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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
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Customer Comments

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Anne M

5/25/2017
Not happy with the way you disqualify illnesses..... When one thing happens, the next time I go to renew, it's now disqualified! I pay way too much for this to have you do that for something that only happened once!!
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Melanie S

5/25/2017
We've had the best experience with our pet insurance for four years. Our Zoe is a golden lab mix with a ton of energy and gung-ho spirit. She's had a couple of major incidents in her life, where she's needed emergency care that was covered by her insurance. It felt good to not worry about costs and simply take care of our girl. We never know when she's going to do something that will get her hurt, and we don't want to stop her from being the wild spirit that she is. Having pet insurance gives us peace of mind that if we do have an emergency, we have Nationwide to help.
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Abby

5/25/2017
Izzy has struggled on and off with what we now know is her allergies and it is under control. We are so thankful for Nationwide helping cover costs through insurance! I have recommended Nationwide to everyone I know with furry family. Their claims process is so simple, and quick! All of my interactions with their staff has been incredible as well!
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Suzanne

5/25/2017
I have to say I am extremely happy with Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have a very active Australian Shepherd that just plays hard... so he gets hurt playing hard sometimes! Vet costs are so high that without this policy, this dog would have me in a debt! Thank you for always being there, for making the process so simple and for sending the checks so quickly! I am so happy with your company that I am always referring you to new pet owners!
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Laura

5/25/2017
When our nearly one year old Belgian Malinois Brandy started vomiting, having diarrhea and getting dehydrated, the last thing we wanted to worry about was hospitalization or medical bills. After IVs, and an overnight vet hospital stay and $800 later she was home recuperating back to her usual puppy self. When I submitted the claim I was very surprised that I had received reimbursement within two weeks, eliminating all the financially worries I had.
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Darlene N

5/24/2017
Nationwide has been great! Every time I submit a claim I get a prompt message saying you received it and the payment is on its way shortly after. I am so glad that I decided to get pet insurance. Cooper has and inoperable tumor and is on Chemo. Without Nationwide we may have had to make a choice of putting him down or paying thousands of dollars out of pocket. Knowing we have pet insurance has given my whole family peace of mind knowing we can get Cooper the best of care with minimal cost to us. Cooper is part of our family and is loved beyond words. I can't begin to thank you for your help and support. Best Darlene Naleski
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Laura T

5/24/2017
I never felt comfortable purchasing insurance for my other dogs. It seemed like they had to go through rigorous testing to be approved or at least that is what I had convinced myself. When we rescued our current pup, I decided to check around to see if anything had changed...and it did. Though I still thought I would never need to use it, but I have and my experience has been a positive one. It is easy to file a claim and reimbursement is received quickly. I have to say it truly has removed any doubt that I was making a mistake in purchasing this coverage...I really thought it would be a hassle and it has been a breeze. It is worth purchasing this coverage for our canine family... Read More
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Michele G

5/24/2017
I would highly recommend Nationwide insurance they took great care of Harley when had a fatty thing removed . Thank you
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Tracy O

5/24/2017
My poor Moose had an intestinal problem recently. In 2 days, we spent nearly $1,800.00. I had the vets who treated my Moose submit claims through Nationwide Insurance. Within a week, I had received reimbursement related to my policy. Very easy and am very pleased with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Thank you!!!!!
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Annette G

5/24/2017
I recently submitted my first claim and as pleased with the promptness of the processing. I was notified by e-mail that my claim was received and being reviewed and I did not have a long wait for reimbursement.
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