MetLife Pet Insurance is a game-changer for multi-pet households thanks to its unique Family Plan. It is the only major insurer that allows you to cover up to three pets (cats and dogs) on a single policy with a shared deductible and coverage limit. Combined with a 0-day waiting period for accidents (meaning coverage starts midnight the day you buy), it offers immediate protection and streamlined billing that competitors cannot match.

At a Glance

Policy Types: Accident & Illness; Accident-Only; Preventative Care (Add-on)
Annual Coverage Limits: $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, or Unlimited (Family Plans typically capped)
Reimbursement Rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductibles: $50 – $500 (Annual)
Waiting Periods: 0 days for Accidents (starts midnight); 14 days for Illnesses
Age Limits: No upper age limit for enrollment
Underwriter: Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC) or Metropolitan General Insurance Company

Pros & Cons

Pros

The Family Plan: This is MetLife's superpower. You can bundle up to 3 pets on one policy. They share a single annual deductible and a single annual limit. If you have three healthy dogs and want "just in case" coverage for all of them without paying three separate deductibles, this is incredibly cost-effective.
0-Day Accident Waiting Period: Most insurers make you wait 2 to 15 days before covering accidents. MetLife coverage begins at midnight on the day you enroll. If your dog breaks a leg tomorrow, MetLife covers it.
Short Deductibles: You can choose a deductible as low as $50, which is lower than the industry standard $100 or $250.
Inclusive Coverage: The base plan covers exam fees, alternative therapies, and even grief counseling if a pet passes away.

Cons

Shared Limits Risk: In a Family Plan, the coverage limit is shared. If you have a $10,000 limit for 3 dogs and one dog gets cancer and uses $9,000, you only have $1,000 left for the other two dogs for the rest of the year.
Slow Claims: Customer reviews frequently mention slower-than-average claim processing times (often 15-30 days) compared to tech-forward competitors like Lemonade.
No "Curable" Clause: Unlike Spot or Embrace, MetLife is stricter about pre-existing conditions and generally does not have a clear "reset" clock for cured conditions.

Overview

MetLife acquired PetFirst in 2020 and rebranded it, bringing the financial muscle of a massive insurer to the pet world. They aggressively target employees (through workplace benefits) but offer excellent retail plans too. Their standout feature is the ability to treat pet insurance like human health insurance: one family deductible, one family premium.

Coverage Details

Accident & Illness: Covers the standard array: cancer, hereditary conditions, surgeries, and meds.
The Family Plan: Imagine having a $500 deductible for your household, not per pet. Once any of your pets' bills satisfy that $500, all your pets are covered for the rest of the year. This is mathematically superior for households with multiple accident-prone pets.
Holistic Care: Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture are covered standard.
Preventative Care: Available as an add-on in two tiers. It helps pay for vaccines, spay/neuter, and teeth cleaning (up to set limits).

Fees & Requirements

Premiums: MetLife is often highly competitive, especially for older pets or multiple-pet households. The pet-bundling discount is significant.
Deductibles: The ability to pick a $50 deductible is rare. It means coverage kicks in almost immediately, though it raises your monthly premium.
No Exam Required: You do not need a vet exam to enroll, though you will need to submit medical records when you file your first claim.

Customer Experience

App & Portal: The app makes claim uploads easy, but the interface feels more "traditional insurance" than "modern tech."
Grief Counseling: A thoughtful (if somber) benefit that pays for professional counseling if you lose a pet.

Who It’s Best For

Multi-Pet Homes: If you have 2 or 3 pets, the Family Plan is the most convenient way to insure them. Managing one policy is easier than three.
Owners of "Lemons": If your dog is constantly getting hurt, the 0-day waiting period is vital. You can buy the policy today and let them run at the dog park tomorrow with peace of mind.
Senior Pet Adopters: With no upper age limit, MetLife is a safe haven for senior pet adopters (though premiums will remain high).

Who Should Skip It

Tech-Savvy Users: If you want 2-day claim payouts and a slick AI chatbot, Lemonade is superior. MetLife is slower and more bureaucratic.
High-Risk Multi-Pet Homes: If you have 3 dogs that are all prone to expensive issues (e.g., 3 French Bulldogs), sharing a $10,000 limit is dangerous. You might max it out too fast. In that case, separate policies with Spot (Unlimited) are safer.

Bottom Line

MetLife Pet Insurance is the best choice for multi-pet families and owners who are impatient. The ability to cover three pets on one deductible simplifies finances immensely, and the 0-day accident waiting period offers the fastest protection in the industry. While claim processing can be slow, the coverage itself is robust and uniquely flexible for households with a "zoo" at home.