited to the pet named on the declarations page (insured pet requirement)Complications from excluded conditions or progression of pre‑existing issues are excludedAdministrative fees and non‑medical charges are excluded (e.g., record copying, taxes, bank fees) |
Metlife Prices
Metlife’s pricing sits squarely in the mid‑range of the US market overall, offering tiered plans that allow shoppers to choose an entry‑level cost structure (High Deductible) or scale up to more comprehensive cover (Balanced and Recommanded) that command higher premiums. Reimbursement flexibility (options up to 100%), paired with deductible choices and sample annual limits (e.g., $5,000 in sample pricing), means competitiveness is driven by how much out‑of‑pocket owners accept versus monthly cost—higher reimbursements and lower deductibles push a plan toward the premium end, while higher deductibles and narrower preventive options lower the monthly price.
Metlife’s digital orientation and added‑value services influence its pricing position: app‑based claims and tele‑vet access (24/7 online vet chat), preventive care add‑ons, grief counseling, and limited boarding/loss‑theft benefits create service differentiation versus more traditional, claims‑centric carriers. Those features, together with clear annual limits and a tiered product design, justify premiums in the Balanced and Recommanded plans while the High Deductible option remains competitively priced for owners prioritizing lower monthly cost.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices by profile below.
| Profile of the animal | High Deductible | Balanced | Recommanded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $45.86 | $61.24 | $109.89 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $45.86 | $61.24 | $109.89 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $86.38 | $115.95 | $209.56 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $28.06 | $37.20 | $66.11 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $28.06 | $37.20 | $66.11 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $50.32 | $67.24 | $120.85 |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $59.83 | $80.09 | $144.24 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $59.83 | $80.09 | $144.24 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $123.79 | $166.45 | $301.56 |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $17.06 | $22.35 | $39.06 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $17.56 | $23.02 | $40.27 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $29.64 | $39.32 | $69.98 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $28.71 | $38.08 | $67.71 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $29.20 | $38.73 | $68.89 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $37.91 | $50.48 | $90.32 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $22.02 | $29.03 | $51.24 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $22.02 | $29.03 | $51.24 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $35.15 | $46.77 | $83.56 |
Metlife Promo Codes
| Metlife Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will I be reimbursed with Metlife?
With Metlife, reimbursements are calculated by subtracting your annual deductible from eligible veterinary expenses, then applying your plan’s reimbursement percentage up to your annual coverage limit.
✅ Example 1: Consultation and medication for skin allergy
Total vet costs: $180 (consultation + medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (this is the first eligible expense of the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the highest‑tier plan (100%): $180 − $100 = $80
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $180 − $80 = $100
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $80.
Annual Deductible Information
The annual deductible applies once per policy year; once met, later eligible expenses are reimbursed at the plan percentage until the annual limit is reached.
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO)
Total vet costs: $3,200 (surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, meds)
Deductible: already met earlier in the year
Amount reimbursable at 100% with the highest‑tier plan: $3,200 × 100% = $3,200
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $3,200 − $3,200 = $0
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $3,200.
Impact on Annual Coverage
This reimbursement reduces your available annual coverage. With a $5,000 annual limit, the remaining annual benefit after this claim would be $5,000 − $3,200 = $1,800.
✅ Example 3: Emergency ICU care and complex abdominal surgery (intestinal obstruction)
Total vet costs: $12,000 (ICU, surgery, imaging, diagnostics, medications)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (not yet met this policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible at 100%: $12,000 − $100 = $11,900
But annual reimbursement limit applies: insurer pays the annual cap of $5,000
Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $12,000 − $5,000 = $7,000
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $5,000 (limited by the annual coverage cap).
Annual Coverage Limits
*Annual coverage limits cap total reimbursements per policy year; if eligible costs exceed that cap you are responsible for the difference (the deductible is included in your out-of-pocket total).*
Metlife Assistance
Metlife offers a free 24/7 online vet chat via the Metlife Pet app, providing immediate clinical triage and quick guidance that can prevent unnecessary emergency visits.
Digital-first claims and a mobile app let owners submit and track claims rapidly, with many reimbursements processed in days, though occasional app glitches or documentation requests can cause delays.
Supportive services such as grief counseling and boarding assistance for hospitalized owners add practical, non-medical help during crises.
Policyholders should note Metlife excludes treatment outside the United States and applies standard elective-care exclusions, so travel-related coverage is not available.
| Assistance Metlife | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | N.C. | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ✅ | Mobile app for claims submission and policy management. Rating: N.C. Includes access to 24/7 online vet chat and claim tracking. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Electronic claims via app and online portal. Many reimbursements processed within days; occasional documentation requests can delay payout. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 online vet chat for triage and urgent advice. Emergency veterinary visits are covered according to policy terms. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | N.C. | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | No coverage for treatment outside the 50 United States, U.S. military bases, and the District of Columbia. |
Rating: N.C.
Includes access to 24/7 online vet chat and claim tracking.
Many reimbursements processed within days; occasional documentation requests can delay payout.
Emergency veterinary visits are covered according to policy terms.
Metlife Customer Reviews
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (2,022 reviews) |
Notes and reviews by platform
Customers commonly note that Metlife makes filing claims straightforward through its app and online portal, and many highlight fast reimbursements that often arrive within days, which reduces the immediate financial burden of veterinary care. Several reviewers also praise responsive and helpful customer service and appreciate that plans can feel comprehensive for common illnesses and accidents, providing tangible peace of mind for households with multiple pets.
On the other hand, some policyholders report delays when additional documentation is requested and occasional app issues that complicate claim processing, with a few accounts describing claim denials tied to pre‑existing conditions or administrative errors. A number of customers also express concern about premium increases over time and intermittent slowdowns in processing that can lengthen reimbursement wait times.
Here are some examples of customer reviews:
- T.B., 22/08/2025 — Metlife is there for me. I had PetsFirst but since Metlife took over the claim process is easier and the policies are customizable for your individual pet needs. I have 6 pets insured and that gives me peace of mind.
- M., 21/08/2025 — We adopted two cats last year. One has some significant issues. So far, the claims I have submitted have all met or exceeded our expectations of a pet insurance company.
- M., 21/08/2025 — I’ve had Metlife pet insurance on both my dogs for the past three years. As of lately processing claims has become a hassle… the app has automatically changed one of the claims from one dog name to the other… leading to denials or incorrect reimbursement.
Contact Metlife
| Metlife Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | Visit metlifepetinsurance.com or use the MetLife Pet app to configure coverage and obtain pricing. You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. Online subscription and purchase options via the website or app: N.C. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Submit claims electronically through the customer portal or MetLife Pet app, or send claims by mail. Claims can be tracked via the customer portal/app; many customers report quick reimbursements, often within days. Required documents (e.g., claim form, itemized invoices), specific claim submission deadlines, and the exact reimbursement method: N.C.; appeals must be submitted in writing within 90 days of the decision. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | How to request a certificate, available channels, required information, and expected turnaround time: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 866-937-7387. Website: metlifepetinsurance.com. Customer portal and MetLife Pet app (includes 24/7 online vet chat). For written submissions or appeals, use the address provided on your claim form. |
| To cancel my policy | Cancellation procedure, required information, notice periods, and refund/proration conditions: N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Metlife?
Metlife's Direct Vet Pay / third‑party payment availability: N.C.
If you pay at time of service you can submit claims via the customer portal/app or by mail for reimbursement.
Metlife reviews submitted claims and reimburses approved amounts according to your plan's reimbursement percentage and deductible.
Common submission channels include the Metlife Pet app/portal and mail; reimbursement timing varies by claim.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Metlife?
To cancel, contact Metlife customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or via the Metlife Pet customer portal/website to request termination.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, pet name, and desired cancellation effective date when prompted.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation and retain the reference for your records.
Notice period and details on prorated refunds or final premium adjustments: N.C.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Metlife typically applies a 0-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date.
Conditions showing signs during their waiting period are usually excluded from coverage.
Some specific conditions or riders may have different or additional waiting periods; check your declarations.
If timing for a particular condition is unclear, confirm with customer service before treatment.
What reimbursement rates and deductibles can I choose?
Reimbursement percentages vary by plan; sample policies show options up to 100% reimbursement for eligible costs.
You select a deductible and reimbursement tier when purchasing the policy; exact amounts appear on your declarations page.
After the deductible is satisfied, Metlife reimburses the eligible portion (reimbursement % × eligible charges).
Preventive care reimbursement depends on the preventive care option you add and its specific terms.
Are there annual limits or sub‑limits I should know about?
Metlife offers plan options with different annual limits; a sample policy shows a $5,000 annual limit and other tiers may apply.
Some plans may offer higher or unlimited coverage depending on the option you choose.
Certain benefits (e.g., cremation, loss/theft, boarding) can have separate sub‑limits (for example up to $500 in sample terms).
Review your declarations page to confirm your chosen annual limit and how claims reduce available coverage.
What is excluded from Metlife coverage and how are pre‑existing conditions handled?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded; any illness or injury with signs before coverage or during waiting periods will typically be denied.
Elective procedures, grooming, and non‑medically necessary treatments are not covered under standard plans.
Geographic limits, intentional acts, commercial activities, and related complications are also common exclusions.
Optional riders may extend coverage for certain items; read rider terms carefully before filing claims.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Metlife?
Metlife's Direct Vet Pay / third‑party payment availability: N.C.
If you pay at time of service you can submit claims via the customer portal/app or by mail for reimbursement.
Metlife reviews submitted claims and reimburses approved amounts according to your plan's reimbursement percentage and deductible.
Common submission channels include the Metlife Pet app/portal and mail; reimbursement timing varies by claim.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Metlife?
To cancel, contact Metlife customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or via the Metlife Pet customer portal/website to request termination.
Provide your policy number, policyholder name, pet name, and desired cancellation effective date when prompted.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation and retain the reference for your records.
Notice period and details on prorated refunds or final premium adjustments: N.C.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Metlife typically applies a 0-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses from the policy effective date.
Conditions showing signs during their waiting period are usually excluded from coverage.
Some specific conditions or riders may have different or additional waiting periods; check your declarations.
If timing for a particular condition is unclear, confirm with customer service before treatment.
What reimbursement rates and deductibles can I choose?
Reimbursement percentages vary by plan; sample policies show options up to 100% reimbursement for eligible costs.
You select a deductible and reimbursement tier when purchasing the policy; exact amounts appear on your declarations page.
After the deductible is satisfied, Metlife reimburses the eligible portion (reimbursement % × eligible charges).
Preventive care reimbursement depends on the preventive care option you add and its specific terms.
Are there annual limits or sub‑limits I should know about?
Metlife offers plan options with different annual limits; a sample policy shows a $5,000 annual limit and other tiers may apply.
Some plans may offer higher or unlimited coverage depending on the option you choose.
Certain benefits (e.g., cremation, loss/theft, boarding) can have separate sub‑limits (for example up to $500 in sample terms).
Review your declarations page to confirm your chosen annual limit and how claims reduce available coverage.
What is excluded from Metlife coverage and how are pre‑existing conditions handled?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded; any illness or injury with signs before coverage or during waiting periods will typically be denied.
Elective procedures, grooming, and non‑medically necessary treatments are not covered under standard plans.
Geographic limits, intentional acts, commercial activities, and related complications are also common exclusions.
Optional riders may extend coverage for certain items; read rider terms carefully before filing claims.
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