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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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M
Michelle

5/19/2017
The process for submitting claims is so easy; and with the whole pet coverage, you are protecting your pet 100%. This is particularly true when you have a "high maintenance" breed like mine - English Bulldog. We have been fortunate so far with our little guy, but our prior Bulldogs have had serious breed related issues and we did not have this pet insurance. So glad we obtained this coverage with our new puppy. Thank you Nationwide for offering such great insurance to cover our beloved 4-legged friends.
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Theresa S

5/19/2017
Thanks for being so prompt in working our claims! We are very happy with your Company! Reagan is doing so much better! Again, thanks for your great service! Mike and Theresa Serrano
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Gina M

5/18/2017
Best decision that I've ever made. I did go all out and spend $60 a month, but It has been a lifesaver. Didn't have to question seeing ER vet when my pup was throwing up- it's covered. I sell pet insurance, yet I use this plan!
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Tom G

5/18/2017
Just before our puppy turned 1 year old he was diagnosed with serious kidney disfunction. His care has required numerous visits to our vet and 2 visits to our state's veterinary school. Consequently, there have been numerous and some quite expensive bills for his care and treatment. To date, Nationwide has paid every claim to the 90% allowable limit and ever claim has been processed and paid quickly. The service from Nationwide has exceeded my wildest expectations. I'd rate Nationwide Pet Insurance higher than 5 stars if that option were available.
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D
Donna

5/18/2017
Finnegan is feeling much better. With the wonderful care from his vet Dr. Kate and the terrific plan from Nationwide Pet Insurance I can afford to give him the best possible care I can.
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S
Susan W

5/18/2017
I purchased Nationwide Pet Insurance for my new puppy. I researched many plans and Nationwide provided the most coverage at an affordable price. The representative who assisted me by phone was courteous and knowledgeable. Since my little pup came home, I have submitted claims to Nationwide and found them to be prompt and accurate. I submit a claim and within about 2 weeks I am accurately reimbursed. I highly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance to any pet owners who appreciate saving money and excellent service.
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M
Mesa

5/18/2017
Thank You Nationwide for helping me so much. Koa has had lots of medical issues over the years and I know that I don't have to hesitate in getting him the best treatment because I have the security of pet insurance. It is a huge weight off of my shoulders and I know that I can provide the best care to my dog. He is my best friend and I don't know where I'd be without him. He has a few diseases and is blind, yet he is a fighter every day. I want to give him the best quality of life and because of you guys, he is able to receive the highest level of care. Thank You!
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Laurie C

5/18/2017
The claim process is very easy and taken care of quickly.
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Cyndy N

5/18/2017
There is absolutely nothing that Nationwide could do better in regards to providing exceptional service and coverage for my dog. From the customer service representatives on the phone to timely reimbursement for health care, Nationwide does it right. If only human health care could consistently provide this level of compassion and caring! Thank you Nationwide!!
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M
Mike K

5/18/2017
Super fast, professional service. Claims were handled promptly and efficiently. Communication from Nationwide was great. We were kept in the loop through the entire process. We were seriously considering dropping this insurance because our dog was so "healthy". We didn't and, after almost $2000.00 in vet bills over a couple of months, we're relieved we didn't. We truly feel that "Nationwide is on our side!"
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