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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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Kathy M

6/14/2017
Thank you for providing this service for our beautiful puppy, Finley. Although he is only seven months old, each time we have utilized the plan your your response time is fast, the communication is excellent, the process is efficient and correct, and the information we need is explained before we can even ask a question. Nationwide provides exceptional customer service. I usually do not respond surveys, but I felt it was necessary to let you know what a great service you are offering. Keep up the good work, we look forward to many years of partnership!!
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Robert C

6/14/2017
My experience with Nationwide Pet Insurance has been great. Filing clains is very easy and response time is good. So far we are very happy with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Robert and Leonore Cummins
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Joanne W

6/14/2017
My 6 year old Lab-Bernese is now in remission from a grade 3 Mast Cell tumor. Having pet insurance definitely helped during this ordeal. His two surgeries to remove the tumors and the chemotherapy were very expensive. Although his expenses exceeded the insurance cap, I will always have pet insurance.
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Marie I

6/14/2017
Best decision I have made regarding my pets health. Had a very scary situation but didn't have to give surgery a second thought due to funds, knowing I had insurance!
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Valerie S

6/14/2017
I am extremely happy with this insurance. I was reluctant in the beginning because I was unsure if this would be cost effective. It is the best decision I have ever made. It has paid all my claims in a timely matter. I have both plans combined. It's important to understand their policies and you will know exactly what they will and won't pay. There are no tricks or gimmicks . Vet bills are astronomical and it's piece of mind I won't go broke owning my dog and can give her the best care that I can without bankrupting me. It's been fantastic So happy to have entrusted her care to Nationwide
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Louis1955

6/14/2017
Very responsive and professional service!
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K
Krista H

6/14/2017
I am VERY pleased with Nationwide. I recommend Nationwide to all my clients and friends. It has been very easy to submit claims, and checks for reimbursment arrive promptly, sometimes with in 2 weeks.
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W
Wendy

6/14/2017
I could not have provided the care my dogs needed without the support of my Nationwide policy. They have been easy to work with and quick to process claims.
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Darrell D

6/14/2017
I am so grateful that Nationwide Insurance offers pet insurance. Medical costs continue to increase when humans and their fur babies need medical attention. Without Nationwide Pet Insurance many pets may not be here today and it affects us greatly to have to make a decision on whether to keep our pets alive or not is based on whether or not we can afford the medical expenses. Thank you so much! My family would never be without Nationwide Pet Insurance now or in the future.
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Dori D

6/14/2017
My 3 year Scottie is doing very well after having a broken molar extracted and routine cleaning. So appreciate insurance for the unexpected as well as routine check-ups.
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