Pumpkin & MetLife: Key Differences

While Pumpkin and MetLife (also known as PetFirst in some states) both offer pet insurance plans for accidents & illnesses, there are some key differences to be aware of when choosing which provider is right for you and your pet.¹ Let’s dig in…

Pumpkin plans cover recurring incidents of ingested foreign bodies. MetLife plans don’t.

With Pumpkin insurance plans, treatment for all eligible conditions is covered, regardless of whether there is a repeat occurrence within 18 months of the first treatment date. MetLife’s policy states that they won’t cover “More than one anesthetic removal of an ingested foreign body in one period of insurance.” For example, if your puppy gets into the trash and eats something toxic, your Pumpkin plan would cover that treatment. If a similar episode happened again a year later, your plan would be able to cover that, too.

Pumpkin plans cover treatment for parasite infections. MetLife standard plans don’t

Heartworms, ticks, fleas, and intestinal parasites (or worms) are year-round threats to dogs and cats across the US indoors and out, and can be lethal if left untreated. While routine vaccines and preventive meds can help protect against some parasites and catch infections early, research shows that most dogs and cats will suffer from a parasite-borne illness in their lifetime.² For these reasons, Pumpkin insurance plans cover treatment for parasite infections. MetLife standard insurance plans don’t.

Pumpkin plans for dogs don't have a 180-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

Pumpkin insurance plans have the same waiting period for all accidents & illnesses: 14 days or less, depending on your state.³ This includes coverage for orthopedic conditions like cruciate ligament injuries (AKA knee ligament injuries), bone fractures, and hip dysplasia. These conditions are very common and can happen at any age. If surgery is needed to repair a bone or ligament, it can cost thousands, so it’s important that you’re covered as quickly as possible. With MetLife insurance plans, all dogs have a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic condition coverage.

Pumpkin plans give you up to 270 days to submit a claim. MetLife plans don’t.

At Pumpkin, we understand that after a sudden accident or illness happens, submitting your claim for reimbursement might not be top of mind. That’s why we give all policyholders up to 270 days (over 8 months) to submit your claim to us. MetLife plans give you a 90 day time limit to submit a claim, which is only 3 months.

Pumpkin plans offer a 10% multi-pet discount for every additional pet. MetLife plans may not.

We know pet care can be expensive – especially when you have more than one four-legged family member to budget for. That’s why Pumpkin plans offer a 10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet you enroll.⁴ MetLife plans only offer a 5% multi-pet discount for your first additional pet, then 10% for additional pets after that.