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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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Samantha C

5/9/2017
There's been two scares now with my hound Max who enjoys eating rocks in the backyard. Both times I was a worried fur mom, however I knew that Nationwide Pet Insurance was there to help me out with the cost of the vet visits. Thankfully both trips to the vet resulted in a safe removal of the rocks, as well as a happy customer with the peace of mind when it came time to pay the bill. Thank you very much Nationwide Pet Insurance for taking care of the worry of the cost of vet bills, and letting me focus on what really matters, my four legged family members.
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Pidina

5/8/2017
We have whole pet and wellness coverage for our dog. PRO: Nationwide has made it rather easy to file claims. The instructions detailing specific information required for filing are clearly on the forms. Submission is a fax away. Help is just a toll free call away. They are very responsive in a timely manner. CON: The deductible is high, but understandable.
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Karen W

5/8/2017
This is my third pet I have had your pet insurance with. My first dog was insured for 13 years before she passed away with cancer. I cannot say enough good things about your company. I recommend you to everyone I know who has a pet as I think as a responsible pet owner, pet insurance is a must. With your company it is one of the best investments I make and I am always surprised at the amount I get back for having my pet covered. I give you a 5 star rating without any reservation!!!
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Laurie

5/8/2017
Thank you so much for asking about Otis. He seems to be doing just fine. Back to running after his toys and playing with is Sister, Molly. The vet and the staff were wonderful and very knowledgeable in South African Mastiffs. Of course, our breeder, helped with this as she called our vet to explain his situation and they sent us right to the emergency vet. I thank you for making sure Otis is doing well. It is so nice to have an insurance company that really cares. My best to you all, Laurie
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Donna

5/8/2017
I am so glad I have doggy insurance with you guys. My dog is getting the best of care and I am getting most if not all of my money back.
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Cynthia D

5/8/2017
This is great pet insurance. I am very happy with the 90% I get back when I submit a claim. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star rating is they should be directly depositing your claim money instead of sending a check. They have your bank information already because of direct deposit for your premiums. I hope this changes in the near future.
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S
Suellen R

5/8/2017
I love love LOVE Nationwide coverage!!! The things you cover that other carriers don't is AWESOME, such as; office visits, on-going medications. My dog was sick April 17, 2017, I submitted my claim right away and had payment from Nationwide by April 30th!! I have recommended you on facebook and have referred at least a dozen people!!
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squirtmirra

5/8/2017
Im so glad I chose nationwide.. The staff is very helpful and kind and patient.. I received my reimbursement about 2 weeks after I sent the claims in..I was reimbursed the 90% as they said they would..They truly want to help with your pets well-being.. Very easy and in a timely matter I would recommend them to everyone I know! Thank You Nationwide!
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Kerry B

5/8/2017
I had VPI with my previous dogs that lived long lives. It used to take over a month to hear back on claims. Now that Nationwide has taken the lead, I was thrilled with the interaction with the internet filing, and the clear easy to follow claims history. It was so streamlined that within two weeks I knew what my benefit was going to be. I appreciated all the emails keeping me posted as to the claim process.
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Erika I

5/8/2017
We have two puppies - they are 15 months old standard poodles. Trezor, the boy has had Cronin year infections for a long time and we took him to many vets but nothing help. Finally we ended up at a Animal Dermatology Clinic and now with the right medication and very specific diet he is finally getting better. We would never be able to afford it if not for Nationwide Insurance! They've been right behind us, their reimbursements were coming in within days within a week from them receiving the claims. I would highly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance for your pets!
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