PET INSURANCE

Pet Insurance vs. Veterinary Discount Plans

2 min read
Feb 01, 2022

One positive attribute of a pet insurance plan is that with pet insurance, there are no networks to worry about.  Pet insurance policy holders are able to visit any licensed veterinarian in the country. Let's take a closer look at the true benefits and drawbacks when it comes to comparing a pet insurance plan with a veterinary savings plan.

How Pet Insurance Works

  • Select the policy that works for you, your family and your pet. 
  • Should an injury or illness occur, take your pet to the veterinarian or animal hospital
  • Pay the charges before you check out
  • Submit your claim to your pet insurance provider

Pet Insurance is Uniquely Different from Veterinary Discount Plans

Now, contrast pet insurance to a veterinary discount plan. A discount plan is a program where one or more veterinarians agree with a network organization to offer certain discounts for veterinary procedures. Discount cards are widely sold, such as at drug stores, convenience stores, and other non-insurance-specific, purely commercial outlets. A discount plan is not insurance, discount plans can offer lower fees on certain services from participating providers. 

However, veterinary discount plans may come with 'networks,' meaning veterinarians can drop out of the plan or offering. 

A pet insurance plan can be backed by a licensed and regulated insurance company. Part of the licensure and regulation involves ensuring the financial integrity of the program.

Consider Investing in Pet Insurance 

Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  Our dog insurance and cat insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your furry family members deserve.  Get your free quote today. 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.  

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.