Prudent Pet's Ultimate pet insurance policy provides basic coverage at a price slightly below average, according to an analysis. The policy includes small coverage perks not commonly found among competitors, such as up to $500 for kennel costs during hospitalization and up to $1,000 for non-refundable vacation-cancellation expenses when a pet requires life-saving treatment.
However, these perks should not be the sole deciding factor. The policy requires an add-on for vet exam fees and does not cover dental illness specifically, though it does cover dental accidents. Prescription food is also excluded.
Pros of the policy include a low $100 deductible option, a 10% multi-pet discount, access to a 24/7 vet helpline, and small coverage perks like advertising and reward for a lost pet. Cons include only one option for annual accident and illness coverage—unlimited—and limited dental coverage.
Policy basics offer annual maximum limit choices of unlimited, deductible choices of $100, $250, $500, and $1,000, and reimbursement choices of 70%, 80%, and 90%. Waiting periods are 5 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament issues, which can be waived if a vet examination within the first 30 days notes no preexisting knee conditions.
Age restrictions allow a minimum pet age of 8 weeks with no maximum age. The Ultimate policy covers hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, diagnostics, dental accidents, behavioral therapy prescribed by a vet, and prescription drugs. An accident-only plan covers up to $10,000 annually for issues like broken bones, bite wounds, and swallowed objects.
A wellness plan add-on offers three levels—Low, Medium, and High—covering costs such as vaccinations, heartworm tests, and spaying/neutering. Preexisting conditions are not covered, defined as any illness diagnosed or showing clinical signs before the policy effective date or during the waiting period. Non-chronic conditions symptom-free for 365 days may be considered cured, except for knee and ligament conditions.
All policies include 24/7 access to a licensed veterinarian for advice, though they cannot prescribe medications. Exclusions include anal gland expression, non-medical bathing, boarding and travel expenses, breeding-related costs, cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, non-prescribed food, grooming, herbal remedies, injuries from abuse or fighting, and routine preventive treatments.
Coverage can be upgraded or downgraded during the policy term, with increases allowed once per term and decreases at any time, both requiring written requests. Premiums are competitive for unlimited annual coverage, with a 10% multi-pet discount available. Direct payments to veterinarians are not standard, but special arrangements may be possible for large bills.
Claims are filed by submitting a form with an itemized invoice and medical records via email, mail, fax, or online portal. Direct deposit speeds reimbursements, and denied claims can be appealed within 90 days. Claims should be submitted within 90 days after the policy period ends, with most processed within 24 hours.
No mobile app is available, but account management is possible through an online portal. The policy is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with no medical exam required for enrollment but annual vet and dental exams needed afterward. Customer service can be reached at 1-888-820-7739, [email protected], or 2211 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Cancellation is allowed anytime with written notice, offering a full refund within 30 days if no claims are filed, or a prorated refund after 30 days. The review methodology scored 15 pet insurance plans based on coverage types (40%), average cost (30%), unlimited coverage option (10%), direct vet payments (5%), no special waiting periods (5%), routine wellness plan (5%), and multi-pet discount (5%).