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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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M
Michael S

8/23/2017
The claims process is always easy and transparent with Nationwide. I received my payments quickly, and most importantly my dog is back to full health without me having to worry about the cost of his illness.
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Janice M

8/22/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance is great. They process claims on a timely basis and if you have questions, their customer service dept is always friendly and helpful.
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Janet N

8/22/2017
I have had a Major Medical Policy for my dog, Payton, with Nationwide for about four years now. The previous company name was Veterinary Pet Insurance. They have always followed the policy guidelines and have issued the appropriate reimbursement amounts. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance to anyone who wants to make sure that their beloved pet has a long and healthy life. Thanks, Janet Norton
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Cynthia J

8/22/2017
I appreciate the excellent service provided including easy application, very prompt feedback and most reasonable reimbursement. It is comforting to know the best of care is available and affordable for my precious little furry family member.
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Jim D

8/22/2017
Brutus is getting better every day! He broke his toe a couple months ago and he is healing slowly, but surely. Daily pain and arthritis medication is helping him recover so I am very thankful for Nationwide Pet Insurance which is making it much more affordable to get Brutus back to normal! I find it very easy to scan the claim forms and send them in by email and they are processed very quickly! Thanks Nationwide!
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Mary L

8/22/2017
When Schnitzel gets sick I don't have to worry about medical expenses. Nationwide provides exceptional coverage. We especially like the new policy that covers 90% of his medical treatment after meeting the $250 deductible. It allows me to provide Schnitzel with the best care possible without having to worry about caps on treatments. It's the best policy a pet owner can buy.
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JoAnn R

8/22/2017
As a long term 'pet insurance ' purchaser, (10 years), I was thrilled to see how much the industry has improved in recent times; Especially how good the coverage has improved since Nationwide bought out VPI pet insurance. My 10 year old Golden Retriever, Che, started having Grand Mal seizures in February 2017. He was given an MRI, and we found he had a large tumor pressing on his brain, causing the seizures. If nothing was done, we would likely have lost him within a year, (after many horrific seizures), even on meds. Even without insurance, my husband and I planned on doing everything possible to save Che, and hopefully, give him many more good years, but the (unexpectedly)... Read More
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L
Liza

8/22/2017
Im thrilled I was able to get Nationwide to refund the cost of my recent issue. At the same time I'm frustrated I only get this chance to review when something has been approved and I'm annoyed to read "we are happy we could help you out with the cost" given we all pay significant deductibles and give monthly payments so we can get unexpected bills paid. I don't see this as Nationwide doing me a favor, I see it as doing your job to manage participants money in a way that offsets unexpected costs.
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D
Donald H

8/22/2017
Sirs: Much improved customer service and claims response! We try to hold down costs but our beloved Golden tore his CCL and was suffering. We picked Cornell largely because we knew the surgeon from a life saving intervention in March 2016; their staff is professional and responsive. Also a great facility and by far the most convenient location for emergencies and orthopedics. Based on our claims history we see we have filed numerous claims. Even so, a majority of Brooks's costs have been paid out of pocket. The cost of vet care is very high and without insurance many more pets would suffer and face euthanization. Thanks for helping defray our costs and allowing us to seek the... Read More
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Donna k

8/22/2017
I just love nationwide pet insurance! I've had them for years. Their customer service is outstanding!
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