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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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M
Margery E

8/3/2017
I still have the original Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) for one of my dogs. With it's schedule of maximum coverage amounts per problem, it's very stingy, especially for an older dog. I got my new dog after Nationwide took over VPI and I am so delighted with their generous new Wellness policy. Now, I can give him the care he needs, without worrying that it's costing too much. Nationwide reimburses me promptly and it's so nice to have those checks be automatically deposited. The best thing about Nationwide, and what none of the competition has, is the Vet Helpline. The people are so nice and caring. They were so wonderful and supportive when my Dylan was dying. I just used it the other... Read More
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Maica R

8/3/2017
He is run around like nothing ever happen. Thank You !!!
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Casey S

8/3/2017
Weve had great experiences with VPI now Nationwide. We recommend to our family and friends and are always surprised when we hear they dont have pet insurance. Its not worth it not to. Nationwide is always promt, thorough and fair.
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T
teresa s

8/3/2017
There was an error with my claim but your customer service people handled it like a champ and I was reimbursed my money for my cat's vet visit. I'm so pleased with Nationwide.
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Jennifer M

8/2/2017
We bought Nationwide Pet Insurance before we even brought our French Bulldog home as a puppy. Nationwide Pet Insurance has been a real value for us. There is no question we have a real piece of mind and Nationwide Pet Insurance benefits are fantastic. They even pay for Stanley's allergy medication. We are extremely pleased and would highly recommend!
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Shannon P

8/2/2017
Our experience with Nationwide has been wonderful! We have both of our dogs with you and it has been the best experience! Thank you for loving our pets as much as we do!
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Samantha T

8/2/2017
Nationwide pet coverage is exceptional and the price is so reasonable. We can feel so confident in taking Stella for whatever care she needs knowing that the claims are processed and we are reimbursed quickly. The direct deposit for claims payments is a fantastic feature and we really appreciate it.
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Jennifer H

8/2/2017
You guys are amazing! Our poor Rampage has so many issues and we can always count on Nationwide Pet Insurance to help us with the cost. Thank you so much!
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M
Marilyn L

8/2/2017
I have had a great experience with this company! Unfortunately, my English Bulldog puppy got cherry eye a few months after getting Nationwide Ins. on her. Because of a vets horrendous mistake while preforming her surgery, she ended up having to have 3 more surgeries on that eye. Then.....cherry eye popped up in the other eye! Nationwide covered 90% of each of those surgeries, follow up appointments and all medications. They were a life saver! Juts like insurance for humans, pet insurance is a good thing also, especially with a high or higher risk animal!
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D
Dawn E

8/2/2017
Our Great Dane's recent emergency room visit for pancreatitis was traumatic for her, but having the insurance to help with the costs involved with her treatment was a blessing!
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