Have you at least considered it?
If so, you're reading the right blog! The average dog owner spends $150 to $1,200 each time they visit the vet with a sick or injured pet. Pets who suffer serious trauma, such as getting hit by a car, or serious illness that requires hospitalization, could cost several thousand dollars per incident.
The flexibility inherent in pet insurance is a noteworthy benefit to start with. Pet owners can choose their preferred vet or specialist, facilitating a personalized approach to healthcare. This is particularly beneficial for pets with medical histories, chronic conditions, or ongoing treatments. While there is obviously a monthly premium associated with pet insurance, the peace of mind it provides during unexpected emergencies far outweighs the financial commitment (which is often fairly reasonable). Ultimately, pet insurance represents an investment in your pet's current and future well-being.
Already convinced? Get a FREE Quote from MetLife.
The average cost of dog ownership can be anywhere from $1,270-$2,803/year in the US. YIKES!
Lets talk about MetLife
MetLife gets it — pets are like family. When a member of the family becomes sick or injured, you do whatever it takes to fix it. But those veterinary costs can add up quickly, which is where MetLife Pet Insurance plans can come in.
Their pet insurance plans for dogs and cats help reimburse you for unexpected vet bills. They can provide insurance for pets of all ages — even seniors — and you can customize your deductible and reimbursement rates so they work best for your pet’s needs and your budget.
Sign up for MetLife here.
- Coverage for pets of any age and breed, and no lifetime or per incident limits
- Take your pet to any licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist in the US
- Hassle-free claims process, plus a convenient mobile app
- Reiumbursement by check or direct deposit in less than two weeks
- Protect all your furry family members with family plans - a single deductible for the whole family
- Get a quote in 2 minutes or less
A few more details...
New, Innovative Policy Benefits:
- The only provider to offer family plans, covering multiple pets on one policy
- Use any licensed vet in the U.S.
Flexible product offerings:
- Flexibility to choose from various levels of coverage with no breed exclusions or upper age limits
- No initial exam or previous vet records required to enroll
- Competitive rates with discounts
2023 Best Pet Insurance Winner:
- MetLife Pet Insurance won "Pet Insurance of the Year" in the 2023 Pet Independent Innovation Awards. It also won in 2022 (not to brag).
- Praised for its coverage for previously covered pre-existing conditions when switching providers and 24/7 vet chat
How MetLife Stands Out:
- Easy enrollment and hassle-free claims
- Among the shortest wait periods for accident and illness coverage
- Most claims processed within 5 days
Unsure how the process works?
Not to worry! It's really quite simple.
Step 1 - Take your pet to the vet! Visit any licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist in the U.S. There's no network of providers to worry about.
Step 2 - Send in your claim to MetLife (or whatever provider you decide to go with). Pay your pet's vet bill, and send your claim along with vet records and the invoice from the visit.
Step 3 - Get your money back! Quickly! Your provider will often follow up with your vet for any missing info. Most claims are processed within 5 business days.
Pretty easy, right?
If life gives you lemons - make Lemonade!
Another amazing provider in the US you have to consider in your search is Lemonade. As they say, they offer "Insurance for the 21st century". A hassle-free digital experience. Lightning fast claims payments. All powered by AI.
Lemonade is America’s top-rated insurance for cats and dogs, earning 4.9 stars in the App store, and is also top-rated by Supermoney, Clearsurance, and many others.
Let's get into the details...
The coverage your pet actually needs, carefully crafted in collaboration with their vet team and lots of excited pet parents.
- DIAGNOSTICS: Blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, MRIs, labwork, CT scans, and ultrasounds
- PROCEDURES: Outpatient, specialty & emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery
- MEDICATION: Injections and prescription meds
Huge savings on tests, vaccines, and essential care. Save big bucks on your vet bills for annual routine care with preventative packages.
- WELLNESS EXAM: Annual physical checkup for your pet
- FECAL OR INTERNAL PARASITE TEST: Annual parasite evaluation test
- HEARTWORM TEST: Annual screening of heartworm infestation
- BLOODWORK: Annual detection of diseases before symptoms appear
- VACCINES: Up to 3 vaccines such as Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella
- ROUTINE DENTAL CLEANING: Including dental x-rays, anesthesia, polishing, and more
- FLEA/TICK OR HEARTWORM MEDICATION: Protection for your pet from common pests
- MEDICAL ADVICE CHAT: Expert online medical advice for the ultimate peace of mind
At the end of the day, Lemonade pet insurance is made for puppies and kittens. A preventative care package designed especially for the youngest members of your fur fam. It covers important procedures like spaying or neutering, microchipping, flea medication, and up to six vaccines or boosters. Remember, the earlier in your pets life you sign up for pet insurance, the better. Oh ya, and the more you'll save!
A couple more notes about Lemonade...
How do I add another pet?
Each pet needs their own policy, but you’ll need to set them up one at a time. After purchasing a pet insurance policy for your first pet, just hit the + symbol on your Lemonade app’s home screen to get a new quote for your other dog or cat. Plus, you can unlock a 5% multi-pet discount.
What are waiting periods?
Like all pet insurers, they have waiting periods before certain coverages kick in - 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament events. But if you opted for their preventative package, you can use the benefits in that package the day after you purchased the policy!
Do you need my pet’s medical records?
They want to get to know your pet so they can provide the best experience. After you purchase your insurance policy, they’ll ask for your pet’s medical records, which show vital information and help them understand if your pet has previous health issues (aka pre-existing conditions). This will also help speed up the process when reviewing your claim!
If you're still not convinced...
Consider this - pet insurance is valuable because it acknowledges your pet as a cherished member of the family. Unexpected vet expenses can be costly, leading to stress and financial strain. By investing in pet insurance, you're ensuring that your beloved companion receives the necessary care they need, without worrying about breaking the bank.
Pet insurance can help save money on routine care, such as vaccinations and annual check-ups. Some policies even offer additional benefits like lost pet recovery or liability coverage! By signing up for pet insurance with one of our recommended providers, you safeguard both your pet’s well-being and your financial stability, adding peace of mind for unexpected circumstances.
As pets age, they're more likely to incur higher vet bills, but young pets can also develop serious diseases or experience an accident. Purebred dogs tend to have more medical problems than mixed breeds, but this is a generalization and not a hard and fast rule. All this being said - it's best to get covered as early in your pets life as possible.
Choosing the right provider
Selecting the appropriate pet insurance policy may appear daunting due to the array of options available. When evaluating policies, it's essential to assess coverage options, deductibles, and premiums. Seek a policy that offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, and consider whether you desire coverage for routine care as well. Evaluate the deductible and co-pay requirements, determining how much you're comfortable paying out of pocket.
Additionally, research the insurer’s reputation and customer service ratings. This will be useful when you need to ensure reliable support when filing a claim. By conducting thorough research and carefully considering your options, you can identify a pet insurance policy that aligns with your pet’s needs and your financial means.
According to a report by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), 1 in 3 pets will require unexpected vet care each year. And the average cost of unexpected veterinary care is around $800-$1,500 (much more than the number we mentioned at the start of the blog, which only considered regular, "non-emergency" visits), which can be a hard financial burden for most pet owners.
Before you go:
Take a look at our list of recommened Pet Insurance providers below, in no particular order. Every one of these companies operates in the US and providers exceptional coverage and service. You really can't go wrong with any of these.
