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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.
 
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How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.petinsurance.com/
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981
What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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D
D. T

9/27/2017
We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the medical treatment Jake was given by our vet was covered by our policy. What started out as a relatively routine examination of his mouth uncovered a serious dental problem, and we would not have been able to provide him the treatment he needed to ameliorate his pain without the knowledge that at least some of the costs would be covered by the insurance coverage.
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Bobbie B

9/27/2017
Best insurance ever for pets with this I was able to get my dog the surgery he needed I tell everyone about this insurance
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Samantha L

9/27/2017
I've had my Great Dane covered under Nationwide ever since she was a puppy. I have to say it's one of the best investments I've made. It gives me peace of mind to know that she is going to be taken care of if anything goes wrong. While she is a very healthy dog it's nice to know when she does have a health problem I don't have to worry about going broke. I have recommended Nationwide to all my friends and colleagues who get pets. From now on I'll always insure my pets with Nationwide.
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Barbara O

9/27/2017
Having this insurance has been a lifesaver for me. With my other dogs, I would wait until things were really bad, before I went to the vet. Now, because I have this wonderful insurance, I take care of my dog a lot better.
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Michele P

9/27/2017
Our furbaby Millie had been feeling very bad and after an expensive trip to our vet Nationwide came to the rescue. Our bill was $453 dollars and after our $100 deductible Nationwide reimbursed us the rest of the cost. A big shout out and thanks to this pet insurance company.
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Terri S

9/26/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance is the best program EVER! We have recommended this plan to numerous friends who have also signed up. If you have pets, you definitely need to have this insurance program. This will protect your beloved pet. Having this insurance eliminates the concern when a tragedy strikes. You know your pet can receive the care it needs. WE LOVE NATIONWIDE PET INSURANCE and recommend it to EVERYONE!
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D
Debbie

9/26/2017
I couldn't say enough about my experience with the way Nationwide handles pet claims. They are very quick from the beginning of the claim to the end. When your pet is ill, it's comforting to know you can count on Nationwide.
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J
Julian J

9/26/2017
We joined NW months ago, explained Dixies History and discussed our plans. Shots, Checkups , Spade Operation and thousands of dollars later, I called NW and asked if I'm going to get any reimbursement? What is taking so long? Well, after I was instructed to resubmit all Vets Info I finally recieved $500. !?!&$!?? Wished I never joined......
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Lisa B

9/26/2017
This was my very first time using Pet Insurance and I was very pleased with the results. 90% of every bill I faxed them came back paid. I have definitely recommended them to all of my pet owning friends.
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V
veronica

9/26/2017
When a pet is injured its scary you don't want to have to worry about financials too Nationwide has been great reimbursements are quick and easy so blessed we chose the right insurance company for our truffles
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