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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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Pattie R

8/14/2017
Nationwide pet insurance has been wonderful. It was one less thing to worry about when George was sick. He had several mis-diagnosis but all the visits were payed for without question and trouble. Having this insurance has made it easy for me to not worry and feel like George is able to receive great care. I would never again be without pet insurance and Nationwide has been perfect.
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Jill B

8/14/2017
I have had VPI for a total of 16 year with 3 different dogs. I have been pleased with most of their coverage. Like most insurances ( human) the rates have gone up and so has the deductibles. Luckily I have not had a major illness or accident in my dogs so it has been hard to reach the deductible with their every 6 month check ups. I would like to take the dogs in yearly for dentals but the only way would be if I added this in the policy, which adds a higher policy price. I would love to see a $100 deductible without such a high cost. I really do recommend VPI and will continue to use them.
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Sue B

8/14/2017
initially on my first claim it was a bit frustrating but you were trying to get all the history you could. But there after you have made my life much easier with your quick refer and payment on items covered. Sophie is doing much better and hopefully it will be no more claims for things other than preventative if covered. Thank you very much and Sophie thanks you too.
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Cindy T

8/14/2017
My daughter in law suggested we get pet insurance when we got our Lexie 3 years ago. We would not have even thought it was available. Every year we have had the need to use this policy. There is comfort in knowing that whatever happens to our darling member of the family, she will be taken care of without having to weigh the cost against saving her life.
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Jeff A

8/14/2017
My dog Preston had knee surgery a few weeks ago and I've been reimbursed without hesitation by Nationwide. Knowing that I had coverage for his Canine Crucial Ligament injury, meant Preston did not have to be uncomfortable any longer than it took to schedule the surgery. Once the Vet determined he needed the operation, I could make the decision based on his needs, rather than my finances. Now, I'm focused on his rehab, rather than moving money around to pay for the unexpected expense. Thank you Nationwide.
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J
janicecorsilli

8/14/2017
My claim was quickly reviewed and I received my check within 2 weeks.
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A
adam

8/14/2017
After getting our puppy, Cali, at 10 weeks, unfortunately in the coming months he had a few health issues. Now, he he is healthy, happy and full of life. Nationwide was there for us. Even though we had not had Cali for very long and he was pretty unlucky with his health, you paid all the benefits we were entitled to which has really helped us financially. For as long as we have Cali, we will be with Nationwide. Your support through the process has made us two loyal Nationwide customers.
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T
Teresa

8/14/2017
Having Nationwide Pet Insurance gives me peace of mind that if something unexpected and costly happens to one of my dogs I will have help paying the bills. The claim submission process is easy and reimbursement is relatively quick. I have been a customer since 2006.
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sue c

8/14/2017
I have received prompt service on my claims. They have been very much in line with the terms of the insurance. I am extremely satisfied with the coverage.
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Carole G

8/14/2017
I am very pleased with your services. You are a first class organization. Thank you so much for everything. Tessa is doing very well.
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