Award-Winning Pet Insurance in Maine

Maine may be sparsely populated, but it’s home to many beloved dogs and cats. Pet parents can enjoy the many pet-friendly hiking trails and beaches around the state. But whether you have an apartment cat in Portland or a farm dog in Bangor, the cost of pet ownership is on the rise.

MetLife Pet offers its award-winning¹ pet insurance in Maine, which can be a budget-friendly option to help pet parents with pet care costs. With pet insurance, you may be able to focus less on veterinary costs and more on making memories with your furry family members.

Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Maine

Maine is a beautiful state, but it can also be riddled with potential dangers for your pet. Some wildlife, like black bears and porcupines, can attack if they feel threatened. Plus, blue-green algae blooms are prominent and can be toxic to pets. And that’s not accounting for the many injuries and illnesses pets may face no matter where you live.

A key aspect of pet ownership is keeping your pet safe and healthy — vaccinations, regular checkups, and access to emergency care can help with this. However, vet bills can be expensive, which may deter pet parents from properly caring for their furry friends. But pet health insurance can help.

Pet insurance can help you to ensure your pet gets the medical care they need. To get started, you’ll choose your policy and pay a monthly premium. When your pet needs veterinary care, just take them to any licensed vet and pay the bill. You can then submit the claim for 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% reimbursement, depending on how your policy is set up.^2,3

Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?

It can be challenging to find the best pet insurance. Maine pet parents may look to the Pet Independent Innovation Awards, which named MetLife Pet the “Pet Insurance of the Year” in 2023. Here are a few reasons why pet parents may trust us:

• Cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are covered.
• There’s no such thing as “in-network” or “out-of-network” providers.
• Some pre-existing conditions are covered, if you’re switching from a pet insurance provider that covered them.⁴
• You can mix and match up to three dogs and/or cats on one policy with a shared deductible.
• The waiting period is short for accidents and illness coverage.⁵
• We offer a mobile app where you can store health records and process your claims easily.

MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Maine. See What’s Covered

Getting a MetLife Pet Insurance plan can be a great way to give your Maine pets the care they deserve. Our policies are comprehensive and customizable to fit your family’s needs. We even offer Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons to help cover routine care, parasite prevention, parasite treatment, spaying, neutering, and vaccinations.⁷

Here are some examples of what our standard plans may cover:

• Illnesses (including hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions)
• Accidents
• Emergency care
• Surgeries
• Diagnostic tests
• Hospitalization
• Exam fees
• Cruciate ligaments⁸
• Prescription medications
• Special foods for dietary restrictions
• Holistic treatments

How Much Is Pet Insurance in Maine?

Pet insurance costs can be minimal compared to vet bills. An emergency visit to the vet can cost between $800 and $1,500. Meanwhile, MetLife Pet offers cat insurance policies starting at $9 a month and dog insurance policies starting at $15 a month.⁹

In Maine, your pet insurance costs can depend on how you customize your policy. You can design your plan with the Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons, adjust your reimbursement rates, and even choose your deductible.¹⁰ The number of pets you have, their age, breed, and sex¹¹ can also affect the monthly costs, as well as where in Maine you live.

Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Maine

The best way to determine if pet insurance is worth it to you, is by looking through real claims from Maine pet parents. Here are a few real-life pet injuries and illnesses MetLife Pet covered:¹²

• About $1,100 paid — This covered a dental cleaning for a 2-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback outside of Portland, ME.
• About $1,000 paid — This paid for neutering a Leonberger puppy in Bangor, ME.
• About $300 paid — This helped pay for an exam for a 8-year-old mixed dog who injured himself by jumping out of a shopping cart in Lewiston, ME.
• About $200 paid — This covered treatment for a porcupine quill injury a 2-year-old Labrador retriever received outside of Rockland, ME.
• About $100 paid — This covered an exam for otitis — or ear inflammation — in a 13-year-old cat outside of Bridgton, ME.                                   

Notable claim in Maine

Harold, a large mixed breed dog living outside of Brunswick, Maine, was vomiting a lot. So his pet parents brought him to the vet for an exam. He had gastroenteritis, which they were able to treat onsite. The exam and treatment cost about $600, but MetLife Pet covered the entire bill.

Harold’s stomach is feeling much better now!

Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in the Pine Tree State

Whether you love hiking with your German shepherd in Acadia National Park or being your best creative self with your cat by your side in Portland, there are a few injuries and illnesses you should watch for in the state of Maine. The best way to keep your pets safe is by understanding the dangers around them. Here are a few things to watch out for in Maine:

• Wildlife: Maine is home to black bears, coyotes, moose, foxes, porcupines, and harbor seals that can be vicious. While most wildlife stays out of your and your pet’s way, these creatures are naturally defensive. If your pet gets too curious or is perceived as a threat, some wildlife will attack.¹³
• Ticks: These tiny pests aren’t just an irritation. Their bites can transmit various diseases in Maine, such as lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. All three diseases can be severe and potentially fatal if left untreated. Protecting your pet against ticks is twofold: using a tick prevention treatment and checking them for ticks after being outdoors.¹⁴
• Blue-green algae: Cyanobacteria can grow in both saltwater and freshwater, as well as brackish bays and waterways. This dangerous algae bloom attacks the nervous system and liver, sending your pet into a state of shock, which can ultimately lead to a painful death if left untreated.¹⁵

Maine Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets

Whether you have lots of houseplants or you take your pets outdoors, they’ll likely come across a variety of plants. Did you know some plants can actually be poisonous to pets? Yarmouth Veterinary Center in Maine compiled a comprehensive list of common plants in the state that may be toxic to dogs and cats. Here are some notable ones to watch out for:¹⁶

• Poison oak
• Poison ivy
• English ivy
• Autumn crocus
• Mountain laurel
• Red maple
• Lupine
• Oleander
• Milkweed
• Mushrooms

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Maine

If you’re considering getting a dog in Maine, and are wondering what breeds other Maine parents love, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top three dog breeds in Maine and some information about each one:¹⁸

1. Labrador retriever: Outgoing and energetic, Labs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, and obesity.
2. Golden retriever: Smart, fun, and friendly, goldens may be prone to hypothyroidism, colitis, and hot spots.
3. German shepherd: An obedient and courageous companion, the German shepherd may be prone to conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and allergies.

Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Maine

Knowing about the potential dangers to Maine pets, as well as how Maine pet insurance can help, means you may be ready for a pet of your own. Adopting a dog or a cat in Maine can be a joy — whether you want a buddy to accompany you on adventures or a furry friend to wait for you at home. Ready for the next step? PetFinder lets you browse through dogs ready for adoption and cats ready for adoption in Maine.

If You Live in Maine, Consider Insuring Your Pet

Whether you’re cuddling up with your cat as you paint, bringing your border collie for a walk on the beach, or letting your Labrador snatch a bite of your fresh lobster, pets make the Maine lifestyle even better.¹⁸ But between the potential dangers of living in Maine and the rising cost of pet ownership, pets can sometimes become a financial burden.

MetLife pet insurance can help take the stress of vet bills off your plate — get your pet insurance quote today!