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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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S
scott

3/23/2017
I bought the most expensive insurance plan, the whole pet and wellness plan. They claim 90% of bills are covered and it's true. My german shephard (best dog in the world) was diagnosed with fistula(s) and the treatment is expensive and ongoing. He's also been put on a prescription diet. He's getting better. Without this insurance, I doubt most people could afford these bills out of pocket. I'm very impressed and grateful this plan is offered.
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Colleen G

3/23/2017
I have always had pets since I was a little girl. When I became a pet parent as an adult - I wish I would have had insurance for my first pets. Now that I have my two kitties - I was making sure I had coverage for them. Nationwide Pet Insurance is wonderful and submitting a claim is so easy. I am so glad I am a part of this family and will continue my coverage for every pet I ever own.
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Mary C

3/22/2017
I am very happy with Nationwide and have recommended them to my friends and acquaintances. My puppy broke her leg at six months and had to have a costly operation. Nationwide covered 90%, plus 90% of followup visits. They also paid 90% of her spaying costs. It is easy to submit a claim and the website is very user friendly. The reimbursement time is minimal, compared to human medical reimbursements. I have no complaints whatsoever. Nationwide is on your side.
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A
Ann M

3/20/2017
DISAPPOINTED!! POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE - 6 YEAR COVERAGE FOR 2 DOGS TOTAL INSURANCE PAID TO VPI- NATIONWIDE OVER THE 6 YEARS = $7,700 IN MID 2016 ONE OF THE 2 DOGS WAS FOUND WITH WHAT VPI- NATIONWIDE DEEMS AS A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION. FROM MID 2016 THROUGH FEB. 2017 TOTAL VET AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR BOTH DOGS COST $17,900. THE DOG SURVIVED HAD $4,500 OF THE TOTAL AND WAS REIMBURSED $1,560 AND THE ONE THAT PASSED AWAY IN FEB. 2017 - TOTAL CHARGES TO SUSTAIN HIS PRECIOUS LIFE WAS $13,400 AND GUESS WHAT I WAS REIMBURSED --- $158.00. EVERY CONTACT WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS GREETED WITH-- WE DO NOT COVER PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS - ON AND ON AND ON. I NOTED THAT THE DOG WAS 5 YEARS OLD AND... Read More
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A
Amanda G

3/17/2017
Our boy Oakley has been recently diagnosed with Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. He had to have two blood transfusions and was in the animal emergency hospital for over a week. We were told this is a life long disease and he will probably always need to be on medication with possible relapses. Having Nationwide Pet Insurance made making very hard decisions easy. We didn't have to worry about how we would afford the bill and could just concentrate on getting him the best care ever. We submitted our claims and they were processed in days and we received a check in 2 weeks. Today Oakley celebrated his first birthday and we hope to have many more with him.
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Kim

3/17/2017
Great insurance for your furry loved ones. One of the smartest choices you will make.
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Jamie M

3/16/2017
We have all four of our dogs insured through nationwide and they are incredible. The check comes before the credit card bill is even due! Having four dogs I have lots of experience submitting claims and I have ALWAYS been happy with them. Their customer service is exceptional- their prices are fair in comparison to others and they are so easy to deal with. 5 stars !!
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Amy R

3/16/2017
Although fairly new to nationwide I am not new to animals as a vet tech I can tell you pet insurance industry has come along way in the past 20 years. After much research I decided to go with nationwide so far I couldn't be happier with my choice. fast courteous professional service and my claim was paid quickly with no problem. Marge and i thank you!
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Rebecca K

3/16/2017
Very pleased with Nationwide Pet insurance! They cover 90% of both illness and preventative treatments so it is very easy to give my dog the absolute best care. Thank you, Nationwide!
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Cynthia C

3/14/2017
While it's true you hey 90% back per visit but theyes leave out if your pet is bornaments with a condition it is preexisting and therefore not covered. Since certain breeds inherited certain diseases they are considered pre-existing and therefore are not covered. So if you're expecting your breed to be covered you'll be sadly mistaken it will not be covered if you have this insurance. If it happens to get a disease that is not pre-existing, then it will be covered after one year. I so wish I had know this before I selected Nationwide.
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