MetLife Pet Insurance: Complete Guide to Coverage, Costs & Reviews

Last Updated on: September 9th, 2025

Reviewed by Kyle Wilson

For many families, pets are more than companions—they’re cherished members of the household. With veterinary care costs rising each year, even a routine emergency can quickly lead to overwhelming bills. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners in the U.S. spend over $30 billion annually on veterinary care. Without protection, these expenses can create financial stress during already emotional times.

That’s where pet insurance comes in. One of the biggest names in the market today is MetLife Pet Insurance, offering a range of flexible plans designed to cover everything from accidents and illnesses to end-of-life care. But is it really the best choice for your dog or cat?

This article will give you a complete breakdown of MetLife Pet Insurance, including:

  • How it works
  • What’s covered and excluded
  • Average monthly costs
  • Real customer reviews
  • Pros and cons compared to competitors
  • FAQs every pet owner should know

By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to decide whether MetLife life insurance for pets is right for you.

Get Free Quotes

Customized Options Await

What Is MetLife Pet Insurance?

MetLife, a trusted brand in life insurance  for humans, has expanded its services into the pet insurance market. Unlike traditional life insurance policies for pets—which sometimes refer to a payout when a pet passes away—MetLife Pet Insurance is structured like health insurance. It reimburses you for veterinary expenses related to accidents, illnesses, wellness care, and in some cases, end-of-life coverage.

Key highlights:

  • Coverage available in all 50 states.
  • Flexible plans with customizable deductibles and reimbursement levels.
  • Available for both cats and dogs.
  • Discounts for military families, veterans, and multi-pet households.

This distinction is important: when people search for pet life insurance policy, they often mean comprehensive pet health insurance with life cover benefits—which is exactly what MetLife offers.

How MetLife Pet Insurance Works

Like most insurance, MetLife operates on a reimbursement model. You pay your vet bill upfront, submit the claim, and get reimbursed based on your chosen plan.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Dogs and cats of all breeds are eligible
  • No upper age limit for enrollment (a major advantage).
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered, but chronic conditions diagnosed after enrollment may be

Plan Options

  • Accident-Only Plan – Covers emergencies such as broken bones, bites, or ingestion of toxic substances.
  • Comprehensive Plan – Includes accidents, illnesses, diagnostic testing, hereditary conditions, and medications
  • Wellness Add-On – Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings.

MetLife also offers “covered for life pet insurance”, meaning your pet remains insured for chronic illnesses and conditions diagnosed while covered, as long as you keep the policy active.

MetLife Pet Insurance Coverage Options

MetLife provides broad coverage that competes well against other providers.

Standard Coverage Includes:

  • Accidents and injuries
  • Illnesses and infections
  • Diagnostic testing (X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasounds)
  • Surgeries and hospitalization
  • Prescription medications
  • Alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care)
  • Congenital and hereditary conditions

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Wellness care: Vaccinations, microchipping, annual exams.
  • Dental coverage: Preventive and restorative care
  • End-of-life benefits: Euthanasia, cremation, burial expenses

Comparisons:

  • Colonial Life Pet Insurance – Less comprehensive than MetLife; fewer end-of-life benefits.
  • Nationwide Pet Insurance – Strong competitor but often more expensive.
  • Healthy Paws – Popular for unlimited payouts but doesn’t cover routine wellness.

MetLife stands out for its flexibility and whole life pet insurance coverage—making it one of the best pet life insurance policies available.

How Much Does MetLife Pet Insurance Cost?

One of the biggest questions pet owners ask is: “How much is MetLife Pet Insurance per month?”

Average Costs

  • Dogs: $30–$45 per month
  • Cats: $15–$25 per month
  • Accident-only plans: $10–$20 per month

Factors That Influence Cost

  • Breed: Large breeds often cost more due to higher health risks.
  • Age: Premiums increase as pets get older.
  • Location: Veterinary costs vary by state.
  • Coverage level: Higher reimbursement and lower deductible = higher monthly premium.

For example, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever might cost $38/month, while a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat could be $18/month.

Compared to competitors:

  • MetLife is often cheaper than Nationwide but slightly more expensive than ASPCA or Lemonade for similar coverage.
Factors That Influence Cost

MetLife Pet Insurance Reviews

Customer reviews are one of the best ways to evaluate any insurance product.

Positive Reviews Highlight:

  • Quick claim approvals (average processing time 10–14 days).
  • Affordable premiums for cats.
  • Strong life-long pet insurance coverage with no upper age limit.
  • Discounts for multiple pets.

Negative Reviews Mention:

  • Premium increases as pets age.
  • Some exclusions for pre-existing or rare conditions.
  • Occasional delays in claim payouts.

On sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs, MetLife holds a solid rating, though not perfect. Overall, it ranks among the best life insurance for pets providers, especially for families with multiple pets.

Pros & Cons of MetLife Pet Insurance

Pros:

  • Wide coverage including whole life pet insurance benefits.
  • No age restrictions for enrollment.
  • Wellness add-ons available.
  • Multi-pet and military discounts.
  • Coverage for hereditary and chronic conditions.

Cons:

  • Pre-existing conditions excluded.
  • Premiums rise with pet age.
  • Not always the cheapest option.

Is MetLife the Best Life Insurance for Pets?

The answer depends on your needs.

  • If you want affordable accident-only coverage, Lemonade or ASPCA may be cheaper.
  • If you want comprehensive life cover pet insurance with wellness add-ons, MetLife is a top contender.
  • For end-of-life coverage, MetLife is among the few providers that offer benefits like cremation and burial reimbursement.

Competitor Comparison:

  • Nationwide – Offers exotic pet coverage (birds, rabbits) but is pricier.
  • Healthy Paws – Unlimited payouts, but no wellness options.
  • MetLife – Balanced mix of affordability, flexibility, and life-long coverage.

For most pet owners, MetLife provides the best value-to-coverage ratio, especially if you’re seeking life insurance for dogs or cats with long-term protection.

Competitor Comparison

Conclusion

MetLife has built a strong reputation in the pet insurance industry, combining flexible policies with reliable coverage for both cats and dogs. It stands out for its life-long pet insurance options, optional wellness care, and end-of-life benefits.

While premiums can increase with age, the coverage breadth and peace of mind offered make MetLife an excellent choice for many pet owners.

If you’re searching for the best life insurance for pets that balances cost, coverage, and trust, MetLife Pet Insurance deserves serious consideration. 

FAQs

 Most policies range from $15 to $45 per month, depending on the pet’s age, breed, and coverage options.

 

 

 MetLife is highly rated, but other providers like Healthy Paws or Nationwide may be better for unique needs such as exotic pets or unlimited coverage.

Yes. Most claims are processed within 10–14 days, and many customers report smooth reimbursement experiences.

 

 Yes. Depending on your plan, euthanasia, cremation, and burial costs can be reimbursed.

 While traditional death benefits are rare in pet insurance, MetLife does provide end-of-life financial assistance as part of its comprehensive plans.

cropped-favicon-2.png

Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.