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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
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Customer Comments

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K
Kim

5/7/2017
I've been a loyal customer since 2012 when it was VPI Insurance. The service dept and anyone else I talked to were always friendly and courteous. This all changed when VPI became Nationwide with all the attending red tape of a large National Underwriter. I acquired a 8 week old daschund puppy in October of 2016. My vet offers a 15% discount if all of the fees and treatment , including well puppy shots , for neutering is payed in advance. After the last of the inclusive services had been rendered I submitted an invoice. Much to my surprise the entire bill of $600 was rejected because as I was informed that Nationwide did not cover prepaid services. Trying to reason with the customer service... Read More
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Pamela W

5/7/2017
Nationwide pet insurance is the best health care plan for all 3 of my dogs! It is especially a blessing when one of the three has problems with her thyroid and requires frequent blood work and daily medicine. Any time I have questions about my coverage, all the Nationwide associates really seem to care about the well being of my dogs and answer my questions without hesitation. So glad we have Nationwide on our side!
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Darlene E

5/6/2017
I have never had anything but prompt and consistent response to my claims. Recently,had to take Thor for an injury to his shoulder,I wasn't sure how much would be covered,but I had the money back in about 3 weeks. I have both my Alaskan Malamutes covered.(Thor & Spirit) The monthly premium is better than any others I compared it to! Plus,they cover more than others do. I am hoping Thor's shoulder will heal totally! And,so thankful to be able to take my guys to the best vets! Thanks to Nationwide for pets!
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J
Jody S

5/5/2017
I was very pleased with the service from you. Not only did you cover my cat as stated in my plan but you did it a very timely manner. I am so glad I got this insurance for my cat Rubius Hagrid! Thank you so much.
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Nicole P

5/5/2017
My claim was handled in a very timely manner. I appreciate your services.
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M
Maryewhite

5/5/2017
National Pet Insurance has been most helpful in saving us money in pet wellness and with medication costs. I also appreciate them recommending a change in our plan once they grew out of the initial puppy stage. The benefits have been great.
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E
Eleanor R

5/5/2017
Christmas is doing fine. Back to her normal little self. Service received was excellent. Staff is so attentive. Thank you for checking on us. God Bless
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A
Aleksandr Y

5/5/2017
Thank you very much!!!
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J
Jesse M

5/5/2017
We have been thrilled with the coverage for both of our dogs, and the support we receive from Nationwide. Our second dog as a puppy was more of a troublemaker and so we had our first experience with a sizable vet bill. Nationwide gave use peace of mind, and the process for reimbursement was seamless. Thank you!
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M
Mary W

5/4/2017
I m very pleased with Nationwide for helping to keep my pet well. They are always there for you & always answer whatever questions I have. Thank you Nationwide.
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