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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
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Customer Comments

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Josiah K

8/10/2017
They state specific things such as genetic testing will be covered to get us to signup. They told us to buy it ourselves through WisdomPanel.com and Optimal Selection. We did so at a cost of about $500 for both dogs, now they refuse to cover it unless our local vet has written for it. Local vet wrote a letter stating this was discussed and recommended to ensure the dogs were not carriers of diseases. They still deny the claim.
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Amy

8/10/2017
I am happy for choosing Nationwide and everything has been great except for one recent incident that upset me concerning my dog and a "pre-existing condition" that got noted somehow. I adopted my dog a few months ago. He never had a mouth exam by any vets so far, yet I received a letter stating because a vet mentioned he has tarter and worn incisors now they will not cover his teeth cleaning or anything related to his teeth. I don't even know which vet would have said that because he was only ever in the office (before my policy kicked in) for digestional issues. It's very upsetting because the main reason I wanted this insurance was for dental benefits. Very disappointing!!! How is... Read More
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Debbie K

8/10/2017
Always lives up to their commitment! Easy to send in claims if vet doesn't participate in filing. I use the electronic payment to my bank account & there's no waiting or going to the bank.
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stewart s

8/10/2017
I have had very good service from Nationwide Pet Insurance.
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K
Kathy

8/9/2017
Nationwide rocks! I had heard from many people, both private pet owners and professional breeders that Nationwide was THE pet insurance to go with and boy were they right. My little French bulldog had a run of bad luck requiring back-to-back surgeries and Nationwide was right on the ball ready to pay my claims immediately afterward. His claims were processed before his stitches were even removed! If you're in the process of trying to decide what company to go with, look no further. Thanks Nationwide, Kathy & Tator
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Francisco M

8/9/2017
Nationwide makes it easy to submit a claim, and resolve it quickly and easily.
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James R

8/9/2017
Thank you so much for helping us in the care of our dog's torn cranial cruciate ligament, rear leg. He is recovering well from his surgery and our pet insurance from Nationwide was invaluable to us. He has gone from lame in the leg to bearing weight and recovery. We have had coverage for him for about four years and have been very happy. In this case, the processing of the claim was seamless and easy, allowing us to focus on our dog and his recovery protocol. They also have provided follow-up to check on him. A pleasant experience during a difficult time.
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Lynn P

8/9/2017
Having pet insurance with nationwide gives me the peace of mind that my dog will get the best care possible without being concerned with the affordability to treat whatever might come up.
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James M

8/9/2017
Natonwide Pet Insurance is a must have for all pet owners! As a pet advocate, I could not imagine life without Nationwide and pet insurance.
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Carlos M

8/9/2017
I am pleasantly surprised how much the insurance covers. It's very easy to submit a claim and with the bank account transfer feature makes reimbursements a cinch! My dogs and family appreciate you very much!
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