Creativity, coffee, and coastlines are just a few of the defining features of Washington state. It’s home to some of the freshest seafood and ideas in the country. It can also be an incredible place to own a pet. Pet parents are surrounded by breathtaking views and lots of pet-friendly spaces. However, pet ownership is becoming increasingly expensive.
Whether you’re a cat parent in a Spokane condo, or dog parent in a home in Lacey, pet health insurance may help take the edge off those veterinary bills. Award-winning MetLife Pet Insurance can be affordable, and may fit perfectly into your unique lifestyle.1
Looking for Pet Insurance in Washington?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea If You Live in Washington
Pet parents may want to consider investing in pet insurance. Washington state is home to earthquakes, wildfires, and landslides, as well as dangerous wildlife. These can all pose risks to your pets. Plus, like humans, pets can get sick with many diseases like the flu or diabetes. Caring for your pet is at the top of any pet owner’s mind, but vet bills could be overwhelming.
When enrolled in a pet insurance policy, you pay a monthly premium for coverage. Then, when your cat or dog needs medical attention, bring them to any licensed vet. You’ll pay the vet bill, but you can submit a claim for reimbursement of covered expenses. This way you’re able pay the vet bill with more confidence, knowing your pet insurance policy may help cover it.2
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
Finding pet insurance that fits your family’s needs can be a challenge. Look no further than MetLife Pet. The 2023 Pet Independent Innovation Awards named MetLife Pet Insurance “Pet Insurance of the Year” in the competitive pet care industry.
- We offer policies that cover up to three cats or dogs with a shared deductible.3
- We cover dogs and cats of all breeds and ages.4
- We provide short waiting periods for accidents and illnesses coverage.5
- We have Preventative Care and Wellness Plans as optional add ons.6
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Washington State
Head to the vet
Take your pet to any licensed animal hospital, emergency clinic, or veterinarians office in Washington or anywhere in the US.
Send MetLife Pet your Claim
Once you’ve paid the vet bill, get an invoice and gather any vet records to submit alongside your claim.
Get reimbursed fast
MetLife will review your claim, follow up with your vet, and reimburse you up to 100% of the covered costs within 2 weeks.7
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Washington: See What’s Covered
MetLife Pet offers comprehensive pet insurance policies for cat insurance and dog insurance, which can help cover many of your pet’s misadventures. Whether your dog gets bit by a rattlesnake or your house cat gets cancer, MetLife Pet could help cover the costs for their care.2 Here’s an overview of what our standard plans could help cover:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Injuries and illness
- Exams
- Prescription medication
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, etc)
- Special pet food
- Holistic care
- Some pre-existing conditions (if switching from a previous insurance company)8
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Washington?
Pet insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. MetLife Pet is proud to offer affordable insurance policies starting at $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs.9 However, there are a few factors that may affect how much your pet insurance can cost:
- Age: Older pets will typically have higher premiums than younger pets.
- Sex: Male and female pets may have different premiums because of the different care they need over their lifetime.10
- Breed: Different cat and dog breeds may have different premiums, depending on the breed’s general health.
- Coverage options: MetLife’s flexible coverage lets you choose your deductible, reimbursement rate, and even add additional coverage, which could impact the overall cost.11, 12
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Washington
The best way to demonstrate how pet health insurance might be worth it for your pet is by sharing some real claims. Here are some recent claims processed for Washington cats and dogs.13 Imagine having this kind of coverage when your pet has a health scare.
- About $4,700 paid — This helped pay for a salivary gland surgery on a dachshund puppy in Vancouver, WA.
- About $3,000 paid — This provided coverage for a 4-year-old cat’s urinary obstruction exam in Seattle, WA.
- About $2,200 paid — This provided relief for a mixed puppy’s pneumonia treatment outside of Seattle, WA.
- About $500 paid — This helped reimburse a hotspot treatment on a 2-year-old cat outside of Tacoma, WA.
- About $100 paid — This assisted paying for prescription medications to treat pyoderma in a 2-year-old dog outside of Seattle, WA.
Notable claim in Washington
Leo, a small mixed puppy, was attacked by a big dog just outside of Tacoma, WA. His pet parents brought him to the nearest animal hospital for care, where an X-ray revealed fractured ribs. It cost about $2,200 to treat his injuries, but MetLife covered the entire vet bill. Leo’s ribs are now healed and he’s back to his little adventurous self.
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Washington
Washington pet owners should be wary of some common injuries and illnesses in the state. Whether you take your pets hiking or are more of a homebody, here are some risks to understand and protect your pets from:
- Atopy: Atopic dermatitis is when pets have an allergic reaction to environmental factors like dust, pollen, or smoke from wildfires. Cats and dogs can both be at risk for seasonal allergies. The symptoms can vary from mild itching to severe hair loss or skin lesions.
- Dog Flu: Like the human flu, dog influenza is highly contagious, and severe cases could turn into pneumonia. Washington pups are at risk for both strains of the dog flu virus.14
- Rattlesnakes: A venomous snake in the state of Washington, rattlesnakes lurk on many hiking trails.15 A rattlesnake bite may cause swelling, organ failure, and could even be fatal to your pet. If your cat or dog is bitten, consider taking them to the vet for treatment.
- Animal attacks: The Pacific Northwest is rife with wildlife like bears, cougars, and mountain lions that could see your pet as prey or a threat. Be vigilant and you should consider carrying bear spray and other protective items with you when you’re hiking with your dog or cat.
Washington Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
The Evergreen State is overflowing with beautiful and toxic plant life. When it comes to plants, the best way to protect your pet is to play it safe. Here are some plants that may make your pet sick in Washington:16
- Lavender
- Tulips
- Poison ivy
- Poison oak
- Yarrow
- Oleander
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Washington
Washingtonians love their dogs. Unsurprisingly, Labrador retrievers are the most adopted dogs in a state known for adventure. There’s so much to explore in Washington, and pet parents want dogs that can keep up with them. Read on for the top three most adopted breeds and some health concerns you should watch out for in each of them.17
- Labrador retriever: This energetic and lovable dog is always up for a hike in the expansive Pacific Northwest. Labs may be predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, bloat, and heart disease.
- German shepherd: The companion-oriented and hard-working German shepherd may be prone to colitis, allergies, gastroenteritis, and conjunctivitis.
- Golden retriever: Smart, loyal, and easily trainable goldens may be predisposed to hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, lipoma, and obesity.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Washington
Washington is a great state to be a pet parent. Now that you’ve learned more about caring for your pets and how pet insurance can help, it may be time for your next pet. You can find your next adventure buddy through Petfinder. Browse adoptable dogs and adoptable cats in the state from the comfort of your home.
If You Live in Washington, Consider Insuring Your Pet
Whether you have a working dog on your Washington farm or you just adopted kittens to add to your growing family, unexpected health issues are a reality worth preparing for. You may be able to help protect your pet (and your budget) by investing in a MetLife Pet insurance policy. Start with a free quote today.
Help Keep Your Pet Healthy and
Happy
There is no substantive difference between a MetLife Pet Insurance policy in Washington 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 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.
4 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.
5 Based on a January 2022 review of publicly available summary information about competitors’ offerings. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor’s policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.
6 Available at an additional cost.
7 Approximately 80% of claims are processed within 10 days or less.
8 We do not cover all pre-existing conditions; just those covered by the previous provider. For group policyholders only.
9 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.
10 For IAIC policies only
11 Deductible options range include: $0−$750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500.
12 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.
13 All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife internal claims data from October 2022.
14 “Dog Flu Outbreaks,” Dogflu.com
15 “Western rattlesnake,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
16 “Poisonous Plants,” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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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