Whether you and your pet live in a historic house in one of Rhode Island’s colonial towns or in a seaside cottage on the beach, living costs are on the rise in the state, including the cost of pet ownership.
Pet health insurance can be a reassuring way to plan ahead for routine veterinary care as well as any medical emergencies. Read on to learn some of the risks that could impact your pets while living in Rhode Island, as well as specific examples of how pet insurance can help. Once you’ve learned more about pet care in the state, consider investing in the award-winning MetLife Pet Insurance for your cats and dogs.1
Looking for Pet Insurance in Rhode Island?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is uniquely located on the northeastern coast, squarely in the path of both hurricanes and blizzards. While Rhode Islanders may be ready for anything, your pets may not be. Pet insurance may help cover injuries and illnesses from natural disasters, car accidents, diseases, and even wildlife like ticks and spider bites. But just how can insuring your cat or dog help?
Dog and cat insurance can empower pet parents to give their pets the best healthcare by supplementing the cost of covered care. You can start by customizing your policy for your pet’s lifestyle and paying a monthly premium. Whenever you take your pet to the veterinarian, you’ll pay the bill, but send the invoice to your provider. This starts the claims process. Depending on the specifications of your policy, you may be reimbursed up to 100% of your veterinary bills.2,3
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
MetLife Pet is proud to offer coverage in Rhode Island and all over the U.S. that not only covers your pet’s needs, but also flexes to fit your family’s lifestyle. It’s this mindset that led to the 2023 Pet Independent Innovation Awards awarding us “Best Pet Insurance of the Year.”
We offer comprehensive coverage that can make MetLife Pet a great option for the best pet insurance. Rhode Island pet parents might enjoy these perks:
- A customizable reimbursement rate anywhere between 70% and 100%
- Adjustable deductibles4
- Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons5
- A short waiting period for accidents and illnesses coverage6,7
- A mobile app to keep all your veterinary records, bills, and claims in one place
- Some pre-existing condition coverage if you’re moving from a provider where they were covered8
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Rhode Island
Go to the vet
Take your pet to the best licensed veterinarian for them in Rhode Island or anywhere in the U.S., whether that means the closest vet to you or a specific specialist.
Submit your claim
Pay the vet bill then submit your invoice and any medical records to MetLife Pet.
Get reimbursed fast
We process and pay approved and covered claims in less than 2 weeks.2,9
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Rhode Island. See What’s Covered
MetLife Pet Insurance offers comprehensive care for your Rhode Island pets. You don’t have to worry about in-network or out-of-network coverage, just take your pet to any licensed vet. Here are some items eligible for MetLife Pet Insurance coverage:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.)
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Exams
- Cruciate ligament procedures10
- Veterinary medications
- Holistic treatments
- Special diets
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Rhode Island?
So just how much does Rhode Island pet insurance cost? MetLife Pet policies start at $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs.11 But the actual cost of pet insurance in Rhode Island will depend on three major factors: your location, your pet, and the type of coverage you want.
- Location: Living in a big city like Providence can mean higher premiums than living in a smaller town like New Shoreham.
- Pet: MetLife Pet can cover dogs and cats of any age, breed, and sex12, but all of these factors could affect the cost of your monthly premiums.
- Coverage: Pet insurance plans aren’t one size fits all, which is why MetLife Pet offers many different coverage options. You can include our Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons, adjust your deductible and reimbursement rates, and more. But know that each of these choices will adjust the cost of your monthly premiums.
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Rhode Island
As you’re weighing whether pet insurance is worth it or not, it may help to see some real claims from Rhode Island pet owners. Here are a few incidents MetLife Pet covered in the state.13
- More than $2,000 paid — This went towards surgery for a 9-year-old mixed dog with a cruciate rupture in Providence, RI.
- More than $1,200 paid — This covered an exam for a 9-year-old dog with degenerative joint disease outside of Warwick, RI.
- About $500 paid — This covered surgery for a 5-year-old mixed dog with a fracture in Providence, RI.
- Around $200 paid — This helped pay for an exam for a 3-year-old whippet dog with raisin and chocolate poisoning in Providence, RI.
- About $100 paid — This paid for prescription medication for a domestic long haired kitten with a urinary tract infection in Pawtucket, RI.
Notable claim in Rhode Island
Brady, a 7-year-old mixed dog from Providence, started showing symptoms of congestive heart failure. His pet parents took him into an animal hospital, where he needed surgery. The surgery cost about $3,800, but their MetLife Pet Insurance policy covered $3,400 of it.
To the relief of his parents, Brady recovered from the surgery nicely. His heart function improved and he’s back on his feet.
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a tiny coastal haven of natural beauty, but this beautiful state can have some ugly risks toward your pets. Read on for some common injuries and illnesses pet parents should be aware of.
- Atopy: Atopic dermatitis is essentially environmental allergies. Flowers, pollen, dust, and other allergens may all affect your pets. While allergies are common, they can be irritating and difficult for your pet to live with. It’s recommended to work with your vet to determine the best way to alleviate their symptoms.
- Tick bites: Be wary of ticks if you take your pets on hikes or walks with you. If your dog is bitten by a tick in Rhode Island, they may be at risk for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis. A tick prevention treatment could help reduce the risk of getting bitten.14
- Spider bites: Rhode Island pets may come into contact with one of the state’s two types of venomous spiders. The black widow and brown recluse both inject dangerous toxins with their bites that could be fatal to your pets.15
- Canine influenza: Dog flu is a dangerous respiratory infection that could quickly turn to pneumonia if your pet has a severe case. If your dog gets the flu, It’s recommended to provide them lots of rest and fluids while monitoring their temperature. If they have trouble breathing, you may need to bring them to the vet for care.
Rhode Island Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
Have you ever found your cat or dog chewing on a plant? A lot of vegetation can be toxic to pets, making this a dangerous habit. The best way to protect your pet is to avoid letting them ingest any wild or potted plant at all. Mass-RI Veterinary Services shared a list of plants that are especially poisonous to pets that you should be mindful of: 16
- Lilies
- Azaleas
- Birds of paradise
- Begonias
- Oleander
- Castor bean plants
- Chrysanthemums
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Rhode Island
Every state has slightly different preferences when it comes to the most popular dog breeds. But there is one constant: Labrador retrievers. Labs are among the top three in most states, and come in first in Rhode Island.
Here are the top three most adopted breeds in the state along with some of their breed personality traits and common health concerns:17
- Labrador retriever: Adventurous and loving, this breed may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer.
- German shepherd: The German shepherd is known for being obedient, athletic and a great companion. They may be predisposed to skin conditions, growths, and upper respiratory infections.
- Golden retriever: This upbeat and friendly dog may be predisposed to hot spots, colitis, and hip dysplasia.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Rhode Island
Owning a pet in Rhode Island is a rewarding experience. You have a cuddly companion, best friend, and adventure buddy all wrapped up in one adorable package. Now that you’ve learned about pet health care and insurance in your state you may be ready for a pet of your own.
Petfinder lets you browse adoptable cats and adoptable dogs in Rhode Island right from your phone. Start looking for your next pet today!
If You Live in Rhode Island, Consider Insuring Your Pet
Uncertainty is a reality of pet ownership. You can help protect your pets (and your wallet) with MetLife Pet insurance. Rhode Island pet parents can get started on the pet insurance journey with a free quote today!
Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Pet Injury & Illness Costs.
There is no substantive difference between a MetLife Pet Insurance policy in Rhode Island and a MetLife Pet policy in another U.S. State.
1 “2023 Pet Insurance of the Year Award” Winners, Pet Independent Innovation Awards
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.
3 Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%. In addition, there is also a 50% option for MetGen underwritten policies only and a 65% for IAIC underwritten policies only.
4 Deductible options range include: $0−$750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500.
5 Available at an additional cost.
6 Wait period for accident coverage is midnight EST compared to 2 to 15 days for competitor's; wait period for illness coverage is 14 days compared to 14 to 30 days for competitor's, based on a January 2021 review of publicly available summary information about competitor's offerings.
7 Accident coverage and Preventive Care coverage (for those who select it) begins on the effective date of your policy. Illness coverage begins 14 days later.
8 We do not cover all pre-existing conditions; just those covered by the previous provider. For group policyholders only.
9 Approximately 80% of claims are processed within 10 days or less.
10 For policies issued by IAIC, coverage for these conditions is subject to a 6-month wait period. Please review your policy for complete details.
11 Calculation based upon select plans and coverages. Actual rates may vary based on pet age, breed, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits you choose.
12 For IAIC policies only
13 All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife internal claims data from October 2022.
14 “Tick-Borne Diseases,” State of Rhode Island Department of Health
15 “Spiders in Rhode Island,” Waltham Pet Services
16 “Pretty Poisonous Plants,” Mass-RI Veterinary Services
17 “Most Popular Dog Breeds by State in 2023,” Pet Keen
Coverage underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations. Application is subject to underwriting review. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC for details. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator for this coverage. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).
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