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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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Ray L

5/16/2017
We have used other Pet Insurers in the past and were reasonably satisfied but I have been much happier with the coverage and responsive care all our claims have been treated with I highly recommend anyone needing Pet insurance Nationwide is on Your Side Ray
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Mary A

5/16/2017
This insurance has been a life saver for us,as our dog Hurricane is aging & has had multiple problems the past 2 years. There has always been a rapid turnaround with our claims.
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Thom H

5/16/2017
Was a little irritated that we had Spartacus annual check up and NI did not cover most of his check-up because it was done 3 days prior to his 2017 policy kicked in. He did require a biopsy that NI paid a good majority of it. So an F- and an A- gets you 3 stars.
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Kevin

5/16/2017
I have this insurance for my English Bulldog best thing I could have done. Claims are super easy no hassle. Recommend for anyone who has a dog breed with possible health concerns.
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Kate

5/16/2017
Recently has been the first time I have had to put in for claims for Don Paco in nearly 11 years. I am very satisfied in the way and with the speed in which the claims were handled. The amount was fair and all was taken care of by Nationwide in a speedy and fair manner. Checks were mailed within about a week to week and a half. All claims were paid in full less my deductible. I will continue to use Nationwide as Paco's insurance company. So far, I have had a good experience with Nationwide.
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Barbara H

5/16/2017
Like the hotline! It was a help when Bella was sick. They do follow up checks which is nice. Pay very quickly. Easy to fax in bills. Makes me feel comfortable taking Bella to vet when I feel she might have an issue rather than worrying about how much it would cost. Like having the insurance for a new puppy as one never knows what will come up and the well check ups included makes it a plus!!
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J
Judy

5/16/2017
This insurance has been the best. They have paid for many of my pets medical issues. They process your claim quickly and send me a check in the mail. I have recommended them many times. I was so fortunate to have them recommended to me in the first place by another pet owner.
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M
Mikela C

5/16/2017
I have had Nationwide Pet Insurance (formerly VPI) for my last two dogs for over 16 years.. It has enabled me to make health decisions for my pups based on the best possible treatments because I know Nationwide will support my choices. They have always paid my claims quickly and fairly. They offer a Vet hotline if you have any questions and send interesting newsletters periodically. I can't imagine being without Nationwide Pet Insurance for my companions and I highly recommend it.
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Wendy C

5/16/2017
I have had very good experiences with this insurance. So much so that I have recommended it to others. Sadly 1 friend has had a horrible experience. They have not been paid for a claim yet. Even ones that were submitted for the exact same charges that I was paid for. They have submitted all the Dr. notes asked for and waited the 30 days that they were told they could have to wait to be told that they now would have to wait another 30 days. I will not be able to continue to recommend your insurance if this issue is not resolved.
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Barbara S

5/16/2017
Very quick response to my claim and I loved the direct deposit into my account instead of waiting for a paper check!
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