What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a health care policy purchased by an owner to help decrease the overall costs of expensive veterinary care. This policy covers the cost of treating unexpected illness and injury, administered by a licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist.

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According to a study conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the spending on veterinary care in the U.S. reached $35.9 billion in 2022.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a health care policy purchased by an owner to help decrease the overall costs of expensive veterinary care. This policy covers the cost of treating unexpected illness and injury, administered by a licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist.

Yellow lab laying in a blue dog bed with orange cast on right back let and foot

How does pet insurance work?

  • Most pet insurance policies operate on a reimbursement model, where pet owners pay for the services upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.

  • Pet owners can choose to take their pet to any licensed veterinarian or specialist in the U.S. who accepts the insurance provider.

  • After paying for the veterinary services, the pet owner submits an invoice, claim form, and veterinarian records for reimbursement.

  • The insurance provider may request additional information, but the claim is generally processed within two weeks.

How does pet insurance work?

  • All pet insurance works on a reimbursement model.

  • Pet owners take their sick or injured pet to a veterinarian or specialist of their choice within the U.S.

  • Veterinarian services are paid for up front, followed by submitting the invoice along with a claim form and veterinarian records for reimbursement.

  • Any further information needed is obtained by us and the claim is processed within two weeks.

Why do I need pet insurance?

  • According to a report by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), 1 in 3 pets will require unexpected veterinary care each year. And the average cost of unexpected veterinary care is around $800-$1,500, which can be a hard financial burden for most pet owners.

  • Pet insurance can help owners afford veterinary care when their furry friend is sick or gets into an accident, making it easier for them to make informed decisions about their pet’s healthcare without worrying about the cost.

  • Without pet insurance, pet owners may have to pay out of pocket for unexpected veterinary expenses, which can add up quickly and put a strain on their finances. Pet insurance can provide financial security and peace of mind by covering a significant portion of these expenses.

Why do I need pet insurance?

  • Every six seconds, a pet owner is faced with a vet bill of over $1,000. For most, that’s a hard financial burden.

  • Having a pet insurance plan helps owners afford vet care when their furry friend is sick or gets into an accident. Pet insurance can help owners make the decision between the life of their pet vs. financial euthanasia.

  • When deciding whether or not you need insurance, consider the cost of treatments without pet insurance.

Claim Tales

Our customizable dog insurance plans could save you hundreds in vet bills. In fact, here’s how much MetLife Pet has saved dog parents recently.*

$5,100 saved by Mimi’s family when MetLife Pet reimbursed them for their $5,300 vet bill for Mimi’s ligament surgery.

Total Vet Bill $5,300

Reimbursed $5,100

*All costs are based on MetLife internal claims data. Reimbursement amounts are based on specific policy coverage details and reimbursement rates. Savings can vary depending upon the coverage that is purchased.

Things You Need to Know

The average daily cost of a Pin Paws Pet Care plan can be less than some dog and cat owners pay for a cup of coffee each morning.

Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian and approved claim reimbursements are paid via check in the mail within two weeks.

Pin Paw Pet Care makes purchasing a plan easy with coverage options that are simple, straightforward, and affordable for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages.

Pin Paws Pet Care offers plans that have annual, rather than per incident, reimbursement amounts. Each plan is customizable with various deductible and max annual payout options.

Signing up for pet insurance early on can help ensure that your pet’s health needs are covered when they arise, including unexpected illnesses or injuries.

Pin Paws Pet Care offers relatively short waiting periods for accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs, with a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and only a 6-month waiting period for five specific diseases/injuries. While we strive to process claims as quickly as possible, please note that the exact payout timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Pin Paws Pet Care includes additional benefits to help your pet live their healthiest and happiest life.

Pin Paws Pet Care offers a Routine Care Benefit option with a customized plan to help pay for portions of preventative care for your cats and dogs.

Things You Need to Know

  • The average daily cost of a Pin Paws Pet Care plan is less than some dog and cat owners pay for a cup of coffee each morning.

  • Our pet insurance makes purchasing a plan easy with coverage options that are simple, straightforward and affordable for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages.

  • There are no pet insurance policies that cover pre-existing conditions. For this reason, it is advised to sign up for pet insurance early on rather than waiting till an illness happens.

  • Pin Paws Pet Care includes additional value-added benefits to help your pet live their healthiest and happiest life.

  • Pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian and approved claim reimbursements are paid via check in the mail within two weeks.

  • Pin Paws Pet Care offers plans that have annual, rather than per incident, reimbursement amounts. Each plan is customizable with various deductible and max annual payout options.

  • Pin Paws Pet Care has the shortest wait period for accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs. There is a short 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 6-month waiting period for only five diseases/ injuries.

  • Pin Paws Pet Care offers a Routine Care Benefit option with a customized plan to help pay for portions of preventative care for your cats and dogs.

Helping Your Pets Live Their Best Life

Male doctor in green scrub top with stethoscope and holding scruffy light brown and white pup

Less hassle. More coverage. Better peace of mind. MetLife Pet has the shortest wait periods for accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs.

Should your pet ever get sick or have a serious accident, MetLife’s comprehensive pet insurance plans are always here for you. We strive to make the best pet insurance plans available to dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, providing them access to the best medical coverage and veterinary care options. Now, giving your loved ones the best pet insurance coverage is as easy as growing old together!

What makes the pet insurance offered by MetLife Pet and presented by Pin Paws unique?

  • Coverage for Cats and Dogs of All Ages & Breeds!

  • Customizable Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Max!

  • Annual Max Payouts as Opposed to Per Incident!

  • Choose Your Reimbursement Percentage!

  • Multiple Value-Added Benefits Included!

  • Routine Care Option Available with Customized Plans!

Male doctor in green scrub top with stethoscope and holding scruffy light brown and white pup

Less hassle. More coverage. Better peace of mind. MetLife has the shortest wait periods for accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs.

Should your pet ever get sick or have a serious accident, MetLife’s comprehensive pet insurance plans are always here for you. We strive to make the best pet insurance plans available to dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, providing them access to the best medical coverage and veterinary care options. Now, giving your loved ones the best pet insurance coverage is as easy as growing old together!

What makes the pet insurance offered by MetLife Pet and presented by Pin Paws unique?

  • Coverage for Cats and Dogs of All Ages & Breeds!

  • Customizable Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Max!

  • Annual Max Payouts as Opposed to Per Incident!

  • Choose Your Reimbursement Percentage!

  • Multiple Value-Added Benefits Included!

  • Routine Care Option Available with Customized Plans!

What Are the Steps for Filing a Claim?

Take your pet to the vet

Visit any licensed vet, emergency clinic, or specialist in the US. There’s no network of providers to worry about.

Send us your claim

Pay your bill at the vet, then send us your claim along with vet records and an invoice from the visit.

Get money back quickly

MetLife Pet will follow-up with your vet for any missing info. Most claims are processed in less than 2 weeks.

Also Included… 4 Additional Pet Benefits

Lost yellow lab with collar and no tags looking sad sitting outside on brick road
Pin Paws Logo Large

Lost Pet Notification & Information

Pin Paws is composed of two features: an online pet profile for the storage of important information and documents with a lost-pet notification tag to help them be returned should they be lost and found.

Pin Paws Logo Large

Lost Pet Notification & Information

Pin Paws is composed of two features: an online pet profile for the storage of important information and documents with a lost-pet notification tag to help them be returned should they be lost and found.

PetCLOUD Logo Small

Provides your pet with an online profile for storing important veterinary and medical information as well as uploading important documents. Should your pet become lost, you have immediate access to downloading a pre-filled lost poster with the click of a button.

MAC screen with pet profile visible
PetCLOUD Logo Small

Provides your pet with an online profile for storing important veterinary and medical information as well as uploading important documents. Should your pet become lost, you have immediate access to downloading a pre-filled lost poster with the click of a button.

PawPinner Logo Large

Ever wanted to pin down those wandering paws? We all love our pets dearly, but due to modern day living a simple pet tag with a phone number isn’t enough.  As much as we love to give our four legged best friends as much freedom as possible, sometimes they can enjoy a little too much and disappear off much to our dismay! There’s no worse feeling than losing your pet!  No more worrying, fretting or panicking – this system allows you to be notified almost immediately when your pet is found.

How Does Pin Paws Work?

How Does Pin Paws Work?

PawPinner Logo Large

Ever wanted to pin down those wandering paws? We all love our pets dearly, but due to modern day living a simple pet tag with a phone number isn’t enough.  As much as we love to give our four legged best friends as much freedom as possible, sometimes they can enjoy a little too much and disappear off much to our dismay! There’s no worse feeling than losing your pet!  No more worrying, fretting or panicking – this system allows you to be notified almost immediately when your pet is found.

Pin Paws Dynamic Tag QR code Logo

Dynamic Pet Tag

The lightweight 30mm Pin Paws tag has many unique features including a built-in NFC chip and your pets identification information all stored in the PetCloud.

Scan – Type – Call

The pet’s profile is accessed by scanning the QR code, online, or calling our 24/7 Customer Service Line.

Logo of a hand holding a phone with a picture of a PawPinner service

Notifications

When the profile is accessed, the owner receives SMS & email notifications of their pet’s GEO location.

whiskerDocs Logo Large

24/7 Pet Telehealth

We know how much you love your pet and we want to help. Connect in seconds with the whiskerDocs team of veterinary experts, 24 hours a day, every day! Call, email, or live chat, and we’ll help you make the best decision about your pet’s health or behavior, including whether you need to see a vet or seek emergency treatment.

Veterinarian on phone to help with sick pet advice
whiskerDocs Logo Large

24/7 Pet Telehealth

We know how much you love your pet and we want to help. Connect in seconds with the whiskerDocs team of veterinary experts, 24 hours a day, every day! Call, email, or live chat, and we’ll help you make the best decision about your pet’s health or behavior, including whether you need to see a vet or seek emergency treatment.

Bulldog taking yellow pill orally from owner
RX Valet for Pets Logo Large

Discount Pet Medications & Supplies

RX VALET for Pets is the easiest way to save money on your pet’s medications, preventatives and supplies. Orders can be delivered to your home for free or made available for pick up from your local retail pharmacy.

RX Valet for Pets Logo Large

Discount Pet Medications & Supplies

RX VALET for Pets is the easiest way to save money on your pet’s medications, preventatives and supplies. Orders can be delivered to your home for free or made available for pick up from your local retail pharmacy.

Wigglepon Logo Large

Furbaby Savings at the Click of a Paw

Wigglepon is accessible online to members only, providing exclusive coupon codes and discount links for pet-centric products and services. Categories include pet food, apparel, subscription boxes and much more!

Cat sitting on owners hands and arms while owner types on laptop
Wigglepon Logo Large

Furbaby Savings at the Click of a Paw

Wigglepon is accessible online to members only, providing exclusive coupon codes and discount links for pet-centric products and services. Categories include pet food, apparel, subscription boxes and much more!

People Are Loving Pin Paws Pet Care

Candy R
Candy RSan Antonio, TX
“Rosco and Bootsy are now ready to go to doggy daycare everyday since I am able to save their vaccination records in their Pin Paws online profiles.”
Jenny B.
Jenny B.Hermosa Beach, CA
“Having access to whiskerDocs saved us an expensive trip to the emergency vet when Sandy cut her paw on a seashell at the beach.”
Marcie M.
Marcie M.Columbis, OH
“Being able to pick up my cat Trixie’s medications at the local pharmacy has saved me so much money thanks to Rx Valet for Pets.”

Pin Paws Pet Care Membership Pricing

Pin Paws Pet Care

Starting at $19.00 / mo

Prioritize Your Pet’s Health, Not Financial Stress

  • Pet Insurance Coverage provided by MetLife Pet Insurance

  • Visit Any Licensed Vet

  • Flexible, Customizable Plans
  • Accident & Illness Coverage
  • Includes Pin Paws Plus Benefits

Pin Paws Pet Care

Starting at $19.00 / mo

Prioritize Your Pet’s Health, Not Financial Stress

  • Pet Insurance Coverage provided by MetLife Pet Insurance

  • Visit Any Licensed Vet

  • Flexible, Customizable Plans
  • Accident & Illness Coverage
  • Includes Pin Paws Plus Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Pet Head Icon White

Similar to other types of insurance for you and your family, such as health insurance, pet insurance is typically coverage for dogs and cats that can help you be prepared for unexpected vet costs. With MetLife Pet Insurance,1 you may be able to cover2 up to 100% on the veterinary care expenses from any licensed veterinarian, specialist or emergency clinic across the U.S.

Now more than ever, pets are playing a significant role in our lives, and it is important to keep them safe and healthy. Perhaps you may have already experienced the cost of veterinary care for your pet. The average annual cost for a routine vet visit is $212 for a dog and $160 for a cat; and the average annual cost for a surgical vet visit is $426 for a dog and $214 for a cat.3

Pin Paws Pet Care makes pet insurance simple and straightforward. Just take your pet to the vet and pay the bill, then send your claim to us using our mobile app, online portal, email, fax, or mail. We’ll process your claim within 10 days4. Then, you’ll receive reimbursement5 by check or direct deposit if the claim expense is covered under your policy.

MetLife Pet Insurance1 provides among the shortest wait periods6 for accident and illness coverage. Accident coverage and wellness coverage (for those who select it) begin on the effective date of your policy. Illness coverage begins 14 days later.

Coverage2 includes: 

  • accidental injuries
  • illnesses
  • exam fees
  • surgeries
  • medications
  • ultrasounds
  • hospital stays
  • X-rays and diagnostic tests

And our coverage2 also includes:

  • hip dysplasia
  • hereditary conditions
  • congenital conditions
  • holistic care
  • chronic conditions
  • alternative therapies
  • and much more!

Pre-existing conditions may not be covered — enroll your pets today and help make sure they’re protected.

You can visit any licensed vet or emergency clinic in the U.S., and you and your veterinarian of choice can determine the best treatment plan and medical course of action for your pet. Once you’ve received and paid your bill, send it to us and we will process your claim for reimbursement5 if the claim expense is covered under the policy.

We believe that every individual and their pet have unique needs. Hence we provide the ability to customize your coverage. Coverage is flexible and customizable so that you can choose the plan that works for you. Options include:

  • levels of coverage from $500–unlimited8
  • $0–$2,500 deductible options9
  • reimbursement percentages from 50%–100%5

Each pet’s premium will be unique based on the age, breed, location, as well as what coverage amount you select.10 Plus, if you go claim-free in a policy year, we’ll automatically decrease your deductible by $25 or $50.11

Yes, a variety of discounts are availableincluding:

  • Employer Benefit Discount12
  • Affinity Group Discount12
  • Internet Purchase Discount13
  • Military, Veteran & First Responder Discount14
  • Healthcare Workers Discount15
  • Animal Care Discount16

Approved claims are paid within 14 days via check in the mail or direct deposit.

You can set up an automatic payment from your bank or credit card with us. As part of your group benefits, payroll deduction may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pet Head Icon White

Similar to other types of insurance for you and your family, such as health insurance, pet insurance is typically coverage for dogs and cats that can help you be prepared for unexpected vet costs. With MetLife Pet Insurance,1 you may be able to cover2 up to 100% on the veterinary care expenses from any licensed veterinarian, specialist or emergency clinic across the U.S.

Now more than ever, pets are playing a significant role in our lives, and it is important to keep them safe and healthy. Perhaps you may have already experienced the cost of veterinary care for your pet. The average annual cost for a routine vet visit is $212 for a dog and $160 for a cat; and the average annual cost for a surgical vet visit is $426 for a dog and $214 for a cat.3

Pin Paws Pet Care makes pet insurance simple and straightforward. Just take your pet to the vet and pay the bill, then send your claim to us using our mobile app, online portal, email, fax, or mail. We’ll process your claim within 10 days4. Then, you’ll receive reimbursement5 by check or direct deposit if the claim expense is covered under your policy.

MetLife Pet Insurance1 provides among the shortest wait periods6 for accident and illness coverage. Accident coverage and wellness coverage (for those who select it) begin on the effective date of your policy. Illness coverage begins 14 days later.

Coverage2 includes: 

  • accidental injuries
  • illnesses
  • exam fees
  • surgeries
  • medications
  • ultrasounds
  • hospital stays
  • X-rays and diagnostic tests

And our coverage2 also includes:

  • hip dysplasia
  • hereditary conditions
  • congenital conditions
  • holistic care
  • chronic conditions
  • alternative therapies
  • and much more!

Pre-existing conditions may not be covered — enroll your pets today and help make sure they’re protected.

You can visit any licensed vet or emergency clinic in the U.S., and you and your veterinarian of choice can determine the best treatment plan and medical course of action for your pet. Once you’ve received and paid your bill, send it to us and we will process your claim for reimbursement5 if the claim expense is covered under the policy.

We believe that every individual and their pet have unique needs. Hence we provide the ability to customize your coverage. Coverage is flexible and customizable so that you can choose the plan that works for you. Options include:

  • levels of coverage from $500–unlimited8
  • $0–$2,500 deductible options9
  • reimbursement percentages from 50%–100%5

Each pet’s premium will be unique based on the age, breed, location, as well as what coverage amount you select.10 Plus, if you go claim-free in a policy year, we’ll automatically decrease your deductible by $25 or $50.11

Yes, a variety of discounts are availableincluding:

  • Employer Benefit Discount12
  • Affinity Group Discount12
  • Internet Purchase Discount13
  • Military, Veteran & First Responder Discount14
  • Healthcare Workers Discount15
  • Animal Care Discount16

Approved claims are paid within 14 days via check in the mail or direct deposit.

You can set up an automatic payment from your bank or credit card with us. As part of your group benefits, payroll deduction may be available.