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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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Bob

5/12/2017
I can't say enough good things about Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have refereed your information to several friends that both complain about cost when they DO take their pets to the vets or just Don't take them because of the cost. I am so glad that I never have to make that choice and can put my pets health first! Our pets are service dogs for my wife who has severe Multiple Sclerosis and have cost thousands and your insurance protects that investment, thanks! Please feel free to post my review!
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Deborah S

5/12/2017
I have had Pet Insurance since we adopted Lucy nearly 14 years ago and it's been worth every penny. I had a $100 deductible on this visit, but most everything is usually covered 100%. She now is suffering from Arthritis and a whole host of "old dog" issues, but we're keeping her paid free and happy until the end. She is my "Girl" and having Pet Insurance has helped us provide her with the very best care possible. Thank you.
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Aaron G

5/12/2017
My experience was good and the descriptions of benefits form I received after submitting my claims was pretty clear. Submitting the claim was easy since I work near a fax machine, although an online submission method would be awesome. I did sign up for the electronic payments so hopefully my next claim utilizes that instead of having a check mailed to me. My only other input is that I think it's a little odd that taxes aren't covered but that isn't a big deal.
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Luka A

5/12/2017
Nationwide offers incredible service to both of our furry children. They respond quickly and compensate fairly. Their rates are reasonable and they have saved us thousands in medical costs. I trust Nationwide to help us with our pets' medical needs and I have recommended Nationwide to all of my fellow pet-owners. In fact, I think pet insurance is a must for any owner, and I am happy to say I can easily recommend Nationwide. I do not generally form strong attachments to corporations, but Nationwide has blown me away with their service in pet insurance. Well done.
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Bill E

5/12/2017
Easy claim filing, fast payment
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Hra

5/12/2017
I am grateful for helping me pay for itty's care in her old age. With treatment she is returning to her usual youthful self.
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Sabrina A

5/11/2017
I love this pet insurance. I wouldn't want to be without it. Thanks for always being great!
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A
Ayla G

5/11/2017
Nationwide- We have had coverage with you for our dog for over 6 years. I almost cancelled as we never had any claims. Our dog god a strange cancer in the root of a tooth and the mass took over a canine and some other top teeth. The doctors were fantastic and found no other cancer with a screening prior to doing the surgery. Nationwide covered a majority of the tests. We then had the surgery they got all of the cancer. Andre has a bit of a snaggletooth now and his lip gets stuck in his mouth but other than than he is great and it had not slowed him down a bit. Nationwide again covered a majority of the surgery and we are so grateful as we probably could not have done the surgery had we... Read More
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V
Val

5/11/2017
GET PET INSURANCE! You never know what can happen, illness, accident, etc. Helped us out so much! I didn't know much about pet insurance in Chicago but with a puppy you never know what can happen. I got the wellness and illness plan about $76 a month and well worth it! Vaccinations, stomach bugs, monthly necessities, to surgery and our puppy is only 6 months old! They covered 90% of everything so far. We would do anything to keep our puppy healthy, so glad we got insurance, otherwise it would have been a difficult financial situation. ******We had a puppy with a clean bill of health when we got insurance, so we didn't have to worry about pre-existing conditions. I'm not sure how these are... Read More
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Raymond R

5/11/2017
Abby is doing wonderful. Jed's to keep her on the right track. Nationwide has been very prompt with their prompt support and reimbursement. Thank you.
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