Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

How Pet Insurance Helps Cover Vet Costs

Pet insurance typically works by reimbursing you for covered veterinary expenses after your pet receives care. It can help pay for wellness exams, medications, and vaccinations, as well as more costly treatments related to accidents and injuries. Unexpected scenarios — like heartworm, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries, and even breed-specific diseases or cancer — can cost thousands.⁴

Vet care is the second largest pet expense after food and treats. U.S. pet parents are projected to spend over $42 billion on the category in 2026.⁵

Real-life examples of how MetLife Pet helped cover costs

Odysseus, a puppy from New Jersey, fell down the stairs and broke his leg. The bill for the surgery was $6,200, and MetLife Pet reimbursed his parents for $5,800.⁶

Bobby, a Labrador from South Carolina, jumped out of a moving truck and had to be hospitalized because of trauma. We reimbursed his family for $7,900 of their $8,800 bill.⁶

What Does Pet Insurance Cost?

MetLife Pet policies can start at $7 per month for a cat and $16 per month for a dog.¹⁰ The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors, including your pet’s species, breed, gender, and age, as well as where you live. You can also influence the cost based on the annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement rate you choose.

With MetLife Pet, you can also put up to three dogs and cats together on one policy with a shared deductible on our Family Plan.¹¹ You can also use any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., so there’s no need to change from your preferred vet.

What Pet Insurance Covers

Pet insurance can reimburse you for covered veterinary costs that may accrue while taking care of your pet's health — some of which can be costly. Let’s take a look at what most pet insurance plans cover and what they don’t.

What pet insurance plans typically cover

• Unexpected injuries and accidents (falling down stairs, breaking bones, etc.)
• Unexpected illnesses (cancer, dysplasia, etc. — only through accident-illness plans)
• Surgeries
• Prescription medications
•  X-rays, bloodwork, tests, etc.

What MetLife Pet’s Preventive Care add-on can cover

• Annual wellness checkups
• Vaccinations
• Spay/neuter surgeries
• Parasite preventatives
• Teeth cleaning

What pet insurance plans may not cover

• Pre-existing conditions
• Elective surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and organ transplants
• Obedience training

For more information, check out MetLife Pet Insurance’s coverage and exclusions to see what we may cover for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my pet insurance premiums go up because I have a claim?

No. Each pet's premium is based on the pet’s age, species, breed, gender, deductible, reimbursement rate,³ and ZIP code, as well as the coverage amount selected. Premiums don’t increase when you have a claim.

Is pet insurance only for catastrophic events or illnesses?

Pet insurance can help with a wide range of health issues — including major ailments like cancer or a broken bone, or milder conditions like an ear infection or hurt paw. It can also help cover the costs of preventive care, which can benefit many pet parents who want to be proactive about their pet’s health.

Is pet insurance worth it for a puppy or kitten?

Some illnesses are more likely to occur in older pets, but there are some significant health care costs that puppies and kittens face, too. These include spaying or neutering, de-worming, and initial vaccinations. Getting coverage early can also lead to significant savings if they develop a chronic condition as they get older.

To help offset some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with these vet visits, pet owners may find a puppy insurance or kitten insurance policy worth it for their new pet.

Bottom Line: Should I Get Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance may be right for you if you’re concerned about the costs that come with being a pet parent. But don’t wait until you get a big bill before getting your furry family member covered. With MetLife Pet Insurance, you have the power to customize a plan to best meet your needs. As the winner of the “Pet Insurance of the Year” Award,¹² MetLife Pet can help you keep your pets happy, healthy, and protected.

Want to see if pet insurance is worth it for your family? Get a free quote today — it’s fast and simple.