We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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.

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
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
Are you a customer of Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Submit a comment and tell other people about your experience!
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

Customer Comments

Loading Reviews ...
S
Sharon

7/26/2017
Claims with Nationwide Pet Insurance are easy to file and the reimbursement is fast. Have two Yorkie puppies who seem to have to go to the vet every other week! I have saved thousands of dollars on these two already by having this insurance and my Yorkies are only 8 months old
Was this comment helpful?


K
Kaitlin

7/26/2017
Getting Nationwide Pet Insurance has been one of the best decisions that we've made for our golden retriever. She has been suffering from chronic ear infections and it gives us peace of mind to have the coverage so we can ensure she's getting the treatment that she needs without it becoming a financial burden. The recent change to electronic payment and the mobile app to submit claims have made the process even more convenient. Thank you Nationwide!
Was this comment helpful?


S
Samantha

7/26/2017
This insurance was affordable and the claims process is easy and I have never had a problem getting compensated.
Was this comment helpful?


Bryan O

7/26/2017
For the amount I pay in premium and deductible, the reimbursed amount is only barely worth the effort of the claims process.
Was this comment helpful?


Andrea N

7/26/2017
Thank you for your prompt payment and most especially for the best insurance coverage EVER!!!!!!!!!!
Was this comment helpful?


D
Diana K

7/26/2017
Just recently shared our great experience with Nationwide/VPI the past 12 plus years. Only caring and concerned people when calling for info or help there. Huey - our almost 4 year old yorkie, just underwent the same surgery he had in December on his r rear leg.....now his left needed a rod inserted. Ruptured Achilles. He will be home tomorrow. Our Frenchie, Rocky, almost 2 years old sits hone worried. Took him to visit Hueybat hospital....Huey not Impressed! Vomited on his head! Love nationwide. Recommended to my neighbor with a Boston Terrier, Jerry and Diana Rocco. Know they called ready.
Was this comment helpful?


E
Elsine M

7/25/2017
Insurance covered as promised. ShAmbhu has recovered from complications of spaying. Vet made mistake and performed surgery when in very early stage of heat cycle which we were unaware of. That was amistake and wished we knew it contradicts surgery. So, complications as result. I wish we were more informed on this fact.
Was this comment helpful?


C
cherish

7/25/2017
This insurance is amazing...My dog had $3400 surgery and Nationwide paid all but my $250 deductible in 2 weeks time!!! They are awesome! I will never have a per without it!
Was this comment helpful?


T
Tinaeckman

7/25/2017
Nationwide has provided a comprehensive plan that is easy to manage. Our recent pet scare, was followed by a large vet bill that our insurance plan helped to cover. We were relieved to have costs reduced, and the ability to provide our pet with urgent medical necessities.
Was this comment helpful?


Melissa K

7/25/2017
I have the best plan they offer for my french bulldog and unfortunately she needed spinal surgery back in Jan 2017. Everything was covered at 90% reimbursement with NO issues! First reimbursement (over $8,000) took about 30 days due to needing all vet records and time to review but this was expected. But all her follow up treatment, therapy and meds are now super quick (within days)! My baby is now paralyzed in her back end has regular follow up appointments (quite frequently) and I couldn't be more happy with this insurance that you offer. Bleu may not be here today if you didn't offer this wonderful coverage! So from the bottom of my heart and I mean it when I say thank you for saving... Read More
Was this comment helpful?



Top Rated
Our Partner
  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days