MetLife Pet Insurance Review 2022: Pros and Cons

Formerly known as PetFirst, MetLife Pet Insurance offers a solid accident and illness plan that you can customize with various deductible, reimbursement and coverage amounts. You can also add wellness coverage.

The plan has no lifetime limits, but the claims process could be easier.

MetLife earned 5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. IHowBlog’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, coverage options and financial strength ratings.

MetLife sells pet insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. In a handful of states, policies are sold under the company’s former PetFirst brand and may feature different coverage options than those described below.

MetLife offers a comprehensive accident and illness policy, which covers costs associated with injuries, incidents and health conditions, as well as alternative and holistic therapies.

The insurer also has an optional preventive care package. This add-on is designed to lower the costs of routine care, such as dental cleaning, vaccinations and wellness exams.

MetLife’s accident and illness policy covers:

• Hospitalizations, surgeries and emergency care.

• Diagnostic tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds.

• Prescription medications and foods.

• Hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.

• Dermatological conditions.

• Aging pet ear and eye conditions.

• Diseases that could be prevented by vaccines.

• Holistic and alternative therapies.

• Injuries caused by housemates.

MetLife’s preventive care coverage helps to cover these costs:

• Flea, tick or heartworm medication.

• FeLV, fecal and heartworm tests.

MetLife’s plans typically don’t cover: 

• Grooming and bathing costs, including medicated baths.

• Vitamin and mineral supplements.

• Removal or expression of anal glands or anal sacculitis.

• Any injuries or illnesses related to racing, coursing, commercial guarding or organized fighting.

Deductibles: $0 to $2,500 per year.

Reimbursement options: 50% to 100%, depending on the policy.

Coverage limits: $500 to $25,000. An unlimited option is available, though you can’t purchase this option online in some states.

Waiting periods: A waiting period is the time between when you buy your policy and when your coverage starts. With MetLife, pets are covered for accidents and wellness costs on the day the policy goes into effect. Illness coverage kicks in after 14 days.

MetLife offers these discounts to eligible policyholders:

• Employer benefit discount for people who buy a policy through their workplace (not available in Tennessee).

• Internet purchase discount, which applies to the first year of premiums.

• Active or retired military, veteran and first responder discount.

• Active health care workers discount.

• Discount for staff members and owners of animal care facilities.

Additionally, you might be able to lower your deductible by $25 to $50 each year you don’t submit a claim.

Website: You can get quotes and buy a policy online, though you’ll need to provide your contact information early on. MetLife’s site is user-friendly but doesn’t include all the policy information you might want while comparing coverage.

App: MetLife’s app is compatible with Apple and Android devices. You can use the app to view policy information, track the progress of claims, edit your pet’s profile, upload health records and find vets near you.

Claims: MetLife’s claims process isn’t as seamless as it could be. Instead of completing a few quick fields online, you’ll have to download and fill out a form, then send it back via email, online portal, fax or mail. However, you can expect a relatively quick payout, with most claims paying out within 10 business days.

Customer service: The fastest way to contact MetLife is via live chat, which you can access on the app or website. Otherwise, call 855-270-7387 or email [email protected] with questions. For policyholders, MetLife’s vet chat is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other pet insurance companies: