Does Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia?

Pets bring so much joy and love into our lives, which can make saying goodbye one of the hardest moments. To help you feel supported during this time, a MetLife Pet policy can typically help provide coverage for end-of-life costs, including euthanasia. Let’s explore how our mortality benefits work.

Does MetLife Pet Insurance Cover Euthanasia?

Yes, MetLife Pet offers coverage for cat and dog euthanasia when recommended by a vet. You can get reimbursed up to 90% of the cost, or whatever your chosen reimbursement rate option is. Other diagnostics and treatment related to their passing could also be reimbursable if covered by your policy.¹

Does pet insurance cover euthanasia and cremation?

In addition to euthanasia costs, MetLife Pet’s dog and cat insurance plans provide coverage for cremation or burial expenses — or a combination of both — up to $500 or the limit specified in your policy.

Are there other mortality benefits included with a MetLife Pet plan?

Losing a pet can be a shocking experience even if you’ve seen it coming, but especially so when it’s a surprise or they’re young. MetLife Pet recognizes this and can pay out a pet adoption or purchase fee — up to the limits specified in your policy — if your pet was less than eight years old at the time of their passing.

Exclusions to Euthanasia Coverage

Most pet insurance providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If the reason your vet recommends euthanasia is related to a condition your pet had before they were enrolled in a policy or during any waiting periods, euthanasia costs usually won’t be covered.

Euthanasia also likely won’t be covered if you request the procedure, but it’s not determined to be medically necessary for your pet or recommended by your vet. If you have an accident-only pet insurance plan, euthanasia costs generally won’t be covered if the reason for the recommendation is due to an illness. MetLife Pet does not offer an accident-only plan.

Pet Euthanasia and End-of-Life Costs

Dog euthanasia could cost around $100 – $250 at a regular vet clinic, but it’s generally more expensive at emergency clinics. Cat euthanasia is a similar price. The size of your pet can determine the cost as well, with costs for smaller pets typically less than those for larger pets. If you’re looking for at-home euthanasia, you’ll also typically spend more, up to $900.²

Other pet euthanasia costs to prepare for

There may be additional costs outside of the euthanasia itself. Depending on the reason for the procedure or your pet’s health condition at the time, necessary treatment and care will increase the total cost.²

You might also choose cremation or burial as a way to honor your pet after their passing. Group or communal cremations typically cost less than private cremations; however, you only receive pet ashes back from private cremations. If you choose to bury your pet in a pet cemetery, plan for that cost as well.² Burying a pet on your own land is typically free, but you might need to ensure it’s legally allowed by your local jurisdiction.

MetLife Pet Members We’ve Helped During a Tough Time

End-of-life pet care is important; it can help pets pass peacefully and without pain when the time comes. Having a MetLife Pet policy helped these members worry less about those costs and focus on being with their beloved pet:³

• A senior cat from California was able to cross the Rainbow Bridge peacefully after renal failure. Her owners got close to $450 back on the nearly $500 bill.
• A goldendoodle from New York passed with her family at her side after battling lung cancer. The bill was more than $450, and her family was reimbursed nearly $400.
• A Saint Bernard from Colorado was diagnosed with sepsis at the emergency vet. With her pet parents right there, she got her angel wings. The family was reimbursed over $400 on the $525 vet bill.

Dealing with the loss of a pet can be very difficult. MetLife Pet insurance strives to help pet parents during this time with grief counseling⁴ and by planting a memorial tree in their pet’s honor.

For Pet Insurance That Covers Euthanasia, Get MetLife Pet

In crucial times, the last thing you need to worry about is the cost of veterinary care. Pet insurance can help you take one worry off your plate during those times so you can be in the moment with your best friend and beloved companion.

Explore your plan customization options and see your personalized rates for a dog, cat, or multiple pet Family Plan¹ by getting a free quote today.