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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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Diane E

7/14/2017
We are so happy to have Nationwide for our Samantha. Thank you so much for your wonderful company.
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dmacqurk

7/14/2017
In the 6 months that I have had Nationwide Pet Insurance I have been very pleased, and have suggested Nationwide to friends. Keep up the good work!
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Sandy F

7/14/2017
Nationwide is on your side!!! truest statement! The pet insurance we purchased has helped immensely and paid for itself. Nationwide provides courteous, helpful service over the phone, excellent communication regarding claims, pet health tips and even vacation tips for traveling with your pet. We are very happy with Nationwide pet insurance and all those who have assisted us! Argo's family- Sandy F, Phoenix AZ
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Jane M

7/14/2017
Nationwide pet insurance response was incredible. They were both caring and fast payment received on my claim. I highly recommend signing up for their pet service, a great value.
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Robin H

7/14/2017
I am so glad that I made a decision to insure Kayto with Nationwide. I think the claim process is very simple and easy to follow. In addition, Nationwide communication is exemplary. From notice of claim submission, any delays or additional information needed to process and the last email in checking in on my dog's illness creates a very collaborative relationship. Given my experience with human insurance companies, this is very refreshing. I do promote Nationwide as an excellent pet insurance provider - good job and keep doing the things you are doing! I can't think of any that I would improve. Thanks for asking for feedback. Robin
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Julissa L

7/14/2017
The first claim took about 2-3 months to be approved but after that, they have been very helpful and the claims have cleared and payment is received in about 2 weeks. It was a blessing when our dog ended up having expensive surgery to repair her ACLs. (We have the top tier of coverage and after deductible, they cover 90% of charges.)
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J
Julie H

7/14/2017
You all are great! Fast and easy to submit claims and to get reimbursed. The best investment to have for our fur baby. The complete package! Thank you!
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M
Mia

7/14/2017
Nationwide VPI has been a lifesaver for me and fur-baby. The cost is only a monthly minimum and the benefit is priceless. Fortunately, I haven't had to utilize the insurance many times, but when I have, the process has been simple and the customer service has always been phenonenal. The reimbursement comes quickly and honestly, I can not be any more pleased with VPI or the process. Thank you!
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david c

7/14/2017
Our pal Jake is amazing and we like to keep it that way.. Fortunately our insurance covers us when we do preventative exams and teeth cleaning. We always want to make sure that if the slightest thing is wrong with Jake we can go to the vet without hesitation.
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N
Nicole M

7/14/2017
I was sceptical at fist about pet insurance and which one to choose from. My cousin is a vet so I decided to pick a plan. Nationwide offered a 90% return rate after the deductable was met so it was a no brainer to me. After being on the plan for 3mo we took our puppy on a hike. Just befor we got to the car she statred to cry and limp so i had to carry her. We went and saw the vet two days later and it was there that she noticed maybe she had a neroulogical issue and not just a sore muscle issue. We had x-rays taken at that appt and thats what started my claim history. I was so thankful to have the pet insurance to ease the decsion making in getting the best care for my puppy. 2 week... Read More
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