2026 Pet Insurance

Penn State recognizes that for many of its employees, pets are beloved companions, but they can also experience the occasional accident or illness. That's why we've decided to partner with MetLife Pet Insurance, which offers a variety of coverages designed to fit your budget and your pet’s needs. Faculty and staff are able to customize their pet insurance plans based on their needs. Payment for coverage will be direct between MetLife and the employee via EFT, debit card, or credit card. Faculty and staff can enroll in this insurance at anytime, no election is required in Workday during Benefits Open Enrollment.

Features:

  • Choose from flexible coverage options
  • Visit any licensed U.S. veterinarian and be reimbursed up to 90% of the cost of services
  • Receive discounts up to 30% and additional offers on pet care, where available
  • Get coverage of previously covered pre-existing conditions when switching providers
  • Additional discounts when covering more than one pet

You can view a recorded MetLife Pet Webinar Presentation provided by MetLife to learn about pet insurance, how it works, and the coverage options available.

What is covered?

Here are some of the treatments and conditions that MetLife Pet covers:

Preventive care coverage (optional) for dogs and cats such as:  
Vaccinations Teeth cleaning
Flea/tick medications Deworming
Wellness visits And more!
Other coverage options:  
Accidental injuries Hospital stays
Illnesses X-rays and diagnostic tests
Exam fees Hereditary conditions
Surgeries Congenital conditions
Medications Alternative therapies
Ultrasounds And more!

 

Examples of Covered Pets

With MetLife Pet Insurance, you can cover exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and other exotics. You can feel confident that their health and your wallet are protected when faced with an unexpected trip to the vet.

Exotic pet species and breed list

Avians
African grey Conure Heron Parakeet
Amazon Dove Kestrel Parrot
Avian: Duck Lory Parrotlet
Canary Falcon Lovebird Pigeon
Chicken Finch Macaw Toucan
Cockatiel Goose Mynah Turkey
Cockatoo Hawk
Reptiles
Amphibian Gecko Skink Tortoise
Bearded dragon Iguana Snake Turtle
Chameleon Lizard Tegu Uromastyx
Frilled dragon Monitor lizard Toad Water dragon
Other Exotics
Chinchilla Guinea pig Mini pig Pot belly pig
Gerbil Hamster Mouse Rat
Goat Hedgehog Opossum Sugar glider

How do I enroll?

Faculty and staff can enroll anytime by visiting metlife.com/getpetquote or call 1-800-GET-MET8.

MetLife Pet Frequently Asked Questions

What is pet insurance?
A. Pet insurance works much like other types of insurance. For a monthly fee (also called a premium), you’ll have coverage that can help reduce the financial impact of expected and unexpected veterinary care.

Why MetLife Pet Insurance?
A. With MetLife, you have the power of choice to customize your pet insurance to meet both your pet’s needs and your budget. You can take advantage of benefits like:

  • The freedom to visit any U.S. licensed vet, emergency clinic or specialist – Exam fees are covered for accidents and illnesses.
  • Flexible coverage with no breed exclusions.
  • Family plans – One policy covers up to three dogs and cats with one shared deductible.
  • Optional Preventive Care coverage – For common routine wellness expenses.
  • Coverage of pre-existing conditions that were previously covered when switching pet insurance providers.

How does MetLife Pet Insurance work?
A. Our process is simple and straightforward. Take your pet to the vet and pay the bill, then send us your claim documents. You can file using our mobile app, online portal, email, fax or mail, and we process most claims within five days. You’ll receive reimbursement by check or direct deposit if the claim expense is covered under the policy.

When does coverage start?
A. MetLife Pet Insurance wait periods are among the shortest for accident and illness coverage. Accident coverage and optional Preventive Care coverage begin on the effective date of your policy. Illness coverage begins 14 days later.

What’s covered?
A. Coverage includes: Accidental injuries, Illnesses, Exam fees, Surgeries, Medications, Ultrasounds, Hospital stays, X-rays/diagnostic tests, Hereditary conditions, Congenital conditions, Holistic care, Chronic conditions, and much more!

What’s not covered?
A. Pre-existing conditions are not typically covered in pet insurance; however, MetLife will cover pre-existing conditions that were previously covered for those switching from another pet insurance provider—to learn more about what’s not covered, visit metlifepetinsurance.com/ coverage-exclusions.

How much pet insurance do I need?
A. Every individual and their pet has unique needs—we provide the ability to customize your coverage. Coverage is flexible and customizable, so you can choose the plan that works for you. Options include:

  • Levels of coverage from $500–unlimited
  • $0–$2,500 deductible options
  • Reimbursement percentages from 50%–90%

How much will it cost?
A. Each pet’s premium will be unique based on your pet’s age, breed and location, as well as your selected coverage amount. But how much can you save? If you’re claim-free for a policy year, we’ll automatically decrease your deductible by $50 with our healthy pet incentive. Plus, MetLife Pet offers an Automatic Policy Limit Increase.

Are there any discounts?
A. Yes, you will be automatically eligible for a 10% Employer Group Discount / 5% Affinity Group Discount. A variety of additional discounts may be available, including:

  • Military, Veteran, First Responder and Healthcare Workers Discount
  • Animal Care Discount
  • Multi-pet discount (5% for the 2nd pet policy and 10% for each additional policy)

How do I pay for my coverage?
A. You can set up an automatic payment via credit card through the online portal or call center. ACH (electronic bank-to-bank payment) is available exclusively through our call center.

Is my coverage portable if I leave my employer?
A. Yes. You can take your policy with you. You will continue paying premiums directly to MetLife Pet Insurance. Also, if you receive an Employer Group Discount / Affinity Group Discount due to signing up for MetLife Pet Insurance through your employer/association, you will no longer be eligible for that discount on policy renewal.