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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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Howard G

4/11/2017
i am happy with nationwide. my dog Bently had his yearly physical. He turned one year old in December and as a young dog, shots must be kept up to date to keep him healthy. He is doing fine and has lots of energy. Thank you for your concern. Greatly appreciated......Howard Gamble
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Domenico P

4/11/2017
Very happy all team were professional Thanks everyone
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Cary

4/6/2017
Have been really supportive and prompt in payment of the vet involved and reimbursement to us. Would absolutely refer to a friend (thats how we found out about nationwide)
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Frank C

4/6/2017
They cover exactly what they advertise. After numerous claims, I have had zero issues getting reimbursed. It is nice to know I can count on them. I can take my fur babies to the vet when needed without thinking twice!!!!!
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Tracey H

4/1/2017
After paying $5000 for an ACL surgery on my golden, I knew I would never go without insurance on another dog. When I got Scarlett, I enrolled her in the whole pet plan with wellness. I am so happy with it. It is great insurance coverage. Claims are reviewed & paid promptly & if there is a problem​, their customer service is top notch. I am so happy I found Nationwide. I would highly recommend them.
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Susana E

3/30/2017
I've had all my dogs covered by Nationwide for years. I've never had an issue with them. They have amazing friendly customer service, an easy to use website, and they process your claims easily and on time. They even have a 24hr. Vet Helpline so you can speak to a veterinarian in case of emergency or any concerns with your pet. That's proved invaluable to me when I've had emergencies with my pets. All in all - a 5 STAR experience. Highly recommended!
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Elle A

3/30/2017
Filing claims is a pain in the butt. Customer service is not that great. Too many weasel clauses. They have very limited limits on everything. For example, they only over up to $700 on ears, all conditions have limits..etc...Rates are high compared to other carriers.
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Deb S

3/27/2017
Great Insurance company for pets. I have it on both my Standard Poodles. Covers the most and pays claims quick.
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D
Dennyscoats

3/26/2017
I left Healthy Paws for Nationwide and what a mistake that was. I have submitted almost 10 claims totalling several thousand dollars and have only been reimbursed $87. This is by far the worst customer service group who takes over 30 days to pay a claim. It's been over 30 but the biggest headache is filing out a claim form; once you download and print it out (how many people have printers and scanners at home that are senior citizens who even know computers?). I haven't received any claim checks since inception. Healthy Paws doesn't make you go through this. We cancelled our policy and went back to healthy Paws.
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Michael R

3/24/2017
Worse ever, Thought I would try pet insurance. I joined in January. Nationwide refused to pay my claim in March for a vet visit. They requested additional records from vet to insure it was not pre existing condition. Medical records provided, showing not a pre existing condition. They still would not pay, they said the records showed I might take her to another vet for Second opinion. Because I told my vet that statement, Which it should be any one's choice to get a second opinion, I still did nothing else but put in the claim for my normal vet bill. They refuse to pay the claim. This is the cheesiest, lowdown insurance company I have ever dealt with.
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Top Rated
  • 25% discount on all in-office medical care 
  • Pet wellness plans available
  • No age restrictions
  • Covers pre-existing and hereditary conditions
  • Discounts available immediately on sign-up
  • A+ BBB accredited company
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