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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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Karen W

8/8/2017
Tyler had the major surgery on his mouth. Most of the teeth that were left were removed due to infections gum disease that went down into his bone. Veterinary (4 Paws Dr. Wigins did an excellent job) Tyler was a puppy mill rescue his teeth were horrible. He is now a completely different dog. He is just now starting to play as a dog should and run through the house. He still has problems with the collapsed trachea. he also was devocalized by the puppy mill. We are working with that. Nationwide was exceptional in helping with his surgery. When I have called to talk with someone they have always been right there. I have recommended Nationwide Pet Insurance to many people and... Read More
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T
T.

8/8/2017
VPI Pet Insurance has so many pros. Very helpful with cost related to our Golden "Ollie". Highly recommend anyone to take the time to sign up for "VPI Pet Insurance".
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Carolyn D

8/7/2017
You care so much for the ones we love and I thank you!
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M
Margaret H

8/7/2017
Everything was very easy to make the claim and we were very surprised to receive the checks so promptly. A very good experience so far. Thank you.
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Ted B

8/7/2017
Really glad we purchased insurance for our two girls. We previously had a policy for our last dog after undergoing a medical condition for our first dog without insurance. Very satisfied with the claim process and payments.
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Linda W

8/7/2017
I have had this insurance for many years and have been very happy with it. They review and pay the claims in a timely manner.
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L
LRTNYC01

8/7/2017
I very grateful that I decided to take advantage of my employer offering Nationwide Pet Insurance for my beloved dog Oliver. Living in NYC is expensive, and vet care can be astronomical. Although some of his pre-existing conditions are not covered, I feel a ton of relief knowing that "Nationwide is on my side" in ensuring I can properly take care of my dog for important things like medications and vaccinations, senior wellness vists, preventative care and emergency visits. I would reccomend this insurance to anyone who has a pet and needs assurance that they have someone in their corner to help offset costs whenever possible. It really does help.
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Ralph P

8/7/2017
My experience with nationwide has been nothing but a pleasure. It is well worth it as I have three dogs under my coverage. I would and have recommended Nationwide to anyone I know and meet whenever I can. Thank You Nationwide
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Justine A

8/7/2017
Pumpkin has been insured by Nationwide ever since we got him and we're so happy we chose nationwide! It's so easy to send claims and I have experienced great customer service with nationwide. It's very comforting knowing that he's covered and we can take care of him. We plan to have Pumpkin insured nationwide for the rest of his life!
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Wendy K

8/7/2017
Nationwide has been amazing! I have a new puppy and they have covered all costs. It is so easy to submit a claim and they are super responsive.
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