Prudent Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
Especially for those with senior pets, exclusions and eligibility requirements tucked away in the fine print can make finding a compatible policy even more tedious. Prudent Pet, however, leaves those nit-picky disqualifiers out by offering open eligibility to dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, alongside no in-network requirements, unlimited annual payouts, and a lenient protocol for pre-existing conditions.
Prudent Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Prudent Pet showcases rates as low as $10 per month for accident-only protection and $16 per month for accident injuries and illness coverage. Remember that Prudent Pet does not offer those prices as a guaranteed monthly premium. Your one-of-a-kind subtotal will differ in price based on your pet’s profile, location, and any other individual coverage specifications made during your enrollment.
Also, while Prudent Pet welcomes all pets, new or old, with no maximum age limit for the cats and dogs it covers, age will still be considered when tallying up your monthly premium. Pet insurance for older animals tends to be a tad more expensive overall only because pets become more susceptible to injury or illness as they age and are at a higher risk of needing coverage in their later stages of life.
To give you a ballpark estimate, our research team approximates that a policy through Prudent Pet averages out to roughly $39 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats.
Plans and Costs
Prudent Pet coverage terms vary across three standard incremental plan options – Accident-only, Essential, or Ultimate – with the option to purchase an add-on wellness care package featuring a customizable benefit schedule.
No matter the plan level you select, all Prudent Pet customers can choose their preferred annual coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and deductibles.
Accident-only
As the first and most basic plan available through Prudent Pet, the accident-only option includes a $10,000 annual limit. It is designed to solely cover emergency injuries that occur after the fixed five-day waiting period.
All knee and ligament events are subject to a 180-day waiting period unless a licensed vet determines that said issue is occurring for the first time within the first 30 days of your active policy.
Eligible accidents covered by this policy include:
- Bite wounds
- Broken bones
- Dental injuries
- Sprains or other sudden soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Ingestion of any foreign objects
- Ingestion of any toxic substances
Approved treatment and veterinary care for eligible accidents include:
- Alternative therapy like acupuncture and chiropractic (by prescription only)
- Emergency hospitalizations and surgeries
- Tooth extractions
- Diagnostics like MRI’s, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work
- Prescription medications
- Stem cell therapy
- Accident-related consultations (within 48 hours of the incident)
Essential
Given that the accident-only plan excludes any emergency illness from its coverage terms, the second most comprehensive option is Prudent Pet’s accident, injuries, and illness package. It instates a $10,000 annual limit as well as a five-day waiting period for emergencies and 14 days for illnesses.
All accidents and applicable treatments eligible for coverage under this policy are synonymous with those in the accident-only plan.
Eligible emergency illnesses covered by the Essential package include:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Allergic reactions
- Congenital and hereditary conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye, ear, and skin infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Behavioral issues ($250 treatment coverage limit)
Ultimate
Created for customers needing airtight and exhaustive coverage, the Prudent Pet Ultimate package is the most robust plan variation with a few more bells and whistles than the previous plans, like unlimited annual benefits.
Policyholders who opt to go all-in with the Ultimate package will benefit from the same accident injuries and illness inclusions in the aforementioned plans, but with added perks, including:
- Up to $1,000 for behavioral treatment
- Up to $500 for advertising efforts and reward offers should your pet go missing or be stolen
- Up to $500 for boarding and kennel fees
- Up to $500 for costs ensuing loss from theft or straying
- Up to $1,000 for vacation cancellation reimbursement if you have to stay home with a sick or injured pet
- Up to $1,000 for cremation and burial
Optional Add-Ons
Although preventative is often an optional component in pet insurance policies, it’s an integral step to ensuring your pet is in good standing health.
Prudent Pet provides its policyholders with a wellness add-on broken into three price points for a more budget-friendly coverage selection experience:
- Low – Eight preventative benefits and $210 in coverage; $7.95 per month for cats and $11.95 per month for dogs.
- Medium – Nine preventative benefits and $315 in coverage; $13.95 per month for cats and $19.95 per month for dogs.
- High – Eleven preventative benefits and $460 in coverage; $19.95 per month for cats and $29.95 per month for dogs.
None of the wellness coverage add-ons require an annual deductible or waiting period, which means wellness reimbursements are available effective immediately to pet owners upon the activation of their Prudent Pet policy.
If you have a kitten or puppy that has yet to undergo spaying or neutering, coverage is available in both the Medium and High wellness packages but not included in the Low plan.
Vet exam fee coverage is also available as an add-on, starting at an additional $2.93 per month.
Samples of Prices for Four Species/Breeds
Below is a sampling of direct quotes we requested from Prudent Pet ourselves to give you a more accurate overview of what you’ll be paying for a pet insurance policy through Prudent.
Each of these custom quotes is based on the persona of a pet owner located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a 2-year-old pet, and who selects Prudent Pet’s middle-most plan customizations of an 80% reimbursement rate, up to $10,000 in annual coverage, and a deductible of $500 per year. For variables that include preventative care, the Medium wellness coverage option was applied.
| Species/Breed | Medium Mixed Breed Dog | Golden Retriever (Dog) | Domestic Shorthair Cat | Domestic Mediumhair Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accident and Illness Plan | $33.17 | $48.65 | $19.89 | $19.89 |
| Accident and Illness Plan With Preventative Care | $53.12 | $68.60 | $33.84 | $33.84 |
| Accident and Illness Plan With Vet Fees and Physical Therapy Coverage | $59.77 | $78.35 | $37.87 | $37.87 |
Prudent Pet has four deductibles of $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 for customers to choose from when signing up. Choose a higher deductible if you’re looking to save every month and don’t mind higher upfront costs at the vet. On the other hand, if you’re shooting for the least amount out-of-pocket in the event your pet does get sick or injured, a lower deductible is your best bet but at the expense of higher monthly premiums.
Preventative Care Limits
| Covered Item | Annual Limit (Low) | Annual Limit (Medium) | Annual Limit (High) | Domestic Mediumhair Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness Exam | $30.00 | $50.00 | $60.00 | $19.89 |
| Heartworm Test | $25.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 | $33.84 |
| Internal Parasite or Fecal Test | $25.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 | $37.87 |
| Blood work | $0 | $0 | $35 | |
| Three Vaccines | $50 | $60 | $105 | |
| Total | $130 | $170 | $270 |
Below is a more detailed summary of the annual limits on routine services covered by Prudent Pet’s wellness care plan add-on:
| Wellness Benefit Schedule | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness Exam (2 per policy term, max of ½ per exam) | $30.00 | $50.00 | $60.00 |
| Rabies Vaccine | $25.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 |
| DHLPP Vaccine | $25.00 | $30.00 | $35.00 |
| Bordetella or Lyme Disease Vaccine | $0 | $0 | $35 |
| Heartworm Test of FELV Screen | $25 | $30 | $35 |
| Fecal Exam | $25 | $30 | $35 |
| Wellness Blood Screen | $0 | $0 | $35 |
| Health Certificate | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| Microchip | $25 | $35 | $45 |
| Deworming | $25 | $30 | $35 |
| Dentistry/Cleaning OR Spay/Neuter | $0 | $40 | $60 |
Coverage Exclusions
Prudent Pet excludes medical expenses related to the following:
- Pre-existing conditions*
- Cosmetic procedures – Dental cleaning, anal gland expression, declawing, ear cropping, tail docking, caps, crowns, or root canals
- Grooming or grooming supplies – ear cleanings, prescription baths, nail trims, or prescription shampoos
- Herbs or natural remedies
- Vet house calls or transportation expenses
- Specialty food or dietary supplements (aside from bladder stone treatment)
- Bilateral ligament events with prior conditions on the opposing side
- Funerals, urns, or burial services
*If your pet experiences an illness or injury that isn’t chronic or long-term before the start of your policy, Prudent Pet may exempt it from exclusion as a pre-existing condition only if a licensed vet deems the condition resolved and no related treatment is required for 12 months.
Plan Customizations
Aside from well-rounded standard plan options and three different pricing tiers for optional preventative care add-ons, Prudent Pet also gives pet owners the choice to customize their monthly premiums based on:
Deductibles – $100, $250, $500, or $1,000.
Payout rates – 70%, 80%, or 90%.
Annual limits – $10,000 for the Accident-only package, $10,000 for the Essential package, or an unlimited annual cap for the Ultimate package.
Discounts
Thanks to a multi-pet discount, pet parents will receive 10% off when they enroll more than one of their animals for coverage through Prudent Pet.
Prudent Pet also orchestrates its own internal referral program, which offers policyholders the opportunity to receive a $15 Amazon e-gift card and a company-sponsored donation to Best Friends Animal Society when they refer a fellow pet owner to get a free quote.
How to File a Claim with Prudent Pet
Although an app-based claim filing system is still in the works for Prudent Pet, submitting a claim is simple through its online customer portal. You can also file a claim through email, fax, or traditional postage mail if you prefer. Also, a 24/7 vet chat function is available to policyholders should you have any questions along the way.
Prudent State Availability
Prudent Pet is nationally available to anyone seeking pet health insurance for their dog or cat in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Prudent Pet Insurance Customer Reviews
We could go on about all the pragmatic policy features that have pushed Prudent Pet to the forefront of the best pet insurance companies to date. Don’t just take it from us; hear it from pet owners like you in the verbatim customer feedback below.
For the sake of maintaining an unbiased voice, we always highlight both positive and negative reviews so you can see both sides of the customer experience.
“This is the first time I have ever purchased pet insurance for any of our pets, but after raising several dogs and experiencing the high costs associated with their medical care due to illnesses, I feel great relief knowing we have Prudent Pet’s comprehensive coverage if and when the need arises. –Sarina A., Trustpilot
“Prudent Pet insurance was the best thing I’ve ever been able to provide for my pup! Not only is the customer service amazing but the benefits are excellent! I know my pup will always be taken care of with Prudent.” –Charity N., Trustpilot
“The website is extremely user-friendly. I researched multiple companies and kept coming back to Prudent Pet because of the positive reviews from others about the high-touch customer service. The rates are very competitive and the coverage offered is comprehensive for our particular situation. We look forward to this partnership for the betterment of our canine family member.” –Jeremy A., Trustpilot
“The process to submit a claim is nice and easy. The only thing I thought could be better is the time it takes to complete the claim. I think it took about two weeks to get done. Shorten that time frame and things would be perfect!” –Dana P., Trustpilot
“Overall my experience was good – great UI, easy sign-up. The only thing that was a little weird was not getting an email confirmation when my registration was complete. That would have been a lot easier than having to log into my account to ensure everything had been set up correctly.” –Lessley D., Trustpilot
Prudent Pet Insurance vs. Competitors
Want to know what Prudent Pet’s standing in the pet insurance industry looks like side-by-side with its competitors? The comparison chart below takes a look at integral factors of standard pet insurance policies and how they vary between 2022 leading providers.
| Best For | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot |  | Most Inclusive | $22-$80 | Compare Quotes | |
| Lemonade |  | Most Affordable | $16–$30 | Compare Quotes | |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance |  | Most Experienced | $18–$44 | Compare Quotes | |
| Fetch Pet Insurance |  | Most Comprehensive Coverage | $22-$38 | Compare Quotes | |
| Embrace |  | Best for Discounts Offered | $23-$85 | Compare Quotes | |
| Healthy Paws |  | Best for Chronic Conditions | $24–$54 | Compare Quotes | |
| Figo |  | Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates | $25-$54 | Compare Quotes |
| Spot | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Inclusive |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$80 |
| Lemonade | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Affordable |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $16–$30 |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Experienced |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $18–$44 |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Best For | Most Comprehensive Coverage |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $22-$38 |
| Embrace | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Discounts Offered |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $23-$85 |
| Healthy Paws | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Best for Chronic Conditions |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $24–$54 |
| Figo | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Best For | Most Flexible Reimbursement Rates |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $25-$54 |
About Prudent Pet Insurance
Based in Illinois, Prudent Pet Insurance Agency, LLC set forth into the pet insurance sphere in early 2018 to market accident as well as accident and illness policies strictly for dogs and cats. Despite being newbies to the pet insurance industry, Prudent Pet was formerly underwritten by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group, attaching them to one of the oldest pet insurance companies in the game. Other brands underwritten by C&F include Hartville, ASPCA, and PetPremium. Only about a year after their debut, Prudent Pet became accredited by Better Business Bureau in 2019, with an A+ rating.
As of February 2021, Prudent Pet is now underwritten by the Markel Insurance Company.
Our Final Thoughts on Prudent Pet Insurance
Considering the endless plan customizations possible, from standard coverage to additional preventative care, our Prudent Pet insurance review deems this provider worthy of a stellar 4.4 out of 5 rating.
Quartz was pleased with the lengths Prudent Pet goes to provide accessible pet health protection by virtue of no maximum age limits, intentional loopholes for specialty conditions that might’ve otherwise been grouped in as pre-existing, and an unlimited annual cap for pets that may need complex care in the future.
We understand that pets are expensive as is, so most owners are usually more inclined to stick with the cheapest plan available. Compared to its competitors, policies through Prudent Pet are a bit pricier. However, you’re paying for an extensive dimension of coverage that can’t be found anywhere else.
And as we’ve mentioned, Prudent Pet policies are exceptionally malleable, meaning that you can shape and reshape your pet’s healthcare plan to be as basic or over the top as your budget permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of Prudent Pet insurance?
As far as extra points go, we think it’s pretty neat that Prudent Pet will never deny coverage to any animal based on age. So even your great aunt’s seemingly immortal 20-year-old Toy Poodle? He’s eligible too!
Also, all Prudent Pet operators and agents are licensed former vet techs! They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have about your pet’s healthcare needs from a qualified standpoint.
Prudent Pet is also a military-friendly organization, so be sure to connect with an agent to learn more about additional discounts available to active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans. Exclusive savings are also available to current and former veterinarians and pet healthcare professionals.
How long do I have before my free custom quote expires?
Once you’ve inputted all the information about you and your pet necessary for a custom quote, you’ll be left with a made-to-order offer for your Prudent Pet policy. Nothing is set in stone if you decide to wait a little longer before enrolling your pet. All of Prudent Pet’s quoted rates are subject to change at any time, so the best way to secure a quote is to follow through with the policy activation.
Are cruciate ligament injuries covered?
Yes. Prudent Pet does cover cruciate ligament injuries like a torn ACL/CCL. However, there is a standardized 180-day waiting period in order to receive coverage for all knee and ligament events.
With that being said, Prudent Pet is aware that cruciate ligaments are also a breed-specific congenital condition, especially in German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, as well as Labrador and Golden Retrievers. If a licensed vet can confirm that no related ligament issues predated your enrollment within the first month of your active policy, then the waiting period will be waived.
Will my pet need a preliminary wellness exam to determine eligibility?
In order to remain eligible for coverage under Prudent Pet, you will be required to ensure your pet receives the following basic care, regardless of what is and isn’t covered by your plan:
- An annual wellness check
- An annual dental exam
- Necessary preventative medications (heartworm, lice, parasites, flea/tick, etc.)
- Up-to-date vaccinations including:
- Dogs: rabies, canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, canine parvovirus, and leptospirosis.
- Cats: rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and feline leukemia virus.
Our Rating Methodology
The Quartz research team looks at all pet insurance policies and comes up with our reviews based on coverage, plan options, cost, reputation, customer service, and species eligibility. We’ve also created a rating system to score pet insurance brands.
We’ve consulted with pet experts and dug into plans to develop what we think are the best overall plans, complete with ratings on coverage, how they handle claims, reimbursements, deductibles, limits, and more.
To make our list, pet insurance companies must have:
- A variety of plan options
- Affordable monthly rates
Our team revisits each company’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.
Other Pet Insurance Reviews
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Banfield Pet Wellness Plans Review ( 2024 Guide)
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Wagmo Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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Figo Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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Fetch Pet Insurance Reviews ( 2024 Guide)
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ASPCA Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Lemonade Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
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Spot Pet Insurance Reviews (2024 Guide)
