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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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Wendy G

7/25/2017
All the operators in customer service are in the U.S. which is a big plus. They are courteous and helpful. I have never had a problem with a claim and any question is answered immediately. I bought the insurance the same time I got my 2 cats 6 years ago, but didn't need to use it until this year. I'm so grateful that I have the coverage because as animal guardians know, vet bills can mount very quickly. I would recommend this company. I haven't had a problem with any claim submitted.
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Whitney G

7/25/2017
My Nationwide Pet Insurance changed my life recently. My dog almost died. She had to have surgery and was in the hospital for a week to the tune of $3500. I could never have afforded that amount of money on my own. Nationwide paid almost every penny of her vet care. Knowing that I had pet insurance was such a HUGE peace of mind during the whole ordeal. That was the most stressful week of my life. Having Pet Insurance made it easier for me to act quickly and not hesitate or worry about the cost of every little thing my dog needed when she was sick. I felt confident working with vet to treat my dog and do everything we could for her. I can't thank Nationwide Pet Insurance enough for being... Read More
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Pat K

7/25/2017
Very prompt in paying claims and seem to be genuinely caring about your pet.
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Chris A

7/25/2017
I have an extremely small dog, under 3lbs and to say she is fragile is an understatement, on top of that she is always getting into things or playing rough with our other two much larger dogs so I figured it would be a good idea to get some insurance. To be honest I went into this with extremely low expectations, I figured there was going to be so much red tape I would never see the benefits but I could not be more wrong. A little over a month ago my dog got sick, we took her to the ER and they ran a bunch of tests and finally sent her home with some pain meds and no real diagnosis. Her symptoms did not improve and 24 hours later we were back at the ER where they ran more tests... Read More
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Erika L

7/25/2017
Our 1 yr old Golden Retriever had an emergency stomach obstruction. Our vet bill was over $1000! We were so thankful to have Nationwide Pet Insurance because we received 90% of that money back! Nationwide was very prompt with our claim. I received an email within 4 days or so of mailing it stating our claim is being processed. We received payment about 1.5 week later. Emergencies are never fun....but knowing we get 90% covered is reassuring! I tell all my friends and family about Nationwide pet insurance. Our golden is doing well!
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Kelli M

7/25/2017
Love Nationwide! We have had 3 pets with this company and have been thoroughly satisfied with all policies. Thank you for being such a big help in keeping our fur babies healthy. I recommend Nationwide to everyone!
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michelle b

7/25/2017
When I signed up for Pet Insurance for Bella, I never imagined that I would have to use it several times. She had to have extractions. They were covered. She broke her hip. Xrays and surgery and visits all covered. The staff at Nationwide Pet are knowledgeable and very compassionate. Claims are paid promptly. I am a very happy customer and it is reassuring to know that there is Pet insurance to help with my dog's vet visits!
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Melissa

7/25/2017
Terrible I dropped them after 2 months! My dog had to get a few X-rays and fluids under the skin because she had an intestinal blockage. They only paid $690 off of a bill for $1,633. When I called them to ask them they say that they pay off of a national average. Well that doesn't really help me because I live in New Jersey the most expensive state in the country to live in! When I voiced my frustrations they basically said well I should have looked over my benefit schedule and known how much the max payout was for each procedure. Like I have time for that. Never again avoid them at all costs!
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Patty T

7/25/2017
We love Nationwide. Thank you for always coming through for Roman Tobias and Cassius Steele. We love our fur-babies and clearly you do too. Thanks again.
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nicole v

7/25/2017
My dog was diagnosed with a pituitary gland brain tumor in November of last year. It took many doctor's visits and specialists to determine that the tremors he was experiencing along with a lack of appetite was caused by a large size tumor in his brain. That diagnosis was scary enough - the cost of the treatment at times was overwhelming. Thru it all, Nationwide was TRULY on my pet's side. I have to say I was nervous that such a big company would deny our claims, or worse yet, we would just be a number not a name. That our claims would take months to be reviewed. I couldn't have been more wrong. Every representative I spoke to took the time to walk me thru my policy, and truly expressed... Read More
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