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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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Barbara O

6/8/2017
I am so glad that I found out about Nationwide through my vet. I only wish I had this insurance for my previous pets! Nationwide is more than an insurance company. When I was upset because of the health of my pet and unable to think of what to do or where to go, I called them to find out information that I needed at the time. Thank you for being there! I have recommended it to many others, and those who have joined your program have given me very positive feedback.
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Nanci W

6/7/2017
I am very pleased with how all my claims are processed. Great work and speed.
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Eileen G

6/7/2017
I love Nationwide!!!!!!! They are fair, fast, and affordable. We had VPI previously and thought they were good, but Nationwide blows the top off. Your insurance puts my mind at ease, that if my beloved pet is sick I don't have to worry that my Lily won't get medical attention because I can't afford. Thank you soooo much for caring for my doggie almost as much as I do. Your employees are wonderful, ready to go beyond the job to help with any problem or question I may have. I am constantly telling other pet owners how thrilled and satisfied we are with Nationwide. Thank you for letting me tell everyone what a great company you are. Eileen Ghamo, C1688954
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Charles P

6/7/2017
You guys are a blessing for sure! It would be nice and even more helpful if you would offer a program where you pay the vet clinic direct much like Huminoid health insurance,
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Mary

6/6/2017
Our dog, an older rescue, has had a series of issues with his teeth . He initially had 2 removed, then all but 4 and most recently, the last four had to be removed. He is finally happy and has no mouth pain ( and can still eat cheese :) ). I submitted a claim for each procedure, attaching the detailed paperwork from the vet. I immediately received an email that my claim had been received and within a week or two, received an email that the claim was processed. I was able to check on line the detailed explanation of payment. The process was easy and straight forward. I continue to tell my fellow pet owners how great Nationwide Pet Insurance is. We are very happy customers !
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julie m

6/6/2017
I think your company is wonderful! Great experience and I will continue to refer any of my friends who have pets.
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Helen K

6/6/2017
I was a little nervous about wasting money for pet insurance but it turned out to be a very good decision. Our dog developed a lump that enlarged. Fortunately it is benign. The costs to deals with it were hefty but our coverage was encompassing and the reimbursement process was very easy. Thank you Nationwide for being a quality easy group to work with!
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S
sara

6/6/2017
The claims process was very easy and gave us such piece of mind not having to worry about the expensive vet visit!
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Patti K

6/5/2017
I am so happy I have Nationwide Pet insurance. They are prompt, and I would recommend anyone who is on the fence of what insurance company to use, choose Nationwide!
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Dianne H

6/5/2017
Thank you for your recent email checking up on Liby. We are so happy to day that the lump is non-cancerous. She is already back to normal. Thanks again for making this a easier process.
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