PetSmart Pet Insurance Review 2025: Coverage, Cost & Is It Worth It?
Our expert's opinion on PetSmart
PetSmart’s pet insurance is offered through a MetLife-administered program underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, providing a single comprehensive plan that combines accident, illness and preventive care with customizable financial settings.
The plan allows policyholders to set deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual limits; a sample configuration shows a $250 annual deductible, 100% reimbursement and a $5,000 annual limit, preventive care benefits included, and a Healthy Pet Incentive that can reduce the deductible by $50 for each claim‑free year; waiting periods include 0 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, and coverage is lifetime with annual renewal. Compared to major competitors, PetSmart’s MetLife-backed offering emphasizes flexibility and high-reimbursement options with tiered pricing that can be competitive for younger pets but increases substantially with pet age.
Best suited for owners of young to middle‑aged dogs and cats seeking flexible, high‑reimbursement coverage with preventive benefits and lifetime annual renewability.
The policy is underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company and administered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC; Trustpilot shows a company-level score of 1.5/5 from 1,708 reviews, and the provider average rating is 3.3.
- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness, and preventive coverage
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Sample 100% reimbursement option with $5,000 annual limit
- ✅Healthy Pet Incentive lowers deductible for claim-free years
- ✅Lifetime cover with annual renewal
- ✅Immediate accident coverage (0-day waiting period)
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging, and lab tests covered
- ❌Low Trustpilot company-level score despite high provider rating
- ❌Premiums rise sharply with pet age in sample pricing
- ❌Certain routine services excluded (grooming, dental cleaning)
- ❌No coverage for treatments performed outside the United States
- ❌No neutering or some hygiene procedures covered
Score- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness, and preventive coverage
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Sample 100% reimbursement option with $5,000 annual limit
- ✅Healthy Pet Incentive lowers deductible for claim-free years
- ✅Lifetime cover with annual renewal
- ✅Immediate accident coverage (0-day waiting period)
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging, and lab tests covered
Our expert's opinion on PetSmart
- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness, and preventive coverage
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Sample 100% reimbursement option with $5,000 annual limit
- ✅Healthy Pet Incentive lowers deductible for claim-free years
- ✅Lifetime cover with annual renewal
- ✅Immediate accident coverage (0-day waiting period)
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging, and lab tests covered
- ❌Low Trustpilot company-level score despite high provider rating
- ❌Premiums rise sharply with pet age in sample pricing
- ❌Certain routine services excluded (grooming, dental cleaning)
- ❌No coverage for treatments performed outside the United States
- ❌No neutering or some hygiene procedures covered
Score- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness, and preventive coverage
- ✅Customizable deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits
- ✅Sample 100% reimbursement option with $5,000 annual limit
- ✅Healthy Pet Incentive lowers deductible for claim-free years
- ✅Lifetime cover with annual renewal
- ✅Immediate accident coverage (0-day waiting period)
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging, and lab tests covered
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PetSmart Guarantees
PetSmart offers a single, comprehensive pet insurance plan with configurable financial parameters that let policyholders tailor deductible levels, reimbursement rates, and annual limits to their needs. The plan is positioned as a broad, balanced product that combines accident and illness cover with an option for preventive care, and it is underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company and administered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC. Policy design includes incentives for claim-free years and a range of included veterinary services, while certain routine and elective items are excluded.
Deductible, reimbursement, and annual limit options drive the plan’s competitiveness: these elements are adjustable, which allows customers to prioritize lower premiums or more extensive coverage. A sample configuration shows a $250 annual deductible, 100% reimbursement, and a $5,000 annual limit; a “Healthy Pet Incentive” can reduce the annual deductible by $50 for each claim-free year. Waiting periods are short for accidents (0 days) and modest for illnesses (14 days), and the plan supports annual renewal with lifetime cover indicated as available.
Coverage highlights include emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialist consultations, alternative medicine, and preventive items such as vaccinations and parasite treatment. Additional capped benefits are offered for death, cremation, boarding fees, and loss/theft. Care abroad is not provided. The plan’s structure and administrative links to a regulated insurer and a major administrator make it a structured product with clear caps and renewal mechanics.
| PetSmart | |
|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Comprehensive / balanced (single customizable plan) |
| Type of coverage | Accident, Illness, and Preventive Care |
| Animals covered | Dogs, Cats |
| Reimbursement rate | Customizable (sample: 100%) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Customizable (sample: $5,000) |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Annual deductible (sample: $250); adjustable; Healthy Pet Incentive reduces deductible by $50 per claim‑free year |
| Age limits for enrollment | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | 0 days / 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | Yes (annual renewal) |
| Consultations | Yes |
| Medications | N.C. |
| Hospitalization | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests | Yes (imaging, lab tests) |
| Dental care | No (dental cleaning not covered) |
| Preventive care | Yes (vaccinations, parasite treatment under Preventive Care) |
| Alternative medicine | Yes |
| Travel coverage | No (care abroad not covered) |
| Civil liability | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | N.C. |
| Death & cremation coverage | Death: Yes (up to $500 for purchase price); Cremation: Yes (up to $500) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Yes (up to $500) |
| Boarding fees | Yes (up to $500) |
The policy excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions, defined as any illness or injury with signs, diagnosis, or treatment before continuous coverage began or during a waiting period. Coverage is limited to veterinary services performed by licensed providers in the United States, and geographic limitations exclude treatment provided outside the U.S. Complications from procedures that are not covered, cosmetic surgeries, elective or non‑medically necessary services (grooming, nail trims, cosmetic procedures), and owner‑caused injuries are not covered. Dietary items and over‑the‑counter supplements are excluded.
Key limitations include caps on certain ancillary benefits (for example, death, cremation, boarding, and loss/theft each carry monetary caps), the exclusion of dental cleanings, and the absence of coverage for care abroad. Because deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit settings are customizable, the actual scope of cover and premium level depend on the elected configuration; the presence of annual renewal mechanics for lifetime cover means ongoing eligibility is subject to renewal terms.
PetSmart Exclusions
The policy excludes standard medical items such as pre-existing conditions and any illness or injury that showed signs, was diagnosed, or treated before continuous coverage began or during waiting periods.
Notable differences include a strict geographic exclusion — treatments and services provided outside the United States are not covered — and a requirement that services be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the U.S.
Elective, cosmetic, and non‑medically necessary procedures (for example tail docking, declawing, grooming, anal gland expression, nail trims) and treatment for injuries caused by intentional acts or persistent neglect are expressly excluded.
Commercial activities (racing, paid exhibitions, law enforcement or guarding) and routine food, vitamins, supplements, or over‑the‑counter diets are also excluded, which can leave owners responsible for ongoing nutritional or performance‑related costs.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre-existing conditions; Any condition showing signs, diagnosed, or treated before coverage or during waiting periods |
| Provider & geographic exclusions | Services must be provided by a veterinarian licensed in the United States; No coverage for treatments, services, or supplies provided outside the U.S. |
| Elective & non-medical exclusions | Cosmetic surgeries (tail docking, declawing); Elective or aesthetic procedures; Grooming, anal gland expression, nail trims, non‑medically necessary treatments |
| Intentional acts & neglect | Injuries or illnesses deliberately caused by the owner or household member; Persistent neglect; Organized fighting |
| Activity & commercial exclusions | Conditions resulting from commercial activities such as racing, paid exhibition, law enforcement, or guarding |
| Products & supplies exclusions | Vitamins, pet foods, or commercial diets purchasable without a prescription; Supplements and over‑the‑counter diets |
PetSmart Prices
PetSmart’s pet insurance is positioned between mid-range and premium segments, reflecting customizable cover parameters that let owners adjust deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits to fit their budget and needs.
A sample configuration in market materials shows a $250 annual deductible with 100% reimbursement and a $5,000 annual limit, and a "Healthy Pet Incentive" can reduce the deductible by $50 for each claim-free year, which helps moderate long-term costs for careful owners.
The product’s competitiveness is driven by those customizable financial terms and a broad benefits package that includes preventive care, lifetime renewal, boarding and loss/theft limits, cremation and death benefits, and grief counseling; these value-added items help explain higher premiums versus entry-level accident-only offers and align pricing more closely with established underwriters and administrator relationships.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices 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 |
PetSmart Promo Codes
| PetSmart 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.
The PetSmart Reimbursement Amount
Reimbursements with PetSmart are calculated by subtracting your annual deductible from eligible veterinary bills and then applying the plan’s reimbursement rate up to the annual coverage limit.
- ✅ Example 1: Consultation for allergic dermatitis
- Total vet costs: $320 (consultation $120 + medication $200)
- Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (this is the first expense of the year)
- Amount reimbursable after deductible with the highest-tier plan: $320 – $250 = $70
- 100% of that amount reimbursed: $70 × 100% = $70
- 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $70.
Annual Deductible Information
The annual deductible applies once per policy year; future claims are processed against the remaining annual limit.
- ✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament repair surgery (TPLO)
- Total vet costs: $5,500 (surgery, imaging, hospitalization, medication)
- Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (already met earlier in the year)
- Amount reimbursable at 100% with the highest-tier plan before limits: $5,500 × 100% = $5,500
- Reimbursement capped by the annual limit ($5,000): $5,000
- 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $5,000.
Annual Limit Information
The plan’s $5,000 annual limit applies; the remaining owner responsibility is the amount exceeding the annual cap ($500 in this example).
- ✅ Example 3: Preventive care — annual vaccines and parasite prevention
- Total vet costs: $200 (vaccinations, fecal test, 1-month heartworm preventive)
- Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (reduced to $200 with a $50 Healthy Pet Incentive earned)
- Amount reimbursable after deductible with the highest-tier plan: $200 – $200 = $0
- 100% of that amount reimbursed: $0 × 100% = $0
- 👉 You receive a reimbursement of $0.
Healthy Pet Incentive Reductions
*Healthy Pet Incentive reductions lower the annual deductible ($50 per claim-free year in this example); if the deductible has already been satisfied earlier in the year, preventive services would be eligible for full reimbursement up to the annual limit.*
PetSmart Assistance
PetSmart's pet insurance assistance includes grief counseling and coverage for emergency veterinary treatment, which are valuable for owners managing bereavement and urgent medical bills.
Preventive care and specialist consultations are available within plan options, helping owners manage routine and complex veterinary needs under a single policy.
The program does not advertise a dedicated 24/7 veterinary helpline or teleconsultation service, which can limit immediate clinical guidance during off-hours.
Advance payment options, installment billing, and a dedicated mobile claims app are not presented as standard features, so owners should confirm billing and claims channels before enrolling.
| Assistance PetSmart | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ❌ | N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | Emergency veterinary treatment is covered under the plan. 24/7 veterinary helpline or teleconsultation: N.C. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | No coverage for treatments provided outside the United States. |
24/7 veterinary helpline or teleconsultation: N.C.
PetSmart Customer Reviews
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.5/5 (1,708 reviews) |
There are no consistent positive themes tied specifically to PetSmart’s pet insurance across major review platforms; most public feedback addresses retail, grooming, or delivery experiences rather than the insurance product itself.
The Trustpilot score of 1.5/5 reflects widespread dissatisfaction with aspects of PetSmart’s broader services, and reviewers frequently discuss order fulfillment and store experiences instead of claims handling or policy details.
Contact PetSmart
| PetSmart Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. Visit metlifepetinsurance.com for administrator information. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Contact the administrator via phone (866-937-7387) or the website metlifepetinsurance.com to initiate a claim. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines for submission: N.C. Reimbursement method (direct deposit/check): N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request a certificate by calling 866-937-7387, via metlifepetinsurance.com, or by postal mail to 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Information required to process the request: N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 866-937-7387. Website/portal: metlifepetinsurance.com. Postal mail: 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Email address and live‑chat/portal hours: N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact the administrator by phone (866-937-7387), via the website, or by written notice to the postal address above to request cancellation. Information to provide for cancellation: N.C. Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C. |
Visit metlifepetinsurance.com for administrator information.
Required documents: N.C.
Deadlines for submission: N.C.
Reimbursement method (direct deposit/check): N.C.
Information required to process the request: N.C.
Website/portal: metlifepetinsurance.com.
Postal mail: 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
Email address and live‑chat/portal hours: N.C.
Information to provide for cancellation: N.C.
Cancellation deadlines and refund conditions: N.C.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with PetSmart?
For PetSmart policies administered by MetLife, you generally pay the veterinary provider at the time of treatment and then file a claim for reimbursement with the administrator.
Submit the itemized invoice and medical records as required for claims processing.
Reimbursements are issued after the claim is reviewed and are applied according to your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit.
Check your declarations page or contact the administrator for the exact claim submission steps and expected timing.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with PetSmart?
To cancel, contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC by phone at 866-937-7387 or via the metlifepetinsurance.com customer portal.
Have your policy number, policyholder name, and pet details ready to verify the request.
Cancellation will be processed according to the terms in your policy and will take effect as specified in those terms.
Any refund or prorated premium adjustment will be handled per the policy provisions.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Accident coverage typically begins immediately with a 0-day waiting period, while illness coverage commonly has a 14-day waiting period.
There is a 180-day orthopedic waiting period for conditions such as cruciate ligament injuries, IVDD, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Pre-existing and bilateral conditions are handled under specific eligibility rules.
Always verify the exact waiting periods shown on your declarations page before relying on coverage.
How do reimbursements, deductibles, and reimbursement rates work?
Deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits are configurable and displayed on your policy declarations page.
A sample configuration can include a $250 annual deductible, 100% reimbursement, and a $5,000 annual limit, but your selections may differ.
After you submit a complete claim with supporting invoices and records, the administrator evaluates it and issues reimbursement per your chosen plan.
Review the declarations page to understand how your selections affect out-of-pocket costs and reimbursements.
What preventive care is included and what is excluded?
Preventive care can be included as part of the plan, covering routine vaccinations and parasite prevention when that option is selected.
Preventive services are subject to any limits or sublimits shown on your declarations page.
Routine dental cleanings, grooming services, and non-prescription foods or supplements are generally excluded.
Confirm which preventive elements are active on your policy to avoid unexpected denials.
What are the common exclusions I should be aware of?
The policy excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic or elective procedures, and many routine items like grooming and over-the-counter foods or supplements.
Treatments resulting from intentional harm, persistent neglect, or participation in professional/occupational activities (racing, guarding, organized fighting) are not covered.
Certain high-cost or experimental procedures, and any treatment provided outside the United States, are also excluded.
Consult the full policy wording for the comprehensive list and how exclusions are applied.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with PetSmart?
For PetSmart policies administered by MetLife, you generally pay the veterinary provider at the time of treatment and then file a claim for reimbursement with the administrator.
Submit the itemized invoice and medical records as required for claims processing.
Reimbursements are issued after the claim is reviewed and are applied according to your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit.
Check your declarations page or contact the administrator for the exact claim submission steps and expected timing.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with PetSmart?
To cancel, contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC by phone at 866-937-7387 or via the metlifepetinsurance.com customer portal.
Have your policy number, policyholder name, and pet details ready to verify the request.
Cancellation will be processed according to the terms in your policy and will take effect as specified in those terms.
Any refund or prorated premium adjustment will be handled per the policy provisions.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage?
Accident coverage typically begins immediately with a 0-day waiting period, while illness coverage commonly has a 14-day waiting period.
There is a 180-day orthopedic waiting period for conditions such as cruciate ligament injuries, IVDD, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Pre-existing and bilateral conditions are handled under specific eligibility rules.
Always verify the exact waiting periods shown on your declarations page before relying on coverage.
How do reimbursements, deductibles, and reimbursement rates work?
Deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits are configurable and displayed on your policy declarations page.
A sample configuration can include a $250 annual deductible, 100% reimbursement, and a $5,000 annual limit, but your selections may differ.
After you submit a complete claim with supporting invoices and records, the administrator evaluates it and issues reimbursement per your chosen plan.
Review the declarations page to understand how your selections affect out-of-pocket costs and reimbursements.
What preventive care is included and what is excluded?
Preventive care can be included as part of the plan, covering routine vaccinations and parasite prevention when that option is selected.
Preventive services are subject to any limits or sublimits shown on your declarations page.
Routine dental cleanings, grooming services, and non-prescription foods or supplements are generally excluded.
Confirm which preventive elements are active on your policy to avoid unexpected denials.
What are the common exclusions I should be aware of?
The policy excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic or elective procedures, and many routine items like grooming and over-the-counter foods or supplements.
Treatments resulting from intentional harm, persistent neglect, or participation in professional/occupational activities (racing, guarding, organized fighting) are not covered.
Certain high-cost or experimental procedures, and any treatment provided outside the United States, are also excluded.
Consult the full policy wording for the comprehensive list and how exclusions are applied.
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