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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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Jodi F

7/20/2017
My first fur-baby was a life long client. She sadly passed away last June but we knew when getting the newest addition to our family that we wanted her protected as well. Thanks for providing outstanding coverage for our very cherished family members Lilly & Nelly Belle. -The Popes
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Jacqueline R

7/20/2017
I purchased pet insurance with Nationwide when I first got my puppy 2 years ago and it was the best investment that I made! It's really easy process and I haven't had one issue with claims. Payment gets direct deposited and it's pretty fast.
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Maureen P

7/20/2017
Nationwide is by far the Best pet insurance. They are so easy to use and my money us refunded to me so quickly. I also love how they check up on my kids after claims have been submitted to see how they are feeling. After the loss of my Mable last year, they sent their heartfelt condolences. I recommend Nationwide to all my friends and family.
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Jonathan G

7/20/2017
In the past 5 weeks, I can confidently say that Nationwide Pet Insurance helped to save our dogs life. 5 weeks ago, our dog Lola ate a leftover sandwich from a recent birthday party at our house. Little did we know that there was still a toothpick in the sandwich. When she started getting sick, we brought her into the emergency vet where she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. We went through 5 more weeks of varying diagnoses and vet visits, all the while our poor Lola was losing weight and getting weaker. When we finally brought her back to the emergency vet (thinking that we might lose her) we demanded to have a full abdominal ultrasound per the recommendation of our normal... Read More
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Mary Z

7/20/2017
I'm the proud owner of an English Bulldog puppy and the Wellness Plus coverage has been a blessing considering the number of vaccines needed the first year. I fax my claims and within a week I receive an email detailing the estimated benefits I'll receive. I receive a mailed check no more than a month following an appointment. I would recommend the Wellness Plus coverage to new puppy owners
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Danielle B

7/20/2017
It was super easy to sign up. We haven’t had any problems. It’s really nice to have maximum coverage without having to worry about if it’s actually covering what we need. -Danielle Bueno, Leona.
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Karen R

7/20/2017
My dog recently had some health issues that required me to take her twice to the after hours emergency clinic as well as my regular vet and the vet of the caretakers of my dog while I had to be out of town on business. I submitted the invoices to Nationwide, they reviewed, and payment has been processed for these visits. I am so appreciative of your company and the pet insurance that you offer. Thank you.
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Mary Z

7/20/2017
I'm the proud owner of an English Bulldog puppy and the wellness coverage has been great considering the number of vaccines puppies need their first year. I fax my claims and get an emailed response and within a week an estimated amount of benefits to be paid. Payment in the form of a mailed check comes within another week or so. I would recommend this Wellness Plus coverage.
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Sherill H

7/20/2017
I have used nationwide pet insurance for about 9 years now. I usually mail my claim in, and they let me know when, they get it by sending me a e-mail, and I really appreciate that. Then in a few weeks I get a check in the mail. This insurance works great when you have to take your dog out of town also, like we had to take our dog to the university of Tennessee, veterinary school, the bill was for 2,000 and nationwide pay 1,000. I would not know what to do if it wasn't for this insurance. They pay really fast.
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Debbie G

7/20/2017
After much research I chose Nationwide Pet Insurance for my puppy. Bode. I don't regret it all. They have been super responsive and helped me with an issue I was experiencing sending claims via email—caused by a problem at my end. I love the Whole Pet & Wellness Plan. It suits my needs perfectly and gives me piece of mind that Bode will always be well looked after. Touch wood I don't need more than basic medical services but so happy to be well covered if I do.
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