We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more
  1. Home
  2. Pet Insurance
  3. Nationwide Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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.
 
View Top 10 List

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
Are you a customer of Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Submit a comment and tell other people about your experience!
Our Comment GuidelinesTips for Writing Effective Comments
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

Customer Comments

Loading Reviews ...
Lisa S

8/22/2017
The coverage I received was great! Nice to have a little help with unexpected Vet bills. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it took them almost 2 months to decide if my claim was payable. Other than that, everything was great!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Deborah

8/22/2017
Thank you for being there! My dog had his surgery and with my policy - it was covered and also the prescriptions he was sent home with.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

S
Sarah S

8/22/2017
Absolutely fabulous! I never have to worry about what new mischief my beagle may get into affecting my budget. I can take him to the vet without worrying where the money will come from. Instead I can focus on my beagle's care and getting him better again. I sleep so much better knowing I have this coverage.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
denise k

8/22/2017
Your insurance is horrible, and I am very disappointed in it. There is very LITTLE on my policy that you pay for, and that is not what I was promised when I signed up. The operator on the phone told me to upgrade to the higher insurance policy as it covers EVERYTHING....and yet; out of all the bills I've submitted, you've only paid on TWO of them. If there was something less than half a star I could give you...I would. I am currently telling everyone I know NOT to buy your insurance.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

B
Barbara S

8/21/2017
I love Nationwide you guys truly are awesome....Pitts love you too you are #1 in our book!!!😁😁😁😁
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Judi C

8/21/2017
My puppy, Isadora, was 6 months old when she got her first Urinary Tract Infection. I brought her to my traditional vet and he examined her, took a urine sample, sent it out to the lab for results which was a UTI. She was given a dose of antibiotics to get rid of it. She was doing much better afterwards and then it came back again. Another dose of antibiotics then I took her to my holistic vet who did some acupuncture. She responded to both acupuncture and antibiotics along with herbal supplements. I submitted my 2nd claim to Nationwide and never heard anything for a really long time. Izzy's first claim was paid for within 2 weeks and I received what I thought I would minus the... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Angelica S

8/21/2017
We've had a fantastic experience with Nationwide so far. Our puppy recently broke his leg and the surgery was $3500 before follow-up visits, and we were reimbursed for 90% of everything! Without this plan we wouldnt have been able to keep him, so we're more than grateful for the services Nationwide provides.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Jo S

8/21/2017
It's worth it for the peace of mind alone. But beyond that, they really do care about your pet. The best tip is to get coverage early.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Jeff B

8/21/2017
I had never considered health insurance for my pet. This particular labrador retriever, Finn, just seemed strong and a force to be reckoned with. My employer offered payroll deduction for pet insurance. I signed up and forgot about it. He has had 2 particular events that would put a significant dent in my budget. Nationwide covered more than 90% of each of these costly accidents. His latest accident was a 'blownout' ACL in his back leg. The surgeon used a procedure that totally rebuilt his leg. It was fantastic to realize that money wouldn't be a worry. I was able to focus on caring for him and his recovery. Thank you so much, Nationwide. You truly are 'on my side'.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Kathy A

8/21/2017
Thank you for asking about Sophia, she is feeling much better after seeking treatment. We appreciate the quick response to our claim and your concern about the health and welfare of our Miss Sophia. Pamela and Sophia
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Top Rated
Our Partner
  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days
READ FULL REVIEW >
VIEW RATES

Related to Pet Insurance

Top Articles
Suggested Comparisons