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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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Linda L

5/24/2017
I ask very happy to have the ultimate coverage for my baby. I never imagined how much money I would be saving by preparing for the unexpected. Fast claims processing directly into my checking account
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Nicole M

5/24/2017
My customer experience with Nationwide has been amazing from the start. It's so easy to submit a claim, I'm kept up to date through email and I received my check in no time! I have such a peace of mind knowing Luciano is covered and knowing I can call the vet hotline at any time adds to that. Awesome company, amazing service!
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Shelby

5/24/2017
I'm so glad that I chose to insure my dog's health! It's one less thing to worry about when my dog needs me most to care for him! I recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance to any of my friends and family with furry family members!!
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Erin

5/24/2017
I was amazed at how something as seemingly silly as a hairball could cause so much strife for my kitten, June Bug. She has a habit of lovingly grooming her long-haired cat brother and all that care left her with an obstructive hairball that looked like it was almost as big as she was. Since I had her insured, I didn't even have to think twice before approving diagnostic bloodwork and x-rays which revealed the culprit! Her vomiting could have been misdiagnosed with just a physical exam! The fix was easy and prevention is even easier. The claims process was so smooth and fast. My vet's receptionist helped with the claim form and within days I received the decision from Nationwide. She was... Read More
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Nancy W

5/24/2017
I am thrilled with my decision to purchase pet insurance with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Our dog Boomer was a rescue. Once we welcomed him in our home he became family. Since I have had this pet insurance I feel secure knowing I don't have to worry about taking Boomer to the vet for checkups, shots or when he is not feeling well. I also receive reimbursement usually within two weeks. I have recommended Nationwide Pet Insurance to friends for their dogs as well. It's a no brainer...if you have a pet you need insurance.
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Phyllis C

5/24/2017
Nationwide has been wonderful. I looked into many companies before selecting Nationwide, and I am very happy with my decision. A few months ago, my dog Maya was diagnosed with a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). She was limping a lot and obviously in pain. She needed 'knee' surgery as this was the only way to correct the problem. The surgery was $3500, and I was worried about the money for such an expensive procedure. Nationwide came through. They paid over $3400, almost the entire bill. I highly recommend them to anyone with pets. I wouldn't be without them.
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Melissa G

5/24/2017
I am very pleased with the experiences I have had with Nationwide Pet Insurance over the last few years. Unfortunately we have had 2 major health issues with our dog, but this insurance has made all the difference!!
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Michelle A

5/24/2017
Easy to submit claim, although email would be much easier then fax or mailing. Glad to see that many of our vet costs were covered.
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Kathie C

5/23/2017
Just want to say how I appreciate Nationwide Pet Insurance. Thank you so much for your support and all you have done for my boy Sarge. I wouldn't have been able to have him treated if not for your incredible insurance. I have 5 dogs insured through you and I am so pleased with you!!❣️ Thank you!!
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Laurie B

5/23/2017
Submitted my claim for Annual vacs (wellness policy) beginning of May, 2017 and reimbursement was made within 2 weeks. Outstanding job- Nationwide!!!! If you are considering a pet insurance policy, it is well worth adding on wellness to your policy. For a little bit more, the insurance is so reasonable and covers all Dr visits, shots, meds, and flea treatments. I researched a lot of companies, and Nationwide was the best in covering our little furry friends.
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