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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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jason g

8/10/2017
Such a great pet insurance company. When i call i feel like they ppl there actually care about animals in general. I have had no problems with Nationwide and i tell everyone that is looking for pet insurance to talk to them first
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Amelia M

8/10/2017
Thank you for the quick review of my claim. I have been using Nationwide Pet Insurance for many years. You have insured Trixie and Rocky, who have now crossed the Rainbow bridge and now you insure Charlie and GInger. My claims have included routine vaccines, ACL repairs, and rattlesnake bites. Nationwide has always been there.
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T
Tara

8/10/2017
Although EVERY SINGLE person I've dealt with has been absolutely outstanding, payment is very hard to get - I've jumped through every hoop required and some trickled, but we're still out thousands that we haven't been recompensated for acknowledged. This company would rate six stars if things were done as promised.
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Jennifer m

8/10/2017
It's frustrating how long it takes to get our money back. 30/60 days is a long time. Especially when you have dropped a few thousands on vet bills. The turn around time shouldn't be so long. Unfortunately I'll be looking into new insurance.
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Vanessa C

8/10/2017
Extremely mixed experience with VPI. With my last dog, under an older plan, I had to fight tooth and nail for every reimbursement, and it was a terrible experience. For example, I am still disputing VPI's attempt to repay only $700 of the $5,300 I spent trying to save my dog's life during her final weekend. They take every opportunity to characterize the charges in a way which minimizes their responsibility even when that requires taking the most absurd positions imaginable. As a lawyer I thought it might help to speak directly with their lawyer, but they flat out refused to connect me to their legal department. With my new puppy, under one of the newer plans, things have been better, but... Read More
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Daniela V

8/10/2017
I get quick reimbursements! I just scan the vet's invoice and the claim form, and send it via email- it's so easy!!!!
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Robin K

8/10/2017
Nationwide has been a God send! Our Veterinarian has submitted all paperwork electronically saving me from more worries. Communication has been excellent; I couldn't have asked for more. Lola is doing much better. Thank you and God bless you for your prompt attention to our claims.
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Annie P

8/10/2017
Nationwide pet insurance has made our dog Olive's numerous vet visits a little more bearable! We are so glad we chose nationwide when we did, they are compassionate and actually care about our dog. Thanks nationwide!
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D
Dave V

8/10/2017
Our two year old Lhasa-poo Camilla was having stomach problems and had to see a specialist for testing. She was given re-flux medicine to be on for one week and her problem went away. Nationwide pet insurance has help us out often with Camilla. We’re so glad we bought this insurance plan compared to any other plan.
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Judith M

8/10/2017
So happy with the response and reimbursements for the vet bills for our two lagottos. Our vet files the claims and Nationwide does the rest. Thanks.
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