Insurance Basics for MetLife Pet Insurance - Billing, Important Information, and General Recommendations
Discounts Available: My partner’s company, which is one of the major tech firms, offers a 10% discount on pet insurance. They also provide discounts for healthcare professionals, veterans, and volunteers at animal shelters.
Premium Adjustments: Your premium may change if you update your billing address (like your zip code). I saw my premium jump over 50% from $53 to $81 for the same coverage after moving just under three miles away. They also reset your annual plan and deductible with this change. If you’re renting and want to keep your premium stable, consider using a family member’s home address for vet billing. Just remember that reimbursement checks for vet expenses will be sent to that address. I’m unsure if regular policy renewals lead to premium increases.
Waiting Period: After purchasing a policy, there is a two-week waiting period, so it’s best to wait before scheduling your pet’s annual exam.
Preexisting Conditions: MetLife does not cover preexisting conditions. If you’re on a tight budget and not facing urgent symptoms, it’s wise not to mention any health concerns to your vet during your pet’s initial visit. Keeping their health profile clean can help avoid potential claim denials. It’s really frustrating when ongoing treatments for your pet cost hundreds of dollars, especially during tough economic times.
Vet Recommendations: If you own a cat, I recommend seeing a veterinarian who specializes in feline care. I switched between three different vets, and the level of care varied significantly. The first two general vets suggested unnecessary tests and ointments for my cat’s teary eye, but they didn’t help. The third vet, who specializes in cats, correctly identified the issue as herpes-related and prescribed a helpful supplement.
MetLife Policy Info: Feel free to message me if you’d like to see MetLife’s policy details. I recently downgraded my premium to make it more manageable. Now I have a plan with a $200 annual deductible, 90% coverage, and a $3,000 limit, including wellness coverage for things like dental cleanings, radiographs, anesthesia, and supplements, all for $53 a month. This plan is still worthwhile since an annual dental cleaning can easily cost around $1,000.
Pros: Their customer service has been excellent for addressing any questions regarding claims or policy details. Filing a claim online is straightforward, though it can take a few weeks to receive a reimbursement check.
Final Thoughts: I hope this information helps clarify some aspects of pet insurance coverage. Dealing with vet bills and insurance can be quite stressful for me.