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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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K
Kathleen

6/26/2017
Nationwide has been very responsive with the claims we have submitted. Our turn around time is usually less than two weeks and they are very clear about what is reimbursable and what is not covered. We have been very happy with Nationwide!
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Phyllis G

6/25/2017
This is the first claim I had to submit and wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that my claims were approved within a week. I opted for the direct deposit , and the payment was in my account within a few days of approval. I will suggest that for quicker processing , fax your claim . The first claim I mailed and the last one I faxed. The faxed claim was processed almost immediately. I did a lot of comparisons before I decided on Nationwide, and I know I made the right choice. Plus peace of mind knowing I can take care of my fur baby without stressing out over huge vet bills...
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C
Catherine M

6/25/2017
We are so pleased to be members of Nationwide Pet Insurance. Our dog is my husband's service animal and we want to make sure he stays healthy and sound. Nationwide Pet Insurance has been caring, and electronic filing makes it easy to use, and they are very prompt with explanations of covered benefits and with refunds. Being on a fixed income, this is a life saver for us. Thank you Nationwide Pet Insurance.
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Lady R

6/25/2017
Aloha, Nationwide Pet Insurance (formerly VPI) has been a life saver for me and my rotties. I take both coverages and they are worth every penny. Reimbursements are done on a timely basis and explanations are easy to understand. Their customer service is excellent with friendly and knowledgeable agents to help you. If you are unhappy with your current carrier or are looking for a first time pet insurance company, give Nationwide a try. Mahalo from Hawaii! A. ANDRADE
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Robert M

6/24/2017
Love Nationwide Pet Insurance! There for me every time I need them. I often forget to submit my claims in a timely fashion and it's ok with these folks. Great for a procrastinator like me. Worth every bit!
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M
Melissa c

6/24/2017
Always great customer service! Claim process is quick!
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B
bootmgmt4016

6/23/2017
I have been pleased with the prompt reimbursement for this and all previous claims for all my animals. As with all insurance, you may not get the benefit on an annual basis but when the time comes, it gives you peace of mind that you can provide the care your family member needs without thought to the cost.
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Jenni Z

6/23/2017
I was happy with how quick my claim was expedited.
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Samy L

6/23/2017
I am in love with Nationwide and tell everyone I know about how wonderful my experience has been. My 8 month old goldendoodle puppy was diagnosed with excessive thirst and urination and we've had to pursue a lot of testing to try to figure out what is wrong with him. Nationwide reimbursed us for everything and checked in to see how he was doing. It made it easy for us to make the decision to do the testing he needed, even though it added up to hundreds of dollars, we wanted to be sure his kidneys were healthy before having him neutered. Without insurance I'm not sure we would have been able to get the testing done financially. Also we recently set up the electronic payment and it's so fast... Read More
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D
Denise.beck

6/23/2017
Haven't had any problems and have been a customer for over a year. It's nice to know if my cat isn't well I can take him to the vet and it will be covered.
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