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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.

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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J
Jacob

6/14/2017
I recently purchased pet insurance through nation wide for my standard poodle named leanord. Never did I expect to actually need to use it I just figured I'd turn in my 50-100$ receipts once a month for heartworm and flea &a tick. However just the other day leanord needed an 1800$ surgery and I snapped two quick pictures of my receipts and emailed them off. In just two weeks I had 90% of that returned into my bank account. I will forever carry pet insurance from nation wide.
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G
Gail S

6/14/2017
Thank you for asking about Suzy. Suzy went for her yearly check up and tho' she is a few pounds over-weight she is in very good health. Having health insurance for Suzy really helps to keep her healthy. Just like us, without health insurance we won't go to see a doctor.
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S
Sherry a

6/14/2017
My dog has IBD and the vet was able to confirm it and treat it based on his symptoms and the ultra sound and yet you guys won't pay the claim because you want me to cut him up and do it through a biopsy. That's ridic! I'm not putting my dog under just to get some claims paid when we know exactly what he has
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ClauMo H

6/14/2017
My mom and I (Franklin ) we are so happy and peace of mind being covered by Nationwide. My policy will cover almost everything in case I need it, fortunately I'm a healthy boy,and had used it for my wellmess care ...well I don't like the shots, but tank you so much!! for paying the claim before the bill arrives, so mom can buy me some extra treats! Thank you guys, you're awasome! Sincerely, Franklin ( a happy furry custumer! )
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J
Jeannine

6/14/2017
Thanks for being there Nationwide Pet Insurance. :)
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S
Stacy K

6/14/2017
Thank you for your thoughtful inquiry about our precious Havanese Lily. She is doing Just fine. We cannot even describe what a help having Nationwide pet insurance has been financially. We will be certain to tell every pet owner that we know how valuable having a pet policy is and how effortless filing any claims has proved to be. Sincerely Stacy & Anne Karras
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S
Susan G

6/14/2017
I have never had pet insurance before, but my Veterinarian suggested we look into it when we got our teacup Pomeranians since they are so small. I decided to go with the Wellness plan and couldn't be more pleased with our decision!! So far, if our plan says it is covered, it is covered with no question and reimbursement of covered costs are always done in a very timely manner!! I recommend this insurance to all my friends!!
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G
Gary A

6/14/2017
Nationwide has proven that this company is trust worthy and dependable. I have had other insurances and only had to fight to receive our benefits. Through I feel its a little costly I feel it to be a very necessary benefit for our angel; Like I told my wife, we need insurance for us, then why should it be any differently for Angel she is part of the family. The comfort of knowing that if ( god help us ) Angel ever needs medical assistance Nationwide will be here to help and provide medical needs necessary ... I have recommended Nationwide to all my friends and relative. I feel that Angel is very well bless to have Nationwide by her side. As her provider they have proven them-shelf time... Read More
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Elizabeth T

6/14/2017
I have been very pleased with the coverage by Nationwide. It allows me to make sure Cooper has the medication he needs for ongoing issues. His allergy medication is covered in full which keeps Cooper from having more severe issues. Also for those times when surgery is needed, there is no hesitation since I know that coverage will be there to cover most of the expenses. Recently, the time from submitting a claim to reimbursement has been shorter which is very appreciated.
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Linda M

6/14/2017
Very efficient, even when one check was lost! It takes alot of worry off me knowing she'll be tsken care of!
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