PET INSURANCE
The Top 9 Benefits of Pet Insurance
Veterinary bills are part of pet ownership. But there are ways to save money without compromising your pet’s health.
Take a look at the benefits of pet insurance and how a MetLife Pet policy could help you.
1. Peace of Mind
Knowing you’ll be able to cover vet bills can bring peace of mind. Vet bills can add up, and a pet insurance policy can give you the power to keep costs down and money in your bank account. But more importantly, knowing you can care for your pet is deeply reassuring.
For example, 1-year-old Clara, a dog living near Tulsa, got in an accident that resulted in a fracture. This led to a $1,500 vet bill. Fortunately, Clara’s parents had coverage through MetLife Pet and got $1,100 reimbursed.1
2. A Healthy Pet
Your main concern is almost certainly what’s best for your pet’s health. If money didn’t matter, you’d likely spend as much as you could to support your pet’s health. Although budgets don’t usually stretch that far, a pet insurance policy could help you afford more care.
Depending on your plan, pet insurance policies can help cover everything from basic wellness checks and major surgeries to medication for chronic conditions.
3. Control Over Your Budget
Pet insurance can potentially be a tool for helping you manage your household budget. In 2023, American pet owners spent $39.1 billion to care for their pets, with vet care being the biggest expense after food and treats.2 The amount you spend could easily exceed $1,500 if your pet has an injury or requires ongoing medical care. With MetLife Pet, you could get reimbursed for up to 90% of eligible expenses, depending on your pet insurance plan’s reimbursement rate.3
4. Highly Customizable Coverage
With MetLife Pet, you can choose from various plans with monthly premiums of $16 per month for dogs and $7 monthly for cats.4 You can also add a Preventive Care package to help cover the cost of routine care and preventive medications like teeth cleaning and vaccinations.
You can also choose from several options for your annual limit,5 deductible,6 and reimbursement3 percentage. Generally, the lower your annual limit or reimbursement amount, the lower your premium, while a lower deductible can increase premiums. There are options available that can fit your family’s needs.
5. You Can Keep Your Vet
Pet insurance works differently than insurance for humans. With pet insurance, you’re able to go to any licensed vet in the country without worrying about your claims being denied. That’s because pet insurance coverage isn’t based on networks. This means you can confidently travel with your pet within the U.S., knowing you can use any licensed emergency vet if something goes wrong.
6. Financial Savings in the Long Run
Pre-existing conditions, like arthritis, won't keep your pet from qualifying for pet insurance, but policies won't usually cover expenses related to these conditions. Getting a policy while your pet is young may help you save money on any claims related to conditions that develop or show symptoms after the waiting period in your policy has ended. This can include injuries or illnesses, as well as age-related conditions, like diabetes or skin disorders.
7. Preventive Medications May Be Covered
The cost of owning a cat or a dog can add up quickly. For example, a cat’s heartworm, flea, and tick preventative could cost $150 or more for a 6-month supply. The same medication for a dog could cost around $210 or more.7
Pet parents typically don’t skip these medications just because their pets are uninsured, but it can hurt to see that money go out the door. Luckily, some pet insurance policies reimburse you for costs related to heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, skin conditions, or other prescriptions.
8. Getting Pet Insurance Early Can Lead to Broader Coverage
Getting pet insurance early on can help ensure your pet will be covered for certain conditions that begin after the waiting period ends.
While an incurable pre-existing condition, like diabetes, won't keep your pet from qualifying for pet insurance, policies typically won't cover expenses related to any pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition may be defined as an event or symptom that occurred or began before you purchased a policy and the initial waiting period ended.
Dogs like 6-year-old Damian — who was enrolled in a MetLife Pet policy before his diabetes diagnosis — can be covered for years to come. His pet parents saved over $600 on routine diabetes exams and treatment they’ve been scheduling for two years.8
9. Getting a Quote, Enrolling, and Submitting Claims Is Easy
MetLife Pet Insurance makes it easy for you to get a quote, enroll in a pet insurance policy, understand your coverage, and submit a claim.
There’s a 0-day waiting period on accidents9 — meaning your pet can be covered almost as soon as you sign up. If something does happen, you have up to 90 days from the treatment or invoice date to file a claim, which you can submit online, by email, mail, or fax. Reimbursements are simple, too, with options for getting your money including ZelleⓇ or checks.
The Benefits of MetLife Pet Insurance
At the end of 2023, more than 5.67 million American pets were covered by insurance, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).10 The benefits of pet insurance can add up, so here’s a glimpse at what makes MetLife Pet different from other pet insurance companies:
- Among the shortest waiting periods to get coverage for qualifying expenses9
- No breed exclusions for cats or dogs
- No age limits
- Family plans11 that allow multiple pets on one policy
- Reimbursement to cover advertising to recover lost pets
Focus on Pet Health, Not Vet Bills
While there are many reasons why pet insurance is worth it, perhaps the most important reason is peace of mind. Knowing your pet is covered for accidents and illnesses lets you give your pet all your love and attention without worrying about large veterinary bills.
MetLife Pet, winner of the “Pet Insurance of the Year” Award,12 is committed to helping you keep your pets happy and healthy. Experience the benefits of pet insurance. Get a free quote today!
