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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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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.

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
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Customer Comments

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M
Madelline s

7/20/2017
Thank you for always helping me take care of my baby playboy.. It feels great to know he is covered and how easy you make my life and how fast you take care of my claims..thank you Nationwide.
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Bonnie W

7/20/2017
I have nationwide for both my golden ret. s They are quick to respond. When I bring them to the vet I fax the report. They email to let me know they received it Check is in the mail usually within two weeks
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J
Joel

7/20/2017
Pet insurance should include wellness and preventative care. All of the other carriers that have it, limit the care to a minimal dollar amount. Nationwide includes wellness and preventative as part of their coverage. Such a great savings for the responsible pet owner who treats their pet like family.
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S
Sebastiana B

7/20/2017
Great team, helpdesk and I was very happy with every claim I made over the past 7 years for my 2 dogs
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Carrie M

7/20/2017
We are so grateful foe the coverage we have foe our yellow lab, Ranger. In addition to covering routine care like flea and tick meds and heartworm meds, he has coverage for dental cleanings and injuries/illness. Our boy tore his ACL last year and Nationwide helped cover the cost of his surgery and rehab. Thank you, Nationwide! Carrie McGovern - Springtown. RD Ranger
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Lonnie M

7/20/2017
Our insured dog, Penny, is a 7 month old puppy. Between wellness costs, getting spayed, shots and an unexpected broken toe, we have used our insurance numerous times this year. VPI/Nationwide has been great. Claims are processed within two weeks and we always get a check for 90% reimbursement in accordance with the full coverage plan we chose. The email claims process is easy and everything has been great. Would highly, highly recommend.
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G
Gabriella L

7/20/2017
I had a wonderful experience with Nationwide. I work in the people healthcare field and I can tell you that if people's healthcare insurance paid their claims with as much ease and assistance as Nationwide pays their pet claims, people would be ecstatic. My German Shepherd got sick and we ended up in the Animal Emergency Room for several hours in the wee hours of the morning then onto another follow-up visit with our vet that day. Medications, x-rays...and it was grueling! This is my first experience with pet insurance and I am so glad my employer offered this as an "added benefit." I have recommended Nationwide to friends who are pet owners. I know I won't be without it ever.... Read More
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Diana P

7/20/2017
I love the pet insurance. I was happy with the quick and easy way to submit my claim. I was surprised at how quick they settled my claim and received my rebate. I would recommend this to everyone.
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Robin M

7/20/2017
When it comes to our pets, they are our world! Their love is unconditional and they brighten up the darkest of days! Nationwide Pet Insurance is right by our side, always with positive, courteous support helping to navigate the valuable services they offer! Bitzy and I are so thankful for the coverage they provide, but more importantly for the love and concern they show whenever they are contacted. Thank you for always being there for us! If you don't have Pet Insurance for your 4 Legged family member, reach out to them today and see how they will enhance your life with your pets! Thank you Nationwide! Robin Mendelson and Bitzy!
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H
Hanni M

7/19/2017
This is such a peace of mind for our family. Knowing I never need to compromise Macy's well being because of finances is such a relief! We are so thankful for Nationwide and the Wellness Protection Plan!
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