Pin Paws Pet Insurance 2025: Unbiased Review, Pros & Cons
Our expert's opinion on Pin Paws
Pin Paws pet insurance provides a comprehensive policy covering accidents, illnesses and preventive care with configurable deductibles, reimbursement options and annual limits.
The policy includes emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging, lab tests, vaccinations, parasite treatment, alternative medicine and specialist consultations, and it offers death, burial/cremation, boarding and loss/theft benefits with monetary caps.
Compared with major U.S. pet insurers, Pin Paws offers similar core accident/illness/preventive coverage while emphasizing configurable pricing tiers, bundled telehealth and grief-support services, and a pricing strategy that ranges from high-deductible budget options to more comprehensive recommended plans.
Best suited for owners seeking flexible plan design, 24/7 virtual vet access, and those with young to middle-aged or budget-conscious pets.
Underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company and administered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC, Pin Paws lists customer support features such as a 24/7 "Virtual Vet" and grief counseling; provider average rating 3.1 and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions can be reached at 866-937-7387.
- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness and preventive coverage
- ✅Configurable deductibles, reimbursement options and annual limits
- ✅24/7 Virtual Vet telehealth access
- ✅Grief counseling and burial/cremation benefits
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging and lab tests covered
- ✅Short waiting periods: 0 days (accident), 14 days (illness)
- ✅Tiered pricing adaptable to age and breed
- ❌Certain ancillary benefits capped at $500
- ❌No coverage for treatment outside the United States
- ❌Preventive exclusions: grooming, elective procedures, diet supplements
- ❌Plan configurability may complicate direct plan comparisons
- ❌Higher premiums for older or high-risk breeds
Score- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness and preventive coverage
- ✅Configurable deductibles, reimbursement options and annual limits
- ✅24/7 Virtual Vet telehealth access
- ✅Grief counseling and burial/cremation benefits
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging and lab tests covered
- ✅Short waiting periods: 0 days (accident), 14 days (illness)
- ✅Tiered pricing adaptable to age and breed
Our expert's opinion on Pin Paws
- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness and preventive coverage
- ✅Configurable deductibles, reimbursement options and annual limits
- ✅24/7 Virtual Vet telehealth access
- ✅Grief counseling and burial/cremation benefits
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging and lab tests covered
- ✅Short waiting periods: 0 days (accident), 14 days (illness)
- ✅Tiered pricing adaptable to age and breed
- ❌Certain ancillary benefits capped at $500
- ❌No coverage for treatment outside the United States
- ❌Preventive exclusions: grooming, elective procedures, diet supplements
- ❌Plan configurability may complicate direct plan comparisons
- ❌Higher premiums for older or high-risk breeds
Score- ✅Comprehensive accident, illness and preventive coverage
- ✅Configurable deductibles, reimbursement options and annual limits
- ✅24/7 Virtual Vet telehealth access
- ✅Grief counseling and burial/cremation benefits
- ✅Specialist consultations, surgery, imaging and lab tests covered
- ✅Short waiting periods: 0 days (accident), 14 days (illness)
- ✅Tiered pricing adaptable to age and breed
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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.
The Pin Paws Guarantees
Pin Paws offers a compact set of plan configurations that target a range of budgets and coverage needs, from higher‑deductible, lower‑cost options to a recommended, more comprehensive configuration. Plans cover accidents, illnesses and include preventive care components, with configurable choices for reimbursement logic and limits. The product is administered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC and underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, which places it within a regulated insurance framework.
Deductible and reimbursement mechanics are the central pricing levers: higher deductibles reduce recurring premiums while increasing the policyholder’s upfront cost at claim time; higher reimbursement levels and larger annual limits reduce out‑of‑pocket exposure but increase premiums.
Pin Paws publishes a clear claims scope for emergency care, consultations, surgery, imaging and lab testing, and also includes alternative medicine and telehealth (“Virtual Vet”) access as part of its service mix. Certain benefits (death purchase price, cremation, boarding, loss/theft) carry specific monetary caps.
Waiting periods are short for accidents (0 days) and standard for illness (14 days). Key strengths include a broad accident & illness scope, an included telehealth service, and modest limits for end‑of‑life and boarding costs. Weaknesses and limitations to consider are the range of exclusions typical of pet medical policies (pre‑existing and congenital conditions, elective procedures, diet/supplement exclusions), the presence of monetary caps on some non‑medical benefits, and areas where plan details (age limits, lifetime cover specifics, or exact reimbursement percentages per tier) are not published in the plan summary.
| High Deductible | Balanced | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry‑level | Balanced | Enhanced / Premium |
| Type of coverage | Accident, Illness, Preventive Care | Accident, Illness, Preventive Care | Accident, Illness, Preventive Care |
| Animals covered | Dogs, Cats | Dogs, Cats | Dogs, Cats |
| Reimbursement rate | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Annual reimbursement limit | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Age limits for enrollment | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Pre‑enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting period (accident) | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Lifetime coverage | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Hospitalization | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, lab) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Preventive care | Yes (includes vaccinations & parasite prevention as part of Preventive Care) | Yes (includes vaccinations & parasite prevention as part of Preventive Care) | Yes (includes vaccinations & parasite prevention as part of Preventive Care) |
| Alternative medicine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Travel coverage | No | No | No |
| Civil liability | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Death & cremation coverage | Death: Yes (up to $500 purchase price); Cremation: Yes (up to $500) | Death: Yes (up to $500 purchase price); Cremation: Yes (up to $500) | Death: Yes (up to $500 purchase price); Cremation: Yes (up to $500) |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | Yes (up to $500) | Yes (up to $500) | Yes (up to $500) |
| Boarding fees | Yes (up to $500) | Yes (up to $500) | Yes (up to $500) |
Exclusions and common limitations are standard across the product line. Pre‑existing conditions are excluded (conditions with prior signs, diagnosis, or treatment before coverage or during a waiting period). Congenital and inherited conditions are excluded where clinical signs were apparent prior to coverage. Preventive‑only diagnostics and procedures, elective or cosmetic surgeries, grooming, and many routine maintenance services are excluded unless specifically covered within a preventive benefit. Diets, vitamins and supplements available without prescription are not covered.
Other significant limitations include restrictions on provider licensing and geography (services must be performed by licensed U.S. veterinarians and care provided in the U.S.), exclusions for intentional acts, neglect, or commercial use, and caps on certain non‑medical benefits (death/cremation, boarding, loss/theft). Some routine or wellness services may be available only through optional endorsements or membership programs rather than included as standard, and certain plan details (age limits, lifetime cover specifics, or per‑claim versus annual deductible mechanics) are not published in the plan summary.
Pin Paws Exclusions
The Pin Paws exclusions focus on commonplace medical limits such as pre‑existing conditions — any illness or injury that showed signs, received a diagnosis, or was treated before continuous coverage or during a waiting period is not reimbursed.
Elective and procedural exclusions are broad: cosmetic surgeries (tail docking, declawing), anal gland expression, nail trims, grooming and obedience training are specifically excluded, as are complications from non‑covered procedures.
Notable administrative restrictions include a strict geographic limit (no coverage for treatments provided outside the United States) and a requirement that services be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the U.S., which is stricter than many competitors.
Owner‑related and activity exclusions bar coverage for deliberate acts, persistent neglect, organized fighting, and commercial or professional use (racing, guarding, law enforcement).
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions: any illness or injury with signs, diagnosis, or treatment prior to continuous coverage or during a waiting period. |
| Procedural & elective exclusions | Cosmetic/elective procedures (tail docking, declawing), anal gland expression, nail trims, grooming, obedience training, and complications arising from non‑covered procedures. |
| Owner & activity‑related exclusions | Intentional or malicious acts by the owner, persistent neglect, organized fighting, and conditions arising from commercial/professional activities (racing, paid exhibition, law enforcement, guarding). |
| Geographic & provider limitations | Treatments or services provided outside the United States are not covered. Services must be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the United States. |
| Consumables & non‑medical exclusions | Vitamins, over‑the‑counter pet foods, commercial diets purchasable without prescription, and non‑medical supplies or accessories (e.g., toys, bedding). |
Services must be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the United States.
Pin Paws Prices
Pin Paws positions itself between mid-range and upper-mid market segments by offering a three-tier pricing structure where policyholders trade monthly premium for deductible level and overall benefit scope. The "High Deductible" tier targets owners seeking entry-level, lower-premium protection by accepting larger out-of-pocket costs, while the "Balanced" tier represents a standard mid-range option and the "Recommanded" tier functions as the premium choice with higher monthly fees reflecting broader annual limits and lower deductibles.
Competitiveness stems from bundling accident, illness and preventive care in the same product and from value-added services—24/7 Virtual Vet access, grief counseling, limited boarding and loss/theft benefits, and coverage for specialist consultations—that reduce ancillary out-of-pocket expenses and differentiate Pin Paws from more traditional major-medical-only plans.
Because deductibles, reimbursement percentages and annual limits are configurable, premiums scale predictably: higher reimbursement and lower deductible selections increase monthly cost, which explains the step-up from "High Deductible" to "Recommanded" and helps explain premium variance across breeds and ages.
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 |
Pin Paws Promo Codes
| Pin Paws 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.
Pin Paws Reimbursement Amount
✅ Example 1: Consultation for allergic dermatitis
Total vet costs: $250 (consultation $75 + medication $175)
Deductible amount to subtract: $100 (annual deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Recommended plan: $250 – $100 = $150
90% of that amount reimbursed: $150 × 90% = $135
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $135.
Annual Deductible
_The annual deductible applies once per policy year; subsequent claims are reimbursed without repeating the deductible until the next policy year._
✅ Example 2: Emergency abdominal surgery (foreign body)
Total vet costs: $5,500 (surgery $3,800 + hospitalization $1,200 + medication and diagnostics $500)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (deductible already met earlier in the policy year)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Recommended plan: $5,500 – $0 = $5,500
90% of that amount reimbursed: $5,500 × 90% = $4,950
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $4,950.
Coverage Limit Information
Reimbursements count against the annual coverage limit; verify your remaining limit if you have had prior claims this year.
✅ Example 3: Annual preventive care bundle (vaccinations + wellness exam + parasite prevention)
Total vet costs: $220 (vaccinations $80 + wellness exam $60 + parasite medication $80)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (preventive care covered under the Recommended plan without applying the annual deductible)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Recommended plan: $220 – $0 = $220
90% of that amount reimbursed: $220 × 90% = $198
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $198.
Preventive Services Information
_Some preventive services may be subject to a separate annual sub-limit or require an add-on; check plan terms for preventive limits._
Pin Paws Assistance
Pin Paws provides a true 24/7 Virtual Vet telehealth line, which is a strong asset for immediate triage and after‑hours clinical guidance.
Grief counseling via TELUS Health and modest burial/cremation and boarding benefits (each up to $500) offer practical support during end‑of‑life and short‑term care situations.
There is no coverage for treatment outside the United States, so owners must arrange local care when traveling abroad.
Pin Paws does not advertise a clinic partner network or a third‑party advance payment service, so plan to pay your veterinarian and submit claims unless a clinic offers direct billing.
Customer service and claims administration are handled through the policy administrator with phone support available for policyholders.
| Assistance Pin Paws | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | N.C. | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | N.C. | N.C. |
| Mobile app | N.C. | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | N.C. | N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | Virtual Vet — 24/7 telehealth for urgent triage. Accessible by call, email, and live chat. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | N.C. | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | No coverage for treatments, services, or supplies outside the U.S. |
Accessible by call, email, and live chat.
Customer Reviews on Pin Paws
There are no verifiable customer reviews for Pin Paws on Trustpilot or Google Reviews specifically tied to its pet insurance offering, so a balanced synthesis of user opinions and illustrative review excerpts cannot be provided.
Contact Pin Paws
| Pin Paws 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. You can also visit Pin Paws online at https://www.pinpaws.com/pin-paws-pet-care/ or the administrator site metlifepetinsurance.com to view plan options and begin an online subscription. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Process: N.C. Required documents: N.C. Deadlines: N.C. Reimbursement method: N.C. For claim submission or status inquiries, contact customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or check available options on metlifepetinsurance.com. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request channels: Phone (866-937-7387) or via the insurer/administrator website metlifepetinsurance.com. Information required: N.C. Alternative contact: postal request to MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 866-937-7387. Website/portal: metlifepetinsurance.com and Pin Paws site https://www.pinpaws.com/pin-paws-pet-care/. Postal mail: 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Additional support: “Virtual Vet” 24/7 pet telehealth is included with Pin Paws Pet Care membership; grief counseling via TELUS Health is available (not available to NY residents). |
| To cancel my policy | Cancellation process: N.C. Required information to cancel: N.C. Deadlines and refund conditions: N.C. To initiate cancellation, contact customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or follow instructions available on metlifepetinsurance.com. |
You can also visit Pin Paws online at https://www.pinpaws.com/pin-paws-pet-care/ or the administrator site metlifepetinsurance.com to view plan options and begin an online subscription.
Required documents: N.C.
Deadlines: N.C.
Reimbursement method: N.C.
For claim submission or status inquiries, contact customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or check available options on metlifepetinsurance.com.
Information required: N.C.
Alternative contact: postal request to MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
Website/portal: metlifepetinsurance.com and Pin Paws site https://www.pinpaws.com/pin-paws-pet-care/.
Postal mail: 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
Additional support: “Virtual Vet” 24/7 pet telehealth is included with Pin Paws Pet Care membership; grief counseling via TELUS Health is available (not available to NY residents).
Required information to cancel: N.C.
Deadlines and refund conditions: N.C.
To initiate cancellation, contact customer service by phone at 866-937-7387 or follow instructions available on metlifepetinsurance.com.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pin Paws?
The availability of an advance payment or third‑party vet billing option is N.C.
Contact Pin Paws customer service at 866‑937‑7387 or visit metlifepetinsurance.com to confirm payment arrangements for your veterinarian.
If direct billing is not available for your clinic, ask support about preferred providers or temporary payment options.
Keep copies of all invoices and receipts so you can submit claims promptly if you must pay upfront.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pin Paws?
To cancel, contact Pin Paws customer service by phone at 866‑937‑7387 or submit a written request via the administrator’s mailing address: MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC, 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
Include your full name, policy number, pet’s name, and the desired cancellation effective date in your request.
Any specific notice period and refund conditions are N.C., so request confirmation of final billing and potential refunds when you cancel.
Retain written confirmation of cancellation for your records and follow up with customer service if you do not receive it.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage with Pin Paws?
Pin Paws applies a 0‑day waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses.
This means accident coverage can begin immediately, while illness claims for conditions that arise within the first 14 days of the policy may be excluded.
Waiting periods do not apply to conditions present before coverage start; those are handled under pre‑existing condition exclusions.
If you have specific procedures scheduled, check with customer service whether they fall within the waiting period window.
How do reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits work?
Reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit options are configurable and are specified on your policy declarations page.
Your chosen reimbursement percentage determines the share of eligible costs reimbursed after the deductible is met.
Confirm whether limits are annual, per‑incident, or lifetime on your declarations page and plan documents.
If you have questions about how a particular claim will be calculated, contact customer service for an explanation before treatment when possible.
Which conditions and expenses are commonly excluded from Pin Paws coverage?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded, as are services performed outside the U.S., elective or cosmetic procedures, and treatments resulting from intentional acts or neglect.
Commercial‑use injuries (racing, guarding, law enforcement) and most non‑prescription diets, vitamins, and supplements are not covered.
Routine grooming, nail trims, and preventive items may be excluded unless included in a preventive care option.
For any treatment you anticipate, verify coverage eligibility with customer service prior to proceeding.
What telehealth and support services does Pin Paws offer?
Pin Paws includes a “Virtual Vet” 24/7 telehealth service with call, email, and live chat access under the Pin Paws Pet Care membership.
Grief counseling through a third‑party provider (TELUS Health) is available for bereavement support, with the exception of New York residents.
Access to these services can be arranged via the Pin Paws website or by contacting customer service at 866‑937‑7387.
Ask for instructions on how to use telehealth or counseling during your first call or when you enroll.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pin Paws?
The availability of an advance payment or third‑party vet billing option is N.C.
Contact Pin Paws customer service at 866‑937‑7387 or visit metlifepetinsurance.com to confirm payment arrangements for your veterinarian.
If direct billing is not available for your clinic, ask support about preferred providers or temporary payment options.
Keep copies of all invoices and receipts so you can submit claims promptly if you must pay upfront.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pin Paws?
To cancel, contact Pin Paws customer service by phone at 866‑937‑7387 or submit a written request via the administrator’s mailing address: MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC, 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
Include your full name, policy number, pet’s name, and the desired cancellation effective date in your request.
Any specific notice period and refund conditions are N.C., so request confirmation of final billing and potential refunds when you cancel.
Retain written confirmation of cancellation for your records and follow up with customer service if you do not receive it.
What are the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage with Pin Paws?
Pin Paws applies a 0‑day waiting period for accidents and a 14‑day waiting period for illnesses.
This means accident coverage can begin immediately, while illness claims for conditions that arise within the first 14 days of the policy may be excluded.
Waiting periods do not apply to conditions present before coverage start; those are handled under pre‑existing condition exclusions.
If you have specific procedures scheduled, check with customer service whether they fall within the waiting period window.
How do reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits work?
Reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit options are configurable and are specified on your policy declarations page.
Your chosen reimbursement percentage determines the share of eligible costs reimbursed after the deductible is met.
Confirm whether limits are annual, per‑incident, or lifetime on your declarations page and plan documents.
If you have questions about how a particular claim will be calculated, contact customer service for an explanation before treatment when possible.
Which conditions and expenses are commonly excluded from Pin Paws coverage?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded, as are services performed outside the U.S., elective or cosmetic procedures, and treatments resulting from intentional acts or neglect.
Commercial‑use injuries (racing, guarding, law enforcement) and most non‑prescription diets, vitamins, and supplements are not covered.
Routine grooming, nail trims, and preventive items may be excluded unless included in a preventive care option.
For any treatment you anticipate, verify coverage eligibility with customer service prior to proceeding.
What telehealth and support services does Pin Paws offer?
Pin Paws includes a “Virtual Vet” 24/7 telehealth service with call, email, and live chat access under the Pin Paws Pet Care membership.
Grief counseling through a third‑party provider (TELUS Health) is available for bereavement support, with the exception of New York residents.
Access to these services can be arranged via the Pin Paws website or by contacting customer service at 866‑937‑7387.
Ask for instructions on how to use telehealth or counseling during your first call or when you enroll.
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