Latest news with #coverage

Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
What Medicaid Work Requirements Mean for Enrollees
President Trump's tax-and-spending megabill seeks to implement a policy long championed by Republicans: work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries. Policy analysts expect millions of people to lose coverage either because they won't bother to comply with the new rules or because they aren't able to keep up with the paperwork and other bureaucratic hurdles states will erect for proving eligibility.


South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
China's US trade deal warning, Japanese princess flies economy: 5 weekend reads you missed
We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing

Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MetLife pet insurance review 2025
MetLife rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars Best for: Insuring multiple pets Our evaluation found that MetLife pet insurance has an enviable combination of solid coverage and below-average costs. If you have more than one dog or cat, consider the advantages of MetLife's Family Plan for pet insurance. You can insure up to three cats or dogs with one policy. You'll be able to take advantage of one shared deductible for all the pets on the Family Plan, so you'll meet the deductible faster. MetLife's Family Plan also provides one annual shared limit among the pets, so if one pet needs more care, you can allot more of the annual coverage limit to that pet. There's also a multi-pet discount. Or you could buy separate policies for each pet. Metlife pet insurance is also unusual in that you can carry over unused coverage to the next year. If the policy has at least $5,000 for annual coverage, and you have $1,000 or more unused at the end of the policy term, you'll get an automatic $500 increase for the next policy term for no additional cost. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Pros Ample coverage included Average costs are slightly below average Alternative therapy is covered No special waiting period for cruciate ligament or other issues Sells exotic pet insurance for birds, ferrets, reptiles, and other animals $50 deductible available for those looking for a low amount Cons Maximum annual coverage is only up to $10,000 Older pets may be eligible for only a $2,000 annual maximum, which can be less than the annual premium Only 90 days from the treatment date to submit claims MetLife pet insurance basics Annual maximum limit choices: $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 Deductible choices: $50, $100, $250, $500 Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90% Multi-pet discount: Varies MetLife waiting periods For accident coverage: Coverage begins at midnight ET of the effective day of the policy For illness coverage: 14 days Special waiting period: None MetLife age restrictions for buying a new policy Minimum pet age: 0 Maximum pet age: None MetLife doesn't offer an accident-only plan, so all policies include both accident and illness coverage by default. Plus, there's one preventive care plan for routine vet expenses. Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers MetLife's standard accident and illness policy includes a wide range of treatments, some of which cost extra with other providers. Coverage typically includes: Exams and diagnostics for accidents and illnesses, including vet exam fees, X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds Treatment and hospitalization for injuries and illnesses, including cancer and chronic conditions Hereditary and congenital conditions, such as hip dysplasia, cherry eye, IVDD, and epilepsy Dental care for both accidents and illnesses, including treatment for periodontal disease Alternative therapies prescribed by a vet, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and CBD oil Prescription medications, supplements, and prescription pet foods for covered conditions End-of-life care, including euthanasia, grief counseling, and up to $500 for cremation or burial expenses Lost pet coverage, including up to $500 in advertising and reward costs, plus reimbursement if your pet isn't found Boarding fees up to $500 if you're hospitalized for more than 48 hours MetLife offers an optional preventive care plan you can add to your base policy for an extra cost. It reimburses you for routine care, which could include: Annual wellness exams and vaccinations Routine bloodwork and fecal tests Heartworm testing and prevention Flea and tick prevention Spay/neuter surgery Dental cleanings Note: Wellness coverage won't kick in for emergencies or chronic conditions, but it can help cover the basics if you're already paying for preventive care out of pocket. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? Like most pet insurers, MetLife does not cover preexisting conditions. That includes any illness, injury, or abnormality you or your vet noticed before the policy started – even if your pet was never formally diagnosed. MetLife also doesn't make exceptions for curable preexisting conditions. So if your pet had something like a temporary ear infection or stomach bug before coverage began, it won't be eligible for future reimbursement if it comes back later. Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions Yes. MetLife includes 24/7 access to a vet helpline with all policies. You can call anytime to ask questions about your pet's symptoms, get advice on whether you need an in-person visit, or just get peace of mind. MetLife covers a lot. But like all pet insurers, it has exclusions. Here are some of the key things not covered: Preexisting conditions, including any illness or injury noticed before your policy starts Treatment by unlicensed veterinarians or services received outside the U.S. Cosmetic procedures like tail docking or declawing, and any complications related to them Injuries caused by neglect, abuse, or intentional harm Injuries from working animals used for racing, law enforcement, guarding, or paid exhibitions Routine care unless you've added a wellness plan – including grooming, nail trims, anal gland expression, obedience training, and non-prescription pet foods Treatment not deemed medically necessary, even if recommended by a vet You can decrease your MetLife pet insurance benefits at any time, like lowering your annual limit or increasing your deductible. Just note that the change won't take effect until it's approved by MetLife. But if you want to increase your coverage — say, raise your reimbursement rate or lower your deductible — you'll have to wait until your policy renews. Mid-term upgrades aren't allowed. MetLife also offers a couple of built-in incentives tied to your coverage: Healthy Pet Incentive. If you go a full year without any paid claims (excluding preventive care), your deductible will drop by $50 at renewal — down to as low as $0. Automatic policy limit increase. If your annual limit is at least $5,000 and you don't use $1,000 or more of it during the year, MetLife will automatically raise your limit by $500 next year at no extra cost. MetLife's premiums are slightly below average compared to other pet insurance policies. MetLife's average monthly cost for a $5,000 annual limit is $81.05. That's a bit below the industry average of $86.78. This puts MetLife in a competitive spot alongside providers like Embrace and Pets Best. Here's how it stacks up: Yes. MetLife offers a 5% discount when you insure multiple pets, with total discounts capped at 30% if you qualify for others. But what really sets MetLife apart is its Family Plan option. Instead of juggling separate policies, you can cover up to three cats or dogs under one plan with: A shared annual limit, so if one pet needs more care, you can use more of the total coverage A shared deductible, which helps you reach it faster across all pets The option to combine cats and dogs on the same policy (something not every insurer allows) In one quote scenario, this setup resulted in a 64% savings, which is far beyond what most providers offer with standard multi-pet discounts. MetLife does not offer a built-in system for paying vets directly. That means you'll typically need to pay out of pocket at the time of service, then submit a claim for reimbursement. That said, if you're facing a major procedure (like surgery or an emergency hospitalization), it may be worth asking your vet if they're willing to coordinate payment directly with MetLife ahead of time. Some clinics will do this on a case-by-case basis, especially for established clients. Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly Filing a claim with MetLife is fairly straightforward, but you'll want to gather the right documents first to avoid delays. Here's how it works: Gather your documents. You'll need itemized vet invoices, relevant medical records, and (for your first claim) adoption or medical records from the past 12 months. Submit your claim. You can file online, by mail, or through the MetLife mobile app. Claim forms are included with your policy documents or can be requested by phone. Wait for processing. Most claims are processed in about five business days, though MetLife's policy allows up to 30 days to approve or deny a claim. Reimbursement is sent to you (not your vet), so you'll be responsible for paying upfront in most cases. MetLife requires you to submit claims within 90 days of your pet's treatment date. If you miss that window, your claim will likely not be eligible for reimbursement. MetLife says most claims are processed in about five days as long as you submit all required documents up front. If something's missing, they'll follow up with your vet directly to keep things moving. That said, the fine print gives MetLife up to 30 days to approve or deny a claim. So while most are processed within a week, it could technically take up to a month. MetLife's mobile app makes it easy to manage your policy on the go. You can: Submit and manage claims Access 24/7 virtual vet support View your policy documents Update your pet's info Track your pet's health records Get updates about payments, vaccines, and more It's available on both iOS and Android, with decent reviews overall. MetLife mobile app ratings: Apple App Store: 4.5 out of 5 stars Google Play Store: 4.5 out of 5 stars MetLife is the best pet insurance company for multiple pets, but here are some other strong contenders worth considering: Learn more: The best pet insurance companies Yes. MetLife covers both dental accidents and dental illnesses as part of its standard accident and illness plan. That includes things like broken teeth and periodontal disease. Dental cleanings, however, are only covered if you've added the preventive care plan. MetLife pet insurance is available in all 50 states and D.C. You can view state-specific information on MetLife's website. No. MetLife doesn't require a recent veterinary exam to enroll your pet in coverage. However, you'll still need to provide medical records if you ever file a claim. You can reach MetLife Pet Insurance customer support several ways: Hours: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Email: pet_info@ Live chat: Available through the MetLife Pet mobile app You can cancel your MetLife pet insurance policy at any time by submitting a written request. If you cancel within the first 30 days and haven't filed a claim, you'll get a full refund. After that, MetLife will refund any unused premium on a prorated basis. There are no cancellation fees, and your policy will end on the day MetLife receives your cancellation notice or on a later date you specify. Tim Manni edited this article. We researched the coverage details and prices for 15 pet insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each pet insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best pet insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated. Coverage types: 40% of score. We examined the coverage provided by the base policy without the extra cost of add-ons. This encompassed coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, euthanasia or end-of-life expenses, exotic pets, hereditary and congenital conditions, preexisting conditions, prescription food and supplements, veterinary exam fees, and advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets. Average cost: 30% of score. We evaluated costs in five states for $5,000 and unlimited coverage for a mixed-breed dog (age 1), a French bulldog (age 5), and a Labrador retriever (age 8). Unlimited coverage option: 10% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered an unlimited annual limit (or a $100,000 limit), which gives pet owners the most robust financial protection possible in the event of a catastrophic pet medical issue. Direct payments to the veterinarian: 5% of score. We gave points to pet insurers that state on their websites that they accommodate direct vet payments. No special waiting periods for special conditions: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers have no waiting periods for special conditions, such as cruciate ligament conditions. Routine wellness plan: 5% of score. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan in addition to pet insurance received points. Multi-pet discount: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered a discount for insuring multiple pets.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Fetch pet insurance review 2025
Fetch pet insurance rating: 1 out of 5 stars Fetch has relatively generous coverage, but unfortunately, its rating in our evaluation was brought down by its extremely high cost: It was by far the most expensive pet insurance policy for $5,000 in annual coverage in our evaluation. Ultimately, you can get much more value with other pet insurers that offer good coverage at competitive rates. One upside to Fetch is that if your pet has a curable preexisting injury or illness and goes 12 months without signs, symptoms, or treatment, the condition is eligible for coverage. This can include problems such as respiratory infections and diarrhea. Another upside, if you choose to pay the high price for Fetch, is that policies include a range of small coverage types: Payment for advertising and a reward if your pet is lost or stolen Reimbursement for kennel costs if you're hospitalized Reimbursement of the price you paid for the pet if the pet dies Coverage for lost travel costs if you have to cancel a vacation because your pet becomes sick or injured Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Pros Covers dental illness Covers acupuncture and chiropractic care Reimburses for a range of smaller costs, such as advertising and rewards Cons Very high average cost Maximum annual coverage of $15,000 No multi-pet discount If your pet has not been to the vet six months before the start of your policy, an exam is required within 30 days of the policy effective date Fetch pet insurance basics Annual maximum limit choices: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 Deductible choices: $300, $500, $700 Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90% Fetch waiting periods For accident coverage: 15 days For illness coverage: 15 days Special waiting period: 6 months for cruciate ligament problems, patella issues, and hip dysplasia Fetch age restrictions for buying a new policy Minimum pet age: 6 weeks Maximum pet age: None Fetch sells an accident and illness policy and a wellness plan. Fetch pet insurance provides a solid range of coverage, without the need to pay for add-ons. Fetch covers: The vet exam fee Hereditary and congenital conditions Diagnostics such as X-rays and ultrasounds Dental accidents and illnesses Behavioral therapy for conditions such as aggression, separation anxiety, and phobias Alternative therapy, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care Prescription drugs and supplements Up to $1,000 for pet telehealth visits Advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets Kennel costs if the owner is hospitalized Cost of pet if the pet dies Vacation cancellation costs due to pet illness or injury Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Fetch offers three wellness plans: Essentials, Advantage, and Prime. Prime provides the most comprehensive coverage and is, therefore, the most expensive option. Essentials: Covers up to $315 in annual care costs starting at $10/month Advantage: Covers up to $520 in annual care costs starting at $20/month Prime: Covers up to $735 in annual care costs starting at $30/month Learn more: Why a pet wellness plan is worth considering All three plans will reimburse you up to specified limits for the following: Annual exam Blood test Dental cleaning Heartworm tests Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention Spaying/neutering Urinalysis and fecal test Vaccinations The Advantage and Prime plans cover anal gland expression and microchipping. The Prime plan also covers a behavioral exam, activity monitor, and health certificate. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? Fetch does not cover preexisting conditions. A preexisting condition is defined as an illness, injury, or condition that your pet has shown signs of or that you or your veterinarian noticed before you enrolled, your policy took effect, or during the waiting period for coverage. However, Fetch does cover curable preexisting conditions that go without signs, symptoms, or treatment for 12 months. Examples include broken bones, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections. Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions Fetch pet insurance does not include access to a 24/7 vet helpline. Fetch policies don't cover the following expenses: Bathing, unless medically necessary Boarding and travel expenses Breeding and pregnancy Cremation Degenerative disorders, including cruciate ligament disease Elective procedures, including tail docking and ear cropping Euthanasia, unless recommended by a veterinarian Experimental treatments Grooming Injury or illness related to abuse, neglect, racing, organized fighting, occupational use of a pet Obedience or training classes Preexisting and bilateral conditions, even if they appear on the other side of the body Preexisting intervertebral disk disease Prescription food Preventive care Weight-loss treatment Yes, but there are restrictions if you want to increase your coverage. All requests for changes in coverage must be made in writing or with verbal confirmation. Increases. You can apply to increase your policy coverage – or decrease your deductible or co-pay – only if you haven't submitted any claims. In most states, you can only apply to increase your coverage once a year when your policy renews. Increasing your coverage will reset your waiting period and preexisting coverage exclusions. Decreases. You can apply to decrease your coverage – or increase your deductible or co-pay – at any time. Fetch had the highest-priced policy in our evaluation of policies with a $5,000 annual coverage limit. Fetch pet insurance came in at 55% above the average cost in our analysis. Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide. Fetch does not offer a multi-pet discount. Most pet insurance companies provide a discount of 5% or 10% for insuring multiple pets. No, you must pay your vet and submit a claim to be reimbursed. However, if you expect a large bill, contact Fetch in advance to ask if it will make a special arrangement to pay the vet directly. Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly: How does it work? Here's what to know about filing a claim with Fetch: To make a claim: Submit a detailed invoice showing your balance was paid in full and medical records from your pet's most recent vet visit. To submit claims quickly: Upload documents through your online account or use the Fetch app. To receive reimbursements faster: Set up direct deposit to be paid five to 10 days faster than by check. If your claim is denied: You can appeal in writing within 90 days of denial of a claim. You must submit a claim within 90 days after a vet visit. Fetch says that it processes claims within 15 days and, once a claim is approved, makes payments in as few as two days if you have direct deposit. Fetch's mobile app is highly rated, but it may not offer as many features as some other pet insurance apps. The Fetch app can be used to upload records, submit claims, track the status of claims, and set up direct deposit. Fetch's mobile app ratings: Apple App store: 4.8 out of 5 stars Google Play store: 4.7 out of 5 stars Fetch pet insurance is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Yes, Fetch requires that your pet get a medical exam within six months before enrollment. You can contact Fetch by phone, email, mail, and interactive chat on its website. Contact the Fetch sales team at 1-866-984-0104 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Saturday Contact the Fetch service team at 1-866-467-3875 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET The email address is info@ The mailing address is Fetch, P.O. Box 1489, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 The interactive chat is at You can cancel a policy at any time by calling or emailing Fetch. If you cancel a policy within 30 days and haven't filed any claims, you will receive a full refund. After 30 days, your refund will be pro-rated based on the date of termination. Tim Manni edited this article.


The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
The Audio Long Read: Extremely loud and incredibly scouse: how Jamie Carragher conquered football punditry
Football coverage no longer stops after the final whistle. And in this new era, the former Liverpool defender reigns supreme By Kieran Morris. Read by Felipe Pacheco