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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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J
jeanine

9/18/2017
Since adopting my cats from the shelter, I had to use my insurance only once for an URI years ago. The bill was not much more than my deductible, but Nationwide made sure to expediently mail me a check for the difference once my paperwork was sent in. More recently, one of my cats has been diagnosed with a tumor. She is only 9 years old and has been very healthy prior to this. Every pet lover can image the shock and sadness I felt. But from the first doctor visits through the specialists and now the chemo and followup blood tests, Nationwide has helped me make Bacardi's life much better. She purrs like a motor boat and eats like there is no tomorrow (due to the steroids). But it... Read More
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M
Mary A

9/18/2017
Positively the best decision I ever made regarding Enzo's insurance. Everyone has been so courteous and so helpful. I strongly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance over all the other offers out there. Thank you Nationwide for the professionalism and courtey in handling Enzo insurance needs. Warmest Regards Mary Ann Mayer on behalf of Enzo
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S
sue

9/18/2017
This is our second furry friend that you have insured. Nationwide, you did a great job covering the oncology costs with our previous furry friend. This first visit of Bella's was handled in a very speedy fashion and we are delighted with your coverage. Keeep up the good work.
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Linda C

9/18/2017
Nationwide reimburses you in a timely manner and at 90% which is very helpful given the high costs of taking your pet to the Vet. The 24hr. Vet line is excellent, it is reassuring to know that you can talk to a Vet or Vet Tech 24/7 and get the guidance you need. I have recommended Nationwide to other pet owners and family members and will continue to do so. I am very glad I chose Nationwide so is my puppy!
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Jessica R

9/18/2017
I fully believe that anyone who gets a new puppy also gets this insurance. We have had such great luck with it that the breeder we bought our dog from is going to start recommending it to new customers. There are so many unexpected visits that can arise with puppies especially when you are a first timer like me. I am so glad we made the decision to insurance our pup! He will always get the best care possible because of this!
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Deborah L

9/18/2017
Love Love Love Nationwide always quick with sending payments due to customer . Thanks nationwide
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Paula T

9/17/2017
It would have been nice if Nationwide Pet Insurance would have covered my claim for my pet's surgery--very disappointed and making sure everyone's informed NOT to buy Nationwide Pet Insurance
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W
Wendy

9/15/2017
Nationside Pet Insurance is working really well for us right now with our two dogs, plus I like the auto deposit. Boon was extremely well taken care of at Ryegate Small Animal Clinic and they also get 5 gold stars. Thanks a whole lot.
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jason g

9/14/2017
I got this pet insurance for my dog back when it was still VPI and the service has not changed to my surprise. They still seem like they genuinely care about animals and providing great insurance for them. I have never had any big problems with Nationwide paying or denying any of my claims and they have fast turn around of delivering your money back to you.
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K
karen p

9/14/2017
i highly recommend nationwide i tell people about you all the time and encourage them to sign up. i have heard negative stories about other companies but i have only had positive experiences with nationwide
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