Managing a multipet policy
Even if you have separate pet policies from one pet insurance company, you can manage them under one account. This streamlines the number of insurers and claims processes you have to keep track of.
Only MetLife’s Family Plan can insure up to three cats or dogs under the same policy. They’ll share the annual coverage maximum and the deductible. This can offer some flexibility in how you use coverage. For example, perhaps one year your dog has more medical needs than your cat, so the dog uses up the coverage allotment.
However, our analysis of costs did not find an advantage to the MetLife Family plan. While the cost for two dogs under the Family Plan was slightly lower than the cost for two separate MetLife pet insurance policies—and you’d only have to meet the deductible once—you’re getting half the coverage because you’re buying one policy with a shared annual coverage maximum.
FAQ
Can I insure dogs and cats together under one policy?
Only MetLife offers a policy that insures multiple dogs or cats under one policy. With its Family Plan, you can have multiple pets share one annual coverage maximum and one deductible. With other pet insurers, you’ll have to buy separate policies for each pet.
Are there age or breed restrictions in multipet plans?
Some pet insurance policies have age restrictions on when a new policy can be purchased for a pet. For example, Healthy Paws, Lemonade and Trupanion have an age cut-off of 14 for new policies.
Some pet insurers, such as Nationwide, exclude specific conditions for certain breeds. You can avoid surprises by reading your policy closely for exclusions and restrictions.
How do claims work when multiple pets need vet care at once?
When you have vet bills for multiple pets at once, you’ll submit the invoices separately for each pet policy, unless the pet insurance company can pay the vet directly. However, you should be able to track the status of your claims through one dashboard or your pet insurer’s website or mobile app.
Can I switch pets off a multipet plan easily?
Because multipet insurance is typically done with separate policies, you control each pet’s coverage separately. If you decide to stop insuring one pet, you can stop paying and cancel the policy. However, it’s not always easy to switch to a new policy because waiting periods and pre-existing condition rules will apply with a new policy.
Methodology
We evaluated 16 pet insurance policies, focusing on key coverage areas, including the cost for two dogs with a multipet discount, access to vet telehealth, direct vet payments and therapies that pet owners might prefer to be included in coverage. Advertisers and partners don’t influence our ratings, as our research and editorial team maintains independence in using data-driven methodologies.
Learn more about how Buy Side rates pet insurance companies.
