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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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J
Jeff G

7/29/2017
We have had this insurance for about 5 years. It is great! We didn't know if we would ever need it, but we have many times. It has really helped us out. Vet bills can be expensive like our own Dr. bills. You don't expect a young dog will have accidents or sickness that can be so costly, but they do and even the smallest things can be a big expense. The cost we pay has been so worth it! We would highly recommend it to everyone and we do.
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Mark T

7/29/2017
This has been a great benefit as with health insurance for humans helps with costs. It is along the same lines with coverages and most of which are reasonable and an understanding there are differences as to what is covered as well as what is not covered. I am very happy with Nationwide Pet Insurance and could not imagine not having coverage for my pet.
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B
Brian K

7/28/2017
Took almost 4 months for reimbursement In the beginning, no problems. I've written several letters and have made several phone calls trying to cancel my policy for all 4 of my dogs but yet you keep talking my money Terrible customer service. I signed up for the insurance because money is very tight for me right now and the slow to pay just makes that situation worse and created more problems for me. Without your insurance at least I'm not running to the mailbox everyday hoping there's a check in there. Terrible and I would not recommend your service to anybody.
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Sandra B

7/28/2017
The process is easy once done the first time. I got my money back fast and easy steps to accept the transaction. Now just waiting for this las one and hopefully it will be the same experience
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Bonnie S

7/28/2017
Our Geno is so young and has gotten off to a rough start. Without the wonderful support of Nationwide, our ability to provide treatment would have been life altering for him. We can't express enough how the quick responsiveness and follow up of Nationwide has made the biggest difference in helping Geno get through this and grow into a strong and healthy dog. Thanks Nationwide!!!
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K
Kelsey

7/28/2017
We couldn't ask for a better insurance company. We are fortunate to afford the best plan for our dog and are extremely happy with the service we receive. Tesla thanks you!
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J
Judith C

7/28/2017
Thank you for helping out when Louie had to be treated for dermatitis. He was very uncomfortable! I did not have to worry about the cost of the treatment as I knew you would reimburse me promptly. I had peace of mind and Louie had relief from his terribly inflamed paws. I also appreciate the fact that I can have your checks go right to my bank. It saves Louie and I an extra trip. I am very pleased with Nationwide and recommend it to all my friends. Thank you!
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L
Linda P

7/28/2017
I can't say enough about Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have two dogs and it sure pays for itself over and over. From annual vaccines, to spay and neuter, to emergencies, we've had it for 5 years and I'm always thankful when I go to the vet and see those whopping bills. Very simple, easy procedure for submitting claims online. I would recommend it for any pet owner.
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Gizelle G

7/28/2017
Ever since the plan change name (and whatever was involved behind that) I have had issues getting claims reimbursed even after my dog has been on the same medication for years. Very disappointed.
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J
JAMES

7/28/2017
Claims review is too slow. Communication about claim status is lacking. When communication is received via USPS mail, it has usually been at least a week since the date on the letter.
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