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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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Anne G

6/1/2017
You've been great to work with in taking care of our dog-no problems at all! The only issue I have is I wish there was coverage for "Well" dog check ups. (Yearly) Thank you.
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Ik-Hwan K

6/1/2017
I was glad to have the insurance when it was most needed. Claim was fast and easy.
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Jerrold S

6/1/2017
The major complaint I have with Nationwide Pet Insurance is that your benefit limits are archaic. The cost of Veterinary care has risen over the years and your benefit limits have stayed the same. You need to restructure them for the increases in care and procedures. I understand that your new plan is superior to mine, but you will not allow me to switch because of his pre-existing conditions. My dog Sammy has to be rechecked every visit for the same disease and he will have to be on seizure medication for his lifetime and they are not cheap.I have been a member of your plans for close to 30 years and nothing has changed. Also, there should be a way instead of receiving a check 10 to 14... Read More
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Michael S

6/1/2017
Customer service and sales reps are always very helpful. Claim responses are clear. And really love the new direct deposit / electronic funds transfer reimbursement option.
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Jaime F

6/1/2017
Fast claim answers and payment Excellent. Highly recommended
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Jan

6/1/2017
I am so pleased with Nationwide Pet Insurance! We had another brand of insurance with our previous pet and was not happy with the coverage when she became ill. Our vet recommended Nationwide for our new puppy. We are so glad we decided to get the coverage. Our plan includes wellness visits and makes us want to keep up with Pearl's check ups. They process our claims in a timely manner. We have also used the Vet Help Line when our puppy swallowed a pill that my husband takes! They answered our questions and have followed up to check on our puppy. I recommend this insurance to everyone who has a pet!
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susan

6/1/2017
Our 2 yr. old rescue puppy got a large gash in her side while running at a friends farm. It was heartbreaking as she was in shock and it was very late at night before we could get her to the pet hospital. I have to say having Nationwide Insurance helped to alleviate the financial pain of the situation. Nationwide was very responsive and as soon as they had the itemized bill from the vet, they issued a check! They have checked in on her periodically and we are so pleased with their customer service. After excellent care from the pet emergency hospital and financial help from Nationwide, our dog is fine now and running around like nothing happened!
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Melanie S

6/1/2017
Thank you for checking on Harley he is doing better one ear cleared the other almost clear. We had no idea he had infections at all there was never a sign from him no scratching or rubbing of the ears at all, just a happy puppy till we went to the one year check up i felt terrible. He has an upcoming appointment to recheck and make sure the right ear is clear.
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Andrea P

6/1/2017
I am very happy with the experience of Nationwide Insurance. There are no hassles or problems when submitting a bill and receiving a check😊
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Saviour P

6/1/2017
I am so glad that I chose nationwide pet insurance they made it easy for me to make the right decisions for my best friend zefier my dog they paid in full the doctors bills in the shortest time and no ifs or buts . I recommend them to everyone I know. Thank you nationwide. Regards Sam Portelli.
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