MetLife and Pumpkin both offer accident-and-illness coverage with strong reimbursement rates, but they differ sharply in how customizable their plans are. MetLife lets you dial in your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit (including an unlimited option), while Pumpkin keeps things simple with a flat 90% reimbursement and built-in dental coverage. Both are featured in our best dog insurance and best cat insurance roundups — here’s how they stack up against each other.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MetLife | Pumpkin |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement rate | Choice of 70%, 80%, or 90% | Flat 90% |
| Annual limit | $500–$25,000 in $1,000 increments, or unlimited | $10,000 or $20,000 |
| Deductible | Customizable, $0–$2,500 | Annual deductible, customizable |
| Dental illness coverage | Not standard | Included on base plan |
| Alternative therapies | Included (acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physical therapy) | Not standard |
| Multi-pet option | Family Plan — up to 3 pets on one policy | Standard multi-pet discount |
| Starting price | ~$16/mo (dogs), ~$7/mo (cats) | Varies; competitive for cats |
Sample prices vary by pet’s age, breed, location, and the plan/deductible combination you choose.
How We Compared These Plans
This comparison is based on the publicly available plan documents, sample rates, and coverage details published by MetLife and Pumpkin, with attention to customization options, annual limit ranges, dental and alternative therapy coverage, and multi-pet features.
Where MetLife Wins
Unlimited annual coverage option. MetLife lets you choose an unlimited annual limit, while Pumpkin caps out at $20,000. See our unlimited coverage guide for more on when this matters.
Built-in alternative therapy coverage. MetLife’s core plan includes acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy without an add-on — useful if your pet needs rehabilitation after surgery or an injury. Read more in our guide to alternative therapy coverage.
The Family Plan. MetLife is one of the few insurers that lets you cover up to three pets under a single policy with a shared deductible and annual limit, which can simplify billing for multi-pet households. See our multi-pet discount guide for how this compares to standard multi-pet discounts.
Lower starting price. MetLife’s published starting rates are notably low, especially for cats.
Where Pumpkin Wins
Dental illness coverage on the base plan. Pumpkin includes dental illness coverage standard, while MetLife does not include it on its core plan. See our dental coverage guide for the full picture.
Flat 90% reimbursement. No need to choose a percentage — every eligible claim is reimbursed at 90% after your deductible, which simplifies expectations.
Preventive Essentials add-on. Pumpkin’s optional wellness add-on covers routine costs like vaccines and wellness exams at a low monthly cost.
What One Should You Select?
Select MetLife in the event that: you require maximum flexibility, would like an unlimited annual plan feature, need additional alternative therapy coverage, and/or are covering several pets through their Family Plan.
Select Pumpkin in the event that: you need automatic inclusion of dental illnesses and would like a flat 90% reimbursement rate.
If you are still compiling your list, the cost-effectiveness analysis of pet insurance may provide some insight regarding coverage needed.
Claims Process and Customer Experience
MetLife Pet Insurance offers a straightforward reimbursement model, with claims submitted via app or online portal and typically processed within about two weeks. As a well-established name in the broader insurance industry, MetLife brings the infrastructure and customer support resources of a large national insurer. Pumpkin, which is underwritten by Embrace, also uses a digital claims process and is known for its user-friendly app, though processing times can vary depending on claim complexity. Both companies provide claim status tracking, which helps pet owners stay informed without needing to call customer service repeatedly.
Which One Should You Choose?
Customization is a feature that makes MetLife unique as you can customize your deductibles, reimbursement, and annual limit to suit your budgeting, with the addition of wellness plan. What makes Pumpkin stand out from the others is the fact that it comes with preventive care included, and even an additional Preventative Essentials that will cover your routine vaccinations and appointments. In case maximum customization is the one you need to find in a health insurance, then MetLife is one choice that will suit you well.
Questions and Answers
Does MetLife provide an unlimited annual limit plan feature?
Yes, MetLife provides an unlimited annual benefit limit as one of its customization features along with annual limits ranging from $500 to $25,000.
Does Pumpkin cover alternative therapies like acupuncture?
Not as standard. MetLife’s core plan includes acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy without requiring an add-on.
Can I insure multiple pets under MetLife’s Family Plan?
Yes, MetLife’s Family Plan covers up to three dogs or cats on a single policy with a shared deductible and annual limit.
Which plan is better for dental coverage?
Pumpkin includes dental illness coverage on its base plan. MetLife does not include dental as standard.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.