Yes, all licensed vets take pet insurance — you don’t have to worry about “networks” of pet care providers. Plus, because there’s usually no direct payment between the vet and the insurance company, your veterinarian doesn’t need to accept a particular insurance policy for you to use your benefits.
That means a MetLife Pet Insurance policy can be used at any licensed vet across the U.S. — and you can get your furry friend the care they need, whether you’re at home or traveling.
While you can use our policies basically anywhere your pet gets veterinary care, you’ll want to understand how coverage works and how you can get reimbursed.1 Read on to learn more.
How To Use Pet Insurance at the Vet
Here’s an overview of how to use your pet insurance at the vet:
1. Take your pet to the vet
Bring your pet to any licensed vet anywhere in the U.S. for the care they need.
2. Pay the vet, then submit your claim
After your visit, pay the bill and then submit your claim to MetLife Pet.
When you go to the vet, payment is usually required before you take your pet home. One of the main reasons why all vets take pet insurance is that you pay your vet bill up front and then submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.1
With your itemized invoice and vet SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) notes in hand, you can complete your claim using MetLife’s MyPets online portal, the free mobile app for policyholders, or by email, fax, or mail.
3. Get reimbursed
We’ll quickly process your claim and reimburse you for covered expenses via check or direct payment, like Zelle®.1,2 Most claims are processed within 5 days3, and whatever’s covered under your insurance policy is reimbursed.
The amount you receive depends on things like your deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate — all of which are customizable with MetLife Pet.1,4,5 After you’ve hit your deductible, you can be reimbursed for up to 90% (or your policy’s specific rate) on covered vet bills until you reach your annual reimbursement limit.1,4,5
MetLife Pet Insurance in action
Curious how vet insurance works in a real-life scenario? Rowdy, a nine-year-old dog from Connecticut, developed a heart arrhythmia. At the vet, Rowdy received treatment for the issue, including surgery to implant a pacemaker.
When Rowdy was finished up at the vet, his parents received a bill for over $12,000. Because Rowdy was covered by MetLife Pet, his parents submitted a claim and were reimbursed for nearly $9,500.6
What Do Vets Accept Pet Insurance For?
Pet insurance coverage will depend on the specifics of your policy, rather than what your vet accepts. In general, vet expenses related to accidents and illnesses that occur after enrollment and applicable waiting periods are usually covered.
Here are some treatments and conditions that may be covered by a MetLife Pet Insurance standard plan and Preventive Care add-on:
Standard Coverage |
Preventive Care Add-On |
Accidents and injuries |
Vaccines |
Illnesses and conditions |
Teeth cleaning |
Procedures |
Health screens |
Diagnostics |
Spaying and neutering |
Prescriptions and treatment |
Parasites, heartworm, and Lyme prevention |
Holistics/Alternative therapies |
Microchipping |
It’s a good idea to review the specifics of your policy’s coverage and exclusions. Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions and treatments may not be covered.
MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help You Cover Vet Bills
From our virtually instant coverage and free 24/7 vet chat to our unique Family Plan for multiple pets on a single policy, MetLife Pet can help you confidently care for your beloved companions.7,8 So when your pet needs you, we’ve got you, too.
Our flexible coverage means you’re not tied to any “networks” with MetLife Pet. All licensed vets accept our pet insurance throughout the United States. Are you ready to insure your furry friend? Get a free quote today to see your personalized rates and coverage options.
Dr. Hunter Finn has been paid by MetLife to discuss the importance of choosing pet insurance. He is an integrative veterinary expert first, and social media star second. America’s favorite veterinarian owns Pet Method in McKinney, Texas, where he cares for pets while prioritizing their emotional well-being. When he’s not at his clinic, he’s starring in viral videos on TikTok (2 million followers) and Instagram (500K followers) — where he’s been known to snuggle puppies and conquer the latest dance trends.